Moale James was refused entry to a bar in Brisbane last year due to cultural markings on her face.
Last June, Ms James lined up at the popular bar in Fortitude Valley with friends, but was told by a security guard she wasn’t allowed in. “I wear the marks of my great-grandmother, my Gatana Palu. These marks are our family marks. They tell us how we’ve lived, what community we belong to, who our family is,” she said.
They are required to take reasonable steps to remove, refuse or exclude people wearing items linked to “identified organisations”. In a statement, a spokesperson for Hey Chica! said it has reviewed its house policy following positive consultation and collaboration with key stakeholders. “Moale James has provided us with invaluable guidance and consultation and we are pleased with the positive and collaborative manner of these discussions,” the spokesperson said.