Story by Jane Hansen, News Ltd.
Read News Ltd’s full story here
RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL ‘wellness’ guru and anti-vaccination proponent David ‘Avocado’ Wolfe has raised the hackles of health experts and parents in the Byron Shire regarding his upcoming visit on March 16 in Byron Bay.
Critics say the event, which promises Wolfe will “give Byron Bay the latest download on how the world really works” will provide a platform to mislead parents on the issue of vaccination.
The shire is renowned for the lowest vaccination rates in the country. Only 46 per cent of five-year-old’s in Mullumbimby, and 61 per cent of Byron Bay children are fully vaccinated compared to the national average of 92 per cent.
Alison Gaylard, co-founder of the Northern Rivers Vaccination Supporters group based in Mullumbimby said the area was a magnet for conspiracy theorists and anti-vaccine advocates who are embraced by a community that prides itself on being alternative, if not misinformed.
“He is a well-known anti-vaxxer and in among his inspirational memes thousands share on Facebook, he also posts misinformation about vaccination and people like Wolfe are drawn to this area for that reason, they find the echo chamber they need,” Ms Gaylard said.
Ms Gaylard and the NRVS has sent an open letter to the host of the upcoming seminar, Jing Organics requesting they not provide a venue for misinformation.
Owner of Jing Organics Adam Kingsley said he did not care about the concerns of people and hoped David Wolfe would spread the anti-vaccine message.