By JONATHON HOWARD
ONE of Noosa’s original sandcastle sculptors, Dennis Massoud aka ‘Sandman’, has voiced his support for the sandcastle man Arron McCormick.
Peregian Beach resident Pat Isaacs wrote to Noosa Today and said the debate raging around Mr McCormick was reminiscent of events a few years ago regarding the original ‘Sandman’ Mr Massoud.
“Noosa local, Dennis Massoud, endured similar bureaucracy when he used to work on Main Beach,” Mr Isaacs wrote.
Noosa Today contacted Mr Massoud who is today a professional sand sculpture and long-time environmental activist for the Noosa region.
Mr Massoud, 62, has revealed past conflicts with Noosa Council, prior to amalgamation and subsequent de-amalgamation.
Mr Massoud started out sculpting sandcastles as a street performer in the late ’70s and early ’80s, before he teamed up with Steve Machell, who was also an original sandcastle sculpture on the Sunshine Coast.
The pair created a range of amazing sand sculptures for visitors to admire with monetary contributions made to keep the artists afloat.
Mindful of insurance requirements, Mr Massoud always ensured he had public liability insurance in place.
“Steve and I were working on the beach for many years, before Noosa Council introduced anti-busking legislation,” Mr Massoud said.
“It was getting too hard to work on Noosa Main Beach, because the local law officer at the time would often shut us down.”
Fed up with battling Noosa Council Mr Massoud said he was approached by the Gold Coast Council to create sand sculptures near Cavill Avenue at Surfers Paradise.
After a brief time at the Gold Coast, Mr Massoud saw the introductions of council permits, which he said changed the landscape of street performing forever.
He returned to Noosa only to face a new and lengthy process towards permit approval and constant engagement from Noosa Council.
Mr Massoud has since made a successful career out of sand sculpting and has travelled around the world nine times undertaking different art commissions.
“The most important thing is to keep the tradition of sand sculptures going in Noosa,” he said.
“It’s what tourists look out for and enjoy.”
Mr Massoud said he understood the need to create an even playing field for local businesses, as well as the council’s tough stance on beach vendors.
“I understand Noosa Council’s need for street performing permits, but the council are our servants not our masters,” he said.
“We should be promoted to the world and encouraged not stamped out and cast aside.”
Mr Massoud said Noosa was lacking street performance elements for tourists.
“Hastings Street is a beautiful part of the world, but it lacks entertainment, colour and life,” he said.
“What Aaron brings is a vibrant and positive aspect of Noosa’s commitment to creativity and the response from visitors is extremely positive.”
