You may seen read the story on the front page of last week’s Gippsland Times, “Developers gamble on former cop shop site”.
The story by “Justine Kidding” was about plans for a multi-storey building on the site of the former Sale police station. The “Bin Chicken Tower” proposal, by “Ibis Enterprises”, had accommodation and restaurants, with a casino occupying the top two floors.
In case you weren’t sure, the story was our annual April Fools’ Day prank!
It appears we did trick some readers, albeit for a moment, that the story was legitimate.
Under the story on the Gippsland Times Facebook page, one commenter lamented, “Do we need a casino? Why can’t it be an ice-skating rink or a roller skating rink?” After the commenter realised it was a joke, they added “Ok, I know it’s April Fools”.
Those realised the joke, enjoyed a good laugh.
“Can’t beat a good laugh,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “These are always my favourite thing on April Fools Day every year. Dazza Chesty Bond himself would be proud. I can picture it now, looking out over the scenic bin chicken island, breathing in the scent of the blue green algae. What could be better?”
We hope the story was received in the way it was intended.
Thanks for playing along!
The Gippsland Times wasn’t alone in having some fun on April Fools’ Day.
The Stratford Fire Brigade “announced” it was first brigade in Australia selected to trial a humanoid firefighter robot.
The brigade later advised social media followers that after ALFIE (Autonomous Logistics and Firefighting Intelligence Engine) put the tomato sauce in the cupboard and the toilet paper roll the wrong way, was put back in his box.
Meanwhile, Live at the Bundy announced the Bundy Hall was to be included as a stop on a new tram route along Maffra-Sale Rd.
“This tram will be wind powered and will only be able to go in the direction the wind is blowing,” Live at the Bundy said.
State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien touched on an important issue in his April Fools’ Day social media post, announcing the Nationals, if they form government after this year’s election, will pass legislation making it illegal for pubs, clubs and restaurants to serve a parma on top of chips.
“This abomination and the resultant soggy chips will soon be a thing of the past – a brighter future for parma and chip lovers is ahead,” Mr O’Brien posted.
All in good fun.
The Stratford Fire Brigade unveiled ALFIE (Autonomous Logistics & Firefighting Intelligence Engine). Photo: Stratford Fire Brigade
