A purple-clad flash mob descended on a popular beach belting out the Bon Jovi anthem ‘It’s my life’.
The group of dozens of mostly senior citizens hit Surfer’s Paradise on Friday to celebrate the 70th birthday of euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke.
The controversial right-to-die crusader – dubbed ‘Dr Death’ by detractors – is in Queensland to hold ‘Suicide for Dummies’ workshops and joined in the festivities.
A purple-clad flash mob (pictured) descended on a popular beach belting out the Bon Jovi anthem ‘It’s my life’
The group (pictured) of dozens of mostly senior citizens hit Surfer’s Paradise on Friday to celebrate the 70th birthday of euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke
Participants in purple t-shirts danced in a series of choreographed moves and called for the right to die, Nine News reported.
‘We don’t want to waste away like vegetables in a nursing home,’ said one dancer.
‘Ever since I’ve been in a wheelchair and this is my life now I just don’t want to live like this,’ said another.
The controversial right-to-die crusader (pictured) – dubbed ‘Dr Death’ by detractors – is in Queensland to hold ‘Suicide for Dummies’ workshops
Dr Philip Nitschke (pictured) joined in the singing and dancing to Bon Jovi with the flash mob
The public spectacle came under attack from Dr Nitschke’s critics, with pro-life campaigner Chris Da Silva slamming the stunt.
‘It’s just too dangerous, and it also undermines public efforts in suicide prevention,’ said Mr Da Silva of Cherish Life Queensland.
The flash mob comes days after Dr Nitschke spoke to the media about a suicide pact between three Gold Coast women in June.
Heather Cummins, 54, her mother Margaret, 78, and younger sister Wynette, 53, were in contact with Philip Nitschke’s company Exit International.
The flash mob comes days after Dr Nitschke (pictured) spoke to the media about a suicide pact between three Gold Coast women in June
They obtained the deadly nitrogen gas used in the triple suicide from a brewing company owned by Dr Nitschke.
The gas is often used in beer production but Dr Nitschke says they can be used to end lives.
He says his aim is to educate the public, and give them good information which people are free to act on if they choose.
For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
Dr Nitschke (pictured) says his aim is to educate the public, and give them good information which people are free to act on if they choose