Mercedes-Benz apologises over Wave Rock video

Mercedes-Benz Australia has apologised over an online video showing a BMX rider on Wave Rock in Western Australia.

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The video has been deemed inappropriate by the local Aboriginal Land Council, which has threatened legal action.

Mercedes Benz Australia supplied the vehicle used by BMX rider Danny Campbell and the production crew to reach Wave Rock, about 340 kilometres east of Perth. Mercedes Benz Germany financed the video.

South West Aboriginal Land & Sea Council said the ad was inappropriate.

"This is a very significant place in that overall picture which crosses all of Noongar country and has a value that goes up into the desert and further east from Noongar country itself," said Greg Kelly, the CEO of the land council.

"The main issue really is about potential for copycats on Youtube and we see things happen like that all the time, we are just really fearful now of a spate of bikes out there and motorbikes tearing the place to pieces," Mr Kelly said.

Today Mercedes Benz Australia rang the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council to apologise for filming without permission.

It's understood strong recommendations have been made by Mercedes Benz Australia to their offices in Germany, to withdraw the video immediately.

Sheenagh Collins of Wave Rock Management, who is said to have given written permission to Mercedes Benz to film at the rock, was again not available to speak to NITV News today.


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2 min read

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By Malarndirri McCarthy
Source: NITV News

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Mercedes-Benz apologises over Wave Rock video | SBS News