Important note for attendees of upcoming swim and fashion events

A serious case has recently emerged in Australia that highlights the need for extra caution when choosing to participate in or attend events organised by individuals with troubling legal issues. According to multiple reputable media outlets, William Wee Liat Tan, aged 48, the co‑founder of the beauty pageant brand Ms Oceania, is now facing additional child‑abuse and child‑exploitation charges. Courier Mail+2Courier Mail+2 Police executed search warrants on his Brisbane properties and seized a large quantity of electronic storage devices believed to contain child‑exploitation material. Courier Mail+2Courier Mail+2

Because of the severity of the allegations, the pageant organisers publicly severed ties with Tan and announced the cancellation or re‑branding of future events under their umbrella. Courier Mail+1

While the story centres on the pageant industry, the implications are broader, especially for any youth‑oriented, glamour, swim‑wear or model‑casting event in which minors may participate or where the organisational structure is not transparent. According to child‑welfare experts, in some cases “beauty pageants or modelling events for children are allegedly being used to sexually exploit minors.” ABS-CBN+1

What this means for you

If you are considering attending or enrolling someone (especially a minor) in a swim‑wear week or fashion event — for example something billed as a “swim week” in a destination such as Byron Bay — here are some practical precautions:

• Verify the organisers: Who is behind the event? What is their track record? Are they a reputable organisation or a newer venture with limited transparency?
• Ask about child‑safety policies: If minors participate, are there clear protections in place (e.g., supervision, safe spaces, transparency about photography/filming)?
• Review the event promotion: Are there indications of heavy adult‑oriented branding, or unclear roles for minors?
• Ensure clarity on contracts and fees: Are minors or parents being asked to pay large sums? Are there hidden costs?
• Trust your instincts: If anything feels off — lack of transparency, pressure, unclear rights around images or filming — walk away.

A cautionary note about “Byron Bay Swim Week”

While I am not asserting that the specific event “Byron Bay Swim Week” is organised by someone with criminal charges, the existence of serious allegations against an organiser of a similar zone (pageants/swim‑wear/modelling) underscores the need for extra vigilance. If you are considering this event: exercise caution, ask questions, and make sure all safeguards are in place — especially if minors are involved or the event is heavily fashion/splash oriented rather than pure sport or family recreation.

In summary
The recent case involving William Tan and the Ms Oceania pageant is alarming and a necessary reminder that glamour and youth‑centred events require rigorous oversight. If you’re planning to attend or support a swim‑wear event — especially one involving children — make sure you’ve done your homework. Your due diligence could make the difference between a fun, safe experience and a situation you regret.