The president of a suburban Australian football club has been fined $1,500 by the South West Football League (SWFL) following a controversial costume choice. Nicky Waite, president of the South Bunbury Football Club, faced the penalty after attending a post-season celebration dressed as the late American political activist, Charlie Kirk.

Waite donned the costume for a themed gathering that celebrated the club’s victory over Busselton in the SWFL Grand Final. The party’s theme was “famous dead people,” which led to her controversial choice.

Adding to the controversy, Waite’s costume included a mock gunshot wound and fake blood, which she had applied to her neck and top.

Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing political media figure, was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025. He was speaking in front of approximately 3,000 attendees at an event at Utah Valley University when the incident occurred.

She was seen posing with another member of the party in an Instagram story, which also had the caption: ‘RIP Charlie Kirk’.

The president of the South Bunbury Football Club, Nicky Waite (right), who attended a fancy dress party dressed as late US activist Charlie Kirk, has been handed a fine for her costume 

Ms Waite (pictured) was appointed as the club’s first-ever female president in January 2024. She stated that she did not mean to cause any offence by wearing the fancy dress outfit

Kirk, who was 31 at the time of his death, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012. The not-for-profit organization is known for advocating conservative values.

The 31-year-old had co-founded the organisation Turning Point USA in 2012, a not-for-profit that advocates for conservative causes.

He was also seen as a supporter of US President Donald Trump and was also a friend of the politician.

According to ABC, the club executive, who has since apologised for the distasteful fancy dress outfit, has now been handed a fine by the footy league, which the SWFL added was the maximum penalty that it could issue.

‘I understand my costume may have been interpreted in ways that were not intended, especially when emotions and sensitivities are still quite fresh,’ Waite told ABC Sport.

‘My choice [in costume] was not meant to cause discomfort.’

Daily Mail has contacted both the SWFL and South Bunbury for comment.

After the photographs were published on the internet, South Bunbury issued a statement on its Facebook page, condemning Ms Waite’s choice of fancy dress outfit.

Kirk (pictured) was assassinated on Wednesday, September 10, after the American was shot in the neck while giving a lecture at a Utah university

South Bunbury condemned the costume on social media, branding it ‘regrettable’ 

‘We have today become aware of an image circulating that depicts our Club President dressed as Charlie Kirk, a well-known American political commentator, as part of a themed event held earlier this week,’ a spokesperson said.

‘The theme of the event was ‘Famous Dead Person,’ and the portrayal was intended to reflect that theme in a theatrical and humorous way. However, in light of Mr. Kirk’s recent and tragic death, we acknowledge that this depiction was inappropriate and may be viewed as insensitive.

‘We wish to make it clear that the choice of costume was not intended to make any political statement or commentary. Nonetheless, we recognise that the timing and nature of the portrayal were regrettable.’

They had also issued an apology on behalf of the football club’s president.

‘We offer our sincere apologies to anyone who may have been offended or distressed by the image. The Club President was unaware of the image being circulated and did not intend to cause harm. We are reviewing our internal processes to ensure future events are conducted with greater awareness and respect.

‘Country Football WA, their Media Team, and the Integrity Unit have been made aware of the situation, and we will cooperate fully with any guidance or inquiries.

‘We remain committed to upholding the values of respect, accountability, and community, and we thank those who brought this matter to our attention.

‘Please accept Nicky’s sincere apology.’