'Gatekeeping septuagenarians': 'Inappropriate' TikTok video deleted

A volunteer for the National Trust of South Australia (NTSA) has apologized for an "inappropriate" TikTok video and labeled dissenting members as "gatekeeping septuagenarians." The video, which has since been deleted, was filmed last week at the Moonta Mines Heritage Precinct, a site at the center of a growing dispute between the NTSA and the local community.

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Sex is great, but have you ever experienced the euphoria of ripping down every single no photo sign in a stuffy museum?

The social media clip depicted the volunteer removing "no photo" signs within the historic School of Mines building. The video featured text stating, "Sex is great, but have you ever experienced the euphoria of ripping down every single no photo sign in a stuffy museum?" The creator also commented, "If [the signs] weren't laminated, I'd have burned them!" and declared, "I'm officially not tolerating intimidation or harassment from gatekeeping septuagenarians and their vigilantes any more!"

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If [the signs] weren't laminated, I'd have burned them!

In response, the NTSA stated they "spoke directly with the volunteer involved once we were made aware of the video." A spokesperson confirmed the volunteer acknowledged her actions were inappropriate, unauthorized, and unintended to cause offense. The volunteer has since apologized. The video surfaced on a Facebook community page before its removal, drawing widespread backlash from locals.

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I'm officially not tolerating intimidation or harassment from gatekeeping septuagenarians and their vigilantes any more!

Tensions have been high since February when the NTSA disbanded Moonta's local governing committee, citing alleged work health and safety breaches, and assumed direct management. Committee members are contesting this in the Supreme Court, claiming the accusations were exaggerated and they were denied procedural fairness. The NTSA also faces a parliamentary inquiry into its management of over 80 historical properties. Most of the NTSA's 100-plus local volunteers are reportedly boycotting the organization in protest.

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The volunteer has acknowledged her actions were inappropriate and were undertaken without the authorisation and knowledge of the Trust.