The historic North Bondi RSL has made the controversial decision to drop the traditional playing of Two-Up on Anzac Day, prompting praise but also accusations from would-be punters.
In 1941 a contingent of Australian soldiers were left to defend the Libyan city of Tobruk against the undefeated and far larger forces of Germany. The men fought off tanks and air attacks, sheltering in a network of underground tunnels, before attacking the Nazis as they regrouped. Their sustained success became stuff of legend, and in typical Australian humour they dubbed themselves the Rats of Tobruk.
Early 1944 returning veterans, including some of the revered Rats, founded North Bondi RSL Sub-Branch (NBRSL). The club has long referred to itself as Tobruk House, or simply The Rat House.
Every Anzac Day the club holds a dawn service at the world-famous Bondi Beach, before opening the doors at 9am.
In the past a game of Two-Up has begun in the afternoon. The environment is said to have taken on a “more rowdy” tone, prompting a lot of families to leave.
“First and foremost Anzac Day for us at North Bondi RSL is not a celebration but a commemoration, which is important to note,” CEO Blake Johnson told ClubTIC.
“That being said, we aim to create a respectful, inclusive, and family-oriented Anzac Day commemoration, focused on remembrance, community connection, and support for veterans and their families.”
Toward the goal of keeping the venue more family-friendly the club has made what it suggests is a “minor change” to the usual proceedings on the day by discontinuing the game of Two-Up.
The change reportedly comes from a submission by veteran members, and augers with the club’s desire to be a place for “respectful remembrance”. Management says it was not influenced by any position on gambling, and the club stresses it does not support the RSL NSW President’s personal ‘War on Clubs’.
“North Bondi RSL believes strongly that RSL Clubs play a critical, frontline role in supporting veterans and their families, not just socially but through practical services and community-building efforts,” furthers Johnson.
However, plenty of expectant patrons rallied on social media against what some labelled a “disgraceful” move.
“It’s un Australian to make this decision. So sad, reverse the decision, it’s the right thing to do.”
NBRSL has made consistent moves to diversify its earnings, including activity later into the evenings. One punter claimed the club has “Lost the community they once were” and accuses it of trying to be a nightclub.
Still others demanded government instruct the club to reverse the decision and respect a “tradition” of Anzac Day.
But Councillor Margaret Merten of Waverley Council supports the club’s initiative, suggesting there are plenty of alternative options in Bondi for people wanting to play Two-Up on the day. NBRSL is actually promoting other nearby venues hosting the game.
Merten acknowledged Anzac Day should be a “solemn” occasion and believes people should respect the wishes of the veterans and of the club.
“It is a valid and important point,” said Merten. “I think the club has made the right call.”
Two-up was popular amongst Australian soldiers during World War I. It involves placing two coins on a wooden paddle, known as a ‘kip’, and the ‘spinner’ tossing them in the air. People place bets on which side of the coins is facing ‘up’ when they land.
While generally deemed an illegal form of gambling, it is permitted on only three days during the year, in honour of those who served. Two-Up can be played on Remembrance Day, Victory in the Pacific Day, and on Anzac Day, when it has long been a tradition of the day’s celebrations and commemorations.
