North Bondi RSL's decision to scrap two-up on Anzac Day divides residents

A Sydney RSL’s decision to scrap the traditional game of two-up this Anzac Day has divided residents, with some slamming it as “un-Australian” while others applaud the move.

An RSL in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is axing the traditional game of two-up this Anzac Day, a move that has divided local residents.

North Bondi RSL management says the decision – which is aimed at keeping the venue family-friendly – was prompted by a request from veteran members.

The club will still host its annual Dawn Service at Bondi Beach and open the venue from 9am.

Punters took to social media to criticise the “disgraceful” decision.

“The North Bondi RSL has always been one of the most supportive venue(s) for Anzac Day with the inclusion of 2 up (sic) and the entire day’s remembrance celebration,” one resident said.

“It’s un Australian (sic) to make this decision. So sad, reverse the decision, it’s the right thing to do.”

Another took a jab at the club’s night-time offerings, writing: “They think they are a night club (sic) now. Lost the community they once were.”

A third called for councillors to step in and “request (or) demand” the club to go back on their decision and “respect an Anzac Day tradition”.

Waverley Council Bondi Ward Councillor Margaret Merten threw her support behind the move, saying she believed the club had made the right decision, as Anzac Day remained a “solemn occasion”.

“I think we should respect the club’s and veterans’ wishes to keep the space family-friendly throughout the day,” Ms Merten told NewsWire.

“It is a valid and important point (and) I think the club has made the right call.”

“There are plenty of other places in Bondi that are hosting two-up games and anyone who wants to go along and play will have lots of choice.”

North Bondi RSL Club chief executive Blake Johnson said they wanted the club to remain a place for “respectful remembrance”, and that the absence of two-up was a minor change to the day’s proceedings.

“On past Anzac Days, when the club commenced two-up mid-afternoon, the environment became significantly more rowdy and most younger families left the venue,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“But on Anzac Day, our priority is remembering our veterans killed in service and supporting their families … we anticipate that not offering two-up may result in some small reduction in revenue on the day, but our families are more important.”

The North Bondi RSL Club’s founders included Australian members of the Rats of Tobruk.

Anzac Day is one of only three days a year in which two-up is legally able to be played in NSW, and has long been a staple in the day’s commemorations.

The betting game involves placing coins on a wooden paddle – called a kip – and tossing them in the air, with bets placed on which side of the coin is facing upwards when it lands.

A number of other pubs and clubs will still host rounds of two-up for those looking to throw around a little cash in the name of remembrance.