North Bondi RSL Scraps Two-Up for Anzac Day

In a significant shift from tradition, North Bondi RSL has cancelled its customary game of two-up for Anzac Day, opting instead to maintain a respectful and family-oriented environment throughout the day.

The club, which will still host its annual dawn service at Bondi Beach on Friday, made the decision following requests from veteran members concerned about the increasingly rowdy atmosphere in past years.

Club prioritises respect over revenue

“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,” said North Bondi RSL Club chief executive Blake Johnson.

“Our veteran members have asked that the club be a family environment and a place for respectful remembrance and personal connection between veterans, families and the wider community,” Johnson said.

Two-up, a coin-tossing gambling game, is typically a staple of Anzac Day commemorations across New South Wales and one of only three days it is legal to play it. While it will continue at other RSL clubs and venues statewide, its absence at North Bondi marks a notable departure.

“Many of our members enjoy the tradition of two-up and having a punt, and there is nothing wrong with that,” said Johnson, calling the move a “minor change” from previous years. “But on Anzac Day, our priority is remembering our veterans killed in service and supporting their families.”

North Bondi RSL, also known as Tobruk House or the Rathouse, was founded in 1944 by veterans including members of the Rats of Tobruk.

“We anticipate that not offering two-up may result in some small reduction in revenue on the day,” Johnson said, “but our families are more important.”

The decision marks a departure from previous Anzac Day proceedings at North Bondi RSL, where two-up was traditionally played in the afternoon. The club said the change was made in response to veteran members’ concerns about maintaining a respectful, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day.

Sydney’s main Anzac Day dawn service will take place at Martin Place, followed by the traditional march through the CBD.