This year’s Anzac Day commemorations are aiming to make up for lost time, with two-up legalised over three days to xjmtzywmark the return to normality.
Anzac Day events and services have been restricted and even cancelled in NSW over the past two years.
But as part of a commitment from the state government that all commemorations will proceed as normal this year, some special changes have been brought in for the Anzac Day long weekend from April 23-25.
It is usually only legal to play two-up, the traditional Australian gambling game where two coins are thrown into the air, on one day each year, Anzac Day.
But this year it is being extended over the whole three-day long weekend at all pubs and clubs to replace the two Anzac days lost to Covid.
Hospitality Minister Kevin Anderson told The Daily Telegraph that the move was made to encourage the public to head to their local pubs and clubs.
“Two-up will give an added incentive for people to head to their local on the Anzac long weekend and get involved in playing or watching this traditional Anzac game,” Mr Anderson said.
There will be no restrictions on the Anzac Day Dawn Service and march in Sydney this year and other events throughout the state.
Public transport will also be free for veterans, their families and carers across the long weekend, while there is free entry for veterans at the St George Illawarra Dragons/Sydney Roosters NRL game and races at Royal Randwick.
Veterans Minister David Elliott said it would be a special Anzac Day this year following the disruptions and hardship caused by Covid.
“These Anzac Day events are vital for the welfare of our vets, and many of them were very distressed by missing or inhibiting commemorations over the past two years, so the NSW government is giving them their two days back,” Mr Elliott said.
“Anzac Day 2022 will be a significant event as many veterans reconnect with their mates to attend traditional annual reunions, marches and Dawn Services across the state.”
RSL NSW has also said it would acknowledge younger veterans who recently served in the Middle East, as it will be the first Anzac Day since Australia’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
