on
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We’d love to see your Anzac Day pictures and video - share them with us through our Facebook page, our Snapchat account bgoaddy, by tagging us @BgoAddy on Twitter or by using #bendigoadvertiser on Instagram.
MORE COVERAGE: Anzac Day 2016 | HQ
A low grumble audible from inside the Bendigo District RSL on Anzac Day grew to an almighty roar upon entering the marquee set aside for playing two-up.
The traditional coin game is only permitted on April 25 in Victoria, and almost one hundred players had gathered by early afternoon to take advantage of the law’s relaxation.
Standing around a green square of carpet, punters waved banknotes above their head and cried “$5 on tails” or “$10 on heads” until someone agreed to take their bet.
“Come in spinner,” someone yelled in a guttural voice as Suzi Shalevski raised aloft the remote control-sized paddle on which coins sat.
She joined thousands of other Bendigonians at the day’s dawn service before enjoying the RSL club’s afternoon of activities.
“We play the game once a year to honour the soldiers,” Ms Shalevski said.
“You think about how they used to play.”
The game is often associated with Australian soldiers in World War One, who played the game as a way to pass time and shake off the stresses of conflict.
Luck was on Ms Shalevski’s side on Monday. Arriving with $100, she had had won another $50 by 2pm.
The game was overseen by two-up callers like Sam McGowan, who has helped administer the tradition at the RSL on Havilah Road for five years.
Between each game, he collected donations for the RSL from those watching.
The raucous attendees on Monday were typical of those at the club’s Anzac commemorations, Mr McGowan said.
“There’s a fairly regularly crowd,” he said.
“We get the same blokes every year, and the same ladies.
“We yell at each other and dispute the calls.
“What draws people in is the atmosphere – and the chance to yell at each other.”
The former Navy officer also attended the city’s dawn service before enjoying breakfast with other members of the Post 75 Club.
“We’ll all lose our voice tomorrow,” he said.
While coins were meant to be thrown above players’ heads, that did not always occur, but Ms Shalevski was unperturbed.
“It just so much fun,” she said.
“And you’ve got a great chance of winning.”