REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Saturday, April 26, 1986

THE Libyan crisis and threat of global conflict was credited with triggering the biggest Anzac Day turnout in years at Tweed Heads.

And record crowds at other centres along the Gold Coast and Hinterland proved the Anzac spirit was not dead.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta to watch the march and about 4000 people crammed into Chris Cunningham Park for the memorial service.

Twin Towns Services Club president Mick Winders said: “There’s no doubt this is one of the biggest Anzac Day ceremonies we’ve had in this town, particularly from the point of view of the general public participation.

“The attendance of the Diggers is well up on previous years which quite surprised us.

“The fine weather and beautiful setting helped but I think the situation overseas and fears of a nuclear war have brought people out in force.

“They desire peace and want to protect what we’ve got.”

Meanwhile, it was big enough to hold three tennis courts, a football field or an Olympic swimming pool but the latest addition to the Surfers Paradise skyline was to host more wintry pursuits.

The Gold Coast’s newest ice skating rink, covered by a huge yellow and beige bubble dome came a step closer to being ready for use.

While the Coast sweltered, constructors McNeill Fabric were busy in Neal Shannon parking “blowing up” the first totally Australian prefab bubble.

Hundreds of tourists and locals flocked for a closer look at the 2118sq m dome.