RSL’s Anzac Day pop-up
A GOLD Coast RSL plans running an outdoor pop-up bar service in a park beside its venue on Anzac Day due to a revamp inside.
The Surfers Paradise RSL has a green light at the 11th hour from licensing authorities for pop-up bars in the Cavill Avenue park area.
Surfers RSL president Ross Eastgate said initially it seemed getting the outdoor licence would be a problem.
“But now we will be able to sell booze in the park. We have a whole floor closed off due to renovations so we were planning to move the veterans party to the park but there was an issue with selling alcohol.
“Now we will set up a pop-up bar – or bars.”
The RSL, undergoing a multi-million overhaul by wealthy club member Evan Ryan’s Ryan Global which bought the site to save it, will host its traditional dawn service tomorrow too from 5am at the Esplanade.
At least 20,000 are expected to gather in the dawn light at Elephant Rock in Currumbin for one of the country’s biggest regional Anzac Day commemorations.
Ponchos will be at the ready tomorrow, but organisers are hopeful the mammoth dawn and midmorning services will be blessed by fine weather.
Currumbin RSL marketing manager Gordon Watson expected numbers would be up on last year at Elephant Rock and across the city.
“Last year we had roughly 20,000, so we’re expecting a similar number if not more this year,” Mr Watson said.
“It’s the biggest dawn service outside the capital cities.
“Judging by the feedback received on social media and in general, it will be bigger than ever.”
Mr Watson said commemorations grew annually as younger generations increasingly turn out to pay respects to those who had served and died for their country. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a partly cloudy day, with a 30 per cent chance of rain.
“We’ve been checking the weather updates every hour or so. So far, so good,” Mr Watson laughed.
Services will be held across the Gold Coast, from the NSW border north to Pimpama and west to Springbrook. Road closures will be in place and those driving to services should expect delays.