Cancer forces Currumbin RSL president to retire

THE man who built Currumbin’s Anzac Day dawn service into a nationally famous commemoration has taken his final bow.

Vietnam veteran Ron Workman (right) has retired as Currumbin RSL president after 25 years in the role, handing over the reins to Michael Humphreys.

Mr Workman said a battle with esophageal cancer had made him finally step down.

“Anzac Day is always an emotional day for me – especially today – the passing of the banner,” he said.

“It was great to sit there and look at it. The crowds were magnificent and it proves what Australians are all about.

“The cancer pushed me over the line but the boys have been fantastic – they’ve operated and I am cancerfree but I have lost about 11kg. I’ll be here next Anzac Day”. While Mr Humphreys took over as master of ceremonies at yesterday’s commemoration, Mr Workman took to the stage and read the Roll of Honour.

A video presentation looking back on Mr Workman’s service sparked a standing ovation thanking him. THOUSANDS of dollars ended up scattered on the floor of RSL Club Southport as punters lined up to have a crack at Two-up on Anzac Day.

Hundreds of people converged around the club’s Two-up ring, placing down cash, after solemn services wrapped up yesterday.

Beers and rums in hand, the crowd roared as the game began at midday, hosted by boisterous ringmaster and club vice-president Peter Boyd.

Two-up is an unregulated form of gambling, illegal on