Anzac Day will on Saturday will be very different this year, and that includes the traditional game of two-up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Gungahlin's Siren Bar and Restaurant owner Dan Gaul is hoping to keep true to the traditions amid the global pandemic and has gone the extra mile to do so.
The bar's famous Gunfire Breakfast will be available for takeaway from 5.30am, and a bugler will sound The Last Post at 6am.
Punters will still be able to play two-up in the afternoon - albeit from the comfort of their own lounge room.
Dan and the Siren team will live stream 105 games of two-up on the Siren Bar and Restaurant Facebook page on Saturday, starting at noon.
"Our two-up ring is being set up on the Siren deck and we'll have a mobile phone capturing every toss that happens," Dan said.
"What we want people to do is set-up the Facebook live stream on one screen - like a TV or an iPad or a laptop - and then host a Zoom meeting or a virtual party to swap bets with friends."
It might take a couple of screens, but it'll be worth it, Dan says.
"We want to keep the two-up tradition alive and Anzac Day is also the big day of the year where we raise money for Legacy," he said
"We've raised a lot for Legacy over the years and this year we want to raise at least $2000."
He'll do that through the sale of virtual pennies @ $20, available at the bar or by phoning 61620377 or 0472 658 033 up until noon on Saturday - when you purchase make a guess of the percentage of heads and tails thrown during the virtual game and correct guesses will go in a draw to win an 'OUT OF ISO' cocktail party for 20 people (age restrictions apply) at Siren.
While Dan admits it will be lonely on the two-up deck on Saturday - he'll toss the coins with the help of dad Mervyn and brothers Craig, Brett and Scott - all maintaining a safe distance, of course - he knows he'll look back on Anzac Day 2020 in wonder.
"It's been the most surreal and challenging time we've had in business and we're not alone," he said.
"I just think next year, when the Siren deck is packed again, we'll all look back and shake our heads. I'm proud of my staff, the people who are supporting us day in and day out and I look forward to a quiet beverage on Saturday as a thank you to our ANZACs. Head 'em up!"
