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'Disrespectful': Sydney nightclubs accused of tarnishing the Anzac spirit with party promos

Several Sydney nightclubs have come under fire for trivialising and tarnishing the Anzac spirit with sexy and sleazy promotions that could lead to prosecutions and fines.

The Stonewall and Colombian nightclubs on Oxford Street and the Watershed in Darling Harbour have drawn harsh criticism for Anzac Day party promos showing topless sailors and commandos or camo-clad pop stars.

The NSW government and members of the RSL have said the advertisements proclaiming "sexy sailor" and "best abs" competitions could contravene laws that protect the use of the Anzac brand, the Daily Telegraph reports.

NSW Veteran Affairs Minister David Elliott told the newspaper he would refer the promos to the Commonwealth government for investigation that could lead to possible prosecution.

Sydney clubs come under fire for Anzac party promos. Source: Supplied
Sydney clubs come under fire for Anzac party promos. Source: Supplied

"I am concerned at the way 'Anzac' is used for commercial gain without any apparent consideration to veterans and war widows," Mr Elliott said.

Mr Elliott said as long as he was minister he would not allow "individuals or organisations to use the day we commemorate the sacrifice of 100,000 fellow countrymen and women in any way that disrespects their legacy".

The Watershed promo with the Weeknd and Rhiannon. Source: Supplied
The Watershed promo with the Weeknd and Rhiannon. Source: Supplied

Two Darlinghurst clubs, the Stonewall and the Colombian, have drawn scorn for promoting Anzac eve parties that include "meals on heels", "sexy sailor" and "best abs" competitions.

The Watershed in Darling Harbour has pop stars Rhiannon and The Weeknd decked in camouflage, brandished on its poster advertising an Anzac Day Eve party but it appears unlikely either musician will attend the party.


The Stonewall said it would collect donations for the veteran charity Soldier On while a Watershed spokeswoman said it would be giving military personnel discounts and would have a "karma keg" to draw in donations during the event.

The spokeswoman added the Anzac branding was needed to indicate when the event was being held.

Vice-president of the North Bondi RSL James Brown said the nightclubs were "trivialising the memories of fallen soldiers".

More than 10,000 people camp out all night for a Spirit of Place Ceremony and Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site in Turkey in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the doomed Gallipoli campaign. Source: AAP
More than 10,000 people camp out all night for a Spirit of Place Ceremony and Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site in Turkey in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the doomed Gallipoli campaign. Source: AAP

Former RSL national and NSW president Rod White said the clubs "shouldn't be latching on to the word Anzac in this manner".

The Vietnam vet said the promos were "disrespectful to the dignity and heritage of Anzacs".'' Young veterans step up for Anzac Day march* Anzac Day focus turns to France, Belgium

Under the Protection of the Word 'Anzac' Act 1920, the Minster for Veterans' Affairs has to grant permission for use of the branding in a commercial context.

Breaches could lead to 12 months in prison or a fine of $51,000 for a corporation or $10,200 for an individual.

In 2015 Woolworths walked into an embarrassing PR fiasco after releasing a branded Anzac picture generator.

Woolworths' disastrous 'Fresh in our Memories' campaign led to many distasteful images being used in the branded image generator. Source: Woolworths/Twitter
Woolworths' disastrous 'Fresh in our Memories' campaign led to many distasteful images being used in the branded image generator. Source: Woolworths/Twitter

It ran the campaign without authorisation from the minister.

Last year the not-for-profit Camp Gallipoli was stripped of its charity status after it failed to deliver donations to the RSL and veterans' groups after more than 40,000 forked out for tickets and merchandise for a 2015 event run by former bankrupt businessman Chris Fox.

The former charity was also stripped of permission to use the word.