"Australians never pay full price for anything. You'll learn the ropes soon enough," advised one of Kevin's new (and very friendly) co-workers, and sure enough, we are.
Australia abounds with "clubs", member supported organizations that provide an array of discounted services, including lawn bowling leagues, billiard rooms, fitness centers, restaurants, bars, and of course Pokies (more on my unfortunate addiction to slot machines later.) Clubs may be run by local sports teams or by the RSL, the Returned Servicemen League (sort of like the VFW). Guest membership is free for visitors, but if you live within 5 km of the club, you are required to join at the exorbitant rate of $9 per year. Membership earns you an additional 10% discount on food and drinks, which are already cheap, since member benefit outweighs profit margin. They also have nightly draws for cash, rib-eye steaks, and beer-gear.
We figure we can recoup the costs of memebrship in about 6 beers...and I am excited about the prospects of "belonging" to something so worthwhile.
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2 comments:
Hey Audra and Kevin!! Didn't think it would take you long to find the cheap beer, but surely you already knew about the clubs (it was in the book I borrowed from you). Actually I have to say I was disappointed in the OZ beer. Not as good as the Brit stuff (pompous git!) Even the beer in NZ is better, and that's not saying much. Glad to hear that you are settled in and we are hoping this works out. Will follow you adventures (and mis-adventures) here. Love from Graham and Tina
Graham is referring to "In a Sunburned Land" by Bill Bryson (highly recommended reading, especially if you are coming to visit me!!)
I very much recall his mention of the club belonging to the Penrith Panthers (which we visited on our last trip). However, we did not drink any beer there merely donating $50 to their pokie machines. Guest membership does not get one the same privileges as full-blown membership.
More to the point, I too am not overly impressed with Aussie beer (or their wine, for that matter). However, I am quite charmed by a current ad campaign for a certain beer that cliams it will "send shivers down a pommes spine".
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