Dee Why RSL Archives - Dee Why News

The Vanns Set to Rock Dee Why RSL as Part of Massive Australian Tour

Local music lovers will have the chance to catch one of Australia’s rising rock acts when The Vanns perform at Dee Why RSL on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

The NSW South Coast four-piece has announced their most extensive headline tour to date, celebrating the release of their third studio album ‘All That’s In My Head’, which dropped on 1 August 2025.

The Dee Why show forms part of a massive national tour spanning from October 2025 through January 2026, taking the band right around Australia. Starting in Margaret River, Western Australia, the tour will visit 20 venues across all states and territories before concluding in Canberra.

The new 11-track album was produced by Oscar Dawson, known for his work with Holy Holy, and recorded across two distinct sessions. The first took place in London following the band’s UK tour, while the second was recorded closer to home in regional NSW.

This dual recording approach reflects the band’s current chapter, capturing both their touring experiences abroad and their connection to familiar Australian landscapes. The album explores themes suggested by its title, delving into the complexities of what occupies our minds and hearts.

The Vanns have built a reputation for their energetic live performances and emotionally resonant songwriting. Their sound has continued to evolve throughout their career, with this latest release marking a significant step forward in their artistic development.

For Northern Beaches residents, the Dee Why RSL show offers a rare opportunity to catch the band in an intimate venue setting. The timing in early January makes it an ideal way to kick off the new year with live music.

The tour represents one of the biggest headline runs for the group, demonstrating their growing profile in the Australian music scene. Their previous work has established them as a band worth watching, and this latest album tour is expected to further cement their reputation.

The band has expressed excitement about taking their new material on the road, particularly after the unique recording process that spanned two continents. The live shows will give audiences their first chance to hear how these new songs translate in a concert setting.

Tickets for The Vanns’ performance at Dee Why RSL on 10 January 2026 are available now through standard ticketing outlets.

get your tickets here!

Other NSW dates on the tour include shows in Newcastle, Thirroul, Port Macquarie, and Gosford, giving regional audiences multiple opportunities to catch the band during their extended run.

Published 13-September-2025

Monkey Spanner Brings Ska Energy Back to Dee Why RSL

Photo Credit: Monkey Spanner/Facebook

Ska fans are in for a high-energy night as Monkey Spanner prepares to take the stage at Dee Why RSL. The Sydney-based band, known for delivering authentic 2 Tone Ska, is set to perform on Friday, 28 March, as part of their farewell tour.

A Celebration of Ska at Dee Why RSL

Following a successful 2024 Australian tour, Monkey Spanner is set to return with an exciting mix of tracks. They will bring tracks from legendary 2 Tone bands such as The Specials, Madness, Bad Manners, The Beat, The Selecter, and The Bodysnatchers. Their setlist also includes reggae influences from Toots & The Maytals, along with elements of classic Rocksteady

The band, originally founded by two British expats, embodies the essence of traditional ska with a full horn section, keys, and guitars, paired with a distinct visual style. Their performances recreate the energy and spirit of the 2 Tone movement, making them a standout act in Australia’s ska scene.

Joining them on the night will be special guests Long Way South and The Upbeat Ambassadors, adding further depth to the event’s lineup.

The Final Tour: ‘The Last Dance’

After captivating audiences across Australia, Monkey Spanner is set to wrap up their national performances with their final tour, “The Last Dance”. Over the years, the band has built a dedicated following, known for their dynamic shows that leave audiences engaged from start to finish.

With their farewell performances now underway, this Dee Why RSL show will be one of the last opportunities for fans to experience their high-energy ska celebrations live.

Excitement Builds Among Fans

Monkey Spanner has earned a reputation for delivering high-impact performances, drawing praise for their lively stage presence, powerful instrumentation, and crowd engagement. Many attendees from previous shows have described their experiences as energetic and unforgettable, with some returning multiple times to see the band in action.

Their ability to bring ska to life on stage, combined with a dedicated fan base, has set expectations high for the Dee Why RSL event. With their farewell tour marking the end of an era, fans are eager to witness one last night of non-stop ska rhythms and dancing.

Event Details and Ticket Information

Date: Friday, 28 March
Time: Doors open at 8:00 p.m., performance starts at 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Dee Why RSL Showroom
Age Restriction: 18+
Tickets: $53.99 + processing fee

BUY TICKET

With limited tickets available, those eager to attend are encouraged to secure their spots early for what promises to be a memorable night of ska and live music.

Published 6-Mar-2025

Dee Why RSL Proposes 10-Storey Retirement Village Amidst Local Opposition

Dee Why RSL has submitted a planning proposal to the Northern Beaches Council, seeking a change in planning rules to construct a 10-storey retirement village to cater to the increasing demand for senior living spaces.

The development aims to address the critical need for units by downsizing seniors on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The club’s ambitious plan involves the demolition of an existing three-storey block and a former late-night pharmacy to make way for the expansive Oceangrove retirement village extension.

Situated on the strategic corner of Pittwater Rd and Dee Why Pde, the proposed site currently exceeds the required height limits, prompting the request to elevate the permissible building height from 12 metres to 32 metres.

Despite the project’s potential to significantly alleviate the housing shortage for seniors, the proposal has yet to be warmly received by all community members.

Over 30 public submissions opposing the project have been filed via PEX2024/0002. They cite concerns over increased traffic congestion, loss of views for neighbouring properties, and the encroachment on the Dee Why Kindergarten childcare centre, which is partially located on the proposed development site.

“We object to the approval of this proposal as the height of the new building is nearly 3 x the existing allowance and contrary to the WLEP and is of excessive height,” Ms Inger Ohlsson wrote.

“The proposal is for 51 new units and will increase the density and increase traffic and noise pollution that are already terrible on the streets of Dee Why (Richmond Ave, Dee Why Pde, Avon Rd, Clarence Ave etc.) and Pittwater Road.

“The proposal will set a precedent (overdevelopment), and we believe that additional senior housing can be achieved without changing the current WLEP.”

“The decision to live in a beach location was influenced by the desire for unobstructed views of the ocean and surrounding natural beauty. The construction of tall buildings would not only block these views but also detract from the unique character and charm that drew me to this area in the first place,” Ms Alison Cavill wrote.

“High-rise developments typically bring in more residents, leading to increased population density. This can put pressure on local infrastructure such as roads, schools, and utilities,” Mrs Marcela Spence stated.

“More residents mean greater demand for public services like garbage collection, emergency services, and recreational facilities. These services may need to be expanded to accommodate the increased population.”

Despite the controversy, Dee Why RSL remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing senior living options in the area. The club’s planning consultants have emphasised the significant waiting list for the Oceangrove residence, indicating a pressing need for such a development.

The proposal is about expanding housing options and creating an age-friendly environment that promotes inclusivity and access to essential services.

The Northern Beaches Council is currently reviewing the Planning Proposal.

Published 2-April-2024

Dee Why RSL Funds Northern Beaches Wig Library for Cancer Patients

Did you know that a wig library for cancer patients has opened at Northern Beaches Cancer Care? The free service has been made possible with the help of the Dee Why RSL.

The new wig library, which opened in June 2021, has an initial 100 wigs bought with the $25,000 funding delivered by members of the Dee Why RSL in collaboration with the Northern Beaches Community Cancer Charity. The group was approached by the Cancer Council NSW to assist with the project for the Oncology and Infusion Centre, which sees around 60 patients every week.

“We have all been affected by cancer in some way – whether it be personally, through friends, family or even the media – and the Wig Library initiative deeply moved the Board and Executive Management Team,” the group stated. “We were very honoured to be able to assist in some small way and through the support of our members, were able to donate $25,000 towards this initiative.”

The Northern Beaches Cancer Care has volunteers who will help cancer patients pick out the right wig and dispense other grooming and care tips to make them feel better about wearing the accessory. These volunteers have undergone training with Cancer Council NSW’s Look Good Feel Better program.

Previously, cancer patients at the centre didn’t have a place to fit the wig given at the hospital. They also didn’t have an expert guide to tell them which wig will look better on their face and complexion.

One cancer patient in remission was emotional when she saw the wig library. She said that wearing a wig and knowing how to groom and beautify herself has been a life-changing experience. It also made her feel normal again after weathering through a series of treatments.

Another woman who has been getting her weekly treatment lauded this initiative to provide cancer patients access to beautiful hairpieces. Unknown to many, good, natural-looking wigs are quite expensive and hair loss can be a devastating experience for a lot of cancer patients.