50 BBQs - 50 complaints and counting

Updated 01/07/15, 945am:  The People's Association (PA) says some 4,800 tickets were issued to residents on "a first come first served" basis for the mass barbecue event.

According to The Straits Times, the PA says this was done as a means of crowd control, and to assure ticket holders that they would be able to enjoy the food.

The event was organised by the Australian High Commission, who asked the PA to help with the event.

The PA added that "publicity for the events was done locally, through posters on noticeboards and through online channels".

It was unclear as to why the ticketing arrangements were not announced earlier. 

An event that was meant to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Australia has instead resulted in numerous complaints about an apparent last-minute ticketing system.

'50 BBQs', which took place on 28 June, saw 10,000 Australian steaks and chicken wings served at 23 sites across the island. Organised by the Australian High Commission, the event was also in celebration of Singapore's half-century of independence.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott were both in attendance at the event, which was billed as an open, public event.

But according to the Sydney Morning Herald, a ticketing system controlled by the People's Association was announced just hours before the event began.

This set off a series of angry comments from netizens, particularly from those who went down to the venues in vain. They also questioned why the ticketing system had not been announced earlier.

Davis Yin posted: "I went to the Bishan Park. I was told that a ticket is required to claim the food. If it is really opened to the public, why is a ticket required? Please gather the accurate information for future events!!!"

Chew Li Stephanie Tan remarked: "Guess what? When called PA for tickets, it's all out! Reason for no publication? Due to time constraints, not enough time to publicise."

Some posters accused the People's Association of reserving tickets for PA members.

But others like Darryl Kang also expressed gratitude: "What a shame. It's unfortunate that the PA mess things up. Whatever it is, let's not forget to thank our Australian friends for organising this event."

According to SMH, the Australian High Commission did not respond to requests to comment.