A counter at the venue was being manned by a female attendant who walked away from her station about 8.30pm on Saturday, which provided the opportunity for the man to open the till and remove the cash.

A security camera footage review revealed the identity of the offender and he was located by police nearby with the cash still in his possession.

The money was recovered and returned to the venue. The man was arrested, interviewed and charged with theft and committing an offence while on bail.

athomson@fairfaxmedia.com.au