RSL NSW has dedicated 11 July at 11 am as a new commemoration date for Australian service men and women who served in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). This date will be a time to honour those who have served the country and to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during this prolonged conflict.

The MEAO conflict, spanning from 2001 to 2021, is Australia's longest-running conflict and involved operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Gerringong RSL sub-Branch will hold an inaugural ceremony at the flagpole on the Memorial Headland in Gerringong, located at the corner of Belinda Street and Tasman Drive, on 11 July. To accomodate those veterans that are working or unable to attend during the dat, we are considering holding the ceremony at 5pm with light refreshment at the Soldiers Memorial Hall afterwards. Time to be confirmed. The event is open to everyone. "We encourage any defence personnel who served in this theatre or with Defence at the time to attend," they said.

Additionally, the sub-Branch plans to mount a new marble plaque on the front of the Soldiers Memorial Hall. This plaque will be dedicated to all contemporary veterans who have served overseas in peacekeeping roles or in defined conflict areas since the Korean War, and who were either born in the Gerringong postcode of 2534 or residing in that area at the time of their enlistment.

"We are compiling a list of names to engrave on the plaque and would like to hear from any former or current serving men and women who believe they may qualify," they added.

Please contact either President Mike O’Leary at 0425 310 025 or Secretary Jeff McClenaughan at 0403 061 212.