Ahead of its 101th anniversary, the Soldiers Memorial Hall in Gerringong is to undergo building conservation works.

“Our sandstone foundation stones are all starting to delaminate so we need to get them fixed,” says Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch President, Michael O’Leary.

“We’re also going to clean up the marble plaques outside and we’re putting in new windows.

“There will also be internal painting and repairs in the hall, office and kitchen.”

Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch has received permission to use up to $200,000 of their own funds for the work, in addition to a recently received grant of $5000 from Bendigo Bank.

The work will be done by local firm, Bluestone Building Group, and is expected to take approximately ten weeks so it is finished in time for the anniversary of its opening on 19 November.

L-R Bluestone's Michael Emmett with Gerringong RSL's Alan Lloyd, Michael O'Leary and Wes Hindmarsh

A book on the history of the Memorial Hall by noted historian, Robyn Florence OAM, will be launched that day.

“Robyn Florence, together with an appointed book committee consisting of members and locals, worked for eight months to produce the History of Gerringong Soldiers Memorial Hall,” says Mr O’Leary.

“We were to hold the book launch last year but COVID prevented it so it will now be launched this year - one hundred and one years exactly since the Hall was officially opened.”



There will also be a membership drive on 23 August at 7pm at the Memorial Hall to attract currently serving and ex-service men and women who may like to be part of the Sub-Branch.

“We would hope that there are some potential members in our area who are curious enough to attend this meeting to contribute ideas about future meetings to suit the younger generations,” says Mr O’Leary.

“Commodore David Frost, the Commander of Australian Naval Aviation, is a local resident and has given his full support to the drive and will attend if his duties allow.”

Locals are also invited to the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch’s monthly meetings held on the third Monday of each month at 2pm.

To find out more about the book launch or membership drive, email: [email protected]