The lights of the Gerringong RSL Soldiers Memorial Hall have been switched on at night to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe on 8 May 1945, and in the Pacific on 15 August 1945.

Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch president Michael O’Leary said the new lighting installed at the front of the Hall will light up the marble tablets listing the names of the men and women of Gerringong who gave service during war to protect Australia and the way of life we continue to enjoy.

The Gerringong RSL Hall was previously renovated and refurbished in readiness for the Centennial celebration of its construction in 1921.

An historical account of the building’s significance and use within the Gerringong community over a century is detailed in “The Soldiers’ Memorial Hall Gerringong”, written by historian Robyn Florance OAM and published by the Gerringong RSL sub-Branch four years ago.

Copies of the book are still available. It is an amazing read.

Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch secretary Jeff McClenaughan said that more than 1000 people attended this year’s Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Gerringong Headland.

This annual event, first held in Gerringong in 2015, brings the community together in a moving ceremony as the first rays of sunlight light up the ocean and Gerringong.

Leanne Mitchell, an accountant and long-time Gerringong resident, has recently been elected Treasurer of the Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch.

The RSL Hall is being used on a weekly basis by a number of groups in the community.

The Red Cross and the Gerringong Naval Association Sub-Branch hold their meetings in the hall. Children are enjoying their dancing lessons and adults regularly attend exercise classes in the hall.

Twenty RSL members from Gerringong, Kiama-Jamberoo and Albion Park

Sub-Branches recently took a bus trip to Nowra to visit the Shoalhaven Veteran and Family RSL LifeCare Hub. They also visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum overlooking the runway at HMAS Albatross.

Gary McKay, president of the Kiama Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch, said he hoped our local sub-Branches could do more joint activities together and that the visit to the RSL LifeCare Hub was very informative.

Shoalhaven Veteran & Family Hub Veteran Services manager Savannaha Wells explained how they were able to assist veterans and their families.

She said that the Hub is a large modern and friendly facility which is also used by a number of groups in the community.

O’Leary said the visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum was very interesting and members spent an enjoyable afternoon looking at the wide range of aircraft in the museum’s hangar and the numerous exhibits on display.

He said he intends to organise more trips to historical Defence places and museums to encourage members to come along.

O’Leary added they were not only remembering the past but looking to the future.

Gerringong RSL Sub-Branch meets in the Hall at 1pm on the third Monday of the month. New members are always welcome - email [email protected].