November 2021 will mark the centenary of the Gerringong RSL Hall.
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And big celebrations, including the publication of a book by well-known local historical author Robyn Florance OAM telling the history of the hall, some of its residents and service personnel from World War II and other conflicts, are planned to mark the occasion.
The distinctive building, on the western side of Fern Street at the intersection with Belinda Street was designed by Varney Parkes, the son of Sir Henry Parkes.
During the early years of World War I a movement started to honour Gerringong menfolk who volunteered to serve.
In 1920, a Municipal Repatriation Committee was formed consisting of local councillors and prominent citizens.
Around 40 people attended the first official meeting, chaired by J.H. Miller on June 8, 1920, with the aim being consideration given to the erection of a monument, but a decision to construct a memorial hall was carried on the day.
A subscription list was launched with promises of 405 pounds pledged, while the well-known Gerringong family of T.A Noble added the gift of the block of land.
Parkes agreed to be design architect, offering his services for free and after plans and specifications were drawn up, six tenders were received with Mr Hopper being announced as the successful builder for 1080 pounds on June 20, 1921.
Work started in August and incredibly was completed just three months later, with the structure officially opened in the November.
The building is acknowledged as one of the best examples of its kind.
Featured on the hall are two large honour roles with the names of the 62 men from the local district who fought in WWI.
And it's a roll call of the village's long-standing families - the Nobles, the Sharpes, the Johnsons, the Weirs, the Millers and the Campbells to name a few.
The Great War touched nearly every local family in the district, which at the time was dominated by farmers.
At the official opening Mayor J. Sharpe said the memorial was "not only to those who served but also to the generosity of the local citizens for its construction."
The opening was a grand affair, a report stating it was attended by what seemed the whole town.
After its completion, the repatriation committee handed the building to the Gerringong Council who had an office there.
In fact, the main hall was used as the Gerriongong Council Chambers.
The Gerringong RSL Sub-branch was formed in 1937 and purchased the hall back from Kiama Council in 1945 for 250 pounds.
In 1947 further honour roles for WWII were also added.
From there the hall has gone on to play a vital role in Gerringong's history, it's not only been the site of numerous commemorations but a real social hub for the community, with many celebrations held there over the years.
Gerringong RSL Sub-branch president Michael O'Leary said the organisation has planned major celebrations to mark the occasion.
"The official centenary falls on Friday, November 21," Mr O'Leary said.
"We have a major celebration planned for Saturday, November 20."
That will include a celebratory function in the Gerringong Town Hall and the launch of Ms Florance's history book.
"It will be a major community celebration," Mr O'Leary said.
There will also be a memorabilia display in the RSL Hall.
"Everyone is welcome to attend the event," Mr O'Leary said.
"Of course, we will also have various local politicians in attendance as well as the presidents of other RSL Sub-branches from neighbouring areas."
A previous book, The Names on the Wall, The Gerringong Soldiers Memorial Hall, tells the stories of of the area's WWI veterans, with Ms Florance's book to coincide with the centenary planning to not only tell the hall's history but some of the local residents who served during WWII and other conflicts.
And calls for the community to help have been made.
"We'd love to hear from the community in sharing memories, photos or other memorabilia," treasurer Wes Hindmarsh said.
"Our goal is to be able to tell the stories of the many locals who served during WWII and other conflicts, whether they were killed in action or otherwise.
"A lot of local families have had long associations with the hall, and we need them to come back with stories.
"We need families, particularly those who have names on the honour boards, to come forward and share photos and stories."
If you would like to share information, photos or memorabilia you can contact Gerringong RSL Sub-branch president Michael O'Leary on 0425 310025, secretary Jeff McClenaughan on 0403 061212 or treasurer Wes Hindmarsh on 0402 105316 or email the sub-branch at gerringongrsl@bigpond.com