Burgh memorial wall

By Paul Fahy

Helensburgh RSL president Michael Ali at the planned site for a commemoration wall in Charles Harper Park.

LOCALS who have served and suffered in overseas conflicts will be honoured as part of a new project from the Helensburgh RSL Sub-Branch.

The RSL plans to construct a commemoration wall next to the war memorial in Charles Harper Park.

If approved by Wollongong City Council, the sandstone wall will include commemorative plaques inscribed with the names of deceased servicemen and women.

RSL president Michael Ali said the project had been in the works for nearly two years.

"There were quite a few residents who were interested in having a place where they could pay tribute to their relatives outside of the traditional Anzac Day services," he said.

A member of the army reserve, Mr Ali said Helensburgh and its surrounding areas had a long military history.

The RSL are working through a development application for the project with Wollongong City Council.

Mr Ali said the wall would be roughly 1.5 metres high, 4.6 metres across and could cost up to $9000 to complete.

The RSL hopes to have construction finished in time for Remembrance Day services in November.

Applications are already being taken for the commemorative plaques.

Local residents are encouraged to nominate deceased family members who have served overseas and Mr Ali said the RSL was looking at encouraging local school children to research their ancestors for the project.

The name for the first plaque has already been decided, with Herbert (Mick) Hollingsworth to receive the lasting honour.

Mr Hollingsworth was the last surviving member of the 7th Light Horse Brigade, passing away in 1998.

"He used to come to Helensburgh for the Anzac dawn services and he'll be a fitting first name for the wall," Mr Ali said.

Application forms for the commemorative plaques are available by contacting Helensburgh RSL secretary Ian Carroll on 4424 1205 (work) or 4294 1556.