THE rising sun hat badge, an Australian Army icon synonymous with special days where the country pays tribute to its diggers, will take centre stage in an upgrade of Greenbank RSL's memorial garden.
The image will be set in decorative concrete and clearly visible for visitors to the gardens at big events like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
"It will look look great from upstairs on the outdoor deck," Greenbank RSL sub-branch secretary Doug Watts said.
A path to the memorial wall will allow those in wheelchairs to pay tribute to their loved ones.
The 105mm Italian pack howitzer guns at the garden - weapons which played key roles in Vietnam's Battle of Long Tan - have already been taken away to a Munruben firm for painting in the traditional olive drab colours.
A new podium will be installed.
The upgrade was due to be finished by Anzac Day, but poor weather has thrown the schedule into chaos.
Treasurer Stewart Rae said the sub-branch decided to postpone until after Anzac Day.
It should be finished by Vietnam Veterans Day in August.
"You can't play with Mother Nature," he said.
"The last thing you want is an unfinished podium on Anzac Day, and people looking around at all the broken cement."
It will be a welcome facelift.
A government grant will help pay for the upgrade, though the final cost is yet to be finalised.
Mr Rae looked forward to seeing the completed work.
"When you're spending all this money it will look pretty schmicko," he said.
When you're spending $600,000, it will look pretty schmicko
- Treasurer Stewart Rae
The upgrade comes after sub-branch member Gary Aldridge received an OAM on Australia Day.
Mr Aldridge said he was left gobsmacked by the news, and dedicated the gong to his colleagues who fight to ensure ex-servicemen and women receive the entitlements they deserve after re-joining civilian life.
The sub-branch has about 900 members, Mr Rae said, They meet every Thursday behind the RSL club on Anzac Avenue, Hillcrest.
Between 45 and 60 members usually attend each Thursday.
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