The job represents the end of four months of work, with the cenotaph extended to include a concreted apron leading to the memorial, and walls built along its edges.

The project was a collaborative effort between the Eden RSL sub-branch and Eden Services and Social Club Inc (ESSCI), funded by a Community Building Partnerships Program grant of $8007 from the NSW Government.

ESSCI secretary Graham Gray said the idea behind the project was to improve access for veterans.

“Some of the older veterans were finding it hard to stand up for the duration of the services held here, so we wanted to be able to put chairs down for them to sit on,” he said.

“This area was previously just grass, so it was quite unstable and uncomfortable.

“Now that we’ve got this surfaced area, they’ll be able to sit here quite comfortably.”

The stain used around the cenotaph is a relatively new product called NewLook, which was suggested for the project by Ian Bailey from South Coast Decorative Concrete Supplies.

Mr Bailey donated his time to travel to Eden and carry out the job on Tuesday.

ESSCI and the Eden RSL sub-branch will now turn their attention towards the ANZAC Commemorative Walk;  a 270-metre pathway through Imlay Memorial Park between the cenotaph and RSL Hall, which will contain information stations on World War I veterans.