Belinda Allen

Belinda Allen, holding a photo in which her father is pictured at bottom left.

A family tie started Belinda Allen’s involvement in the Hunters Hill RSL Sub-Branch and it is with the support of a whole community that it keeps going.

Her present role in welfare support with the sub-branch has earned a nod as a Hunters Hill Hero.

Belinda’s late father, Samuel Wentworth Mann, served in World War II as an air gunner in the RAAF.

“As children, the sub-branch was a big part of our parents’ social life,” Belinda said.

About 14 years ago, then sub-branch president Frank Larbalestier, invited the ‘children of the RSL’ to step up and keep it going as members were ageing.

“That’s how I came to be involved, as a child of the RSL,” Belinda said.

“Others on the sub-branch committee have either served or are family of veterans.”

The sub-branch is based in Alexandra Street in the War Memorial Hall, which was set up after World War I.

The hall along with a memorial wall are designated war memorials.

“One thing we’re wanting the community to know is it’s a space for all to enjoy,” Belinda said.

“Anyone is welcome to come into the grounds, or hall when it’s open.

“They can place a flower on the wall or remember a loved one or people who have served in various conflicts and peacetime operations.

“We owe so much to them.

“We don’t take our liberty for granted.

“We really are there to remember all who have served our country and support our veterans and their families and the community.

“We extend a warm welcome to veterans and those currently serving to make contact with us.”

Current sub-branch President Damon Hietbrink is a serving member of the ADF.

The sub-branch runs numerous functions each year, from social barbecues through to occasions of remembrance, with some changes this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Belinda’s welfare support role has included assisting veterans during this time, such as doing grocery shopping for people unable to get out.

It was after bumping in to Belinda on one of these shopping trips that Hunters Hill resident Graeme Neuhaus decided to nominate her as a Hunters Hill Hero.

“She certainly deserves it,” Graeme said.

“She’s just one of these people that gets involved.”

Graeme said he admired what Belinda and others had done to keep the sub-branch going.

Help us to shine a light on other unsung Hunters Hill Heroes by nominating your hero today.

Please note that nominations for Hunters Hill Heroes will be considered for Citizen of the Year awards.

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