The Oatley RSL Sub-branch's panoramic new mural honours the service and sacrifice of three local Anzac heroes.
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Located on the exterior wall of the Oatley RSL Sub-branch Hall at 23 Letitia Street, the mural has been created as a permanent tribute to the Anzacs who lived, served, and returned to the St George district.
The mural, by artists Adrian and Nikki Marchio of Airbrush World, shows three Oatley service personnel - Abel Seaman Doug Wickens (WWII), Spitfire Pilot Officer John McDowell who was killed in action in Darwin in 1943, and Corporal William 'Billy' Wright (Vietnam War).
Mr Wright described the mural as awe-inspiring.
"I don't know how the artists do it so well but when you look at the work it flows," he said.
Mr Wright is shown in the mural with his Sioux Helicopter in Vietnam.
"I think the bloke who should have been featured more in the mural for his service was Doug Wickens, who died last year aged 103. He received five campaign stars for his service in WWII, which is very rare. I think there are only 17 in Australia."
Last year, the Oatley RSL Sub-branch hall was named in honour of Mr Wright, a Vietnam veteran, local historian and former president of Oatley RSL Sub-branch.
He was conscripted into the Australian Army in February 1966, joining 1 Battalion as an Infantryman, before transferring to The Royal Corps of Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME) in 1967.
In 1968, he was posted to RAAF Amberley with the Australian Army Aviation Corps at number 5 base workshops, where his journey led him to Vietnam in 1969 as a Corporal Engine Fitter based at Nui Dat with the Australian Army Aviation Corps.
During his deployment, Mr Wright played a crucial role in supporting various aircraft through his aircraft engineering role, including the Sioux Helicopter, Pilatus Porter, and Cessna 180, in vital operational missions such as forward air control and medical evacuation.
The mural will be officially opened at 3pm on Anzac Day.
Mr Wright and his family will be attending, along with relatives of the other two servicemen honoured in the mural. Relatives of Pilot Officer John McDowell (WWII) will be travelling down from Grafton, and the wife of Abel Seaman Doug Wickens, Betty, 100, will be attending on the day.
"Oatley has a proud history of service," Oatley RSL Sub-branch president, Clay Marks said. "This mural ensures that the faces and stories of these three men remain part of our daily landscape. It's a powerful way for our community to honour their legacy."

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