He said like himself many in the community were impressed with the extensive refurbishment of Austinmer's War Memorial.

"The community has inspected the work daily and they like what they see," Mr Howard said.

"Last year we had upwards of 2000 people here. We expect more this year because everybody has had a look at this and said they will be definitely attending the dawn service."

The Austinmer-Thirroul RSL sub-branch worked hand in hand with Wollongong City Council to come up with a new design for the dilapidated Austinmer Beach War Memorial.

"The main thing we wanted was to turn the area into a precinct, which as you can see, has been done," Mr Howard said.

"It has a designated pathway now and everyone knows what it is and it is a really outstanding result for everybody.

"Previously people were camping on it or close to it, not in any disrespectful way but in ignorance. That won't happen anymore as it is clear to see that it is a war memorial."

The work included a new level paved area for ceremonies and the construction of an accessible pathway between Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the memorial.

"People participating in Austinmer's dawn service next Thursday will see a marked difference in this special space," Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

The uneven and aged pavers and concrete path are gone and there is now a new granite-clad low memorial wall.