The local RSL branch says it is an excellent opportunity to create a memorial in the centre of Morisset.

The president of the South Lake Macquarie RSL Sub Branch, Daniel Sloan, said strong consideration should be given to a statue or memorial that commemorates those who died in service of the nation.

By making a war memorial the centrepiece of the square, it would allow all future commemorative events to be held in the heart of Morisset, he said.

"The memorial could also cover police, firefighters, paramedics and State Emergency Services, so it would be integrated into a community memorial," Mr Sloan said.

"We want a user-friendly memorial, one that people can touch without being afraid of disrespecting it. So kids could sit on it, people could do public speaking from it.

"That way it would used all the time rather than just a few times a year."

One local soldier is a contender for the possible memorial.

Private Horace William Madden grew up in Morisset and attended the local public school, where he was classmates with another local hero, Bernie Goodwin.

Private Madden, or "Slim" as he was known to his army mates, enlisted in 1942 at the age of 18. He served in New Guinea and Morotai, and was part of the occupation force in Japan until 1947.

After a short break from military life, Private Madden re-enlisted for service in 1950 in Korea with the 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.

In April 1951 he was taken prisoner by the Chinese. Throughout his captivity he openly resisted efforts to force him to co-operate to such a degree that his name was known by many other prisoners.

His defiance made him the target of repeated beatings and other ill-treatment. Private Madden remained cheerful and optimistic.

He was known for sharing his food with other prisoners in a worse state than he was, despite receiving only a small amount because of his behaviour.

Slim died from a combination of malnutrition and ill-treatment in November 1951.

Fellow prisoner of war and friend Private Keith Gwyther said Slim was a real hero.

"He became a sort of legend. He didn't try to be like that - it was just the way he was made."

In 1956 Private Madden posthumously received the George Cross, the highest honour awarded to any Australia serviceman during the Korea War.

■ Who or what would you nominate? Send your suggestions to info@lakesmail.com.au.