A proposal by Alderman Sydney Binder in 1926 to relocate the Hurstville War Memorial sparked a heated and extensive debate within council and across the community. Essentially a battle between those wanting to make way for growing traffic and those wanting to preserve the memorial where it stood. The debate spanned five months and finally concluded in May 1926, with preservation of the memorial winning the debate. Redevelopment and beautification of the site began taking place almost immediately and despite some setbacks from a ‘despicable sneak thief’ who stole some plants, the upgrades were completed quickly and efficiently.