Aluminium smelting was part of the Kurri and Weston communities for more than 40 years.

Production began in 1969 and the smelter operated under five different business names: Australuco; Alcan; Capral; VAW; and Hydro, until its closure in 2012.

The smelter employed many local people, with more than 500 employees during peak production.

In closing the smelter, Hydro recognises the now-historical link between smelting and the local community, and wishes to commemorate that history.

Hydro is calling on ex-employees and their families, or other community members, to propose a way to remember the region’s aluminium smelting history.

“We are open to ideas”, Hydro managing director Richard Brown said.

“Kurri Kurri is known for its murals, the BHP Newcastle site has been commemorated with sculptures, and other memorials around the region come in all shapes and sizes.

“We want the community to tell us what they think, so we can do something that resonates with former staff and their families.”

Hydro is seeking suggestions both on the overall way the history should be remembered, and also particular elements of the history that should be included, if it was to be a mural or a sculpture, or similar.

Feedback is requested by the end of August 2015 so ideas can be considered and planning can commence.

Call 1800 066 243 or email community.kurri@ hydro.com with your ideas.