Works have begun on a Memorial site which will be constructed in Gundagai, to commemorate the Battle of Coral/Balmoral and to honour Private Richard Norden VC.
On November 11 2024, Private Richard Norden was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia in recognition of his exceptional bravery and courage during the largest and most protracted battle Australians fought in the Vietnam War, a battle that claimed the lives of 26 Australian soldiers and led to 99 wounded.
Last week members of the Gundagai RSL Sub-branch and invited guests from Wagga and Canberra unveiled the newly installed memorial sign, which was installed at the memorial site located in the council park on Sheridan Street. The sign was designed by local graphic designer Joe Morton from Goanna Graphics.
A bronze statue will also be installed in honour of the actions of Private Norden, who saved the life of his badly wounded Section Commander, Lance Corporal Daniel (Joe) Kelly, in the middle of a fierce firefight.
The memorial will tell the history of the Battle of Coral/Balmoral, as well as its VC recipient through static information plaques and QR coded audio-visual technology, allowing the public to access an array of information relating to this important part of Australia’s War history.
The Australian Government recognised its significance in 2022, awarding a Unit Citation for Gallantry 54 years after the event.
Gundagai RSL President Peter Hilton said the memorial will offer a deeply educational and moving experience for the tens of thousands of visitors passing through the area annually.
“Its proximity to the newly refurbished Gundagai Visitor Information Centre ensures strong support from tourism and visitor assistance staff, who will actively promote the memorial as a key attraction.”
“The memorial’s integration with existing attractions will further contribute to local economic growth, drawing visitors to experience the towns rich historical and cultural offerings,” Peter said.
There will be an official opening ceremony for the memorial, which will be held on 14 May 2026, the anniversary of the day on which Private Norden’s heroic acts took place in 1968. Funding support is being sought through an application to the Department of Veterans Affairs Commemorative Grants Program, together with donations sought through RSL NSW Sub-branches and regional business entities.
Anyone interested in getting involved or for more information should contact the Gundagai RSL via gundagaiSB@rslnsw.org.au
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