May 2025 – The Soil was officially Turned by Jim McDonnell and Gordon (Dinger) Bell, Veterans from Gundagai.
CGRC Council at it’s most recent meeting has agreed to contribute 10% ($32,500) of the project budget required to the construction of the Memorial to the Battle of Coral-Balmoral and Richard Norden VC, due to cost overrun for the memorial site construction.
Works have commenced on the memorial which is to be located at Council Park, at the intersection of West and Sheridan Streets, Gundagai, a prominent and highly visible location.
The memorial design includes:
• A bronze statue depicting Private Norden rescuing his wounded Section Commander, Lance Corporal Daniel (Joe) Kelly, during intense combat;
• Interpretive plaques detailing the Battle of Coral/Balmoral and Private Norden’s actions; and;
• QR-coded audio-visual components providing expanded historical content and personal accounts.
Since Council’s April 2025 resolution, the Gundagai RSL Sub-Branch has continued to work closely with Council staff on the memorial design and proposed construction.
The RSL intends to erect and dedicate the memorial commemorating both the Battle of Coral/Balmoral and the heroic actions of Private Richard Norden VC – the only Victoria Cross recipient from that engagement.
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 14 May 2026, being the anniversary of both the battle and the action for which Private Norden was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia. It is anticipated that the ceremony will be attended by the Governor-General.
On 18 February 2026, Council received correspondence from the Gundagai RSL Sub-Branch outlining project progress and advising of an unexpected escalation in site construction costs.
The RSL has successfully secured the full $325,000 project budget through grants and community donations. However, site preparation and construction costs at Carberry Park have increased significantly beyond initial estimates, based on updated quotations.
As a result of this cost escalation, the RSL formally requested that Council consider contributing 10% of the project budget ($32,500) to address the shortfall and ensure delivery of the project ahead of the scheduled unveiling in May 2026.
The proposed memorial will honour one of the most significant engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War – the Battle of Coral/Balmoral.
Over a 26-day period in May-June 1968, approximately 3,000 Australian soldiers defended their position against a larger and well-prepared enemy force. The battle resulted in 26 Australian fatalities and 99 wounded.
Private Richard Norden, born and raised in Gundagai, enlisted in the Australian Army at 18 years of age and served from 1966 to 1969. Following his military service, he joined the ACT Police and tragically died in the line of duty in October 1972.
Members of the Norden family continue to reside in Gundagai and surrounding areas. It is considered fitting that his service and bravery be formally recognised within his hometown.
– Emily Flint
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