Last Thursday, Gundagai unveiled a new national memorial honouring Private Richard Norden VC and the Australians who fought in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral, creating a lasting place of commemoration for both the decorated soldier and one of the Vietnam War’s most significant battles.
Revealed on the anniversary of the Battle of Coral-Balmoral, the memorial features a striking bronze statue depicting Private Norden rescuing his Section Commander, Joe Kelly, under intense enemy fire during fighting in May 1968.
The Battle of Coral-Balmoral was the largest and longest battle fought by Australian forces during the Vietnam War, with 26 Australians killed and 109 wounded. The memorial stands as a national place of remembrance for both Private Norden VC and all those who served in the battle.
The commemorative service, held on Thursday 14 May at Carberry Park in Gundagai, included the unveiling of the completed memorial, a Catafalque Party, the Last Post, the Ode, a minute’s silence and a ‘Huey’ helicopter flypast.
More than 1,500 people attended, including members of Richard’s family, Vietnam War Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne VC AM and other Veterans, and many dignitaries including The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, two former Governors-General – Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC CVO MC (Retd) and David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP, Acting Chief of Army Major General Christopher Smith DSC AM CSC, 1st Recruit Training Battalion Kapooka Commandant Colonel Gerard Kearns CSC, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Commissioner Kehlil Fegan DSC AM, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, Chief Police Officer for ACT Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee APM, Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson PSM, RSL National President Peter Tinley, RSL NSW Acting President Brigadier Vince Williams CSC, State Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, Cootamundra-Gundagai Mayor Councillor Abb McAlister, Wagga Wagga Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout, and former Member for Riverina Kay Hull AO.
CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister thanked the Gundagai RSL Sub-Branch and Council for their efforts in installing the memorial over the last 18 months.
“Thank you to all involved over the last 18 months for putting this wonderful memorial in place. It is unbelievable what has been done in such a short time. Everyone has done such a wonderful job, and this ceremony will last in the memories and hearts of us all forever,” said Mayor McAlister.
Michael McCormack MP said it was a very proud moment for Gundagai.
“Gundagai, you should be very proud today. One of your own sons is remembered in the most magnificent way. Today, we pay tribute to Richard Norden’s service, not just as a police officer, or as a Soldier, but as an individual, a proud son of a proud town, which has given so much to this nation,” said Mr McCormack.
“It is great to see so many young people here today, because it is your solemn duty to carry the ANZAC legacy and to make sure that you tell everybody that you were here on this day, where Richard Norden VC had his statue unveiled,” said Mr McCormack.
“We are also so lucky to have so many Veterans here today, including Veterans from Coral-Balmoral. Thank you to Coral Veteran Lieutenant Colonel George Hulse (Retd) for your perseverance and persistence to make sure that Richard Norden was appropriately recognised for his brave actions, along with the Gundagai Sub-Branch that has done so much to make this day possible, particularly President’s past and present, Jim Sharman and Peter Hilton, Secretary Paul Vercoe, John Knight and others, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary.”
“This is a permanent reminder of the service of this magnificent town, in this magnificent region, which has produced such magnificent Soldiers,” said Mr McCormack.
The Secretary of the Gundagai RSL sub-Branch, Mr Paul Vercoe, said the memorial delivers long-overdue national recognition to both a local hero and the Australians who fought at Coral-Balmoral.
“From the beginning, our vision was to create more than just a statue. We wanted a memorial that genuinely reflects Gundagai’s bond with Private Richard Norden VC and honours the men of Coral‑Balmoral whose courage has too often been overlooked in our national story,” Mr Vercoe said.
“This project has brought together veterans, families, the local council, and community to ensure that when people stand here – whether they knew Richard or are learning his story for the first time – they understand the cost of that service and the character of the man this town is so proud to call its own.”
RSL NSW Acting President, Brigadier Vince Williams, CSC (Retd.), said the unveiling would be a significant moment for veterans, families and the wider Australian community.
“For RSL NSW, this memorial speaks directly to our mission to honour service and support veterans and their families,” Brigadier Williams said.
“By recognising Private Richard Norden VC and the Battle of Coral‑Balmoral in such a prominent way, Gundagai is helping to bring an important chapter of Vietnam veteran service into clearer public view.
“It sends a powerful message to veterans across NSW and Australia that their service, unique sacrifice, and ongoing wellbeing matter – not only to their mates, but to the communities they served in the nation’s name.”
Gundagai RSL sub-Branch was awarded $150,000 from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program to support construction of the memorial, alongside contributions from RSL NSW sub-Branches through the RSL NSW Veteran Support Fund, local government, the broader community, and distinguished Australians.
Emily Flint
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