The names of 16 Bundaberg Region veterans will live on in Coral Cove, with new streets named in their honour through a partnership between DevCore Property Group and Bundaberg Regional Council.
Set to be installed in late September as part of the highly successful Streets of Remembrance initiative, the new street names celebrate 16 local servicemen and women who served in World Wars I and II, as well as later conflicts.
The new streets form an integral part of DevCore’s Coral Cove Ocean Estate masterplan, which will deliver 1,200 homes for more than 3,500 residents.
The community will also feature a 2.5-hectare neighbourhood park and vibrant retail village centre.
Among those to be honoured is Signalman Leslie Simmons, who served with the 9th Australian Division during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Simmons, who will see his name become a permanent part of the Coral Cove community.
A longstanding member of the Bundaberg RSL, Leslie passed away in February – just a day after his 45th wedding anniversary and a few days shy of his 100th birthday.
“Leslie was a wonderful man – very intelligent and caring towards everybody,” Ruth said.
“To see him honoured in this way is just beautiful, and something I never thought I would see.
“When I first heard about it, I was just breathless, I was so taken by surprise.
“I think this kind of thing should be happening everywhere.”
Mayor Helen Blackburn said the Coral Cove Ocean Estate street names will create an enduring daily reminder of local veterans’ service and sacrifice.
“The Bundaberg Region is a community that values its people and its history,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Across the region, we have seen strong community support for the Streets of Remembrance program, with more than 100 streets badged in recognition of our military heroes.
“It’s a wonderful outcome to have 16 new streets in the growing neighbourhood of Coral Cove named after local people who served their country and community.”
According to DevCore Property Group Managing Director Paul Thompson, the initiative at Coral Cove Ocean Estate creates a meaningful connection to Bundaberg’s local history.
“By naming these streets after local war heroes, we are embedding their stories into the fabric of Coral Cove and creating a lasting tribute to them,” Paul said.
“We are proud to help preserve their legacy and ensure the people who served and shaped the Bundaberg Region remain remembered and honoured for generations to come.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said it was important to recognise the service of local servicemen.
“Signalman Leslie Simmons gave incredible service to our country, and it’s important that we continue to honour the local men and women who have served,” Mr Bennett said.
“I thank the team at DevCore for backing our community and making this tribute possible.”
The 16 local war veterans commemorated through the program are:
| Simmons Street | Signalman Leslie Simmons – Served with the 9th Australian Division in WWII and was a long-time Bundaberg RSL member. |
| Ivy Crescent | Sergeant Ivy Joan Nichols – WWII Signals Clerk, founding member of the Bundaberg & District Ex Servicewomen’s Association. |
| Mowbray Street | Sister Norma Violet Mowbray – Bundaberg-born WWI Army nurse and Matron of Charleville Hospital. |
| Wittkopp Street | Major Charles August Wittkopp – Served in both World Wars, former Bundaberg RSL president. |
| Charles Street | Corporal Charles Thomas Cameron – WWII infantryman who served in the UK and Middle East. |
| Hannay Street | Flight Sergeant Elliot Hannay – RAAF flight engineer who lived in Bundaberg and served in WWII. |
| Linwood Drive | Private Isaac Linwood – Bundaberg-born WWI soldier who served in Egypt and at Fromelles. |
| Eleanora Way | Eleanora Louisa Wernecke – WWII Australian Women’s Land Army member who later raised her family in Bundaberg. |
| Kendrick Street | Private Merna LeClare Kendrick – WWII Army nurse, former Bundaberg RSL Women’s Auxiliary president, key in establishing Bundaberg & District Ex Servicewomen’s Association. |
| Desmond Street | Private Jack Desmond Jackson – Bundaberg-born WWII infantryman who served in New Guinea and Australia. |
| Rasmussen Street | Lieutenant Colonel Janet Esme Rasmussen – Bundaberg-born Army Nursing Corps officer and Bundy Women Veterans Group member. |
| Orreal Boulevard | Warrant Officer Class 2 Edward Philip Orreal – Served in both the Army and Navy; former Woodgate RSL president. |
| Rippey Street | Corporal Charles Rippey Martin – Served in the Citizens Military Forces during WWI and Australian Imperial Forces during WWII. |
| Pollock Street | Lieutenant Gladys Isobel Pollock – Bundaberg-born Army nurse who served in WWII. |
| Flowers Street | Aircraftwoman Shirley Flowers – Served in the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force during WWII. |
| Morrison Street | Lieutenant Neita Morrison – Bundaberg-born nurse who served in the Australian General Hospital Units and Australian Military Hospital within Australia during WWII. |
The street signs will feature badges reflecting each veteran’s service history, including the Army’s ‘Rising Sun’ badge, Tri-Service badge, Royal Australian Navy badge, Australian Airforce badge and Australian Women’s Land Army badge.
With construction progressing on Coral Cove Ocean Estate, there will be over 250 new lots registered and opened over multiple stages in the next 12 months.
