The names of 16 Bundaberg 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.
The new streets will 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.
Set to be installed in late September 2026 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.
Bundaberg Regional Council 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. 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,” said Mayor Blackburn.
“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.”
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. 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,” said Ruth.
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. 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,” said Mr Thompson.
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. I thank the team at DevCore for backing our community and making this tribute possible,” said Mr Bennett.
The 16 local war veterans commemorated through the program include:
Street Named After Simmons Street Signalman Leslie Simmons – Served with the 9th Australian Division in WWII and was a long-time Bundaberg RSL member. Ivy Crescent Sgt 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 Cpl Charles Thomas Cameron – WWII infantryman who served in the UK and Middle East. Hannay Street Flight Sgt Elliot Hannay – RAAF flight engineer who lived in Bundaberg and served in WWII. Linwood Drive Pte 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 Pte Merna LeClare Kendrick – WWII Army nurse, former Bundaberg RSL Women’s Auxiliary president, key in establishing Bundaberg & District Ex Servicewomen’s Association. Desmond Street Pte Jack Desmond Jackson – Bundaberg-born WWII infantryman who served in New Guinea and Australia. Rasmussen Street Lt Col Janet Esme Rasmussen – Bundaberg-born Army Nursing Corps officer and Bundy Women Veterans Group member. Orreal Boulevard Edward Philip Orreal – Served in both the Army and Navy; former Woodgate RSL president. Rippey Street Cpl Charles Rippey Martin – Served in the Citizens Military Forces during WWI and Australian Imperial Forces during WWII. Pollock Street Lt Gladys Isobel Pollock – Bundaberg-born Army nurse who served in WWII. Flowers Street 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.
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 or 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.
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