Gordon VC multi-user depot opened in Kingscliff

Soldiers in northern NSW now boast a new state-of-the-art home at Chinderah.

CAPTION: Major General David Thomae addresses the crowd during the opening of the new Gordon VC multi-user depot at Chindera, NSW. Story by Captain Katy Manning. Photo by Private Peter Mosley.

On September 7, Alpha Company soldiers of 41st Battalion, the Royal New South Wales Regiment (41RNSWR), officially opened the Gordon VC multi-user depot just south of the Queensland border near Kingscliff.

Commanding Officer 41RNSWR Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Healy said the battalion would benefit greatly from the new depot.

“Alpha Company has been temporarily relocated to facilities in Tweed Heads since 2004, so it’s wonderful to have this new permanent home,” Lieutenant Colonel Healy said.

“The depot will provide the battalion with state-of-the-art facilities for infantry, transport, support chain training and unit administration.

“It will be a support base for domestic operations, disaster relief and major public Defence events of significance across northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland.

“It can also be used for staging to deploy further afield, owing to its close proximity to major roads, airports and Air Force-based handling.”

Director General Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Air Commodore Ron Tilley said the $12 million development would play a critical role in supporting ADF operational readiness.

“It’s great to see another project completed, ensuring the Defence Estate is providing fit-for-purpose facilities for our people who live, work and train across the estate,” he said.

The depot was named after Private James Gordon, who was awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions on July 10, 1941, in Syria during the Battle of Jezzine.

The new facility will also be used to support the growth of the Army Reserve and Defence Cadet programs in the region.

Commander of the 2nd (Australian) Division Major General David Thomae said the depot represented something much more important to the local community on the NSW north coast and Australia.

“It represents the battalion’s commitment to serving and protecting community, something it’s been doing in its current form since 1965, though its origins can be traced back to the late-1800s,” Major General Thomae said.

In 1965, when the Citizen’s Military Force – later the Army Reserve – was reorganised, there was significant emphasis placed on engaging and reinvigorating ties to regional and rural Australia.

It was decided then that 41RNSWR would be headquartered in Lismore with sub-units in Tweed Heads, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

“That connection to regional Australia is today stronger than ever with depots scattered across the nation,” Major General Thomae said.

After the opening, the battalion’s personnel held an open day, showcasing some of the latest equipment and Defence assets.

41RNSWR has provided significant natural disaster relief support across Australia, including supporting the 2019-20 bushfires and the 2021 and 2022 eastern Australian floods.

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