First World War veterans grave sites recognised
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
In 2023 community groups, ex-service organisations and individuals were invited to apply for assistance of up to $450 to mark the graves of First World War veterans whose deaths were unrelated to their war service, fulfilling an election commitment of the Albanese Government.
This program was developed to ensure First World War veterans, many of whom lie in unmarked graves, receive the respect and recognition that they deserve.
This program sought to establish appropriate graveside commemoration, such as a headstone or appropriate marking, for those veterans who returned home and passed away of causes unrelated to their war service.
As part of this grant process, the Repatriation Commission assessed all applications and also determined that 44 veterans who had been identified through this program were in fact eligible for official War Grave status and commemoration.
This means that their service will be recognised with a Commonwealth War Grave headstone installed at the site of interment. This will be arranged by, paid for and maintained in perpetuity by Government.
Forty-two applications have been approved for funding under the first round of the Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program.
| Organisation name |
Project |
Funding |
|---|---|---|
|
Forgotten Diggers Incorporates, New South Wales |
Establishing 20 grave markers on currently unmarked private graves of veterans of the First World War. |
$9,000 |
|
The Waroona Historical Society Incorporates, Western Australia |
Establishing 1 grave marker on a currently unmarked private grave of a veteran of the First World War. |
$450 |
|
The Headstone Project, South Australia |
Establishing 19 grave markers on currently unmarked private graves of veterans of the First World War. |
$8,550 |
|
The 10th Light Horse Organisation, Western Australia |
Establishing 1 grave marker on a currently unmarked private grave of a veteran of the First World War. |
$450 |
|
The Friends of Balmoral, Queensland |
Establishing 1 grave marker on a currently unmarked private grave of a veteran of the First World War. |
$450 |
Media contacts
- Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485
- DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608