Media Release – Minister Keogh – First World War veterans gravesites recognised

OFFICIAL

THE HON MATT KEOGH MP

Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS

MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

FIRST WORLD WAR VETERANS GRAVESITES RECOGNISED

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.

20 DECEMBER 2023

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