Honouring the legacy of our First World War veterans

The Minister for Veterans' Affairs has announced nine community groups, ex-service organisations, and individuals have been awarded a share of $106,978.90 under the second round of the Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program.  

Funding will support the installation of

182 commemorations, such as a plaque or grave marker, on the graves of servicemen and women who returned home from the First World War and later passed away from causes unrelated to their war service.  

The Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program addresses a poignant issue: many First World War veterans lie in ‘unmarked’ graves, with their service and sacrifice unacknowledged at their final resting places. 

Commemorations are about more than marking graves with service details—they are about honouring the legacy of those who served our nation and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.  

As these graves are marked to declare service and the stories of these veterans are uncovered, recognition of those who served is increased and our understanding of Australia’s wartime history is deepened. This program provides a reminder that every veteran’s story deserves to be remembered and celebrated.  

This program reflects our enduring commitment to recognising the courage and sacrifice of Australia’s First World War veterans. It invites applications from community groups, individuals, and organisations to identify unmarked graves of First World War veterans and apply for funding to recognise their service.  

The Repatriation Commission carefully assesses each application to determine eligibility. Through this grant round, an additional 143 First World War veterans were identified as being eligible for official War Grave status and commemoration. These veterans will receive a Commonwealth War Grave commemoration at their site of interment, arranged, funded, and maintained in perpetuity by the Australian Government. 

For more information, visit Marking (First World War) Private Graves Grants Program | Department of Veterans' Affairs.