The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Unmarked First World War Graves program has enjoyed success with the graves of around 150 World War I veterans identified and appropriately marked in Australia.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester said the two-year pilot program was attracting interest from associations and individuals throughout Australia and recently received its 200th application.
“One of the successes of the Anzac Centenary is that many Australians discovered unknown family connections that they had to the First World War, as well as members of the general community becoming more interested in our military history,” Mr Chester said.
“This has led to organisations and individuals across the country discovering First World War veterans from their local communities who might lie in an unmarked grave.”
He said that after World War I many veterans came back to Australia seeking a quiet life in the country or they took up a Soldier Settler farm, leading many to live in regional areas and often separated from family.
“Many of these veterans when they died may have been buried without a funeral or a permanent headstone and were not provided an official commemoration,” Mr Chester said.
“This program makes funding available to individuals or associations to assist in marking unmarked graves and I am pleased to be extending this program for a further six months.”
He said the 200th application was received from Forgotten Diggers in NSW to recognise Private Thomas William Shiner who was buried at Glen Innes Cemetery.
The program offers up to $450 to assist with the cost of a grave marker, or as a contribution towards a larger cost, and has been extended until 30 June 2021.
