While the “unmarked WW1 graves” programme has been extended to June 2021, we sincerely hope it is extended in perpetuity to not only include our WW1 unmarked veterans graves, but ALL unmarked veterans graves.
Lest We Forget
http://minister.dva.gov.au/media_releases/2020/oct/va123.htm
“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.
“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.
“Australia can never repay the debt owed to those who served and gave their lives, but we demonstrate our gratitude and respect in our cemeteries in Australia and overseas.”
The 200th application was received from Forgotten Diggers in New South Wales to recognise Private Thomas William Shiner who is buried at Glen Innes Cemetery in NSW.
Five applications were recently received from Port Pirie, South Australia, to provide grave markers for men such as Private Leslie Simpson who was awarded the Military Medal for ‘great gallantry’ at Bullecourt in 1917; Private Albert Sjostrom who became the president of the Port Pirie RSL; and Private Clifford Price, a fireman who served with the South Australia Fire Brigade.
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.