Never Forget - Continuing to honour First World War Veterans

Friday, 16 October 2026 The Hon Matt Keogh MP Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel Over a century later, the service and sacrifice of those who served in uniform in World War One should never be forgotten. Over 300,000 Australians served in the First World War, a devastating conflict that touched communities across Australia and changed countless lives forever.

Many returned home, returned to civilian life, and were later buried without a headstone or formal recognition of their service, often because their families lacked the money at the time. More than a century later, the Marking (World War One) Private Graves program seeks to ensure their service is properly honoured, ensuring they are remembered by future generations.

Community groups, ex-Service Organisations and individuals can now apply for funding to appropriately commemorate the unmarked graves of First World War service personnel in their area. Funds will be awarded to be put toward the cost of establishing a marker for the unmarked graves of veterans who died from causes unrelated to their war service. The Marking (World War One) Private Graves program supports the private graves of those whose death was not as a result of their military service and are therefore not regarded as official war graves.

Graves of veterans who died as a result of their war service may be eligible for official commemoration, maintained in perpetuity by the Office of Australian War Graves. Applications close at 9.00 pm AEDT on Friday 27 November 2026. For further information, and to submit an application, please www.dva.gov.au/MPGgrants Lest we forget.

Media Contact: Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office) - 0407 034 485 [email protected] 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 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 Defence Health Portal Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608