About Us
Our Story
The Headstone Project came into being in Tasmania in 2011. The project is an entirely
voluntary project dedicated to locating and ensuring that all Australian World War 1 veterans
who served overseas during World War 1 have their final resting places suitably marked.
The Headstone Project South Australia volunteers search for World War 1 veterans
throughout South Australia who have died and whose graves are unmarked. Volunteer
investigators confirm the gravesite, research the veterans military and family history then
seek to locate a living relative or descendant. A comprehensive report is then compiled.
It is a requirement of most cemetery authorities and relevant government departments that every effort if made to trace and contact living relatives/descendants.
Once all enquiries are completed and appropriate cemetery authority and government
requirements are met, the gravesite will be marked with a prescribed, military headstone
consisting of a pedestal headstone and plaque that acknowledges the veterans service to
Australia.
Whilst every effort is made to install headstones in a timely matter once all research is
completed, appropriate consents have been given and funding is available, please note it can
take some time before a headstone can be installed.
Relatives and/or descendants are not asked to contribute toward the cost of the memorial.
Based on population and statistics, The Headstone Project SA conservatively estimate there
are in excess of 2500 World War 1 servicemen and women buried in unmarked graves in over
900 cemeteries throughout the State.
Being an entirely voluntary organisation, The Headstone Project SA is totally dependent on
raising funds through various government and non-government grants and welcomes
donations from corporations, companies and individuals as well as sponsorship for goods
and services.
If you would like to volunteer with us, sponsor or donate to HPSA please message us via our
Contact Page
The Australian Government is committed to remembering the service of eligible veterans
through the provision of official commemoration.
Funding Criteria