Recipients announced for 2025–26 Marking Private Graves Grants Program

Earlier today, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, The Hon. Matt Keogh MP, announced the successful recipients of the 2025–26 Marking (First World War) Private Graves (MPG) Grants Program.

This year, 26 projects across Australia will receive funding to mark 193 previously unmarked graves of First World War veterans. A total of $113,223 has been allocated to ensure these servicemen are remembered with dignity.

The MPG Grants Program provides up to $620 per grave marker to assist individuals, community groups, and organisations in honouring the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the First World War. 

The program reflects DVA's ongoing commitment to ensuring that the contributions of First World War veterans are never forgotten. By marking these graves, families and communities are provided with with a lasting tribute to those who served, such as Private Edward Phillip Britten Ragless.

Private Ragless served with the 5th Pioneer Battalion during the First World War, contributing to vital infrastructure efforts on the Western Front. After returning home, he settled in Quorn, South Australia, and raised a family. He passed away in 1960, aged 62.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers at The Headstone Project SA, his previously unmarked grave now bears a headstone that honours his service. This project was supported by a 2024–25 MPG grant of $13,000, which will help mark 21 veterans’ graves across 14 cemeteries in South Australia. 

Private Ragless’ story is a reminder of the thousands of individual lives behind Australia’s wartime history and the ongoing commitment to honour them. 

The projects funded in 2025–26 span multiple states and territories, from Kyabram Cemetery in Victoria to Toowong Cemetery in Queensland and historic sites in South Australia and Western Australia.

• The Headstone Project SA – 31 graves across 14 cemeteries (SA) – $13,020
• The Headstone Project VIC – 8 graves across 4 cemeteries (VIC) - $4,960
• Kyabram Cemetery Trust – 1 grave  (VIC) – $620
• Trafalgar Public Cemetery - 3 graves (VIC) - $1,720
• Toowong Cemetery – 120 graves (QLD) – $74,400
• Gympie Cemetery – 7 graves (QLD) - $4,340
• Nundah Historic Cemetery – 5 graves (QLD) - $3,100
• Boulder Cemetery – 5 graves (WA) - $3,100
• Kalgoorlie Cemetery – 3 graves (WA) $1,860
• Indivduals - Smaller projects across other states (NSW, WA, VIC and QLD). 

Learn more about the MPG Grants Program.

A black and white portrait of Private Edward Phillip Britten Ragless, and his wreathed headstone marking his grave.