Australian veterans and homeless buried in unmarked communal graves

Research uncovered more than 100 unmarked communal graves across New South Wales and a few in Queensland, where four to six strangers share a single burial plot. The graves, located in bare sections of Rookwood cemetery, contain veterans, cancer sufferers, individuals with gambling or mental-health issues, and migrants whose families cannot afford repatriation. In at least six cases, relatives or support workers were not contacted, violating a state policy designed to prevent unnecessary distress.

Homelessness charities say they were unaware of the practice and were excluded from funding discussions. Two Vietnam-era naval veterans were buried without accessing a federal veterans’ assistance program, which had not been approached. NSW Health has apologized and announced procedural changes, including a dedicated team to seek alternative funeral support for families.