Naval Graves Project Website Officially Launched
The Naval Graves Project website was officially launched on 24 July 2026 at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, Sydney.
The launch was held as part of a well-attended double-header event hosted by the Naval Historical Society of Australia. The occasion also included the launch of naval author Ross Gillett’s book, Serving the Nation 1948 to 1972: Always Underway.
Launch Speakers
Speakers and representatives for the Naval Graves Project launch included:
- David Michael, President of the Naval Historical Society of Australia and host of the event
- Mark Fleming, Founder of the Naval Graves Project
- Peter Colthorpe, Naval Historical Society of Australia
- Senior Chaplain Andrew Watters, Patron of the Naval Graves Project
Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Chris Ritchie attended as guest of honour and spoke with sincerity about naval service, remembrance and the enduring importance of preserving Australia’s naval history.
Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Chris Smith
Honouring Naval Service
The launch marked an important milestone for the Naval Graves Project as it continues its work to identify, honour and preserve the stories of those connected with Australia’s naval graves.
Through research, remembrance and public access to information, the project aims to help families, researchers and the wider community better understand the people and service represented by these graves.