Headstone Healing Project
Honouring the Past, Healing for the Future
What is the Headstone Healing Project?
The Headstone Healing Project was born from heartbreak and hope following the devastating vandalism at the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery on 9 August 2024, where 150 graves and headstones were desecrated.
Deeply affected by the damage, local businessman Jim O'Dea reached out to The Chronicle columnist Greg Johnson to take meaningful action. Together, they mobilised community support, organised media coverage, and met with the Toowoomba Regional Council, RSL Toowoomba sub-branch, and a range of passionate community groups and individuals. From this collective commitment, the Headstone Healing Project was established — a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to restoring dignity and honour to those whose final resting places were disturbed.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to restore every damaged grave and headstone, while also preserving the cemetery's rich heritage for future generations. The Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery is one of Queensland’s oldest burial grounds, holding the stories of war veterans, pioneers, and everyday citizens who helped shape the community we know today. This project is not just about fixing stones, it is about respecting lives, reconnecting with history, and reaffirming the values of community and remembrance.
With over 30 volunteers already contributing time, skills, and compassion, the Headstone Healing Project is gaining momentum. However, the scale of the damage and the specialised nature of headstone restoration mean that we now need broader support to see the work through. Each repaired headstone tells a story, and each donation helps to preserve it. Every dollar raised contributes to stonework repairs, plaque replacements, heritage assessments, and landscaping needed to fully restore the cemetery’s character and honour.
Our goal is to raise $300,000 to complete this vital work. We invite individuals, businesses, and organisations who value history, community, and respect for those who came before us to support the Headstone Healing Project. Together, we can turn an act of destruction into a powerful legacy of healing, unity, and remembrance. Donations of any amount are welcome, and all contributions will go directly toward restoration efforts.
Blog Feed
Projects
Headstone Reparations
Our primary project focuses on repairing and restoring 150 vandalised headstones in the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery. Through community support and fundraising efforts, we aim to bring back dignity to these sacred sites and honour the memories of those laid to rest.
Community Engagement
We engage with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cemeteries as historical and heritage sites. Our programs encourage active participation and involvement in the restoration process, fostering a sense of unity and respect for our shared history.
Heritage Promotion
Our heritage promotion initiatives highlight the significance of cemeteries as valuable repositories of history, culture, and identity. By educating the community about the rich heritage embedded in these sites, we aim to instill a sense of pride and responsibility towards their preservation.