Headstone Healing Project

30/08/2026

This Headstone Healing Project thing can be infectious; cherished volunteer Shelley Burchett is currently touring Scotland and came across the resting place of several of her ancestors plus a wealth of history.

26/08/2026

This week we received this lovely note from Clifford Gouldson Lawyers Managing Director and Trade Marks Attorney, Ben Gouldson (seen here with Jim and Greg)

Ben was there, pro bono, when Jim and Greg needed him most and the rest is a very wonderful history.

"Just a short email from me to congratulate you all on your efforts and commitment through this important community project.

"To those more involved in the inspiration and drive for the project, a special note of thanks and appreciation is sent your way.

"Whilst the role I have played has been very minor, I have been grateful to have been approached to be involved by Greg and Jim initially and have sincerely enjoyed watching it all unfold over the time since Greg first wrote to me to seek legal advice for the project back in November 2024.

"You should all feel an immense and deep sense of pride in your volunteer efforts, bringing dignity to those unable to deliver it for themselves, and supporting countless families to reinstate that dignity after wanton destruction found its way into their lives and family legacies.

"On behalf of the CGLaw team, thank you for allowing us to be involved to a small extent.

"We value the opportunity to give back to the communities in which we serve."

Kind regards

Ben Gouldson | Managing Director & Trade Marks Attorney*

12/08/2026

Greg Johnson's article in today's Chronicle.
Thanks Greg for your sterling press service.
And to Jim - you are a legend!

05/08/2026

That's it folks, all vandalised headstones from the August 9, 2024 rampage have been repaired at Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery and the Headstone Healing Project is no more!

Last meeting yesterday at Club Toowoomba with the wonderful women and men who made it possible - L-R Michael Wagner, Greg Johnson, Fiona O'Dea, Russ Dowrick, Kerry Millard, Lynne Anderson, Jim O'Dea, Shelley Burchett, John Osborne OAM, Marie Green, Martin Wagner and Colin Ryan, and Lisa Herbert of Cemetery Tours Toowoomba.

Thank you to all our generous donors, givers and Toowoomba Region for unbelievable assistance, and to Club Toowoomba for hosting our many meetings and delicious dinners!

23/07/2026

This morning our final restored headstone is officially back in its rightful place 🙌🏻

19/07/2026

Great articles from Michael Nolan & Lisa Herbert in today’s Chronicle.

19/07/2026

The biggest thankyou to our donors - be it via time or dollars. Without you, this project wouldn’t have continued to move forward.
👏🏼

17/06/2026

Full house at Club Toowoomba to enjoy, what could be, the last ever meeting of Headstone Healing Project - welcome home two legends, Jim O'Dea and Fiona O'Dea, fresh from visiting cemeteries in the UK.

L-R Shelley Burchett, Russ Dowrick, Michael Wagner, Kerry Millard, Jim O'Dea, Fiona O'Dea, Marie Green, Colin Ryan, Lynne Anderson and John Lehane, and behind the camera Greg Johnson and by 'phone Lisa Hebert of Cemetery Tours Toowoomba.

Wonderful people, wonderful result!

16/06/2026

Great article, Lisa!
The Chronicle 17 June 2026

25/05/2026