About Project Norden
Two mates. One shared purpose.
Project Norden was founded by two Australian military veterans who later served in the NSW Police Force.
After navigating their own mental health journeys, Luke and Jasper found something powerful in a simple act, tending the graves of veterans who had served before them.
What began as two mates looking after local graves became something much bigger.
The work created purpose. It got them active. It encouraged them to learn the stories behind the names. Most importantly, it brought connection, with each other, with other veterans and with the wider community.
From those beginnings, Project Norden was born.
In Australia
Project Norden tends veterans' graves and memorials across Australia, working respectfully with local councils, RSLs, cemetery authorities and other relevant organisations where required.
Where possible, we also connect with families before undertaking work.
Our approach is simple and respectful, using non-abrasive cleaning methods, light tidying where appropriate, and placing a flag and poppy in remembrance.
Every grave represents someone who served. Our job is to make sure they are remembered.
Why we do it
Project Norden creates opportunities for military and police veterans to reconnect through commemorative service, mateship and shared purpose.
Our activities naturally bring together many recognised principles of wellbeing, connecting with others, being active, continuing to learn, being present and giving back.
We're not here to replace professional support. We're here to create another place where veterans can find connection, purpose and a crew to stand beside.
Prevention through connection. Never leave ya mates behind.
Around the world
Australia's fallen are remembered in cemeteries and memorials across the world, many of which are cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
Project Norden works alongside the CWGC to support existing volunteer efforts and help preserve the resting places and memories of those who served.
In 2025, we travelled to five cemeteries across France and Germany to trial our approach to tending Australian war graves. Following that work, Project Norden was invited to bring groups to selected locations in Europe, creating further opportunities for veterans to connect through remembrance, service and shared purpose.
No matter how far from home they rest, their service deserves to be remembered.
We share the stories of our fallen
When we tend a military or police veteran's grave, we don't just care for the headstone, we take the time to learn about the person behind the name.
Where possible, we research their service, connect with family or friends, and document the tending of their grave through photographs and video.
We then share their story across our social media, combining images of their service with the work being done at their resting place.
It's our way of honouring their service, sharing their story and helping keep their memory alive for future generations.
Every headstone has a name. Every name has a story.
Remembering their service. Connecting those who served.