Veteran steps in to help Natalie Tsokas buy headstone after council clears son’s gravesite

·

A fundraising page set up to help Natalie Tsokas buy a headstone for her eight-year-old son, Oliver Tiainen, after his grave was cleared by a Queensland council, has been inundated with donations from across the country.

Just yesterday, the final $8000 portion of the fundraising goal was donated by an “anonymous veteran” and Ms Tsokas told ABC News she will now finally be able to give Ollie the memorial he deserves.

‘I’m just so overwhelmed’:

The anonymous veteran told ABC News that “no member of the Australian community should be made to suffer as Ms Tsokas has.”

“As a veteran, (myself) and other ADF ex and serving members sacrifice their time and sometimes their lives to protect the Australian community,” he told the media outlet.

“No member of the Australian community should be made to suffer as Ms Tsokas has, and mental health and well-being is just as important for the civilian community as it is in defence. 

Scenic Rim residents Natalie Tsokas, Lucy Syme, Julia Davenport-Free, Kyle Davenport-Free and Kate French-McClean at Tamborine Mouintain Cemetery. Photo: ABC Gold Coast, Tara Cassidy.

“Trauma such as losing a son is enough without being further punished by a government agency when you are just trying to mourn their passing and heal your pain.”

The anonymous veteran said he hoped the donation and resulting permanent head stone would allow Ms Tsokas and the community to “mourn and grieve in peace.”

Hearing the news, Ms Tsokas said her family were shocked and overjoyed at the veteran and wider community’s generosity.

“It’s just amazing, I just jumped up and down with my whole family… I had no idea it was happening, my friend just said someone has just donated the rest of the funds. I’m just so overwhelmed, it’s been such a rollercoaster,” Ms Tsokas told ABC News.

So far the fundraising page has raised over $15,000 in total, which Ms Tsokas said would cover the cost of the headstone and grave cover.

“I wanted to be able to afford this for my son, and give him the best I could, the best possible resting place… I didn’t want to ask anyone, but the truth is I really did need it,” she concluded.

Ollie’s grave before and after it was tidied up by Ms Tsokas. The council later cleared the entire site. Photo supplied: Natalie Tsokas / ABC.

Council, family dispute:

Last week, Ollie’s grave was stripped bare by the Scenic Rim Regional Council, who removed everything including a border, candle and his name-bearing cross.

According to ABC News, the council said items at the grave were unauthorised and left it as just gravel and dirt, devastating Ms Tsokas, who said it had been all she could afford to honour her son’s memory.

READ MORE: Queensland mother Natalie Tsokas furious with actions of local Council.

The Council also said Ollie’s grave was stripped of items only after being in “regular contact” with Ms Tsokas. She denies this claim, saying while they had been communicating about the issue, she felt she had completed what was asked of her.

Ollie’s grave site was entirely cleared by Scenic Rim Council last week, with his mother since placing petals and a small candle where he’s buried. Photo: ABC Gold Coast, Tara Cassidy.

“Everything they asked me to do, I did it, but they just kept changing their minds about what they needed me to do,” she told ABC News.

“September last year was our last correspondence … after that a person in the community contacted them telling them to leave me alone as I was grieving and also in isolation so couldn’t attend the grave.

“I mean, this is all within months, in my mind, my time has stood still, my son just died.”

When questioned about whether it would consider reviewing its cemetery policies, following public backlash to Ms Tsokas’ experience, Scenic Rim Regional Council said it would “in due course.”

Source: ABC News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet the Greeks among Australia’s top Green Energy players

A list of the 100 Top Green Energy Players in Australia has been released, and among the names are at least two Greek Australians.

Ange Kenos calls on the Greek community to donate blood and save lives

Melbourne donor Ange Kenos, 68, is calling for the Greek community to consider donating as it might save someone’s life.

‘The Aegean’ film in the mix for the 2025 AACTA Awards

The Australian independent film The Aegean is making waves in the 2025 AACTA Awards, securing nominations in major categories.

Labor’s Helen Politis elected Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek City Council

Labor's Helen Politis has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek, marking a significant step for the seasoned community advocate.

Mario Christodoulou to executive produce ABC’s Media Watch

Award-winning investigative reporter Mario Christodoulou will become executive producer on the ABC's Media Watch program.

You May Also Like

Former US military base on Crete set to host new casino

The government is moving ahead with the utilisation of the plot that used to host the US military base at Gournes, near Iraklio on Crete, and is now preparing to decide on the precise position of the island’s casino.

Greek Community of Melbourne urges Victorian Premier to endorse genocide motion

The GCM has urged the state government to back a proposed motion to formally recognise the Greek, Assyrian and Armenian genocides.

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad meets with leaders of Greek university societies in Australia

Greece's Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, John Chrysoulakis, met with student leaders of Greek societies at universities across Australia.