General News
15 September, 2025
Happenings at Warracknabeal Cemetery
The Warracknabeal Cemetery Trust is a volunteer organisation, like many others in our town, that provides an important functional service to our area.
The Trust can be proud of the work they do, and with the support of our community, the Warracknabeal Cemetery is a place to take pride in.
The grounds are well-maintained by contractors, Woodbine, and the Lions Club.
Records are now digitised, and the history of Warracknabeal is evident when you walk in and around the surroundings.
The two articles in the Warracknabeal Herald over the past fortnight have provided insight into the volunteers and their work, as well as the importance of our historical connection with the Chinese.
The future is always a part of any organisation if it is to continue providing fabulous service to our community.
The cemetery Trust is forward-thinking, but projects tend to be slow to come to fruition due to financial, supply, and regulatory constraints.
Recent projects include the 2017 upgrade of the Niche Wall and the establishment of the Remembrance Wall at the West entrance.
The digitalisation of the records was a huge effort in terms of time and research for the small group that took on the task, but we have now recorded all the graves and numbered the rows for the convenience of the public.
It is possible to go online to find a grave and/or visit the rotunda, where boards display the graves' coordinates.
Today's projects, which are in the pipeline, are extremely important to our future.
The new western section of the cemetery is well underway.
This project was noted in the books back in 2017, as well as the installation of toilet amenities on the grounds.
Since then, members of the Trust have pursued their development with progress slow but sure.
The western section emerged with Bob Streeter, who was the keeper of the 'grounds layout' to the cemetery, working with a subcommittee in 2019.
Issues arose that proved to be a stumbling block (finance, especially).
To progress, the Trust needed to have the new area' laser scanned' as there were possibly old, unmarked graves in the area.
A significant amount of money was required to complete this project in 2020, and it was accomplished.
Discussions and further planning took place over the next 12 months, resulting in the grounds being surveyed, and a report was received in January 2021.
This led on to 2022, with quotes being sought and an air of excitement to be moving on with the essential work on the beams.
As predicted, these quotes totalled a huge sum of money, more than $150,000.
However, the task of creating a new area was becoming increasingly important as the current lawn cemetery was running out of plots, with an average of 40 to 50 burials per year.
The shire was able to assist by doing the initial scraping and levelling the area.
In 2024, Greg's Digging (Birchip) was contracted to scrape out and topdress the designated area, as well as laser level it in preparation for the curbing and beams.
The curbing and beams, contracted to Marv's Concreting, were able to be started thanks to a substantial bequest from Ivan Liersch, which, combined with the Trust's funds, enabled this stage to be completed.
George Tank Services (GTS) has the sprinkler system in place, and while GTS and Werner Electrical are relocating the tanks, power and pump system to the south end of the grounds.
Hopefully, we will be able to complete the development and growth of the lawn in the new section this spring or summer.
The Trust will determine the most efficient and effective way to establish the lawn.
Certainly, any ideas or financial support to complete this stage of the project would be appreciated.
Another important aspect of the western section to be completed is the road around the new section.
Wilken's was contracted to do this when conditions were suitable and the completion of other works was possible.
Already, Wilken's have filled, spread and levelled the far west section, which includes the Chinese section of the cemetery.
The Trust is extremely thankful and appreciative of our contractors on this project of which most are local businesses.
Their cooperation, support, guidance and quality of work is excellent.
Other projects in the pipeline include toilet amenities, recycled water connection, the Chinese section, road maintenance/upgrade and general maintenance.
A brief note on our toilet amenities – this was placed on the back burner in 2017 due to the Western section project.
In 2019, it was pursued by the then-president, Bronwen Clayton, who gained designs, costs, and contractors.
Unfortunately, the story is too long to tell, but due to costs, regulations, and supply chain issues, the project is progressing very slowly.
The Cemetery Trust is proud of the volunteers and contractors who provide a safe and caring environment for our friends and loved ones in their final resting place.
The Trust applies for grants, thanks to Secretary Judi and Trust member Leigh Cooksley, to assist with finances.
If you think you could assist the Trust through a donation, bequest, or volunteering, please contact secretary/treasurer Judi Armstrong or president David Baxter.
Bank details: BSB: 633000 Account no: 163761034
Contributed by WARRACKNABEAL CEMETERY TRUST