General News
29 April, 2025
Local historian led Warracknabeal cemetery tour
More than 100 people, including locals and visitors with family ties to the area, gathered for the Warracknabeal Cemetery Tour last Friday, April 18, led by local historian Graeme Massey.
Warracknabeal Action Group president Dianne Marchment officially opened the tour and introduced Mr Massey, who guided attendees through the cemetery’s oldest section.
Warracknabeal Cemetery was established in 1875; the cemetery’s first burial took place that same year in the southern old section, which Massey focused on during the tour.
He shared stories connected to 15 to 16 graves, honouring individuals who made significant contributions to the Warracknabeal community.
Among the highlights, Massey spoke about John Sutcliffe, the town’s first postmaster and school teacher.
Mr Massey provides information about Patrick Toohey, a 1930s solicitor in Warracknabeal, who also served as the inaugural president of the reformed Wimmera Football League.
The Toohey Medal, still awarded annually, is named after him.
He also told the story of four children who died from diphtheria in 1879, part of a devastating outbreak that claimed seven young lives.
“This year was the largest crowd we had,” Mr Massey said.
“They enjoyed the tour and look forward to it.
“The participants just go away learning about the difficulties people had in the early years—the living conditions and the trauma to the families.”
Massey began leading the cemetery tours in 2017 and typically runs them during the Easter Festival.
Although he paused the tradition during the pandemic, this year marked the fifth official tour.
“I talk about different graves every year,” he said.
“I’m interested in these tours, as I used to take students to the cemetery when I was a teacher.
“I am quite happy doing it every year.”
The local historical society is also considering organising another tour later this year.
