Cemetery Advisory Committee celebrates project achievements at end of term

The committed group of volunteers from across the Snowy Monaro have worked tirelessly over the last four years to ensure that our cemeteries are cared for with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Cemeteries are open to the community year-round and the Cemetery Advisory Committee oversees all works undertaken at Council’s cemeteries, including future discussions and planned improvements.

Some of the projects the committee oversaw in 2021 alone include: •construction of a new fence at the Old Adaminaby Cemetery •removal of dangerous trees from a several of the region’s cemeteries •removal of rabbit harbourage sites from a number of the region’s cemeteries •repairs to head stones and monuments caused by winter storms and wildlife

This is a Section 355 committee, a vital part of how Council engages with our community. The committee comprises community volunteers, Council employees and Councillors working together to manage and discuss our region’s assets and infrastructure.

Council would like to thank all members of the committee for their commitment to the community. Special thanks must go to former Councillor Sue Haslingden for her tenure both as chair of the committee and for her active involvement with Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW.

Many of the Snowy Monaro’s cemeteries are of historic importance to the region and are located in rural areas surrounded by farm land or reserves. Council works to maintain this rural character and preserve areas of endangered, vulnerable native vegetation that are a common feature of our region’s cemeteries.

Work planned for 2022 in our region’s cemeteries includes: •continuing to improve cemetery boundary fences across the region •adding Niche walls and memorial gardens •removal of dead or dangerous trees •rabbit removal programs

Pest animals are an ongoing and serious issue in the cemeteries. Council has focused, particularly in recent years, on the eradication of rabbits. Native wildlife such as wombats also pose a problem for our cemeteries with their fondness for digging burrows. As they are a protected native species, managing them requires approval from National Parks and Wildlife.

For more information on cemeteries in the Snowy Monaro please contact Council on 1300 345 345, email [email protected] or visit www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au/236