More burial space available
Sydney will have more burial space after an historic agreement between five groups who manage Rookwood Cemetery, Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said.
Katrina Hogkinson
Ms Hodgkinson – the Minister responsible for cemeteries on Crown land – said the agreement means their operations will be streamlined, freeing up more money for purchasing burial land.
“Rookwood is Sydney’s largest cemetery in the southern hemisphere and the new agreement will ensure it is managed more efficiently through greater cooperation,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
“The Anglican, General, Muslim, Jewish and Independent Trusts have been amalgamated into the newly formed Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust, which now manages Rookwood Cemetery alongside the existing Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.
“To further strengthen the partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding between the two trusts has been developed and signed.
“These are the most significant reforms since the 1860s when Rookwood Cemetery was established.”
The newly formed Board of the Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust has a strong mix of skilled individuals and community representatives:
- Mr Robert Wilson, Chairman (certified practising accountant with strong accountancy and financial management skills);
- Ms Patsy Lloyd (senior management experience in IT);
- Mr Barry Collier (barrister and former Member of Parliament);
- Ms Robyn Hawes (nominee of the former Anglican and General Cemeteries Trust);
- Mr Nicholas George Pappas (nominee of the former Independent Cemetery Trust);
- Mr Ahmad Kamaledine (nominee of the former Muslim Cemetery Trust); and
- Mr Richard Seidman (nominee of the former Jewish Cemetery Trust).
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all the denominations and groups that have shown great leadership and fully supported the NSW Government’s historic reforms.
“Labor failed to achieve this in 16 years; it has taken the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government less than 18 months to deliver,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
How come the Catholics get to keep their cemetery trust while all other denominations have to amalgamate?!