Queenstown Cemetery Trust
The following article is from Hertiage Nillumbik reproduced with the permission of Shire of Nillumbik and the Queenstown Cemetery Trust
Queenstown Cemetery (1861-1981) 70 Smiths Gully Road, Smiths Gully Melways 264 H3
Queenstown Cemetery is a pioneer cemetery established during the gold rush of the 1850s at the site of the first mining village of the Caledonia Diggings. The Trust administers the cemetery with support of The Friends and Relations of Queenstown Cemetery and endeavours to maintain and preserve it for future generations.
Heritage walks of the Queenstown Pioneer Cemetery can be arranged by appointment. Regular working bees are held a the cemetery. Historical research workshops and social activities are also held. All funds raised and donations made are used for cemetery restoration.
The Following media release is dated September 25, 2008 from the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
[edit] Agreement to protect cemetery's rare plants and animals
A new agreement will help ensure significant native plants and animals at the historic Queenstown Cemetery in Smiths Gully are protected for the future.
The agreement follows the discovery that the cemetery’s significance is not limited to the families of more than 380 people buried there.
An inspection by Department of Sustainability and Environment flora and fauna officers confirmed that of the 157 species of flora at the site, 38 are considered locally significant, 10 are regionally significant and 27 are listed as protected under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1987.
There is also a diversity of rare native animals at the 1.7 hectare Crown land site, including six species of bats, Barking Owls, Powerful Owls and Lace Monitors.
A Public Authority Management Agreement signed by DSE and the Queenstown Cemetery Trust requires the trustees to prepare conservation and vegetation management plans, drawing on DSE conservation expertise, as well as a plan of known grave sites.
DSE Regional Environmental Planning Manager Sally Burgess said the site was an important habitat link between Kinglake National Park to the north and Warrandyte State Park to the south.
“There has been no mowing or grazing at this site since it was set aside as a cemetery, so today it is undisturbed habitat for a wide range of significant flora and fauna,” Ms Burgess said.
“This agreement is a long-term arrangement expressing the commitment of the Queenstown Cemetery Trust, with the guidance of DSE, to protect and enhance the natural, cultural and historic values of the area.
“We congratulate the trustees on their efforts and we look forward to helping them preserve the site.”
The cemetery was established in 1861 after the discovery of gold in the area. It was managed by the-then Eltham Shire Council from 1948 to 1999, and in that year six trustees from the local community were appointed by the Department of Human Services, as is the case for all other cemeteries.
The Friends and Relations of Queenstown Cemetery group assists the Queenstown Cemetery Trust to manage the site.
It is estimated that more than 380 people have been buried at the cemetery, many in unmarked or unrecorded graves. No plan or map of the area has been found.
The last burial took place in 1981, and today the cemetery forms part of what is known as ‘The Heritage Trail’, linking Smiths Gully to St Andrews.
Publicity & Publications Secretary: enquiries@queenstowncemetery.org.au
I believe the original name for this cemetery was "Market Square" on the Caledonia Goldfield. My GGG/grandfather William Dalrymple was the first registered burial at that place on the 31st July 1861. His wife Ann (Wallace), daughter Catherine (Aitchison), and granddaughter Robina Christina Dalrymple (8 months old) are interred there as well. - Barry largolad@tpg.com.au
In August 2010 a memorial plaque and cairn were offically unveilled and a new book was launched Queenstown Cemetery Pioneer Regiater 1861-1981
[edit] Reading
St Andrews: a village built on gold. St Andrews, Vic. St Andrews Primary School, 1998. Reprinted 2008 p. 51 - 54 ISBN 9780646353753
A Concise history compiled by John Ryan and Members Queenstown Cemetery Trust. Smiths Gully, Vic. Queenstown Cemetery Trust, 2010.
George and Jane Elizabeth Gray compiled by Queenstown Cemetery Trust. Smiths Gully, Vic. Queenstown Cemetery Trust, 2008.
From the cradle to the grave :a heritage walk from St Andrews to Smiths Gully Victoria. [St. Andrews, Vic], Friends & relations of Queenstown Cemetery, Queenstown Cemetery Trust and St. Andrews Queenstown Historical Society, 2004.
Queenstown Cemetery our heritage, 1861-1986 [researched and compiled by Martha Wike and Elizabeth Wykes. Smiths Gully, Vic. Friends & Relations of Queenstown Cemetery, 1999.
Queenstown cemetery, Victoria burial register index & monument inscriptions ccompiled by S.M. Oakley & F.J.P. Bonnell. 1997
Repair of grave of Henry & Annie Nink Nillumbik Historical Society Custodian newsletter Ocotober 2007 p. 3
Irregular newsletter Grace Concerns (shelved at Eltham Library)
