Cemetery in review

Waverley Cemetery

This charming and unique graveyard is
an important part of our heritage.

BY ARTEMIS GOUROS

A treasure trove of history and a truly beautiful spot, Waverley Cemetery has remained virtually unchanged for decades. The atmosphere, art and stunning view are all major drawcards attracting thousands of visitors each year. Millions flock annually to the famous coastal walk along the eastern perimeter and history buffs enjoy seeing the graves of famous Australians such as Henry Lawson and Dorothy Mackellar. A small yet fascinating cemetery, there are just 3000 plots remaining at Waverley with 80 new grave reservations per year.

History

The first burial at Waverley Cemetery was in 1877 and the current administrative centre was erected in 1914. Circa 1910 it was one of the first to stop conducting funerals on Sundays with the trend eventually taken up by all cemeteries. In those days the industry lacked the facilities necessary to delay funerals so eliminating a burial day was quite significant. Nowadays the funeral director is identified as the industry representative and seen as the face of a funeral, in the old days the cemetery manager was an extremely prestigious position. During the 1920s, Waverley’s heyday, the cemetery averaged seven funerals a day. Today, they conduct one funeral per day.

Management

Martin Forrester-Reid has been the Cemetery Manager at Waverley for the past six years. As it is a small cemetery Martin is involved at all levels and gives everything his personal touch. There is also an Operations Manager who liaises with the grounds staff. Martin is the vice chair of the Cemeteries Committee for the National Trust and is involved with the Heritage Commission. He spent years at Rookwood crematorium and is also a fully trained mortician. His background ensures that he doesn’t give people a sales pitch but rather offers the benefit of his experience along with empathy and realism.

Technology

Waverley was one of the first cemeteries to introduce a computer search. The system enables visitors to check if the burial they seek appears on the cemetery records and is available on a user pays basis of $6 for 10 minutes. The revenue generated contributes to the upkeep of the cemetery. Martin says that they eventually hope to assist the public further by having the search facility accessible on their website. Martin himself still uses the original records, approximately 20 enormous volumes that have historical as well as practical value. The record books are an invaluable resource, and at $2000 each to restore are a more than worthy cause to donate money to. The computer system is actually just a back up – the original journals are the real records and yet another example of what sets Waverley apart from other cemeteries.

Funding

As Waverley is a self-funding cemetery not subsidised by ratepayers, funding is naturally an issue. The main source of revenue is obviously the burial plots and memorials with additional funds generated by facilities such as the computer search system and the sale of grave furniture, urns, plaques and headstones. Every grave and memorial at Waverley is prepared the old fashioned way – by hand. Plot prices start at $7000 with provision for up to three burials and a minimum purchase period of 25 years. People regularly purchase plots for 50 or 100 years. Cremation memorials cost $2750 for a garden setting with room for two sets of ashes.

Future

In fifteen years Waverley Cemetery will have run out of graves and will have no way of generating revenue. Although this sounds very grim things are afoot for long term funeral viability. Another issue is that of future maintenance. There are plans for a review that hasn’t been done since 1925 that will address what the market needs and where the cemetery should be spending money in the next 20-30 years.