^{One of the upgraded pathways at Willaston Cemetery.}

Willaston Cemetery’s transformation into one of the most modern and well-kept burial sites in the region has continued following the recent completion of significant infrastructure works, and the launch of a new online mapping tool.

Stage 6 of the Willaston Cemetery Conservation and Management Plan was wrapped up by Council’s dedicated Town Services staff prior to Christmas with the installation of a paved roadway and rubbling of connecting aisles in Block 2 of the site.

Major works have been ongoing at the cemetery – located on Dawkins Avenue, Willaston since 2015, complementing earlier improvements at the site.

These works were undertaken in accordance with a plan of improvements, which was approved by the State Heritage Unit.

Restoration works over the past six years includes the installation of rose gardens for cremation internments; concrete plinths and associated irrigation for turf works located at the burial lawn section; drainage infrastructure; laying of numerous paved roadways; and extensive rubbling.

These works total almost $680,000 since they first began in 2015.

Additionally, Town of Gawler, in February, launched a new interactive map of the cemetery on its website, which allows residents to easily locate plots within the grounds simply by entering their loved one’s surname into the search bar.

Council is currently updating the map to include the newer areas of the cemetery, as well as post 2006 burial data and we hope to have these updates completed soon.

^{A screenshot of the interactive Willaston Cemetery map.}

CLICK HERE TO USE THE MAPPING TOOL

This is the first of many exciting new mapping tools Council will be releasing to the community over the coming months.

“The completion of Stage 6 of the Willaston Cemetery Conservation and Management Plan is a significant milestone in this project,” Mayor Karen Redman said.

“Council staff have been diligently applying themselves to these works over many years and the results are outstanding.

“Families can take comfort in laying their loved ones to rest at Willaston knowing these burial grounds are maintained to the highest level by our staff, who are committed to ensuring this site is respected and upkept to a level expected by our community.

“Our new mapping software will also make it easier for our residents to find the burial location of their loved one, which is a wonderful addition to the overall service Council provides at Willaston Cemetery.”

Town of Gawler CEO Henry Inat added: “Council identified many years ago that Willaston Cemetery would require a clear and dedicated works program to improve a number of shortcomings at the site, such as adequate drainage and better pathways."

“Staff have carried out the upgrades exceptionally well, with the recent completion of Stage 6 the latest in many high-quality improvements made to the site since 2015," Mr Inat said.

Background

Willaston Cemetery was established in 1866, replacing the original Gawler Cemetery located in the centre of town.

It has been the main place of burial for residents from Gawler and the surrounding districts since that date and was included on the State Heritage Register in 2001.

The establishment of the Smithfield Cemetery in 1986 relieved some of the pressure previously placed on Willaston Cemetery, however the Willaston Cemetery Conservation and Management Plan was developed by the Council to help manage further development of the site in an appropriate manner.

Willaston Cemetery is located on a square area of land which is framed by a belt of natural bushland, divided into the Plantation Reserve which retains rare endemic vegetation and a second reserve with further native vegetation, surrounding the grid layout of the cemetery.