1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE GUIDELINES PAPER

This Cemeteries Guidelines Paper has been produced with the twin objectives of providing public information, and encouraging feedback from all those concerned with cemetery conservation.

The aim is practical advice combined with clear policy recommendations on conservation in cemeteries.

This Guidelines Paper is based on the Cemeteries Policy Paper first produced by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 1985, compiled by members of the Trust’s Cemeteries Committee. Significant changes have since occurred in legislation and conservation practice, and this updated publication has been produced with financial assistance from the Australian Heritage Commission and the Heritage Council of NSW.

The Cemeteries Guidelines Paper deals only with burials related to European settlement, including general cemeteries, churchyards, private or family cemeteries and lone graves. The discussion and guidelines do not cover Aboriginal burials except where these occur within European cemeteries, owing to a number of special considerations applying to Aboriginal burial places which may require a different approach from what is recommended here.

1.2 THE CEMETERIES COMMITTEE

The Cemeteries Committee of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) was established in 1980 to provide advice to the Trust and the public on matters relating to the conservation of cemeteries and to make recommendations as to which sites should be listed on the National Trust Register. The Cemeteries Committee includes people with expertise in various fields, including archaeology, architecture, landscape design, history, genealogy, geology, town planning, monumental masonry and cemetery management. The work the committee carries out is voluntary. The committee meets regularly to consider specific issues and to assess the heritage significance of cemeteries.

As part of the National Trust's advocacy work, the Cemeteries Committee has been conducting a statewide survey to identify, document and assess the significance of the more than 3,000 cemeteries in New South Wales. The statewide survey commenced in 1980. So far the Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra, Hunter and Central West regions have been completed, and the South East and North Coast Regions have been partially surveyed.

To assist with the survey work, the Cemeteries Committee has compiled a list of all known burial grounds - this list is called the Master List of Burial Grounds in New South Wales. The Master List is currently being digitised and it is hoped that all General and Church cemetery entries will be made publicly accessible over the internet in the future.

1.3 ROLE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CEMETERIES COMMITTEE

The National Trust Cemeteries Committee aims:

• To promote recognition, protection and conservation of cemeteries in New South Wales.
• To identify, document and assess the significance of the more than 3 000 cemeteries in New South Wales.
• To recommend appropriate cemeteries for inclusion in the National Trust Register.
• To provide expert technical advice and assistance on matters relating to cemetery conservation and management.