Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced that the Andrews Labor Government is supporting the Ballarat Cemeteries Trust with a grant of $128,000 to restore two significant rotundas; one at the Ballarat New Cemetery and one at the Ballarat Old Cemetery.

At present, these historic rotundas are in disrepair and not safe for public use. As one of the only places of shelter within the cemetery grounds, their restoration will allow for burial ceremonies to take place during inclement weather and for community members to gather on special occasions and anniversaries.

Each weekend more than 500 people visit the Ballarat New Cemetery and on occasions such as Mother’s Day, the Cemetery receives more than 2000 visitors.

The Ballarat Cemeteries Trust also runs a number of outreach programs that welcome the community into the grounds for events such as picnics and gardening workshops.

There are a total of five historic rotundas across the two cemeteries and the Trust used its own funds to restore one of the other rotundas earlier this year. Work was undertaken by local company Peter Broadhead Construction for this project.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison  

“The Ballarat Cemetery is special place for our community and one that we visit for many reasons; whether it’s to celebrate a loved one who has passed or to enjoy the beautiful surrounds. This $128,000 grant to restore the historic rotundas will be welcomed by the many visitors.”  

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Cemeteries Trust CEO Annie De Jong   

“It is wonderful to able to return these rotundas to their former glory ensuring there is shelter for our community within the grounds of our cemeteries. We look forward to sharing the additional two rotundas with visitors to the cemetery in the future.”

Quotes attributable to Chair of Ballarat Cemeteries Trust Board Gayle Boschert

“Ballarat Cemeteries welcome the support of Juliana and the State Government in providing funding to assist with the restoration of two more of our beautiful rotundas. These rotundas are of historic value to us and our community, providing character to our beautiful grounds.”