It may have been in existence since the 1820s but that doesn’t mean the guardians of the Kerang Cemetery are not keeping up with the latest innovations and maintaining a peaceful resting place for the loved ones of the district while preserving its heritage.
Now the Kerang Cemetery Trust is on the lookout for new board members.
It is hoping that there are members of the community who want to keep the Trust going in the manner it has been going for many years. It is a volunteer organisation with just two part time employees.
Trevor Wilkinson has once again taken on the role of chairman for the coming 12 months, going into his second term.
One of the latest devices the Trust has purchased, in September last year, is a grave safe device.
This is used to hold the walls of the grave in place to prevent them caving in or collapsing.
Once in place it remains until after the funeral.
It is designed to not only keep employees and funeral directors safe but also mourners.
Mr Wilkinson said the device is a great improvement on the old system they were previously using.
“This device covers all our aspects of occupational health and safety,” Mr Wilkinson said.
“A huge part of our agenda is the safety of all that enter our gates.
“We are also trying to be as progressive as possible. We now have a computerised system for people visiting to be able to locate family members.
“At the moment we are trying to get that upgraded to the latest version.
“Another big project we have on the agenda is the new sprinkler system to keep both our lawn cemetery and the rest of the cemetery green and in a manner that the families can come along and spend time with their departed loved ones.”
In the last financial year there were 27 new graves, 27 re-openings, and 10 ashes interments.
