Rookwood Necropolis Draft Plan of Management

March 2013 014 PLANNING CONTEXT GOVERNANCE

Figure 3 Map of trust boundaries and denominational sections

Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Trust Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust Vegetation areas Conserved (PMP 2008) Denominational sections

CATHOLIC

ANGLICAN

GENERAL

INDEPENDENT

JEWISH

GENERAL

CREMATORIUM WAR GRAVES

MUSLIM

CATHOLIC

ROOKWOOD THE PLACE AND ITS HISTORY HISTORY AND VALUES 023

Rookwood’s history and values

Rookwood Necropolis is located within Auburn Council, adjacent to Strath! eld and . It occupies an area of some 286 hectares.

The place and its history The recent management name change to Lidcombe. By arrangements owe their the mid 20th century Rookwood Prior to European settlement the traditional owners existence to this period. As was falling into disrepair with of the area now occupied by Rookwood were the Carol Liston recorded in her inadequate maintenance, 1 Wangal people, a Darug language speaking ‘clan’ history of Rookwood, during the vandalism and other nefarious group. The Wangal group originally extended from planning phases ‘the Church of activities within its boundaries Cove westerly to Parramatta. England and Roman Catholics with the result, it is claimed, that The Haslem Creek Cemetery, as Rookwood refused to participate in any ‘crook as Rookwood’ entered the was originally named, was the result of urban general cemetery that did not Australian lexicon. encroachment. By the 1840s, only half a century allow them separate trustee, Today visitors to Rookwood after the arrival of the First Fleet, Sydney’s third separate consecrated sites and see a better managed public cemetery at Devonshire Street was facing the fencing for the privacy of each space whose primary purpose same fate as its predecessors: it was running denomination’. The end result remains the disposition of the out of space and suffering from urbanisation. was that the new cemetery was dead. However, history may Land values were increasing, and for a young city divided into denominational be catching up with it. Like there were better uses for the space it occupied, areas according to the 1861 Devonshire Street before it, urban ultimately in this case Central Railway Station. census, the terms of which encroachment has increased In response the Government of New South were legislated in the 1867 land values at the same time as Wales embarked on a great Victorian enterprise Necropolis Act. The fi rst burial the cemetery is running out of – mirrored only ten years earlier at Brookwood occurred in the same year, when space for burial. There are now outside London – the search for a large enough six denominations had been over one million people interred in parcel of land to bury Sydney’s dead in perpetuity. allocated land. Rookwood and some estimates Preconditions included being far enough away from Rookwood’s reputation believe there will be no more centres of population, appropriate soil, adequate has always been variable. The space within the next fi fty years. drainage and convenient transportation. In 1862, residents of Haslem’s Creek did Perpetuity was a 19th century four years after Haslem’s Creek station opened, this not like their association with the aspiration that is facing a stern sparsely populated site was surveyed before being burial industry and successfully challenge, one that requires selected as Sydney’s new burial ground. The fi rst lobbied to have their village careful stewardship if in the 200 acres was dedicated in 1867 with all evidence renamed Rookwood only to fi nd next generation this priceless pointing to a design by Charles Moore, Director of that the cemetery in turn became source of history is not again to the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Necropolis No. 1 known by the new name. In fall prey to disrepair or, as likely, mortuary station was completed in 1869 followed 1919 their nominal association alternative uses. by three mortuary stations via a spur from the main was fi nally broken by a second line, an arrangement that survived until 1948 2.

Draft Plan of Management HERITAGE AND SOCIAL VALUES HISTORY AND VALUES 025

Rookwood is a place of outstanding cultural and environmental heritage signi! cance.” Heritage and social values

Rookwood Necropolis has a long Victorian and Edwardian era which are unique or display a high degree of and layered history refl ected in a funerary etiquette and fashion by technical accomplishment, and others which variety of physical and intangible way of plant symbolism. refl ect the changes in society and burial customs elements. It embodies a range The views and expertise since 1867. There are also monuments saved of values which vary in their of a number of prominent from earlier cemetery sites which have been levels of signifi cance and in their individuals are manifest in the preserved and protected at Rookwood. tolerance for change. The identifi ed historic fabric and design of As a social document and genealogical values of the place (the heritage Rookwood Necropolis. This resource, Rookwood Necropolis is unique in its signifi cance) will help determine includes its original design and scale and comprehensiveness. With more than one which management options are subsequent development over million souls, the Necropolis is the burial place of a most appropriate. almost 150 years. The Necropolis large number of noteworthy individuals prominent The heritage value of was designed as a pleasant in the history of Sydney and NSW. Headstones Rookwood Necropolis has been setting both for the dead and record members of the First Fleet, convicts, recognised through inclusion a comforting site for visiting bushrangers, artists, scientists, businessmen and in statutory and non-statutory mourners. The landscape was politicians alongside victims of accident, drowning, heritage lists and registers from equipped with visitor amenities fi re, epidemics and mass disasters. The 20 th 1980 onwards. Rookwood is a such as carriageways, paths, century areas record the multicultural origins of the place of outstanding cultural and plantings, fences, signs, chapels, present-day Sydney and Australian communities. environmental heritage signifi cance. shelters and drainage. Recognition of the signifi cance of this rich Through its existing fabric The Necropolis memorials aesthetic, historic, scientifi c and social history will and documentary records form a set of monumental assist in the ongoing management and balance of Rookwood clearly demonstrates masonry without parallel in resources for the next phase in Rookwood’s history. an extensive range of aesthetic, . They include examples historic, scientifi c and social values. It contains critical habitat for rare and endangered native plant species and comprises a unique environment of social, genealogical, landscape and architectural signifi cance. The scale of design, design features, use of plants, gardenesque layout, high quality and diversity of structures, monuments and detailing of the oldest sections of Rookwood Necropolis represent a rare surviving example of mid to late 19th century planning, design, layout and ideals for a major public cemetery. The choices of plants in the older sections also demonstrate Rangers House (end of William Drive) now demolished

Draft Plan of Management 026 HISTORY AND VALUES ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES

Ecological and environmental values

The Government Surveyor described Due to this high ecological ~ The State legislation is reinforced Rookwood’s vegetation in 1861 as conservation value Rookwood actively by the Commonwealth Environment ’dense ti-tree and wattle scrub, and manages these values. Protection and Biodiversity wooded with mahogany, stringybark, ~ Vegetation Conservation Areas within Conservation Act 1999 also listing hollybutt and ti- tree’. Due to the Rookwood have been legislated some of these species. These are expanding nature of Sydney’s suburbs for protection in the Threatened also managed through an annual vast areas of the indigenous vegetation Species Conservation Act 1995, bushland management program of Western Sydney were cleared in the are managed under the control of a within the Rookwood Necropolis. 19th century. Property Management Plan (PMP), ~ Rookwood has some 368 species Rookwood however includes and comprise some 21 hectares. of indigenous plants and 90 areas which are now dominated ~ A Bushland Plan of Management species of native birds and fauna. by indigenous or ‘naturalised’ plant implements specifi c strategies and A further 281 introduced species species providing an important actions for the conservation and occur, including Australian species sanctuary for native fauna and management of the Vegetation not native to the site. (PMP, 2008) birdlife. Rookwood acts as the lungs Conservation Areas including fl ora ~ Rookwood’s population of Cooks of this area of Western Sydney. Its and fauna populations/species River Castlereagh Ironbark Forest ecological values, biological diversity occurring within the Necropolis. represents approximately 25% and natural systems provide a unique These include: two vulnerable of the total community remaining area of signifi cant green space. This fl ora species – Acacia pubescens within the Sydney Basin. green cover and shade reduces heat and Epacris purpurascens var. (PMP, 2008) load and stores carbon. As a large purpurascens; two endangered fl ora ~ Ecological corridors provide area of just under 300 hectares with populations – Pomaderris prunifolia connectivity and habitat for fauna no activity, traffi c or lights at night, and Wahlenbergia multicaulis; and are being encouraged along Rookwood’s green spaces provides two Endangered ecological canals, streets and boundaries. signifi cant shelter for fauna and communities- Cooks River potentially connect with other green Castlereagh Ironbark Community reserves in this area of Sydney. and Cumberland Plain Woodland; The signifi cant ecological values four threatened or vulnerable fauna to be found within Rookwood were populations – Grey Headed Flying recognised in 1995 by listing within the Fox, Green and Golden Bell Frog, Threatened Species Conservation Act. Regent Honeyeater, Common Bent Wing Bat.

Reference Documents Property Management Plan Rookwood 2008 Plant Census (Annual update)

ROOKWOOD ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES HISTORY AND VALUES 027 fl ora 2. issues

Intro line here Rookwood has about the 368 species of vulnerable indigenous # ora and and endangered 90 species of plants in the indegenous fauna.” area

1. 3. 4.

1. VULNERABLE FLORA 2. VULNERABLE FLORA Acacia pubescens Epacris purpurascens var.

Downy Wattle. Shrub 0.5-1.8 metres tall, occuring in Shrub 1-5 metres tall, occuring shale soil environs. in open woodland. Concentrated around Bankstown, Fairfi eld and Rookwood.

3. ENDANGERED FLORA 4. ENDANGERED FLORA Pomaderris prunifolia (var.) Wahlenbergia multicaulis

Shrub 1-3 metres, isolated Tadgell’s Bluebell. population at Rookwood. A perennial tufted herb found in disturbed sites.

Draft Plan of Management 028 HISTORY AND VALUES ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES

Figure 6 Vegetation Conservation Areas

Vegetation Conservation area boundaries

ROOKWOOD VISUAL VALUES HISTORY AND VALUES 029

Visual values

Many areas in Rookwood exhibit a the previous Visual Analysis, part of Many landmarks are present and not perfect balance of heritage structures, the 1993 Plan of Management. The only serve as orientation points within built form and landscape, contributing previous analysis assessed only the the cemetery, these important markers to a highly evocative cultural ‘aesthetic’ value at Rookwood whilst are visible beyond the cemetery landscape. This combination allows the Visual Signifi cance Study not only and defi ne its presence from well the history of Rookwood to be ’read’ provides a review of the visual character beyond Rookwood itself. Noteworthy and appreciated. It is possible to of Rookwood, but identifi es signifi cance examples are the distinctive pines stand on the ridgeline at Hawthorne based on key contributing factors. planted at Rookwood in the Victorian Avenue and see the Harbour Bridge The cultural landscape values and Edwardian burial grounds, that and Centrepoint tower in one direction of Rookwood have been assessed tower over the landscape. The spires of and the Blue Mountains in the other. including a review of signifi cance buildings, St Michael’s Chapel and the Panoramic views over much of the of the heritage, built, natural, and crematorium, are landmarks within the cemetery are also possible from the visual character. This recognises cemetery and beyond, creating a sense highpoints, with the rich tapestry of that Rookwood is a result of human of the cultural signifi cance the place monuments unfolding in the valleys of intervention in the natural landscape holds. Smaller structures and trees also the Necropolis. and records human activities and provide orientation and focal points A Visual Signifi cance Study has values over time, not only physical within smaller precincts of Rookwood. been prepared for Rookwood, updating changes in the landscape.

Sydney War Cemetery walled memorial garden

Draft Plan of Management 030 HISTORY AND VALUES

ROOKWOOD CEMETERY Rookwood’s rich layers of signifi cant vegetation, heritage monuments with a background of city views, within the Anglican Cemetery.

ROOKWOOD HISTORY AND VALUES 031

Draft Plan of Management 032 HISTORY AND VALUES VISUAL VALUES

Many areas in Rookwood The core cultural landscape, heritage and ecological corridors and are exhibit a perfect visual fabric at Rookwood of high interpretive value often associated with spiritual/ balance of heritage and visual signifi cance includes: religious meaning structures, built form ~ Major visual corridors and viewpoints identifi ed ~ Signifi cant trees/vegetation/ and landscape, in the Visual Signifi cance Study botanical items of rarity- contributing to a ~ Historic circulation routes, providing a sense Rookwood is a horticultural of where Rookwood has come from and how gem where rare species, highly evocative it has developed – including their setting and often near endangered cultural landscape.” material fabric species, heritage roses and show piece horticultural ~ Landscape pattern of areas within the State obscurities are present ~ Representative examples of Heritage Register including circulation routes, brick social/religious group burial kerbs, trees, vegetation massing and structures ~ The railway alignment and practices illustrating the strong remaining evidence of this ~ Landscape design and infl uences of prominent social history at Rookwood important transport mode individuals no longer present within the ~ Walled crematorium garden ~ Heritage monuments, features and landmarks cemetery and Spanish Mission style of artistic, creative, technical value -identifi ed in building in its setting, displaying ~ Historic serpentine and separate heritage and archaeological studies a landscape character unseen canals – often designed as a ~ Landscape setting of historic structures, elsewhere in the cemetery highly ornate garden features landmarks, features and heritage vaults complete with urns, fountains, ~ Sydney War Cemetery walled ~ Street hierarchy where established pools and channels garden and setting – unique at Rookwood ~ Tree planting within the street network and ~ High points and ridgelines cemetery – plant species refl ect the landscape being highly visible and ~ Areas of relocated heritage trends and fashions over time, provide commanding long views monuments from Old Sydney Burial Ground, Devonshire Historic circulation routes within Anglican Trust Street, Lewisham and St Thomas Cemetery Maintenance of this fabric, revival of avenues, boundary defi nition and amenity planting at Rookwood will be important in maintaining this signifi cant built and natural resource.

Reference Documents Rookwood Visual Signifi cance Study 2010.

ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNITS HISTORY AND VALUES 033

Management Units By dividing Rookwood into The heritage, ecological and visual values at Twenty four Management smaller, more Rookwood vary within the Necropolis and do Units have been defi ned manageable precincts not conform to the current cemetery boundaries. and group areas of similar activities can focus Management to date has been defi ned by Trust characteristics based on a range on the special boundaries. This plan proposes the concept of factors: of Management Units. The area of each unit is ~ Visual catchment and characteristics of determined by the commonality of the values topographic features these precincts.” within it, with some units transcending Trust ~ Heritage and cultural boundaries. The implication is that common characteristics approaches need to be adopted between Trusts ~ Circulation routes where this occurs. This approach has been agreed in principle by all Trusts. ~ Denominations and character of monumentation The values of the Management Units have been defi ned in the Visual Signifi cance Study ~ Vegetation and landscape by grouping areas with similar physical, cultural pattern. and visual values. These Units recognise that For a detailed description Rookwood is a large cultural landscape of and assessment of the Visual often competing and complicated management Signifi cance of the Management requirements. By dividing Rookwood into smaller, Units an Inventory of all Units is more manageable precincts activities can focus on included in the Rookwood Visual the special characteristics of these precincts. Signifi cance Study. A summary of these Management Units is included in Section 4, Towards Sustainability.

Reference Documents Rookwood Visual Signifi cance Study 2010 Management Unit Policies

Draft Plan of Management 034 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

WAY OF THE CROSS Memorial gardens, Catholic Trust.

ROOKWOOD DEMAND AND SUPPLY TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 035

Towards sustainability

A central issue for the long-term management of the Rookwood Necropolis is the demand for burial places and the ability to meet this demand.

Demand and supply

Challenges

1. Estimating the demand for burial places 2. Maintaining accurate measurements on the available supply of burial places Description

Use of Burial Places Rookwood Necropolis’ contribution to the supply of burial places, and in particular the provision of grave sites, in Sydney over the last decade has been signifi cant. The table below shows burials and for Sydney and Rookwood between 2001 and 2010. Activity 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Sydney Burials (‘000) 8.55 8.31 7.99 8.43 7.79 7.88 7.67 8.37 6.29 8.49 Sydney Cremations (‘000) 13.74 14.92 14.70 14.77 14.10 14.51 15.03 15.38 16.40 14.67 Total Sydney Deaths (‘000) 22.29 23.23 22.69 23.19 21.88 22.39 22.70 23.75 22.68 23.17 Sydney Burials as % of Sydney Total 38.4% 35.8% 35.2% 36.3% 35.6% 35.2% 33.8% 35.2% 27.7% 36.7% Rookwood Burials 2,869 2,949 2,876 2,999 2,964 2,909 2,806 2,874 2,888 2,926 Rookwood Cremations 2,405 2,495 2391 2,383 2,254 2,282 2,444 2,268 2,291 2,426 Rookwood Total 5,274 5,444 5,267 5,382 5,218 5,191 5,250 5,142 5,179 5,352 Rookwood Burials as a % of Rookwood Total 54.4% 54.2% 54.6% 55.7% 56.8% 56.0% 53.4% 55.9% 55.8% 54.7% Rookwood Total as % of Sydney Total 23.7% 23.4% 23.2% 23.2% 23.8% 23.2% 23.1% 21.7% 22.8% 23.1% Source: RNT Burials and Monitor and ABS The main points evident from the above table are: ~ The level of activity in Sydney and at Rookwood has been highly consistent over the decade; ~ Rookwood accounts for almost a quarter of Sydney’s activity (23%); and ~ The average percentage of burials was lower for Sydney (35.0%) than Rookwood (55.2%).

Draft Plan of Management 046 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY HERITAGE AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Heritage and cultural landscape

Challenges Description

1. Balance between Balance between Understanding what is signifi cant- Rookwood’s future land use Rookwood’s future Provisions of the Heritage Act 1977 and heritage conservation land use and heritage Working in a heritage environment can be 2. Cost of maintaining conservation challenging, particularly at Rookwood where Rookwood’s heritage The process of maintaining excavation and ground disturbance is part of 3. Understanding what is the most effi cient use of daily practice. The Act is designed to protect signifi cant – Provisions of land can compromise the known heritage items of State signifi cance, and the Heritage Act conservation of heritage. also heritage items that may not be immediately obvious, for instance potential archaeological 4. Cultural landscape and Cost of maintaining remains. Understanding what is signifi cant, visual signifi cance are Rookwood’s heritage often not readily apparent the requirements under the Act, as well as the Maintenance of Rookwood’s approved exemptions of the Act all contribute to heritage can be seen as non successful management of heritage. income producing. However the benefi ts in maintaining Cultural landscape and visual signifi cance and interpreting the signifi cant are often not readily apparent heritage resources are It is often only when signifi cant heritage items, complimentary to the prime views, trees or landscape character are lost that purpose and assist in promotion they are recognised and appreciated. These of Rookwood as a preferred factors are often experienced in a subtle, sub- location for burial/cremation. conscious manner. By identifying the signifi cance of these items in advance, planning can proceed on an informed basis.

Fireman George Alchin, General Cemetery showing Chinese pavilion, old Independent section Bee Miles grave in foreground

ROOKWOOD HERITAGE AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 047

Issues for the strategy and plan It is often only when signi! cant Inventory of signifi cance Management Units – heritage items, views, The inventory of Rookwood’s signifi cant items a consistent approach trees or landscape of heritage will require updating, maintenance and across Rookwood character are lost that incorporation into management plans to assist Protection of view corridors, they are recognised in the management of heritage and potential interpretation of historic and appreciated.” renewal. Recording all ongoing works within a circulation routes, landscape centralised inventory will assist in the protection of design and interpretation these important items. of heritage are some of the items that can be recognised Consistency in heritage conservation and implemented within each Each Trust’s resource allocation for Management Unit. Guidelines maintenance of the heritage within their allocated for these elements will ensure portions varies. Not all Trusts have established consistency across Rookwood a heritage conservation plan and undertake and reduce the variation in conservation work on a regular basis. The new approach. This plan offers a simplified management structure will work to process for attaining consistency establish procedures for heritage conservation, and, if achieved, will result in a funding strategies and maintenance of the ‘whole of Rookwood’ outcome. inventories to ensure these initiatives are recorded. Using the Management Units as the basis for this has been recommended as the best management approach.

Issue Strategic direction Balance Rookwood’s future land Protect Rookwood’s heritage use with heritage conservation and conserve its environment Provide for maintenance of Raise the profi le of Rookwood Rookwood’s heritage Protect cultural landscape and Protect Rookwood’s heritage visual signifi cance and conserve its environment Establish an Inventory of Protect Rookwood’s heritage Signifi cance and conserve its environment Adopt consistency in heritage Adopt sustainable management conservation practices Apply Management Units – a Protect Rookwood’s heritage consistent approach across and conserve its environment Rookwood Raise the profi le of Rookwood Memorial in the Independent section

Draft Plan of Management MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 053

Management Unit policies

Figure 9 Management Unit boundaries

In this plan the Management Units form the basis for implementing the Vision at Rookwood, following agreement in principle from all of the Trusts. The challenges, identifi ed in this section have raised issues of infrastructure, demand and supply, burial practices, ecology and environment, heritage, fi nancial sustainability, governance and communication. The Management Units provide a framework in which these issues can be addressed. For each Management Unit the Trusts will need to build on the Principles and Guidelines specifi c to their Unit, as well as maintain an awareness of the policies that apply across their units. The key management priority within each Management Unit identifi es the core priority as cemetery, crematorium or conservation as an historic site. Where any vegetation conservation areas are located within the Management Unit these are also identifi ed.

Management Unit Boundaries

Draft Plan of Management 054 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES

Management Unit 1 Wesleyan No. 1 Description State Heritage Register- Listed area. One of the most intact areas with the SHR- intimate in scale, circular parterres and gardens, vaults, and trees. Highly articulated with interpretation of the historic layers available. Design accredited to Charles Moore.

Desired Future Heritage landscape pattern- brick edges, gardens, trees, vaults, entire Victorian design maintained Character and interpreted. Visual connection with Mortuary Station site reinforced. Key Management Conservation as an historic site and interpretation. Priority Management Unit 2 Catholic No. 1 Description State Heritage Register- Listed area. First burial 1867. Alignment of railway spur is visible. Vaults reduce interpretation potential. Landmarks include St Michael the Archangel chapel, some Devonshire St monuments relocated here, Large Bunya, Hoop pines, trees and palms defi ne circulation route. Desired Future Trees and circulation avenues defi ned and maintained, Serpentine protected, Railway spur Character interpreted, Views to Mortuary Station site reinforced. Key Management Heritage conservation and interpretation, Possible burial in areas to be identifi ed whilst not Priority compromising heritage conservation Some cemetery purposes – may be possible without compromising the area. Management Unit 3 Anglican No. 1 Description State Heritage Register- Listed area. First burial 1868. Monuments from Old Sydney Burial ground, George St, relocated here. Strong grid arrangement of circulation paths and trees. Grid layout attributed to Pearce, articulated, ornamental design. Serpentine Victorian gardens provided pleasure ground character to cemetery. Large mature stone, hoop, bunya pines, cedars of Lebanon, palms. Botanic Garden style of planting recommended by JH Maiden. Includes Vegetation Conservation Area. Desired Future Heritage landscape pattern- brick edges, circular gardens, fountains, statuary, monuments, vaults, Character maintained. Tree planting maintained and reinforced. Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP. Some cemetery purposes – in select areas Management Unit 4 Anglican Description Monuments early to late 20th Century. Complimentary to Unit 3 with less detail and smaller nodal features, structures. Pines, palms, trees are visible landmarks. Structures on ridgeline at Hawthorn Ave- All Souls Chapel are also landmarks. Includes Vegetation Conservation Area. Desired Future Western portion from Canal attributed to JH Maiden to be maintained in its landscape pattern, trees Character and materials. Grid arrangement retained. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Heritage conservation – Some areas Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP.

ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 055

Management Unit 5 Anglican Description Post 1940-70’s burial in modifi ed grid- simpler pattern to Edwardian burials of earlier Anglican areas. Bunya and Hoop pines, Date/Canary Is. palms punctuate the grid. Part is located on Hawthorne Ave ridges with panoramic views to CBD. Desired Future Views to east retained to CBD, axial pattern of circulation routes defi ned by palm/pine/tree planting Character retained and reinforced. Alignment of Railway interpreted. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Management Unit 6 Anglican Russian/Serbian Orthodox Description 1940 to post 1950’s burial, in grid layout. Russian Orthodox shrine is a focal point. Desired Future Areas retained to represent social/religious burial of Russian, Serbian Orthodox faith. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Management Unit 7 Mortuary Station No. 1 site Description State Heritage Register – Listed area. Central focus of Victorian cemetery layout attributed to Charles Moore. Mortuary Station No. 1 completed in 1869-James Barnet Architect. Area includes lawn burial, columbarium, Jewish Martyrs Memorial. Prominent high point located on spur ridge, views afforded to and beyond the site. Desired Future Heritage signifi cance of this focal point respected in complimentary burial treatment. Current Character disjointed layout integrated better to refl ect heritage signifi cance. Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Some cemetery purposes – may be possible without compromising the area. Management Unit 8 Presbyterian No. 1 Description State Heritage Register – Listed area. Intact layout of circular and intricate burial pattern, vaults and heritage monuments. Frazer vault provides impressive focal point. Desired Future Original landscape pattern of circular brick kerbs, gutters, cross patterns and tree planting retained. Character Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Some cemetery purposes – may be possible Management Unit 8A General No. 1 Description Not listed in the SHR, although a No. 1 area. Chinese pavilion- 1877 provides Chinese cultural focal point. Area is sparsely marked with sandstone stelae and open in character. Desired Future Alignment of the Railway spur identifi ed and interpreted, Chinese pavilion protected. Character Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Some cemetery purposes – may be possible

Draft Plan of Management 056 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES

Management Unit 9 Catholic Description Late 19th and 20th Century burials in grid layout defi ned by tree lined streets. Brushbox, Canary Is. palms and pines defi ne areas with Serpentine canal draining the western slope. Vaults, stelae, slab and desk monuments. Desired Future Palm/tree planting, signifi cant vegetation retained and reinforced. Brushbox tree avenue on Gilroy Character Ave, Canary Is. palms on Freeman St protected and progressively reinstated where necessary. Canals protected and defi ned, axial views along circulation paths retained defi ning burial areas. Key Management Heritage conservation. Priority Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use and renewal schemes. Management Unit 10 Independent Description Late 19th - early 20th Century burials. Parts included elaborate circular patterned layout with vaults as central focal points. Modifi ed grid layout to remainder Desired Future Protection and conservation of original landscape pattern of one segment in grid – including kerbs, Character gutters, cross patterns, tree planting and vaults. Key Management Heritage conservation to one segment of grid including John Paul Vault and John Dunmore Priority Lang vault. Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use and renewal schemes. Management Unit 11 Independent and Catholic Description Majority of area – 20th Century burials. Low areas and poorly drained around canals, large area allocated to Vegetation Conservation Area in two portions. Desired Future Protection of Vegetation Conservation Areas. Sensitive burial and renewal in other areas- not fully Character utilised at present. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP. Management Unit 12 Jewish and Independent Description State Heritage Register – Listed area. Signifi cant architectural qualities, rich display of monuments, high visibility located on ridgeline and strong connections to Unit 7- Mortuary station site. Jewish area fi rst to be consecrated in Dec.1866. First burial to entire Rookwood in Feb. 1867. Desired Future Original landscape pattern of circular brick kerbs, gutters, burial layout and orientation protected. Character Trees and shrub planting protected and reinforced. Signifi cant as early Jewish burial area and highly articulated layout in both Jewish and Independent. Views are signifi cant. Key Management Conservation as an historic site. Priority Visual corridors and views retained.

ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 057

Management Unit 13 Independent Description A large unit including varied Independent areas – Russian Orthodox, Muslim, Salvation Army, Greek Orthodox, Ukrainian Orthodox. Railway alignment visible in parts with Railway culvert remaining on Barnet Ave. Russian Shrine provides. Landmark on ridge. Vegetation Conservation Area located centrally within valley of this visually enclosed unit. Desired Future Tree avenue following railway alignment protected and reinforced. Railway alignment interpreted, Character railway culvert identifi ed, Vegetation Conservation Area protected, burials sensitive to social groupings, quality and views from unifying ridgeline on edges maintained, Russian Shrine maintained as focal point, trees reinforced. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP. Management Unit 14 Jewish Description Includes the only Jewish Cemetery in use in Sydney pre WW2. Pattern of burial and vegetation refl ects distinct periods of design. North-western area- features, layout and monuments of high conservation value. Desired Future The cultural and historical signifi cance of Area 14A west maintained with possible listing on the Character SHR. Vegetation protected and reinforced along edges and streets. Complimentary infi ll/ burial whilst respecting the cultural/religious requirements. Key Management Cemetery purposes Priority Heritage Conservation Management Unit 15 Crematorium Description First Cremation in 1925 saw burial’s decline at Rookwood. Crematorium tower is a major landmark visible from within and outside Rookwood, reinforced as it is located on the ridgeline. Eastern area includes walled garden complimentary to the Spanish Mission style crematorium. Signifi cant trees are located in enclosed courtyard. Western area of open lawn and tree groupings is less developed. Desired Future Signifi cant trees retained and reinforced. Walled garden and setting of crematorium Chapel retained. Character Key Management Crematorium purposes – Further utilisation for these purposes is possible with an intensifi cation Priority of use. Management Unit 16 Lutheran Description Located on the ridge burial from 1890’s commenced. Rectilinear enclosed courtyards, defi ned by trees and hedges. Intimate in scale with garden character. World War 1 memorial is a focal point on the central axial path. Desired Future Trees and enclosed outdoor rooms retained. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes.

Draft Plan of Management 058 TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES

Management Unit 17 Catholic and Lutheran Description Mortuary Station No. 3 completed in this area in 1897- footings remain. Administrative centre of Catholic Cemetery. Mausoleum, Chapel, crematorium and condolences lounge located on major ridgeline with views south. Lawn burial radiates from ‘Crown of Thorns’ shrine, a landmark on the ridge. Desired Future Importance of the visibility of this ridgeline identifi ed- any structure on it is highly visible. Trees Character reinforced on ridge, views retained. Railway alignment and station footings interpreted. Key Management Cemetery purposes and administration – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of Priority intensifi cation of use, re-use and renewal schemes. Heritage conservation – Mortuary Station footings and location. Management Unit 18 Catholic Description Located south of the main Rookwood ridgeline, includes large variety of 20th Century burials- Croatian, Melkite, Ukrainian, Slovene, Maronite- mostly post 1940’s. Large areas of lawn burials with crypts in the south. Brushbox and Canary Is. Date palms line the streets in part. Lewisham Cemetery monuments relocated here. Desired Future Tree avenues and pattern of circulation retained. Lewisham monuments protected and maintained. Character Additional tree planting to defi ne and soften areas, and reinforce aging/declining trees. View along Sheehy Ave retained in both directions, as a signifi cant avenue. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Management Unit 19 Catholic Description Recent 1980’s development, with tree avenues lining circular road pattern. Well defi ned and enclosed by vegetation with central water feature in gully. New pavilion at top of gully provides a focus. Desired Future Enclosed landscape character retained with tree avenues retained. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes – continued burial, possible intensifi cation of use. Priority Management Unit 20 Anglican and Jewish Description Mortuary Station No. 4 completed in 1908- no longer present with alignment of railway fully buried in Jewish area. Mostly 20th Century burials with Chinese pavilion as a landmark in the centre. Few trees are present, large area of Chinese monumental burials. Trees along Whelan Avenue are important visual defi nition. The ridge on Hawthorne Ave is signifi cant with its views to the CBD. Desired Future Panoramic views from Hawthorne Avenue to CBD retained. Views to Chinese pavilion as a central Character landmark retained. Additional tree planting on edges and streets to defi ne areas. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use where Priority possible.

ROOKWOOD MANAGEMENT UNIT POLICIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY 059

Management Unit 21 Sydney War Cemetery – Garden of Remembrance Description Immaculately maintained areas, defi ned by hedging and enclosed walls. Lawn burial area is uniformly laid out with roses and gardens defi ning each plot. Niche walls in the Garden of Remembrance. Sandstone loggia is an attractive entry point Desired Future Large trees defi ning the area retained and reinforced, character of hedged areas protected. Character Key Management Special cemetery purposes – commemorating eligible veterans whose death can be attributed to Priority operational service. Management Unit 22 Anglican and General Description Recent burial area dating from 1990’s. Includes large monuments with few trees. Vegetation Conservation Area included in the south. Newly released area for burial in south. Desired Future Character of social/religious group burials identifi ed. Opportunity for additional burials. Tree planting Character to boundaries reinforced. Key Management Cemetery purposes – burial in areas to be identifi ed, identifi cation of intensifi cation of use, re- use Priority and renewal schemes. Management Unit 23 Muslim Description Dense palm planting within graves identifi es area as signifi cant cultural diversity at Rookwood. Burial orientation to Mecca – Muslim offi ce provides orientation point. Views south into Unit from Memorial Ave. Desired Future Cultural burial practices retained and diversity legible. New lawn burial area complimentary. Character Key Management Cemetery purposes Priority Management Unit 24 Lot 10: Anglican and General, Lot 7053 Description New burial area in Lot 10. Open and requires additional planting to defi ne and soften. Vegetation Conservation Area present in the east with large transmission towers over. Desired Future Planted boundaries with landscape to defi ne burial areas. Railway boundary treed to screen Character industrial areas beyond. Key Management Cemetery purposes – new burial in Lot 10. Priority Vegetation Conservation Area maintained in accordance with PMP.

One representative Management Unit has been selected to illustrate the Management Unit policies that apply to one representative unit. The complete set of Management Units is included in the Support Documents.

Reference Documents Management Unit policies – Management Units 1 to 24.

Draft Plan of Management