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History
RGC-History-Mortuary-Station

Our collective history

Metropolitan Memorial Park's eight distinct parks paint a collective portrait of the past. Each site offers a unique glimpse into our history reflecting the social, cultural, and religious landscapes of Sydney and Newcastle across generations.

Restoration of the Frazer Mausoleum

This iconic landmark, built in 1894 from stunning Pyrmont sandstone, has been revived to its former glory after years of decay.

This extraordinary structure, renowned for its exquisite alabaster sarcophagus – one of only a few outside Europe – is a significant part of Australia's architectural and cultural heritage. 

 

Listed on the state heritage register, the Frazer Mausoleum is a testament to Australia's rich history and architectural heritage.

Timeline

RGC-History-Mortuary-Station-1024x768
Haslams Creek Cemetery

1867

Haslams Creek Cemetery (where Rookwood General Cemetery is located today) was consecrated to coincide with the closure of Devonshire Street Cemetery. The mortuary train (pictured) commenced with twice daily services running from Sydney’s Central Station No.1.
Rookwood Cemetery and Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery

1868

The Necropolis Act (1867) came into force on 1 January 1868 formally dedicating the Rookwood Cemetery and establishing cemetery trusts. Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery was established by then politician, William Turks.

Sandgate Cemetery

1881

Sandgate Cemetery opened and continues to serve the people of Newcastle and the Greater Region to this day.
Botany Cemetery

1888

Land in the Eastern Suburbs district of Sydney was dedicated as Botany Cemetery. Bunnerong Cemetery opened to take unclaimed remains from the former Devonshire Street Cemetery (pictured).
Field of Mars Cemetery

1890

Field of Mars Cemetery was established.
Woronora Cemetery

1895

Woronora Cemetery was established on 1 April 1895. The first interment occurred the following day, 2 April 1895.
Northern Suburbs General Cemetery

1902

Northern Suburbs General Cemetery was committed, although it would be another two decades until the first burial.
Frenchs Forest General Cemetery

1932

Frenchs Forest General Cemetery was gazetted by the Lands Department, and officially dedicated in 1937.
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park

1972

Bunnerong Cemetery, Botany Cemetery, and Eastern Suburbs Crematorium amalgamated to create Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park.
Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium

2004

Northern Suburbs General Cemetery was renamed Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. The crematorium and three chapels were established.
Metropolitan Memorial Parks

2023

On 1 July 2023, Metropolitan Memorial Parks was gazetted by the Lands Departments to formally amalgamate Northern Cemeteries, Rookwood General Cemetery and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries.

1867

Haslams Creek Cemetery (where Rookwood General Cemetery is located today) was consecrated to coincide with the closure of Devonshire Street Cemetery. The mortuary train commenced with twice daily services running from Sydney’s Central Station No.1.

 

1868

The Necropolis Act (1867) came into force on 1 January 1868 formally dedicating the Rookwood Cemetery and establishing cemetery trusts. Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery was established by then politician, William Turks.

 

1881

Sandgate Cemetery opened and continues to serve the people of Newcastle and the Greater Region to this day.

 

1888

Land in the eastern suburbs district of Sydney was dedicated as Botany Cemetery. Bunnerong Cemetery opened to take unclaimed remains from the former Devonshire Street Cemetery.

 

1890

Field of Mars Cemetery was established.

 

1895

Woronora Cemetery was established on 1 April 1895. The first interment occurred the following day, 2 April 1895.

 

1902

Northern Suburbs General Cemetery was committed, although it would be another two decades until the first burial.

 

1932

Frenchs Forest General Cemetery was gazetted by the Lands Department, and officially dedicated in 1937.

 

1972

Bunnerong Cemetery, Botany Cemetery, and Eastern Suburbs Crematorium amalgamated to create Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park.

 

2004

Northern Suburbs General Cemetery was renamed Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. The crematorium and three chapels were established.

 

2023

On 1 July 2023, Metropolitan Memorial Parks was gazetted by the Lands Departments to formally amalgamate Northern Cemeteries, Rookwood General Cemetery and Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries.

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