Rookwood Crematorium returns to Metropolitan Memorial Parks

Metropolitan Memorial Parks

1 July 2025

In a historic and symbolic move, Rookwood Crematorium, Australia’s oldest and longest-serving crematorium, officially returns to the stewardship of Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP), marking its 100th year of continuous operation. This momentous transition unites the crematorium with the broader Rookwood General Cemetery and Crematorium, one of the most historically and culturally significant memorial parks in Australia.

A century of service and heritage

First opened in 1925, Rookwood Crematorium holds a foundational place in Australian history as the first crematorium in New South Wales. Today, it remains the longest-serving crematorium in the country. Designed by architect Frank Blomfield, the facility reflects a blend of heritage architecture and tranquil landscaped gardens. For a century, it has provided dignified cremation services to thousands of families.

Now, as part of Metropolitan Memorial Parks, this cherished site includes not only the crematorium itself but also three chapels, dedicated ash memorialisation areas and an on-site office, enabling a significantly expanded service offering for the community.

The return of Rookwood Crematorium to MMP follows the NSW Government’s reforms to improve governance, sustainability and equity across the cemeteries and crematoria sector. In 2024, a decision was made to bring Rookwood Crematorium under the management of Metropolitan Memorial Parks, a Crown land manager with a mandate to deliver high-quality interment services across some of Sydney’s most significant memorial parklands.

This realignment enables more integrated management of services and grounds across the entire Rookwood site. It also contributes directly to MMP’s broader strategic planning goals for interment provision and infrastructure development.

“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rookwood Crematorium, we are thrilled to announce its return to the stewardship of Metropolitan Memorial Parks,” said Denise Ora, CEO of Metropolitan Memorial Parks. “This milestone strengthens our commitment to the families we serve and enhances our efforts to provide sustainable and affordable interment options across Greater Sydney.”

Aerial view of a lush, manicured garden featuring a central fountain, geometric hedges, winding pathways, and shady trees at Rookwood Crematorium.

Shaping Rookwood’s future

As we welcome this cherished facility back into our care, MMP is preparing a masterplan that will consider both the historical value of the crematorium and its surrounding gardens, as well as the growing demand for cremation, burial and ash interment services across Greater Sydney. MMP is committed to:

Increasing burial and ash interment capacity.
Preserving the crematorium’s social and architectural heritage.
Continuing respectful care for all existing memorials.

Continuity and community commitment

For families with loved ones memorialised at Rookwood Crematorium, MMP’s commitment to ongoing care, dignity and continuity remains paramount. Memorials within the crematorium’s grounds will be maintained with the same level of dedication that characterises MMP’s approach across all its locations.

Ash memorialisation areas situated within the adjoining Rookwood General Cemetery will also continue to be available for new placements, offering families additional flexibility and connection within the larger memorial landscape.

This transition ensures the crematorium remains not only operational but responsive to the future needs of Sydney’s communities, while preserving its deep and meaningful legacy.

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