Recently the history behind another slice of Canberra’s past came to life when Mary unveiled a new interpretive sign in Evatt.
The interpretive sign tells the history of the site, dating back to 1861. The unmarked cemetery was largely destroyed by roadworks and development of the land in the 1970s and 1980s. The site was formerly a donation of 1.5 hectares of land by Robert Campbell of Duntroon in 1841 for a church, school and cemetery.
“Little remains today to hint of either the church or cemetery, save for two plaques which were placed at the site in 1995. But we do know that between 1872 and 1900 at least 18 burials took place here,” Mary said.
Recent fencing and landscaping works by ACT Government staff, together with the new interpretive sign, help restore the site to one of reflection and contemplation, giving it the recognition and respect it deserves.
“Six more signs have recently been installed at other cemetery sites within the ACT, including Hall, Woden and De Salis cemeteries, as part of the self-drive Canberra Tracks Heritage trails,” she concluded.
The Evatt unmarked cemetery is located on the corner of Copland Drive and Moynihan Street in Evatt.
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