A dedicated volunteer group has been working hard to conserve and protect the history of Lutwyche Cemetery, a landmark site in Kedron.
Friends of Lutwyche Cemetery, formed three years ago, is committed to preserving the legacy of the cemetery, which was founded in 1878.
Dr Bradley Scott, a founding member and vice-president of the group, said they came together because Lutwyche was one of the largest cemeteries without a ‘friends of’ group.
“I think that it’s important to have such groups to make sure that the cemetery is looked after and to keep Council, who are in charge of maintenance, accountable,” Dr Scott said.
Located on Gympie Road, the cemetery is home to some of the area’s earliest surviving structures, including a 134-year-old shelter. It also features a significant Commonwealth War Graves Commission burial section and hosts ANZAC Day ceremonies, making it a vital part of the community’s heritage.
Restoration, Conservation, and Community Support
The volunteers organise monthly working bees to clean headstones, remove weeds and tend to the graves.
“We re-letter inscriptions on granite headstones with permission of families of the deceased,” Dr Scott said. “One of our members is university-trained in cemetery practice, so she is in charge of this.”
Recently, the group cleaned and tidied the graves of a WWI and WWII veteran and his wife. They re-lettered the inscription and removed a rust stain from the granite, following best practice conservation techniques.
In addition to their clean-up efforts, Friends of Lutwyche Cemetery has hosted demonstrations on how to properly conserve memorials and headstones.
Dr Scott has also led history tours, offering insights into the cemetery’s past, including what happened when space at the cemetery became limited.
“There is nowhere quite like Lutwyche Cemetery,” he said. “With a little effort, it can be maintained to a high standard for future generations to enjoy but it can’t do it alone. It needs Council and volunteer help to prevent decay and ruin.
“Sometimes we feel as if we can’t do as much as we would like because our hands are tied, so hopefully that is something that can improve in the future.”
The group is calling on the community for support, encouraging people to report vandalism, dangerous trees and neglected maintenance.
“We are always looking for new members with new ideas,” Dr Scott said.
For more information, visit Friends of Lutwyche Cemetery on Facebook.
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