INTERPRETIVE SIGN REVEALS FORGOTTEN EVATT HISTORY

Today, the history behind another slice of Canberra’s yesteryear came to life when Ms Mary Porter MLA, Member for Ginninderra, unveiled a new interpretive sign in Evatt.

The sign at the Evatt unmarked cemetery tells the history of this site (dating back to 1861) which was largely destroyed by roadworks and development of the land in the 1970s and 1980s, Ms Porter said.

“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 know that between 1872 and 1900 at least 18 burials took place here.”

Ms Porter said the interpretive sign tells the story of this site which was born out of a donation of 1.5 hectares of land by Robert Campbell of Duntroon in 1841 for a church, school and cemetery.

“The sign then follows the timeline through to the current Parish of St Paul’s Ginninderra.”

Ms Porter, said the demand for the services of the church and the cemetery declined when the nearby village of Hall was officially opened.

“The church slowly deteriorated and was never repaired after a violent storm in 1904.”

“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.”

Ms Porter said 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.

The Evatt unmarked cemetery is located on the corner of Copland Drive and Moynihan Street, Evatt.

Following the unveiling, Reverend Doug Newman of St Paul’s Ginninderra Anglican Church, led a commemorative service.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au