5. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

HEADSTONES AND GRAVE FURNITURE

Description: The headstones overall are modest and typical of the other cemeteries assessed. Those headstones dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century are often upright stele in style and in many instances with cast iron fence surrounds. Towards the mid twentieth century lower profile headstones became more common sometimes including a concrete or sandstone surround to delineate the grave. From the 1980s beam interments were the norm.

Analysis: Representative of the transition of headstone styles from the late nineteenth century to the present day. In terms of management, the earliest stele headstone and cast-iron surrounds are most vulnerable to damage resulting from their age, style and type of material. That risk of damage decreases with the lower profile mid-late twentieth century headstones with the beam style headstone by nature most resilient to damage.

Ranking: High

Late ninteenth to early twetieth century headstone. Mid-late twentieth century headstones. Late twentieth century beam headstones.

MEMORIAL FEATURES – COLUMBARIA, MEMORIAL WALLS AND CHAPELS

Description: Belmont Cemetery has both memorial walls and columbaria, but no chapel. In recent years, the growing popularity of cremation has led to a demand for columbaria.

Analysis: The memorial walls and columbaria have been introduced to the cemetery since 2000. Their style is utilitarian and not conducive to the low-key appearance of the headstones.

Ranking: Low

Memorial boulder Columbaria

GATES AND FENCES

Description: Belmont Cemetery has an aluminium entrance gate that replicates an earlier cast iron style. Replica. The gates stand-alone without a complimentary fence. The gates are locked each night and re-opened in the morning by a member of the ‘Friends of Belmont Cemetery’ who lives close by. The fence on the western side is of treated pine and wire. Sections of the southern and eastern fence are of steel and wire fence, likely intended to stop access via 4WD or motorbikes.

Analysis: The gates and fences appear adequate to their task.

Ranking: Moderate

Entrance gate Entrance gate with sign Fencing parallel to Green Street

SIGNAGE

Description: The large Council erected entrance sign is consistent with all others for Lake Macquarie Cemeteries. A sign on the front gate, possibly placed by the ‘Friends of Belmont Cemetery’ is in poor condition and has a significant spelling error. There are sign indicating denomination however there are no row markers.

Analysis: The Council sign is consistent to all cemeteries. The front gate sign would be best removed. A more comprehensive sign that contains information such as: a plan of the cemetery layout, a brief history, information on graves of note and contact details for the ‘Friends of Belmont Cemetery’ (if they are agreeable) is warranted.

Ranking: Low