As CEO of the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust which runs Sutherland’s Woronora Memorial Park and the Matraville’s Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, Graham Boyd ensures the community feels confident knowing their loved ones have somewhere to rest in peace.
Unsurprisingly, the biggest concern for a 21st century metropolitan cemetery is land.
“We’ve probably got 30 to 40 years left of burial space left,” explained Graham. “But there’s a lot of variables that will affect that.”
These include new funerary technologies, and the willingness of the next generation to embrace cremation.
Capital works is another concern. Hosting around 2,100 cremations and 650 burials onsite every year, Woronora’s existing chapel facilities are finding it a challenge to keep up with demand.
“In terms of the chapel numbers, more demand is generally on Fridays, and you’re looking at around 1,800 chapel services using two Art Deco chapels each year,” he said.
And the numbers will only grow, if the statistics are to be believed. Graham said Australia’s death rate was set to double by 2051, from 150,000 to over 300,000 per annum. “There’s a deferral of death going on at the moment due to medical science, but it doesn’t prevent it,” he said. “We need to create the infrastructure to handle rising demand for the next two and three decades.”
It’s clear Woronora is an integral part of the community and it’s in part thanks to the tireless efforts of Graham and his team that the place is more than just the traditional image of a cemetery in the Shire. With the building of a state-of-the-art new Chapel, Woronora will be equipped to keep performing its critical services for that community. And for Shire residents, Woronora is a favourite place for eternal rest.
“We have some natural practical advantages, such as being close to transport, but I think ultimately, it’s lovely here. It’s a beautiful place to come.”
See related story: New Woronora chapel: Community invited to vote on design
