Original Catholic Cemetery - Site of

Statement of Significance

DEMOLISHED
The Original Roman Catholic Cemetery was an important place for the Roman Catholic Diocese from days of early settlement as their place of burial. In 1951 families were given notice to remove all graves and headstones to the new Public Cemetery at their own expense. It is estimated that there are still about 520 graves under the sand dunes.

Physical Description

Public Open Space. It is estimated that there are 520 graves under the sand dunes.
There is no visible evidence of the cemetery except for a signpost erected by the Council to mark the site.

History

Comprising an area of 1 acre 3 perches on Lot 300, Reserve 23888 was surveyed for the purpose of a Roman Catholic Cemetery when Ommaney surveyed the Bunbury Townsite in 1841.

On 17 November 1842, Eliza Keegan, a young mother, was the first person to be buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery. Some 550 Roman Catholic settlers and their descendents were also interred there before the cemetery closed in 1954.

The decision to close was partly due to sand movement covering the graves. The land was returned to the Crown in 1951 and some graves were relocated to the new Bunbury Town Cemetery, including nine Sisters of Mercy and Father Dean Martelli. Others were given permission to remove their relatives to the new town cemetery, provided it was at their own expense. The opportunity was beyond the means of many families in the post-War period.

The old Catholic Cemetery was graded in 1954 and it is estimated that there are 520 graves under the sand dunes.

There is no visible evidence of the graveyard except for a signpost erected by the Council to mark the site. A public Day of Remembrance Mass was held on the site on Monday 6 June 1994 during West Week.

Integrity/Authenticity

No visible evidence of graveyard exists except for a signpost erected by the Council marking this site.

Condition

Public Open Space now covered by sand dunes.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.