Published Tuesday, 24 July, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
YARRABAH COUNCIL RECEIVES FUNDS FOR HISTORIC CEMETERY
The Queensland Government will partner with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council to repair and record graves at one of its historic cemeteries, Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten announced today.
Mr Schwarten said a grant of $6,350 from the Department of Public Works’ Community Memorials Restoration Program would also contribute to landscaping, fencing and construction of a monument on the site.
“The cemetery is no longer used for public burials, but it is of significance to many people associated with the Yarrabah community,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Many of the people laid to rest there were pioneers of the community, associated with the early progress and development of Yarrabah.”
Mr Schwarten said Yarrabah Council would consult widely in the restoration project, with valuable information about the site being available from St Alban’s Parish and the Menmuny Museum at Yarrabah.
“I understand the council also intends to implement a public awareness campaign about the cemetery and the work undertaken so people can appreciate and celebrate the contribution pioneers made to the area,” he said.
“The Government understands that it can be difficult for some local authorities and community groups to fully fund special projects such as this, so we are happy to be able to partner with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Council to preserve this historic cemetery.”
Around Queensland, 46 communities will share in more than $576,000 in subsidy funds from the Community Memorial Restoration Program in the 2007-2008 round of grants.
Since 2004, the Program has funded 144 projects across the State providing a total of $1.22 million in dollar-for-dollar subsidies to councils and community organisations to help restore local monuments and other icons.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said a grant of $6,350 from the Department of Public Works’ Community Memorials Restoration Program would also contribute to landscaping, fencing and construction of a monument on the site.
“The cemetery is no longer used for public burials, but it is of significance to many people associated with the Yarrabah community,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Many of the people laid to rest there were pioneers of the community, associated with the early progress and development of Yarrabah.”
Mr Schwarten said Yarrabah Council would consult widely in the restoration project, with valuable information about the site being available from St Alban’s Parish and the Menmuny Museum at Yarrabah.
“I understand the council also intends to implement a public awareness campaign about the cemetery and the work undertaken so people can appreciate and celebrate the contribution pioneers made to the area,” he said.
“The Government understands that it can be difficult for some local authorities and community groups to fully fund special projects such as this, so we are happy to be able to partner with the Yarrabah Aboriginal Council to preserve this historic cemetery.”
Around Queensland, 46 communities will share in more than $576,000 in subsidy funds from the Community Memorial Restoration Program in the 2007-2008 round of grants.
Since 2004, the Program has funded 144 projects across the State providing a total of $1.22 million in dollar-for-dollar subsidies to councils and community organisations to help restore local monuments and other icons.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832