Cemetery information signs are getting revamped thanks to the Kyabram Lions and the Kyabram Club. Pictured are Lions members John Alford and David Livsey, with Ky Club general manager Ben Offard.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The Kyabram Cemetery holds hundreds of untold stories, and while not every one can be shared, the Kyabram Lions are working hard to preserve some of that local history.
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The Kyabram Lions, in partnership with the Cemetery Trust and the Kyabram Club, have been working to preserve the information signs that are placed in front of prominent figures’ gravestones from around the district.
There are about 23 plaques erected in front of grave sites, many honouring the people behind Kyabram’s familiar street names, such as Robert Breen, John Allan and James Haslem, sharing their remarkable contributions to the town.
The boards feature meticulously researched history, primarily compiled by respected local history expert Eileen Sullivan, whose dedication has preserved these important stories.
Robert Breen’s information plaque is one of 15 restored thanks to the joint efforts of the Kyabram Lions, the Kyabram Club and the Kyabram Cemetery Trust.
Photo by
Jemma Jones
The information boards were first installed over a decade ago, and while some have stood the test of time, others have become cracked and discoloured by the elements.
The Lions recognised the need to act and have been collaborating with the Cemetery Trust since Anzac Day this year, working to restore and recolour the signs to ensure these stories survive for future generations.
Through the generous partnership between the Lions, Kyabram Club and the trust, 15 plaques have been completely restored for just $3000, bringing them back to pristine condition.
Kyabram Club general manager Ben Offard said the board was happy to step up and support the project.
“The club is based around what we can give to the community, so this a perfectly good example of what we can do,” Mr Offard said.
Lions chairman David Livsey said it was important for the group to preserve the history of some of Kyabram’s most notable figures.
“We had come out here earlier this year and were having a look around and noticed a lot of the signs had faded — so we went to the Trust and said let’s do a joint project,” Mr Livsey said.
“We identified it as a worthwhile project — it’s our history, we need to keep it intact.”
The organisations encouraged anyone interested in learning about the history of some of Kyabram’s most notable figures to head to the cemetery directory and find the information plaques dotted across the site.
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