Welcome to the Colac Cemetery.
The land for the Colac Cemetery was officially gazette on the 23rd August 1858. But it wasn't until 1885 that 17 acres was formally reserved for the purpose of burials. The earliest burial on record is William Pink who died on the 6th September 1854 aged 12 months.
Entry is through the cast iron gates, and you are welcomed with a Canary Island palm and an Edwardian pavilion which was the cemeteries office until 2019.
The cemetery is surrounded by a large manicured cypress hedge. Stretching just over half a kilometre and with a thickness of around 3 metres. It was planted around 1885. In 2015 a section of the hedge was set on fire by some arsonists. The area was replanted immediately, and today its hard to even see where the fire was.
The Geelong Cemetery trust took over the administration and operations of the Colac cemetery in 2014, and since then have made improvements such as trees and roses planted throughout the cemetery.
Every year from 20th - 27th April there are over 1000 Australian Flags are placed at the known graves of Australian service men and women commemorating ANZAC Day. This anniversary has captured local, national and international attention as a unique way to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Can we please ask people not to climb through the fence to enter the cemetery.
The puzzle:
S38 _ _ . _ _ _
E143 _ _ . _ _ _
Click here for the puzzle