Yan Yean Cemetery's grounds tell a story of Whittlesea's history and cultural diversity, while its peaceful setting and artistic monuments make Yan Yean a fascinating place to visit all year round.
The Yan Yean Cemetery was first used in the early 1850s when the first death among the labourers employed by the contractor, Joseph Martindale who constructed Yan Yean Reservoir embankment, occurred.
Photo credit: Lindsay Mann, wikinorthia.net.au
Dr William Ronald owned the land and donated the 10 acres that is the current cemetery.
The first Trust Members, George Sherwin, Dr. William Ronald and David Johnston were appointed in 1854, the official beginnings of the Yan Yean Cemetery. In 1865 further Trust Members were appointed – Thomas Hughes, John Gibson and James Ryan.
In 1870 the Trust employed a Sexton to revise the Interment Register and who designed the Sexton’s Lodge, which was used as a ‘storeroom’ and ‘office’. Now the Sexton’s Lodge is a significant heritage component of the cemetery.
The oldest headstone was constructed in 1858 and is found behind the two-trunked oak tree in Compartment 2, bounded by the gravel track and centre bitumen road. The headstone is for the Johnston family members of which William Johnston was the first official burial at Yan Yean. (His burial was allocated the burial number of 0001.
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The cache is a 3d printed container.
Please replace exactly as found.
Bibliography: https://www.yanyeancemetery.com.au/
The cache has been placed outside of the cemetery's grounds at the request of the Yan Yean Cemetery Trust.
ADVICE TO PUBLIC REGARDING EXTREME RAIN-WATER IMPACTS
Recent extreme rain events have impacted parts of the cemetery grounds.
Please note that areas within the grounds may be holding surface water and may be slippery and/or unstable. Take all reasonable care when visiting.
Management acknowledges these circumstances and are currently engaging with suitable industry service providers to undertake a program of progressive infrastructure works to manage these circumstances.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to enhance the grounds.
Yan Yean Cemetery Trust (Nov. 2022)