More than one thousand additional grave sites and over 3000 crypt positions have been announced at our two sites extending the viability of Woronora Memorial Park and Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park for at least another forty years. Work has commenced on the provision of the additional interment positions - representing an extra twenty years’ supply for Woronora Memorial Park and a further 20 years for Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park. Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries (SMCNSW) is undertaking this work to increase the availability of grave stock in Southern and Eastern Sydney.

SMCNSW manages two Crown Land cemeteries: the Woronora Memorial Park at Sutherland which was established in 1895 and the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park at Matraville, established in 1893.

Joanne Muller, Chair of SMCNSW, said the better utilisation and consolidation of existing land at both sites had opened up significant new areas for development.

“This new capacity effectively locks in the long term future of both sites,” Ms Muller said.

“It has broader significance in that despite recent reports about the constraints facing many existing cemetery sites, and possible early closure, both Woronora and Eastern continue to have a viable, long term future.

“Some parts of both cemeteries have remained underdeveloped for many years. We are re-landscaping and revitalising many unused or under-utilised areas of existing parks, extending the anticipated lifespan for another forty years, without disturbing any existing burials.

“This announcement will provide certainty for many families that there are still opportunities for them to be buried with their loved ones for many years to come,” she said.

Ms Muller said the additional sites would start to be ready for sale before the end of 2021.

Additionally, Ms Muller said the parks will also be adding to the extensive ash interment space that already exists.

“As both Woronora and Eastern Suburbs have crematorium, each site will continue to operate long after the burial of full remains comes to an end. Our current plans will ensure both parks continue to operate many decades into the future,” Ms Muller said.