The Boroondara General Cemetery is registered by Heritage VictoriaFrom Heritage Victoria Statement of Significance Last updated on - December 15, 2005 What is significant? Boroondara Cemetery, established in 1858, is within an unusual triangular reserve bounded by High Street, Park Hill Road and Victoria Park, Kew. The caretaker's lodge and administrative office (1860 designed by Charles Vickers, additions, 1866-1899 by Albert Purchas) form a picturesque two-storey brick structure with a slate roof and clock tower. A rotunda or shelter (1890, Albert Purchas) is located in the centre of the cemetery: this has an octagonal hipped roof with fish scale slates and a decorative brick base with a tessellated floor and timber seating. The cemetery is surrounded by a 2.7 metre high ornamental red brick wall (1895-96, Albert Purchas) with some sections of vertical iron palisades between brick pillars. Albert Purchas was a prominent Melbourne architect who was the Secretary of the Melbourne General Cemetery from 1852 to 1907 and Chairman of the Boroondara Cemetery Board of Trustees from 1867 to 1909. He made a significant contribution to the design of the Boroondara Cemetery Boroondara Cemetery is an outstanding example of the Victorian Garden Cemetery movement in Victoria, retaining key elements of the style, despite overdevelopment which has obscured some of the paths and driveways. Elements of the style represented at Boroondara include an ornamental boundary fence, a system of curving paths which are kerbed and follow the site's natural contours, defined views, recreational facilities such as the rotunda, a landscaped park like setting, sectarian divisions for burials, impressive monuments, wrought and cast iron grave surrounds and exotic symbolic plantings. In the 1850s cemeteries were located on the periphery of populated areas because of concerns about diseases like cholera. They were designed to be attractive places for mourners and visitors to walk and contemplate. Typically cemeteries were arranged to keep religions separated and this tended to maintain links to places of origin, reflecting a migrant society. Other developments included cast iron entrance gates, built in 1889 to a design by Albert Purchas; a cemetery shelter or rotunda, built in 1890, which is a replica of one constructed in the Melbourne General Cemetery in the same year; an ornamental brick fence erected in 1896-99(?); the construction and operation of a terminus for a horse tram at the cemetery gates during 1887-1915; and the Springthorpe Memorial built between 1897 and 1907. A brick cremation wall and a memorial rose garden were constructed near the entrance in the mid- twentieth century(c.1955-57) and a mausoleum completed in 2001.The maintenance shed/depot close to High Street was constructed in 1987. The original entrance was altered in 2000 and the original cast iron gates moved to the eastern entrance of the Mausoleum. The Springthorpe Memorial (VHR 522) set at the entrance to the burial ground commemorates Annie Springthorpe, and was erected between 1897 and 1907 by her husband Dr John Springthorpe. It was the work of the sculptor Bertram Mackennal, architect Harold Desbrowe Annear, landscape designer and Director of the Melbourne Bortanic Gardens, W.R. Guilfoyle, with considerable input from Dr Springthorpe The memorial is in the form of a small temple in a primitive Doric style. It was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear and includes Bertram Mackennal sculptures in Carrara marble. Twelve columns of deep green granite from Scotland support a Harcourt granite superstructure. The roof by Brooks Robinson is a coloured glass dome, which sits within the rectangular form and behind the pediments. The sculptural group raised on a dais, consists of the deceased woman lying on a sarcophagus with an attending angel and mourner. The figure of Grief crouches at the foot of the bier and an angel places a wreath over Annie's head, symbolising the triumph of immortal life over death. The body of the deceased was placed in a vault below. The bronze work is by Marriots of Melbourne. Professor Tucker of the University of Melbourne composed appropriate inscriptions in English and archaic Greek lettering.. The floor is a geometric mosaic and the glass dome roof is of Tiffany style lead lighting in hues of reds and pinks in a radiating pattern. The memorial originally stood in a landscape triangular garden of about one acre near the entrance to the cemetery. However, after Dr Springthorpe's death in 1933 it was found that transactions for the land had not been fully completed so most of it was regained by the cemetery. A sundial and seat remain. The building is almost completely intact. The only alteration has been the removal of a glass canopy over the statuary and missing chains between posts. The Argus (26 March 1933) considered the memorial to be the most beautiful work of its kind in Australia. No comparable buildings are known. The Syme Memorial (1908) is a memorial to David Syme, political economist and publisher of the Melbourne Age newspaper. The Egyptian memorial designed by architect Arthur Peck is one of the most finely designed and executed pieces of monumental design in Melbourne. It has a temple like form with each column having a different capital detail. These support a cornice that curves both inwards and outwards. The tomb also has balustradings set between granite piers which create porch spaces leading to the entrance ways. Two variegated Port Jackson Figs are planted at either end. The Cussen Memorial (VHR 2036) was constructed in 1912-13 by Sir Leo Cussen in memory of his young son Hubert. Sir Leo Finn Bernard Cussen (1859-1933), judge and member of the Victorian Supreme Court in 1906. was buried here. The family memorial is one of the larger and more impressive memorials in the cemetery and is an interesting example of the 1930s Gothic Revival style architecture. It takes the form of a small chapel with carvings, diamond shaped roof tiles and decorated ridge embellishing the exterior. By the 1890s, the Boroondara Cemetery was a popular destination for visitors and locals admiring the beauty of the grounds and the splendid monuments. The edge of suburban settlement had reached the cemetery in the previous decade. Its Victorian garden design with sweeping curved drives, hill top views and high maintenance made it attractive. In its Victorian Garden Cemetery design, Boroondara was following an international trend. The picturesque Romanticism of the Pere la Chaise garden cemetery established in Paris in 1804 provided a prototype for great metropolitan cemeteries such as Kensal Green (1883) and Highgate (1839) in London and the Glasgow Necropolis (1831). Boroondara Cemetery was important in establishing this trend in Australia. The cemetery's beauty peaked with the progressive completion of the spectacular Springthorpe Memorial between 1899 and 1907. From about the turn of the century, the trustees encroached on the original design, having repeatedly failed in attempts to gain more land. The wide plantations around road boundaries, grassy verges around clusters of graves in each denomination, and most of the landscaped surround to the Springthorpe memorial are now gone. Some of the original road and path space were resumed for burial purposes. The post war period saw an increased use of the Cemetery by newer migrant groups. The mid- to late- twentieth century monuments were often placed on the grassed edges of the various sections and encroached on the roadways as the cemetery had reached the potential foreseen by its design. These were well tended in comparison with Victorian monuments which have generally been left to fall into a state of neglect. The Boroondara Cemetery features many plants, mostly conifers and shrubs of funerary symbolism, which line the boundaries, road and pathways, and frame the cemetery monuments or are planted on graves. The major plantings include an impressive row of Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa), interplanted with Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), and a few Pittosporum crassifolium, along the High Street and Parkhill Street, where the planting is dominated by Sweet Pittosporum. Planting within the cemetery includes rows and specimen trees of Bhutan Cypress and Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), including a row with alternate plantings of both species. The planting includes an unusual "squat" form of an Italian Cypress. More of these trees probably lined the cemetery roads and paths. Also dominating the cemetery landscape near the Rotunda is a stand of 3 Canary Island Pines (Pinus canariensis), a Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii) and a Weeping Elm (Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii') Amongst the planting are the following notable conifers: a towering Bunya Bunya Pine (Araucaria bidwillii), a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), a rare Golden Funeral Cypress (Chamaecyparis funebris 'Aurea'), two large Funeral Cypress (Chamaecyparis funebris), and the only known Queensland Kauri (Agathis robusta) in a cemetery in Victoria. The Cemetery records, including historical plans of the cemetery from 1859, are held by the administration and their retention enhances the historical significance of the Cemetery. How is it significant? Boroondara Cemetery is of aesthetic, architectural, scientific (botanical) and historical significance to the State of Victoria. Why is it significant? The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical and aesthetic significance as an outstanding example of a Victorian garden cemetery. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance as a record of Victorian life from the 1850s, and the early settlement of Kew. It is also significant for its ability to demonstrate, through the design and location of the cemetery, attitudes towards burial, health concerns and the importance placed on religion, at the time of its establishment. The Boroondara Cemetery is of architectural significance for the design of the gatehouse or sexton's lodge and cemetery office (built in stages from 1860 to 1899), the ornamental brick perimeter fence and elegant cemetery shelter to the design of prominent Melbourne architects, Charles Vickers (for the original 1860 cottage) and Albert Purchas, cemetery architect and secretary from 1864 to his death in 1907. The Boroondara Cemetery has considerable aesthetic significance which is principally derived from its tranquil, picturesque setting; its impressive memorials and monuments; its landmark features such as the prominent clocktower of the sexton's lodge and office, the mature exotic plantings, the decorative brick fence and the entrance gates; its defined views; and its curving paths. The Springthorpe Memorial (VHR 522), the Syme Memorial and the Cussen Memorial (VHR 2036), all contained within the Boroondara Cemetery, are of aesthetic and architectural significance for their creative and artistic achievement. The Boroondara Cemetery is of scientific (botanical) significance for its collection of rare mature exotic plantings. The Golden Funeral Cypress, (Chamaecyparis funebris 'Aurea') is the only known example in Victoria. The Boroondara Cemetery is of historical significance for the graves, monuments and epitaphs of a number of individuals whose activities have played a major part in Australia's history. They include the Henty family, artists Louis Buvelot and Charles Nuttall, businessmen John Halfey and publisher David Syme, artist and diarist Georgiana McCrae, actress Nellie Stewart and architect and designer of the Boroondara and Melbourne General Cemeteries, Albert Purchas.Digital imagescemetery, boroondara, kew, gatehouse, clock, tower, clocktower, heritage, memorial, henty

Fawcett Hall is 14 kilometres North West of Alexandra, North East Victoria, in Spring Creek Road and is set amongst a small picturesque rural farming and business community with hills as a backdrop and Stony Creek running alongside the public reserves property boundary. Part of our hall building dates back to its establishment in 1882. Originally the hall served as a Mechanics Institute and Public Library and later as a primary school.Colour photograph of a weatherboard Hall.fawcett hall and public library, fawcett, fawcett mechanics' institute

Studio portrait of Dorothy Armstrong as the winning Queen of the 1924 Queen Carnival, in aid of the Vermont Sports Reserve. Her attendants are Stuart Corr, Lily Stevens and Lucy Brockell. The photograph is mounted on card.vermont reserve, armstrong, dorothy jean, queen carnival 1924, corr, stuart, brockell, lucy, stevens, lily

Coloured photograph of the Rotunda in South Parade Blackburn on the Railway Reserve - 2012blackburn rotunda, south parade, blackburn

An invitation was sent to the Whitehorse Historical Society by the organisers of the Healesville freeway Community Day. An information tent was set up to answer enquiries.Coloured photograph of the Whitehorse Historical Society information tent at the Community Day in relation to the use of the Healesville Freeway Reserve.healesville freeway reservation community day. whitehorse historical society

Whitehorse Historical Society was invited to attend the Community Day located near Strathdon House on the land of the Healesville Freeway Reservation, Springvale Rd, Forest Hill on 26.5.2013. The Whitehorse cyclist seen near the western side of the Reserve organised the bike ride that was part of the day's activities.Coloured photograph of the Whitehorse Cyclist marque at the western end of the Healesville Freeway Reservation 26.5.2013healesville freeway community day 2013. whitehorse historical society

The Mitcham Football Club was established in 1888. Known as the 'Tigers', their colours are black and yellow and their home ground is at Walker Park, Mitcham. Originally the club played on the Reporter and District League where they won premierships in 1904, 1905, 1914, 1915 and 1921, then in the Eastern Suburbs Football League they won a premiership in 1947. At present (2015) they compete in the Eastern Football League and filed senior, reserves, under 19's and 6 junior Teams.Black and white photograph of the Mitcham Football team and supporters taken outside in1904.Mitcham F.C Premises is written on the bottom of photographmitcham football club, sporting clubs, football clubs

William Henry Slater emigrated from England and began growing medicinal herbs near Koonung Creek, Blackburn North in 1862. He also distilled eucalyptus oil for use at Melbourne Hospital and it was exported overseas under the 'O'Possum' brand. He later replanted his land with orchards but land taxes and rates forced the sale of the property. In 1979 the Nunawading Council purchased 7 acres of the land, now called , Slater ReserveColour photograph of the Slater family tombstone at Box Hill Cemetery. William Henry Slater died 23 May 1894 - 66 years of age Mary Ann Slater died 12 August 1912 - 83 years of ageslater, william henry, mary ann, herb farms, slater reserve

Wurundjeri walk, which runs alongside Fulton Road, Blackburn South, was officially opened in 1992 by Mayor, Cr. Savaas Athan, and Wurundjeri Tribal Elder, Mrs Winnie Bridges. The walk is named after the Wurundjeri tribe who once lived in the areaFive coloured photographs of the opening of the Wurundjeri Wetlands in Blackburn South in 1992. (Three photos of wetlands and 2 of crowd under umbrellas) See also ND808parks and reserves, recreation facilities, wurundjeri walk

John Addie, then of Wattle Valley Road , Mitcham was made citizen of the year for the City of Nunawading for his leadership role in liaising with Nunawading Council re the formation of the Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve. Coloured photo of John Addie turning the first sod at a ceremony to mark the beginning of Yarran Dheran project in early 1970s.addie john, yarran dheran, parks and reserves

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve NP2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of the entrance to the Basketball Stadium.slaters reserve, stadium, basketball

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve NP2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of the City of Whitehorse Community Garden to the north of the Stadium. This was the second Community Garden in this City established by the former City of Nunawading. The Community Garden in Jolimont Road Nunawading was the first garden established. It was also the first Community Garden established in Australia.slaters reserve, stadium, basketball, community gardens

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve ND2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of the recreational area of Slaters Reserve slaters reserve, stadium, basketball

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve NP2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of the forest of trees tat were planted when the reserve was established.slaters reserve, stadium, basketball

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve NP2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of the original cottage built by William Slater Jnr the son of William Henry Slater the pioneer involved in the establishment of the early herb and lavender farm in this district.|Note that the house was being renovated. It is on the Heritage Overlay of the Cityslater william, slater william jnr, surrey road blackburn north no 106, heritage overlay

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve NP2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of the Slaters original cottage as renovated in 2009. See NP3631 for further detailslater william jnr, slater william, surrey road blackburn north no 106

See the following relating Slater & the Reserve NP2000, 3558, 4396, 5141 & 5824.Coloured Photograph of Slaters Cottage as renovated on 2009.|See NP3631 & 3632 for more details.slater william, surrey road blackburn north no 106

Black and white photograph of the ponds at Bellbird Dell. Oct 1985parks and reserves, bellbird dell

Black and white photograph of the ponds at Bellbird Dell. Oct. 1985parks and reserves, bellbird dell

Black and white photograph of the ponds in Bellbird Dell. Oct. 1985parks and reserves, bellbird dell

Black and white photo of creek, track and vegetation in Yarran Dheran Reserve|This record was wrongly allocated NP2717. Now corrected. Companion photo at NP2716yarran dheran

Black and white photograph of the Morack Golf Course looking south to the final holes with the original club house on the right. Course opened as 9 holes in 1976, extended into 18 holes in 1980. c 1976morack golf course, city of nunawading, parks and reserves

Black and white photograph showing the clubhouse at the Morack Golf Course seen from the final hole. Course and clubhouse opened in 1976 as 9 holes, later extended to 18 holes in 1980. c1976morack golf course, city of nunawading, parks and reserves

Black and white photograph of the clubhouse and a general view of the Morack Golf Course c 1976. Course was originally 9 holes in 1976 and extended to 18 holes in 1980morack golf course, city of whitehorse, parks and reserves

Coloured photograph of the Morack Golf Course clubhouse taken on 9th November 1986. Taken on a 'Go bush in Nunawading' as part of an initiative of the then Mayor Wendy Reidmorack golf course, city of nunawading, parks and reserves, 'go bush' initiative

Black and white photograph of the Nunawading Community Garden in Jolimont Road, Forest Hill established in October 1977. This photo would have been taken 1977-78community gardens, city of nunawading, nunawading community garden, parks and reserves

Black and white photograph of the Nunawading Community Gardens in Jolimont Road, Forest Hill established in October 1977. this photo would have been taken in 1977-78community gardens, city of nunawading, nunawading community garden, parks and reserves

Coloured photograph of gardener attending his plot at the Nunawading Community Gardens in Jolimont Road, Forest Hill c1980. the gardens were opened in 1977community gardens, city of nunawading, nunawading community garden, parks and reserves

Black and white photograph of a view of the back of the Reserve Hotel, Mitcham, owned by John McDonnell. Railway line in background. Man and child unknown. c1900|Original on CD ROMreserve hotel, mitcham, mcdonnell, john

Black and white photograph of the rear of the Reserve Hotel. John McDonnell owner. Man and child unknown. c1900 Original on CDROMreserve hotel, mitcham, mcdonnell, john