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STRATHDOWNIE EAST CEMETERY

Location OFF CASTERTON-MOUNT GAMBIER ROAD STRATHDOWNIE, GLENELG SHIRE Level Recommended for Heritage Overlay

[1/1] 53003 Strathdownie cemetery

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?
Strathdownie East Cemetery is a small cemetery set on the hill looking east over Eel Creek. The cemetery has large iron gateposts on the west entrance and a central path bordered by rows of burials facing east. The cemetery has around 150 known burials with approximately 140 headstones or memorials. The cemetery is sparingly planted with natives such as Banksias with some exotics with native grasses and wildflowers. Notably, two early cypress trees survive at the centre of the cemetery. Memorials range from a large cruciform memorial to small headstones and plots of children. The graves of many generations of local settlers and selectors are present in the cemetery.

How is it Significant?
Strathdownie East Cemetery is of historical, social and architectural significance to the Glenelg Shire.

Why is it Significant?
Strathdownie East Cemetery is of historical significance as an enduring record of those who have lived and died in the community, as a reflection of passing events of the region. The Cemetery is of social significance for reflecting the customs and tastes of the community, for reflecting different religious values, and for reflecting different economic and social status. The Strathdownie Cemetery is of architectural significance for its range of tombstones, memorials and iconography reflecting the aesthetics of different periods and groups within the community.