Rookwood, Sydney War Cemetery

This war memorial is located at the entrance of the Sydney War Cemetery. It honours the World War 2 servicemen who died in New South Wales and whose ashes were scattered or who rest in places where full commemoration could not be given.

Rookwood, Sydney War Cemetery, Anzac Day

The Sydney War Cemetery is adjacent to the Garden of Rememberance at Rookwood Necropolis. It has the graves of service personnel who died during Word War 2, or soon after (top). The Cross of Sacrifice (bottom) identifies British Commonwealth war cemeteries across the world. Today is Anzac Day, which commemorates those who have served and died in wars. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and the date marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Anzac forces during the First World War at Gallipoli, Turkey. At commemorations and services such as those held on Anzac Day we say 'Lest We Forget' or in other words 'so that we should not forget'.

Rookwood, chapels

Rookwood Necropolis is the largest multicultural cemetery in the southern hemisphere. These are some of the chapels, temples and monuments representing the various cultures and religions in the cemetery. They are (top to bottom) the Chinese World War 2 Pavilion, St Athanasius Greek Orthodox Chapel, the Sacred Heart Catholic Chapel and the Islamic Monument.

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Rookwood, Quong Sin Tong Monument

The Quong Sin Tong Monument at Rookwood Cemetery dates back to 1877. This shrine was originally in the centre of the Chinese section and used by the community as a shrine for funeral ceremonial purposes. Quong Sin Tong was one of the earliest Chinese societies in the state of New South Wales. Up until the 1950s, the society helped with the exhumation of Chinese graves from Rookwood Cemetery for reburial in China, in accordance with the beliefs and practices of the community. In 2008 restoration work saw it returned as close as possible to its original condition. Work included carving of a new sandstone urn, replacing the rusted fencing and repairs to the historic moat and entrance steps.

For a photo of what it looked like before restoration see here.

Rookwood, family vaults

Two of the historic family vaults located at Rookwood Cemetery are the Frazer Mausoleum (top) and the John Paul Family Vault (bottom). The Frazer Mausoleum is the largest monument in Rookwood and was completed in 1894. John Frazer emigrated to Australia from Ireland, with his brother James, in 1842. From humble beginnings, he made John Frazer & Co. into one of the most influential mercantile houses in Sydney. He died in 1884, leaving an estate of 405,000 pounds.

Rookwood, power lines

These high voltage power lines and towers run through the middle of Rookwood Cemetery. Similar towers dominated the skyline through nearby Homebush Bay until about ten years ago. When it was transformed into Olympic Park for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the unsightly structures were replaced with underground cables. There hasn't been a need to the same with the rest of those lines which run through this cemetery. The brilliant sky above last weekend made them look slightly less unsightly. Also, some good clouds in the cemetery post below.

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Rookwood Necropolis

Rookwood Necropolis is the largest multicultural cemetery in the southern hemisphere, covering an area of over 300 hectares. It has been operating since 1867 and it has been estimated that approximately one million people have been buried here. The main entrance (above) is in Victoria Street. There are many impressive old monuments, gravestones and family vaults (below).

Rookwood, fountain

I was quite surprised to see that they had built a large cafe at the entrance to Rookwood Cemetery on my recent visit. I've never seen anything like that in a cemetery before but I suppose it's a way to make these places more inviting and is also used for funeral functions and memorials. This combined florist and cafe also features a courtyard with an ornamental fountain.

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Rookwood, sculpture

Rookwood Necropolis is one of the largest cemeteries in the southern hemisphere. Hidden: A Rookwood Sculpture Walk is an art exhibition on the Rememberence Lawn until 18th April 2010. It is now in its second year and features the works of 24 artists in response to the Rookwood site. The artists explore themes of death, grief and their own personal connection to the site. The Rookwood Anglican and General Cemetery Trusts organises the exhibition to draw people into the cemetery but some visitors feel it is an inappropriate venue for an art show.

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Rookwood Necropolis

A monument (left) and crypt (right) at Rookwood Cemetery.

Rookwood, monument

This monument at Rookwood cemetery is known as the old Chinese shrine.