The Glasshouse RSL has put hours of work in upkeeping the forgotten cemetery
BEERBURRUM’S hidden cemetery beautification project has become a labour of love for the Glasshouse RSL Branch.
Frustrated at the disrepair of the 120-year-old cemetery, a bunch of volunteers banded together to make a positive change and preserve the site for Beerburrum locals and a place for tourists to visit.
“[We were] set about re-beautifying the Beerburrum cemetery as over the preceding years the cemetery grounds fell into disrepair, with all the grass dying and the general area becoming a dustbowl,” a Glasshouse RSL spokesperson said.
“After discussions with Hall Contracting and HL landscaping, the supply of turf to fulfil the requirements needed the re-beautifying and turfing project stalled.”
Come 2023, the volunteers who were dedicated to fix up the cemetery had a lawn blower donated to them by Beerwah Small Engines, which is kept at Beerburrum State School.
Although the volunteers looking after the site has rotated over the past few months, the support for the cemetery has not wavered, receiving more turf donations and free watering from ‘water gremlins’.
“Wildhorse Turf owners, Dean and Amanda Smyth were contacted on the off chance of some assistance. These local champions put their hands up and supplied all the turf requirements,” the spokesperson said.
“[This included] assistance from Kay and Brett, employees from Wildhorse Turf, who offered to help loading the turf onto volunteers’ trailers and Utes.”
“The Glasshouse Country Sub Branch greatly appreciated the Assistance and Sponsorship received from Wildhorse Turf, your actions were truly in the Local and Australian ANZAC Spirit.”
The turf has blossomed since the re-beautification project began and is continuing to grow, with just a few dry spots due to being in the sun for prolonged periods of time.
Recently, volunteers also painted the bench located in the cemetery to spruce it up, as well as visiting weekly to upkeep the maintenance including planting flowers and removing weeds.
