THE GUNDAROO CATHOLIC CEMETERY

The final working bee held on 18 May 2008 at the Gundaroo Catholic Cemetery by the Gundaroo Community Asssociation was a very important stage in the restoration of an historic site. Invasive suckering elm trees over many years had caused massive damage to the headstones and grave sites, almost obscuring the cemetery. Livestock had also entered the historic site and caused further desecration of the burial ground. Some vandalism had also occurred.

A good start in cleaning up the cemetery was made in in November 1998 wihen a successful application was made to the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers for a Community Service Project. A group of Green Corps trainees attacked the elm suckers and injected poison into many of them. Unfortunately, further funds were not available for the project to be continued.

In 2006 the Gundaroo Community Association secured a ($3000)grant from the Yass Valley Council Heritage Fund (with a further $2000 in 2007) . During the past two years steady work by community volunteers has removed and poisoned hundreds of elms. In 2008 heavy machinery was brought on to the site to remove the (remaining) tree suckers and a sturdy fence was erected.

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