Wednesday, 26 September 2007

NEW LIFE BREATHED INTO COUNTRY CEMETERIES: SYKES

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has welcomed the comments by the Health Minister that he will not be making any changes to the way small rural cemetery trusts do their important work.

“I and my Nationals colleagues have lobbied hard for our country cemetery trusts to be left alone, and I am pleased that common sense has prevailed,” Dr Sykes said.

“Country cemeteries are an important part of the community, and many were started by the generous donation of land by locals.”

Dr Sykes continued, “Any change to the structure and administration of country cemeteries would reflect greatly on the local communities, and the possibility of taking land from communities and seizing their funds would have been seen as a violation of the independence and self determination of country communities.

“Many country cemeteries keep costs down because of volunteer maintenance and management. Some country cemeteries through their maintenance role have provided employment for people with a disability.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “I am pleased to see common sense prevail and country cemetery trusts will retain their connection with volunteers, and churches. This is great news for country cemetery trusts and will facilitate a feeling of greater ownership of our heritage”.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989