Poonindie Cemetery

In 2021, Council established a 'Working Group' to assist in the development of plans for minor improvements to the site. While a closed Cemetery, the Cemetery's association with the Poonindie Mission and the Indigenous Community make the site one of important historical value.

As part of the development of the plan, the Working Group engaged Chantal Wight, Heather Burke and Ian Moffat from the Flinders University Archaeology Department to undertake a survey using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), to assess disturbances in the ground that could indicate the location of gravesites. This survey took place on 28 September 2022 and was undertaken to provide assurance to the Working Group and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation and State Heritage that the planned erection of rabbit proof fencing would incorporate all grave sites within the cemetery. To view the survey results, please click here.

The Working group have now developed a draft plan which has received 'In principle' support from Council prior to consultation on the plan occurring from 20 November until 14 December 2022. To view the draft plan, please click here.

Professor Ian Moffat from Flinders University has now provided Council the GPR Survey results, and an application for an Authorisation to Undertake Works has now been made to the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation to comply with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988, utilsing the GPR results as supporting documentation.

Working group member, Steve Sawyer continues to collate historical records made available through the Anglican Church and other sources and this data is planned to be displayed on the sides of shelters once erected on site. The working group will now commence planning for the next phases of delivery of the plan, noting physical erection of improvements (with the exception of fences and potentially planting) will occur once approval has been gained to commence work in line with the Aboriginal Heritage Act requirements.

Council is appreciative of the support of all Working Group members and looks forward to progressing improvements to this Cemetery.