Published on Wednesday, 18 November 2020 at 8:00:00 AM
A new gazebo at Serpentine Cemetery has been officially opened by the Serpentine Historical Society and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale at a ceremony on Saturday, 31 October.
The gazebo will provide a place for people to meet and reflect on their family or friends whose final resting place is the Serpentine Cemetery.
The project was made possible after the Serpentine Historical Society successfully applied for a $13,000 grant through the Shire’s Grants Program.
Shire President Cr Michelle Rich said with limited shaded seating available at the cemetery the gazebo provided space for people to shelter in comfort while paying their respects to their loved ones.
“The Shire is proud to have helped deliver the project and we congratulate the Serpentine Historical Society for identifying a need and acting on it,” Cr Rich said.
“We hope the new facility provides visitors to the cemetery with a private space, in what can often be an emotional time.”
Serpentine Historical Society President Trevor Senior thanked the Shire for their support in making the project possible.
“We had been advised by long term voluntary workers at the Cemetery that visitors often commented that it would be great to have somewhere to shelter, sit and reflect, and a place for families to gather on special occasions,” Mr Senior said.
“As a result, the Serpentine Historical Society decided to obtain funding for the gazebo to be built.
Mr Senior also thanked the Byford & Districts Community Bank for their grant and Seasons Funeral Homes for their donation.
The Society also received donations in excess of $4000 from descendants of 21 families who settled and made their homes in the Serpentine district between 1850-1950.
The gazebo was originally planned to be officially opened in March, however the event was postponed due to COVID-19.
To find out more information on the Shire’s grant programs go to www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/grants
Photo: Deputy Shire President Dave Atwell and Shire President Cr Michelle Rich with Serpentine Historical Society President Trevor Senior at the new gazebo at Serpentine Cemetery.
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