The year in review

TASMANIA

Refurbishment of former Prime Minister’s grave — Joseph Lyons, Mersey Vale, Devonport
Hobart
Launceston

Refurbishment of former Prime Minister’s grave — Joseph Lyons, Mersey Vale, Devonport

On behalf of the Department of Environment and Heritage, OAWG staff in Tasmania have refurbished the grave of former Prime Minister Joseph Lyons at the Mersey Vale Lawn Cemetery, Devonport. The refurbishment consisted of the removal of the dead buxus hedge surrounding the grave, a thorough pressure clean of the entire monument and treatment with a mould inhibiting agent. The inscription was also polished and sealed with several coats of laminate to provide a lasting finish and protection.

Anzac Day, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day and Remembrance Day produced good attendances to the Cornelian Bay War Cemetery, Hobart Garden of Remembrance, Carr Villa War Cemetery and Launceston Garden of Remembrance. Visitors to the areas well exceeded those of previous years. Many of the visitors took the time to express their compliments to the Managers about the well-maintained lawns and gardens.

	Grave of former Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, December 2002

HOBART

Refurbishment

The Hobart Regional Manager, Mr Garry Sutherland, had the garage and storage area refurbished during this year. All walls and ceiling were repainted and a new bench, shelving and equipment hangers were installed, meeting OH&S requirements for equipment.

Horticulture

Several large shrubs were removed from the front lawn and garden areas of the Hobart depot. These have been replaced with annual flowering bulbs, such as dahlias, underplanted with smaller annuals. This has produced a stunning display, particularly at the front entrance of the GRM.

LAUNCESTON

Horticulture

Recommendations contained in the CWGC Director of Horticulture’s report, following his 2001 visit, have been implemented. The work included refurbishing the gardens on either side of the pathway leading to the Carr Villa War Cemetery.

Tree Removal

A row of very old pine trees, situated on the back lawn of the Launceston depot area, were removed over a period of 10 months. A new lawn has since been sown. The 25 pines, at least 60 years old, had started to lose branches and become extremely hazardous in strong winds. Their removal has greatly enhanced the appearance of the war cemetery.

Thank you for advising me of the completion of the memorial for my late husband in the Hobart Garden of Remembrance. I have visited the gardens and yes, I am very happy with the plaque, placed in such a beautiful, well cared for area. It is a credit to you and your staff.

I am writing to thank you for the memorial plaque for my late husband. After receiving your letter yesterday my daughter Kaye and I visited the Garden of Remembrance (Launceston) this morning and were very happy with everything — the garden is a credit to whoever cares for it. Once again many thanks.