When plans for a Macarthur Memorial Park were made public for the first time eight years ago few people in Campbelltown and South Western Sydney came out in favour of it.
In fact there was strong opposition to the proposal, including from the council and local MPs, who argued it would destroy the Scenic Hills at Varroville.
But as work continues on the site along St Andrews Road and the project comes to life, there’s an acceptance that this is something that is needed – simple as that.
Indeed, once open it will make a difference not just locally, but for the entire Sydney metropolitan area.
Sydney’s population has more than doubled over the past half-century, yet the city has not seen the development of a new cemetery in more than 50 years.
A 2021 review highlighted that Sydney’s current cemetery capacity will be exhausted by 2051, with some religious and cultural groups facing a critical shortage of burial space in as little as three years.
In response to this pressing need, Macarthur Memorial Park in Campbelltown now emerges as a groundbreaking solution.
Work is on schedule and is set to open its gates in March 2025.
Once open, the memorial park will span 113 hectares of open space, making it the largest greenfield memorial park to be built in Sydney since Rookwood in 1867.
CEO Lauren Hardgrove said that the Macarthur Memorial Park was designed to be an iconic community destination.
“Our vision was to offer a stunning space that not only provides a location for memorials but also an area that can be used and enjoyed by the whole community,” Ms Hardgrove said.
“It will include beautiful landscapes, native gardens and forests, water features, and boardwalks.’’
The South West Voice was taken on a tour of the site last week and can also confirm that along some of the ridges the site offers stunning views to the Sydney CBD skyline as well as south west to Campbelltown.
The plan aims for Macarthur Memorial Park to be a sustainable memorial and parkland destination, designed to honour life, culture, and community for generations to come.
It will feature peaceful walking tracks, a welcoming café, and a sculpture space where local artists will be able to display their creations.
Its facilities are being crafted to foster community identity and belonging, catering to all religious and non-religious denominations.
The land Macarthur Memorial Park is being established on has a rich indigenous and colonial heritage, and the park will honour this legacy with a detailed heritage interpretation plan, including storyboards that will be available for self-guided tours.
One of the recreational walks, Six Seasons, is the result of consultation with representatives of Dharawal, the local Indigenous tribe.
The walk will lead visitors along some of the park’s beautiful landscape, including dams and remnant Cumberland Plains woodland.
There is also a Timeline Walk that will outline the chronology of the site, from Gondwanan time through to the late 20th century.
The site’s historic outbuildings will be preserved and open to the public.
The story of the archaeology of the colonial heritage will be shown in an exhibition inside the renovated Coach House.
“Macarthur Memorial Park offers more than just a space for reflection. Its facilities are best-in-class, designed to foster community identity and belonging,’’ according to a media release on behalf of Macarthur Memorial Park.
“This holistic place of burial, remembrance, and healing is sustainably built for future generations.
“By honouring the community’s historical significance, Macarthur Memorial Park will create a lasting legacy for generations to come.’’
Bravo Team MMP … as a Funeral Celebrant I am quite supportive of your Project !