Two important positions in Rochester have become available for volunteers wanting to contribute to their community by preserving local history for future generations.
The Rochester Cemetery Trust has put the call out for two new members to join the trust and help manage the Rochester Cemetery.
The successful applicants will serve a term of five years and can then reapply to extend their term for another five years.
Rochester Cemetery Trust treasurer John Wilson said the positions became vacant after a couple of elderly members recently passed away but are advertised every five years regardless of whether the incumbent reapplies.
“There are two positions vacant on the trust, and applications need to come via the current trust, which will then be forwarded on to the health department,” he said.
“We’re looking for anyone that’s interested in the cemetery, is hands-on and will help out with whatever they can help with.”
Applicants should take pride in the cemetery and its standing within the community, while the role offers valuable governance experience as a member of a public board, with training provided.
Cemetery trust members are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation by the Minister for Health and are responsible for managing the cemetery and planning for future cemetery services for the community.
Interested applicants can register by emailing inxsivesally@gmail.com and more information can be found at Class B cemetery trust appointments | health.vic.gov.au
Rochester Cemetery Trust members are also reminding the public to inform them of any veterans interred at the Rochester Cemetery whose details have not been collected.
The cemetery register is updated each year, enabling tributes such as flying the Australian Flag over servicemen’s graves around Anzac Day. Around 300 flags are currently flown at the cemetery for the occasion.
Anyone with information can contact past Rochester RSL president John Glover on 0416 180 820 or jglover@bigpond.gov.au