Cemetery 4 - Bodangora

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Bodangora

Mine Road,

Bodangora

NSW

2820

-32.455420

148.987960

Bodangora General Cemetery, where burials commenced in the 1870s, contains the remains of many pioneers of the Wellington district. It was closed to burials when the site was re-gazetted as a public park in 1974, for what reason it is hard to say. Since then the cemetery has steadily degenerated, many stones have disappeared and others have been vandalised. In a 1987 survey, 32 headstones were still standing; in 1997 the total found was 21; when we initially visited the site in November 2002, we found only 13.

A modest attempt to protect the few remaining grave markers from cattle has been made by surrounding them with wire and star posts. Obviously, the site receives no maintenance whatsoever, being unfenced and grazed by stock and native fauna. Unless something is done quickly to preserve what remains, it is inevitable that the last vestiges of this old cemetery will soon disappear.

Jean and I made digital images and took notes of all visible markers on 5 November 2002. Subsequently, the Wellington Historical Society generously supplied us with its listing, made about 1988 as a Bi-centennial Project, of all burials at Bodangora as recorded by the Deputy Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at the Wellington Court House. This has enabled us to include on our list all known burials for which no markers remain.

UPDATE: We are pleased to report that following representations to the Minister for Local Government by Patrick Bourke, and the cooperation of Wellington Shire Council, the cemetery was surveyed by Council and fenced in June 2011 (see picture courtesy of Wellington Shire Council above). It is understood that Council has made provision in its budget for the interpretation and maintenance of this historic site. Congratulations are due to all concerned!

You will notice that the date 1998 is on one of the signs. The cemetery was closed for burials in 1938. However, in recent times a WWII veteran wanted to be buried in this cemetery for some reason. So when the person from the Wellington Council who looked after the burial plots for the Wellington cemeteries was on leave he contacted the Council and was able to buy a plot in the Bodangora Cemetery. His gravestone was/is very noticeable because it is in a metal cage to protect it from the farmers' cattle which was causing much damage in the cemetery.

From Wellington, take the Mudgee/Gulgong Road for 9.6km and turn left into Bodangora Road. Follow Bodangora Road for 1.6km then turn left into Mine Road from where it is less than 1km to the cemetery on the right hand side of the road.

The cemetery is closed to any further burials. The site is in the care of the Wellington Shire Council, PO Box 62, Wellington NSW 2820; email: mail@wellington.nsw.gov.au

27 Jun 2011

5 Nov 2002

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