Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or you simply want to make a difference in our community, volunteer programs at Wollongong Memorial Gardens might be for you.
Established by Council in 1959, the Memorial Gardens at Unanderra are the product of more than 60 years of care and feature well-established gum trees and extensive rose gardens alongside memorial walls.
It is also the administration home for all of Council's cemetery operations, which includes management of cemeteries at Wollongong, Bulli, Scarborough, Kembla Grange, Kembla Grange (Settler's Cemetery, Berkeley Pioneer, Waterfall and Helensburgh. Our conscientious staff are dedicated to ensuring these memorial sites are appropriately maintained and cared for, often with the support of volunteers.
Volunteer Days are part of the regular maintenance program for the Memorial Gardens, including the upcoming volunteer pruning day on 26 March. Participants will be shown correct pruning techniques they can take home to their own gardens and learn about Bokashi mulching and other tasks carried out to maintain the Gardens.
Participants can attend for part or all of the day with pruning equipment provided. You can bring your own gloves and secateurs if you would prefer, along with appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear, a hat and water bottle.
It's one of several volunteer programs people can get involved in at the Memorial Gardens and our other cemeteries, including the Wollongong Cemetery Volunteer Day on 14 May.
The Wollongong Cemetery Volunteer Day offers the opportunity to learn, get involved and help plant as part of our native grasslands trial designed to restore and showcase the Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) Illawarra Lowland Grassy Woodland within our cemetery landscape.
The trial, supported by our dedicated Friends Plot volunteer group, is part of our broader efforts to be more sustainable in how we care for our grounds and create welcoming resting places for future generations.
"People aren't always aware of Council's role in maintaining these sacred spaces that tell the story of our city and region," Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"As a publicly owned service we have a responsibility to ensure the maintenance of both our operational and non-operational burial, interment and memorial sites is carried out diligently and with care and respect.
"We have wonderful staff dedicated to doing so each day, and we are always appreciative of the volunteers who share that dedication. These volunteering opportunities are a great way to contribute to our community and learn about sustainable gardening practices.
"I encourage anyone interested to come and along and get involved."
