Old Cemetery

Statement of Significance

The old cemetery at Gascoyne Junction has considerable historic significance as the first official
burial place for the town. Although there is no obvious evidence of the old section of the
cemetery, the picturesque and unusual location of the site affords the place aesthetic
significance. Further the place is associated with a number of local characters.

Physical Description

The old cemetery is situated immediately to the north of Gascoyne Junction on an island formed by the Gascoyne River and adjacent to the polo ground. The cemetery contains three marked graves positioned side by side. The graves are distinguished by small concrete plinths with attached plaques and a simple metal pole grave surround and a simple metal pole surround.

The plaque reads:
"Henryk (Harry) Albinski, 1926 - 1984", "James Henry Fairweather, 1922-1984" and "John Anderson 1927-1986".

History

In June 1917, the upper Gascoyne Road Board wrote to the Lands Department requesting that an
area on the island in the Gascoyne River at the Junction be set aside as an official cemetery.
The area, which already contained five graves, was subsequently registered as the cemetery.
Over the years the cemetery fell into a state of disrepair which was worsened by occasional big floods.
By the 1970s the exact location of the graves was in doubt due to the poor condition of
the area. Following the death of old-timer Harry Albinski, who had requested to be buried there, a
new section of the cemetery was set aside. Among those buried in the old section cf the
cemetery are: Philip John Dolton, aged 55, a station hand; Frederick McDonald, 40, a shearer
who died on 14 April 1923 from drowning; Fred Cousins, 58, a blacksmith who died of heart
failure; Frederick Edward Selway, 75, a contractor who died of natural" causes and Douglas Hugh
Phillips, a station manager from Mt Augustus who died in 1942. The body of Douglas Phillips
was later taken to Toodvay and reburied in the family grave yard. (McDonald. FR.. "Winning the
Gascoyne', Hesperian Press, Perth, 1991. p.21")

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.