Hunter Valley Police Reappeal For Information On Cemetery Vandalism

BY LILLY HAINES

Police are re-appealing for information as they continue to investigate damage to Sedgefield Cemetery just outside of Singleton.

The incident occurred on Friday 31 May when 36 gravestones were damaged having been pushed over with a number of those smashed.

Police have been informed that a vehicle was seen parked at the site between 7pm and 7:15pm on the night when unknown persons vandalised the headstones.

Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies says he hopes anyone with information will come forward to help police find the perpetrators responsible.

"We want to find answers for the families affected by this, they have already experienced immeasurable grief, and this sort of incident stirs up those emotions all over again.

"Someone knows something, and we urge anyone with information to speak up," Superintendent Gillies said.

Hunter Valley Detectives are continuing to investigate amid community distress following the incident.

Anyone who has witnessed suspicious behavior in the area or has any information related to the incident is urged to contact Singleton Police Station on 02 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers on          1800 333 000.

Damage to gravestones at Sedgefield Cemetery near SinglImage: The Singleton Argus 

Graves Vandalised at Sedgefield Cemetery

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON

Police are launching an investigation into the extensive vandalism that occurred at Sedgefield Cemetery on Friday night where upwards of thirty-five graves were destroyed. 

Witnesses said they saw a vehicle parked at the cemetery at around seven o'clock the night of the incident.

Lord Mayor of Singleton Sue Moore has condemned the incident, expressing her disgust and disappointment in the perpetrators. 

"This is not an attack on a public facility or asset; this is an attack on the heart of our community, the people laid to rest in Singleton who are now part of the fabric of our town, and those who love them and remember them." says the Mayor, "I hope the perpetrators are found and held accountable for the damage, and most importantly the distress they have caused."

Police are urging anyone with information or who happened to witness any suspicious activity around Sedgefield Cemetery to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.

Photos belonging to Hunter Valley Police District

Labor Concerned Over Controversial New Cemetery Regulations

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The state government has voted in favour of plans to allow cemetery operators to exhume the remains of dead people, 25 years after burial.

The Liberal-National Government has used its numbers in parliament to defeat a motion aiming to stop the proposal, which sees burial plots resold to third parties unless families have purchased a 'perpetual' plot.

Those who choose not to, or cannot afford to buy a perpetual plot will essentially rent a cemetery space for their loved one until such time as cemetery operators want to sell the space, under the Cemetery and Crematoria Amendment Regulation 2018. 

The State's Upper House has reviewed the reform, hearing evidence from church groups, some cemetery operators and the NSW Aboriginal Council - with many in opposition to the plan.

Labor has slammed the proposal as "macabre," and is questioning why the state government hasn't moved to open up more cemetery space during its time in power.

The opposition is also concerned the regulation will prompt opportunistic cemetery officers to significantly raise the price of perpetual sites.

In December last year, the public was given a fortnight to have their say on the plan.

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the government's moving forward despite huge community opposition.

"We've not had more people comment on Facebook about an issue than this," she said, "people were concerned, they had many questions which have gone unanswered about those cultural sensitivities, about family matters and about which graves will be dug up and where..."

Even though the regulation has been approved, Ms Hornery believes the community should still be vocal with their opinion of the move.

"Community sentiment can change many things, it might even convince [Premier] Gladys Berejiklian to change if enough community members come forward, and I invite them to write to their local MP voicing their concerns..."

Sonia Hornery said she's also disappointed the regulation was "snuck through" as one not debated in parliament. She hopes the matter will come up for discussion before Premier Berejiklian and Minister for Lands Paul Toole soon.

Sandgate Cemetery in the Wallsend electorate. Image: Northern Cemeteries.