Williamstown RSL president Ernie Poole at Williamstown Cemetery last week. 85821 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By ALESHA CAPONE
COMMUNITY leaders have condemned the state of graves at Williamstown Cemetery as “disgraceful” and “shameful”.
Star visited the cemetery last week and witnessed hundreds of headstones and graves submerged under water and mud.
Some headstones could barely be seen above the deluge and were inaccessible due to the surrounding floodwaters.
Several paths between the burial sites were also inundated, a number graves of were broken and other graves had green algae floating on the water above them.
The affected graves – which included those of several war veterans – were located on the Champion Rd side of the cemetery.
Williamstown RSL president Ernie Poole said the situation was “appalling” and “disgusting”.
“It’s damn right disrespectful and shameful, if I could identify any of the war graves there we may be able to get funds to get them cleaned up,” he said.
“There is a lot of history in there and the majority of Williamstown World War I graves would be in there.”
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) took over operation of the Williamstown Cemetery during 2010 amid industry reforms instigated by the State Government.
A former Williamstown Cemetery Trust board member, John Patterson, spent four decades volunteering in the role before GMCT took over.
“I was shocked and disappointed to see the disgraceful state the cemetery is in now,” he said.
“After 40 years as a trustee I have quietly watched the lack of maintenance and care at the Williamstown Cemetery.
“When the old trustees were sacked there was over $10 million dollars in the kitty to be spent on preservation and maintenance of both Altona Memorial Park and the Williamstown Cemetery, so where has this gone? Certainly obviously not on maintenance.
“The Labor Government, DHS and the current board members should hang their heads in shame for their actions, their lack of care and not carrying out regular maintenance.”
A GMCT spokesman advised he would investigate the claims but was unable to provide further comment
before deadline.
