Osmond Gilles Grave Restoration Ceremony: Burnside Historical Society’s success for History and Heritage

Honorable Vickie Chapman, Deputy Premier, Attorney General and recently appointed Minister for Planning and Local Government, was unable to attend. However, as explained to the guests, she was instrumental in informing the Society of avenues to follow for the grants it received. Two grants were given by the South Australian Government; through Heritage SA and SA History Funds (History Trust SA). It is the first time a grant has been made for grave restoration work. Donations came from organisations and individuals, some using the tax deductable option available on the National Trust of South Australia website. Meredith stressed the valuable role Anne and Ross Both from The Burnside Historical Society had played throughout the project. In 2012 Anne had seen the derelict state of the grave and the committee at that time decided to restore it.

Those involved with the restoration were formally thanked - Robert Pitt, Adelaide Cemeteries Authority CEO, Heritage Architect, Andrew Stevens who wrote the specifications and obtained planning and development approval, Fred Caruso and team from S.D.Tillett Memorials, Geoff Hansen from Option One Property Services for the ironwork and Phoenix Foundry for the plaque. The organisers of the event were also thanked.

At the conclusion of the ceremony Minister Speirs spoke again and launched a commemorative Osmond Gilles olive oil vintage derived from West Terrace Cemetery olives, to be sold at the Adelaide Central Market Stall. Refreshments and conversations followed.

Completion of this restoration project in June this year was a commendable achievement for a small, community-based, not-for- profit, volunteer group, with a three member subcommittee. It was a win for Heritage. It is hoped that other groups will work towards adopting a Heritage grave to restore, for the sake of History.