The Katherine Memorial Cemetery, located along the Katherine River amid serene bushland, dates back to at least the 1920s, though its exact origins are not well-documented in public records. Officially established in 1934, the cemetery offers a rich historical and genealogical perspective on the town’s development. It features historic headstones and a memorial wall in the rotunda that commemorates local residents who lived and died in Katherine.
This cemetery is a significant historical site, serving as the final resting place for many local residents, including pioneers, military personnel, and notable figures in the region's history. Referred to as the "Pioneer’s Cemetery," it tells the stories of those who shaped Katherine's past.
The graves, which date back to the early 20th century, provide a glimpse into the lives of early settlers, Indigenous community members, and others who contributed to the growth and culture of the town. A dedicated section for military personnel commemorates those who served in various conflicts, including World War II, reflecting Katherine’s critical role as a base for military operations and a hub for troops and supplies during the war.
The cemetery is significant to both the local Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. It serves as a place of remembrance and cultural heritage, reflecting the diverse history of the Katherine region.
Preservation
Katherine Town Council works to preserve the graves and maintain the cemetery. Katherine Town Council uses initiatives to document and preserve historical graves, including digital archiving of headstone inscriptions and grave locations.
For those interested in researching specific historical graves or individuals buried in the Katherine Memorial Cemetery, you can access burial records by using byondcloud.
We do acknowledge that historical burial records may not be entirely accurate, we do our best to keep the burial database up-to-date and accurate as possible as we acknowledge the importance of remembering a loved one is important for family records and finding out your heritages.
If you happen to see something that may not be right, we can change our records, all we need is that the request be made in writing and proof such as a birth or death certificate.
Maintenance and Management
The cemetery is maintained by the Katherine Town Council, which oversees its upkeep, ensures its accessibility to visitors, and preserves its historical and cultural value.
The Katherine Memorial Cemetery is a recognised lawn cemetery. A lawn cemetery is a type of burial ground where the grave markers are typically flat, allowing the cemetery to maintain a neat, park-like appearance. The headstones are often set flush with the ground, making it easier for mowing and maintenance. This design contrasts with traditional cemeteries, which may have upright tombstones or more elaborate monuments. Lawn cemeteries are popular for their simplicity and uniformity.
This means that Katherine Town Council has guidelines on how to preserve burial sites and ensure that the grounds remain safe for all to enjoy.
We encourage you to the read the Flower and Ornament Guidelines. There are some keepsakes that are prohibited, and we do not enjoy the job in having to remove keepsakes and/or contacting family members to collect items that are not approved in the guidelines. So, we aim to work with families to respect neighbourly graves and ensure tributes do not encroach on their memorials.
Exclusive Right of Burial
Pre-planning allows individuals and families to secure the exclusive right of burial for a future plot, easing the financial burden when death occurs unexpectedly. It ensures a specific grave location, enabling family members to be laid to rest near one another and providing peace of mind that your final wishes will be honoured.
An exclusive right of burial can be reserved for any vacant grave or memorial plot in the cemetery, securing the plot until needed. This right is valid for up to 50 years but must be renewed 12 months prior to its expiration. A one-time fee applies for this exclusive right, as detailed in the Council's Fees and Charges.
Individuals may reserve up to two (2) plots in the Lawn or Garden areas, though reservations are not available in the old cemetery area.
Council staff are available to discuss this in more detail by calling (08) 8972 5500.
Visiting the Cemetery
Katherine Memorial Cemetery is located next to the Katherine River on Giles Street, opposite the Katherine Museum. Wander through the grounds and learn more about the reality and hardships of early life in the outback.
The Katherine Memorial Cemetery is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds to pay their respects or learn more about the town’s history.
It is recommended to contact the Katherine Town Council for any specific visiting hours, guidelines, Katherine Memorial Cemetery Policy, or any other information that might assist you in visiting the cemetery.