The City of Whittlesea is seeking expressions of interest from residents to join the Epping Cemetery Community Asset Committee.

Members will provide local perspectives on cemetery management and help raise awareness of its role and history.

Interested persons should have a strong interest to assist in managing Epping Cemetery. Preference will be given to community members who are not funeral directors, stonemasons, or holders of similar positions or registered cemetery providers or directly involved in the provision of cemetery sector services.

Background information

The Community Asset Committee operates in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020, playing a role in overseeing the management of the Epping Cemetery. The Committee convenes at least four times annually.

Epping Cemetery was established in 1853 and is located on the south-western corner of O’Herns Road and High Street Epping. Burials were accepted until 1967, and now Epping Cemetery is a Class B closed cemetery with internment rights accommodated only where it can be demonstrated that those rights exist. Rights of interment are exercised in accordance with S78 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 and published government guidelines.

In 1995 the Public Authority Management Agreement: Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) was signed in recognition of the site’s ecological importance – the cemetery has since been used as a conservation site.

A Conservation Management Plan was developed in 2018 providing a comprehensive analysis of the site, identification of significant heritage values and forming an ongoing plan to further conserve and manage the sites cultural and natural heritage.

Epping Cemetery (Crown Land) is managed through the Epping Cemetery Trust.

The Trust is a public entity, subject to a range of legislative and compliance requirements under the Victorian legislation, designed to ensure appropriate governance and accountability.

Since the discontinuation of burial rights, operational obligations of the Epping Cemetery Trust (Trust) have predominately been about ensuring the perpetual maintenance of site, protecting cultural and heritage values and biodiversity.

The Trust also have obligations under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003, to submit an annual Abstract of Accounts to the Department of Health and under the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 to submit Protective Data Security Plan (PDSP) every two years to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).

The current Councillor trustees, appointed for a four-year term (2024-2028) are:

  • Councillor Christine Stow
  • Councillor Deb Gunn
  • Councillor Jarrod Lappin

The current Council Officer trustee appointments are:

  • Director Planning and Development
  • Manager Strategic Property and Portfolio

Submissions for EOI

Expressions of Interest submissions can be sent the following ways:

  • 📝 Fill in the digital form on this page
  • 📥 Download the form and send electronically to propmgmt@whittlesea.vic.gov.au marked as 'Expression of Interest – Epping Cemetery Community Asset Committee’
  • ✉ Print the form and send by post, marked as 'Expression of Interest – Epping Cemetery Community Asset Committee’ to
    • Amanda Allen
      Manager Strategic Property and Portfolio Development
      City of Whittlesea
      Locked Bag 1
      Bundoora MDC VIC 3082

Eligibility

  • Live or own property in City of Whittlesea.
  • Are over the age of 18 years.
  • Are committed to the Community Asset Committee purpose.
  • Can fulfil the requirements of the Epping Cemetery Community Asset Committee
  • Are committed to attending the minimum number of meetings and all planned events

Expression of Interest Form

❓ FAQs