Macarthur Memorial Park welcomes visitors from across Australasia

A special welcome

The afternoon began with a Smoking Ceremony and Acknowledgement of Country, led by Uncle Eddie, honouring the Dharawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the park sits. This meaningful moment set the tone for the day, recognising the deep cultural and spiritual connections to the site.

Guests were then welcomed inside the Sanctuary Chapel by Lauren Hardgrove, CEO of Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria. Lauren spoke about the vision and determination behind creating Macarthur Memorial Park, and how the park balances remembrance with recreation, heritage, and environmental care.

Discovering the Park

Delegates enjoyed guided bus tours around the park, taking in the beautiful grounds and learning about the different memorial options available, including:

• Lawn and natural burial areas
• The Gum Tree Niche, Family Tree, and Ribbon Niche memorials
• Our facilities such as Café Fiori, the Waragal Function Centre, and the Administration Building

A special video also shared the story of the land – from its Indigenous heritage and colonial past to its transformation into Sydney’s newest crown cemetery.

Sharing knowledge & innovation

Visitors also had the chance to explore demonstration stations showcasing the many aspects of the park:

• Environmental management and native planting strategies
• Architectural design and heritage protection
• Grief Care services to support families
• Tours of the Sanctuary’s unique underground facilities
• Technology demonstrations, including robot mowers and drone spraying

Light refreshments and plenty of conversation rounded out the afternoon, with many guests remarking on the beauty of the park and the care that has gone into every detail.

A heartfelt thank you

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make the day possible, including our dedicated staff, our Grief Care Team, and our partners and colleagues who supported the event.

Looking forward

For us, Macarthur Memorial Park is more than just a cemetery. It is a place of remembrance, culture, and connection, designed to serve families and the community for generations to come. Hosting visitors from across Australasia was a wonderful opportunity to share this vision, and we look forward to welcoming many more community members to experience the park in the years ahead.