Grounds of Comfort: Greener days ahead at Junee Lawn Cemetery

A NEW irrigation system has been installed at Junee’s Lawn Cemetery, marking a significant milestone for families with loved ones laid to rest there and helping pave the way for future burials in a greener, more sustainable setting.

Junee Shire Council has confirmed the long-anticipated upgrade is now complete, describing it as a major step forward in the ongoing improvement of the cemetery grounds.

The new system introduces a modern and more efficient approach to watering, designed to improve lawn quality, enhance the presentation of the cemetery and provide more reliable irrigation throughout the year.

Council said the upgrade replaces ageing infrastructure and will significantly reduce the need for manual watering, allowing staff to direct more time toward broader maintenance and amenity improvements.

“This project delivers a modern, efficient watering system designed to improve lawn quality, enhance the presentation of the cemetery grounds, and ensure a more reliable and sustainable approach to irrigation throughout the year,” Council said.

An aerial view of Junee Lawn Cemetery captured in 2024 | Source: Google Earth

Council said the works form part of its broader 10-year improvement program for the Lawn Cemetery and acknowledged the patience shown by families and community members during planning and installation.

“The improved system will support a greener, more consistent landscape and provide a respectful, well-maintained environment for those visiting loved ones.”

READ MORE: Lux loos land at Junee cemetery

While much of the lawn cemetery remains impressively lush and well-kept year-round, the newest rows of graves are still establishing, with families voicing concerns about dry conditions and the absence of permanent watering infrastructure.

Courtney McNamara publicly expressed her disappointment on social media in May last year after visiting her mother’s grave.

“Saddened to visit my mum in my hometown today to find it still looking terrible and dry where she and others are laid to rest,” she wrote.

The newer section of Junee Lawn Cemetery pictured in May 2025. One patch of grass, grown by a visiting family member, stands out among the drier surrounds | Photo: © The Junee Bulletin

“It has been over three years since the first person was laid to rest in this section. Something needs to be done.

“Lucky for mum, dad has managed to get grass growing where she is.”

The newly completed irrigation system is one of several upgrades aimed at enhancing Junee’s lawn cemetery and improving comfort and accessibility for visitors.

One of two new disabled-access toilets installed at Junee’s lawn cemetery in 2025 | © The Junee Bulletin

Two modern disabled-access toilets were installed at the cemetery last year, while a new internal road layout has also been established.

Council’s 10-year improvement program also includes plans for additional car parking, footpaths, a portable shade structure, further cemetery beams and a new central memorial and ash interment area.