NSW Lands and Property Minister Stephen Kamper announced Metropolitan Memorial Parks as the name of the newly merged organisation that has amalgamated three crown land managers.
Effective from 1 July, this decision brings together the operations of the former Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Land Manager, Northern Metropolitan Cemeteries Land Manager and Rookwood General Cemeteries Reserve Land Manager.
Newly appointed Administrator Ken Morrison says, “the new name reflects the important services we provide to the community – supporting people to grieve, celebrate life, and remember loved ones, as well as providing much-needed green space for the community.”
“The NSW Government has provided us with a clear directive to amalgamate the three crown cemetery operators and we are getting on with the job.”
“This important step means we can now take the necessary steps to ensure the provision of available and affordable interments for all communities, and long-term sustainability of the crown land we manage.”
Under the new two-operator Crown cemetery model Metropolitan Memorial Parks will work in partnership with NSW Crown Lands, Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW, and the Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria, to manage and address the cemetery land issue.
To recognise the amalgamation, on 23 June Community faith leaders joined Minister Kamper and Mr Morrison for the official launch of Metropolitan Memorial Parks. All in attendance welcomed the merger, as it ended two years of uncertainty across the crown land sector.
“Importantly, we have taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concern about the future supply and demand of cemetery space,” Mr Morrison said.
“We in a much stronger position to confidently plan for the future.”
To witness the launch formalities, visit: Metropolitan Memorial Parks launch