Fittingly, it was long-time crematorium lobbyist Councillor Bobby Burke who leant on the shovel, together with Norwood Park’s general manager Stephen Beer, for the groundbreaking moment.

The duo were joined at Maranatha Cemetery by Hines Constructions’ Grant Bryan and Simon McNamara, Mayor Monica Morse and councillors Ian North and Michael Coote, who watched Cr Bourke break the turf in what was the first practical step in a eight-year battle to have the facility built.

Canberra-based Norwood Park Crematorium is behind the million dollar development that will be built by local company Hines Constructions.

“I didn’t think I’d be here today to do this, it’s been so long in the works,” a clearly elated Cr Bourke said.

“Bathurst has waited for eight years and the process has sometimes been frustrating. I persevered because I knew what residents wanted, and now it is happening.

“People in this town will be able to get closure.”

Mr Beer confirmed that the crematorium will be up and running within 27 weeks. 

“We are very excited about this project. It has taken a conglomerate of input to get to this point,” he said.

“When we open it we will also take over the running of the rest of the cemetery from council and will run burials as well,” he said.

“We have a 50-year lease with council and, according to the feedback we have been getting, believe there will be high demand for this 

facility from people across the wider Bathurst region.”

Bathurst mayor Monica Morse said it was wonderful to see the project starting. 

“I know it will be a great relief to local residents that will no longer have to travel to Orange or Leura to say the final farewell to their loved ones,” Cr Morse said. 

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the perseverance of Cr Bobby Bourke in seeing this project come to fruition.” 

Mr Beer explained that the facility has been designed to blend with the surrounds and be a place for reflection and remembrance. He was especially proud of the chapel that has now been incorporated into the project.

“The chapel can seat between 73-100 people, with another 100-200 comfortably catered for in the overflow area,” he said.