Media Release - Community Healing Process Begins at Quorn Cemetery
Community Healing Process Begins at Quorn Cemetery
The Flinders Ranges Council is pleased to announce that works have commenced to replace the 101 brass plaques stolen in early March from the Charlie Hill Ashes Garden and gravesites at Quorn Cemetery, marking an important milestone in the community’s healing process.
The South Australian Department of the Premier and Cabinet has confirmed funding for the replacement of all missing plaques.
Council has worked closely with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG) which has funded the replacement of four (4) war grave plaques in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the individuals commemorated.
Staff from the OAWG travelled to Quorn on 28 May and worked with Council to reinstate these four (4) plaques. Family of the servicemen were present to mark this occasion.
Mayor Ken Anderson said Council, affected families and the broader community were grateful for the support provided by the Premier and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, “It was a terrible act, and families and the community are still feeling the effects of what occurred.”
“The reinstatement of these war grave plaques is the first step in restoring faith and reverence and Council sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding shown by all these past three months.”
“The process for reinstatement of all plaques will take some time,” the Mayor said. “Council staff will be contacting families on a rolling basis as plaques are received for reinstatement. As everyone can appreciate, ensuring the plaques are replaced exactly as they were does take some care and attention, and we appreciate the community’s patience while this work is carried out.”
A spokesperson from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs said, “The replacement of these plaques ensures the ongoing recognition of those who served our country, honouring them with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Funding provided by the State Government will also support a community gathering involving local church denominations, affected families and community members.
The event, expected to be held in July or August 2026, will provide an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance, reflection and healing, and to respectfully honour those whose memorials were impacted with further details released soon.