Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney
Alternative names	Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium
General information
Location	Sydney, New South Wales
Address	199 Delhi Road, North Ryde NSW 2067
Coordinates	33°47′42″S 151°09′11″E / 33.795045°S 151.152922°E / -33.795045; 151.152922
Opened	1933

The Northern Suburbs Crematorium, officially known as Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium, is a special place in North Ryde, New South Wales, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. It is a crematorium, which is a building where people's bodies are cremated (turned into ashes). This important site first opened its doors on 28 October 1933, and the very first cremation took place just two days later.

About the Northern Suburbs Crematorium

History and Design

The Northern Suburbs Crematorium was only the second crematorium ever built in New South Wales. It was designed by Frank I'Anson Bloomfield (1879–1949). Interestingly, Bloomfield himself was later cremated at this very place. He also designed New South Wales' first crematorium, which is located at Rookwood Cemetery.

Bloomfield wanted both crematoriums to have a special "Florentine" look, inspired by the beautiful city of Florence in Italy. The grounds of the Northern Suburbs Crematorium are filled with amazing Art Deco statues. You can also see beautiful Royal Doulton tiles and classic iron work. These features give the place a unique and historic feel.

The Memorial Gardens are considered a heritage-listed site. This means they are protected because of their historical importance. They are often included in historical tours of Sydney and the North Shore area.

In 2012, a new Function Centre was opened at the crematorium. The opening ceremony was led by the Governor of New South Wales, Professor Marie Bashir.

Famous People Remembered

Many important and well-known Australians have had their ashes placed or cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. Here are a few of them:

• Prime Ministers:
  • Sir Joseph Cook was the 6th Prime Minister of Australia.
  • Chris Watson was the 3rd Prime Minister of Australia.
• Governors and Governors-General:
  • Sir William McKell was the 12th Governor General of Australia. He was also the 27th Premier of New South Wales (the leader of the state government).
  • Lt. Gen. Sir John Northcott was the 30th Governor of New South Wales.
  • Lt. Gen. Sir Eric Woodward was the 31st Governor of New South Wales.
• Poet:
  • Banjo Paterson was a very famous Australian poet. He wrote "Waltzing Matilda" and "The Man from Snowy River."
• Musician:
  • Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of the popular band INXS.
• Country Singer:
  • Slim Dusty was a much-loved Australian country music singer.
• Inventor:
  • Mervyn Victor Richardson invented the Victa lawnmower, which is very famous in Australia.
• Author:
  • May Gibbs was a beloved author and illustrator. She created the Gumnut Babies characters.
• Journalists:
  • Stuart Inder was a journalist.
  • Andrew Olle was also a well-known journalist.
• Sportspeople:
  • Sid Barnes was a famous cricketer.
  • Sir Bill Northam was an Olympic yachtsman.

A memorial for Michael Hutchence in the North Terrace of the park.

War Graves and Commemorations

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission also remembers people here. There are 64 Commonwealth service personnel and one Dutch merchant seaman who were cremated at this site during World War II.