In 1867, 2 acres of land was set aside and trustees from 6 denominations appointed to oversee establishment of the Nillumbik cemetery at Diamond Creek. It stands as a record of the pioneering families of the district and little has changed little since its foundation, although a fire early in the 20th century destroyed fences, gates and a small office. The powerful Methodists had the largest area and it is also believed to contain the graves of Aborigines and Chinese miners. The ornamental gateway was erected after the death of pioneer William Ellis in 1896 in accordance with his will. The Latin inscription ‘JANVA VITAE’ translates as ‘gate of life’.
Eltham pioneer and builder George Stebbings and his wife Mary Ann are buried there, as are many pioneers. Alan Marshall’s gravestone is a simple rock with the inscription ‘Gurrawilla’ which translates as ‘storyteller’, a name Aborigines in Arnhem Land gave him when he lived there for 8 months. His sister Elsie is buried there as well. Alan lived his last few years in Black Rock, but his strong connection with this district is evident, with this cemetery chosen as his final resting place.
In 2011 the Cemetery Trust established a memorial garden in the cemetery to recognise the deceased war veterans buried in the cemetery. A figure of Simpson and his donkey, and a plaque are situated in the garden to welcome visitors.
A deceased search can be undertaken on the Nillumbik Cemetery Trust website.
Parts of this article featured on the Nillumbik Cultural Bus Tour program at Eltham Library November 2013
Photo: View of Main Street, Diamond Creek with the cemetery on the left hand side. Photo PP2343 Yarra Plenty Regional Library in partnership with Nillumbik Historical Society.
Links
Yarra Plenty Regional Library Local History Flickr – Nillumbik cemetery tour 2007
