RydeField of Mars

Burial and Ash Memorialisation

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Northern Cemeteries acknowledges the unique status of Australia’s First Peoples as the original people of this land. We recognise their cultures, histories and ongoing relationship and obligations to the land and waterways.

We recognise their traditional homelands or “Country” remains a pivotal aspect of their Lore, identity, culture and well-being. There have always been linguistic, social and legal boundaries and a range of protocols regarding entering and crossing borders.

Being Welcomed onto Country is an acknowledgement of a continuation of those traditional protocols. It is a means by which the original custodians express their relationship to Country and extend a welcome to visitors to ensure safe travel through their land.

Acknowledging Country is a way for visitors to offer respect. It is believed if you look after Country it will, in return, look after you.

Australia’s First Peoples

In the spirit of reconciliation, Field of Mars Cemetery acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Darug People. The spirit of the Darug can be found across the landscape of this region and we honour the memory of their ancestors.

Today, the Darug people’s continuous living culture has a unique role in the life of this region. Their cultural footprint is reflected in the surrounding landscape, bounded by the Gai-mariagal to the north-east around Broken Bay, the Darkinjung to the north, the Wiradjuri to the west on the western fringe of the Blue Mountains, the Gandangara to the south-west in the Southern Highlands and the Tharawal to the south-east in the Illawarra.

These traditional lands are ancient and sacred and the Darug people have a deep sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, because they are part of the world’s oldest surviving, continuous living culture on the planet.

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The Orthodox area is set against the natural backdrop of beautiful trees and is bordered by an array of colourful yet tastefully arranged flowers and immaculately presented lawns. With expansive views across the landscape, it provides a peaceful area for reflection and remembrance.

Burial - Orthodox

Burial - Lawn 8

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Protected by verdant bushland in a picturesque setting on the southern perimeter, Lawn 8 is a notable burial area supporting the Anglican community.

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A special place of reverence for the Catholic faithful. Positioned on a sloping grassy embankment, dignified black marble headstones, incised engravings and etched crosses are beautiful markers to those at rest.

Burial - St Anthony’s Lawn

In 1804 Governor Philip Gidley King set aside 5050 acres as a Field of Mars Common for all the settlers. The Field of Mars Common was later subdivided and privatised before being opened in 1890.

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Commanding expansive views across the landscape, this appealing monumental lawn is set on high ground. It features a rotunda for quiet reposte and delicately carved granite headstones incorporating the traditional candili box for candles and other treasured memories.

Burial - Upper Greek Lawn Monumental

Ash - Columbarium

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An ornate niche structure with seating, set among native ambience in the historical precinct, the Columbarium is a distinctive way to commemorate a loved one. Each niche is suitable for two interments and is finished with a 23 carat gold leaf inscription.

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The historic memorial rose garden has recently been beautified with fresh plantings of fragrant roses befitting this important interment site.

Ash - Ash Garden Lawn Circle

Ash - St Charles Niche Wall

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An exquisite statue of Mother Mary offering comfort is crafted as this niche wall’s centrepiece. Overlooking the St Charles Lawn, interments include a large bronze plaque.

Northern Cemeteries | Field Of Mars Cemetery Quarry Road, Ryde, NSW 2112 Telephone (02) 9805 0499 | info.mpcc@northerncemeteries.com.au northerncemeteries.com.au | ABN 33 874 656 026 There is no on-site office at Field of Mars Cemetery. Please direct enquiries to the Macquarie Park office. Office Hours Monday to Friday: 8am - 4pm | Saturday: 9am - 4pm

Opening Soon - New Crypt Complex