Centennial Park Cemetery

If you weren’t able to join one of our history tours this month, be sure to pick up a history brochure next time you visit.

It highlights key milestones from 1936 to today, along with stories of notable South Australians whose lives and legacies are part of this special place.

You can also explore our history and major events on our website 👉 https://centennialpark.org/about-us/our-history/

This year marks 90 years since Centennial Park’s establishment, a milestone that reflects decades of care, collaboration and service to our community.

In 1934, Mitcham and Unley councils began discussions to establish a new southern cemetery to meet the needs of the growing region. Following ministerial approval for a jointly council owned scheme, the first official trustee meeting was held on Friday 31 July 1936.

The inaugural Centennial Park Cemetery Trust brought together representatives from both councils, including Mayor of Mitcham Bill Norman and Mayor of Unley Jack McLeay, as chairman.

Over the next two years, the vision for Centennial Park came to life through thoughtful planning and design. The park opened quietly on 30 April 1938, and just one month later, the first burial, Edith Pope, marked the beginning of Centennial Park’s role as a place of remembrance, reflection and connection for South Australians.

📸 Image: Signatures from the first official Centennial Park Cemetery Trust meeting. Chairman Jack McLeay was absent.

Join us for Soul & Heart Healing – A Sound Healing Journey, a peaceful 90-minute experience guided by Joshika Akhil. Featuring meditation, Himalayan Singing Bowls, and gentle chakra balancing to help you release emotional heaviness and feel more centred.

📅 Saturday 4 July
📍Centennial Park Function Rooms
⏰ 10:30am – 12pm
✔️ $65 — bookings essential
🧘 BYO yoga mat, blanket, pillows & water

A restorative experience suitable for everyone. Book now 👉 https://bit.ly/42EUpF9

SOUL & HEART HEALING, Adelaide A sound healing journey guiding you on the path to healing, forgiveness and letting go.

The Jubilee Complex is turning 40 this year!

Opening on 16 November 1986, the Jubilee Complex was designed to meet the growing needs of the community, introducing three service spaces and improved pedestrian flow. It marked an important step forward in how Centennial Park could support families at times of remembrance and reflection.

Over the past four decades, the Jubilee Complex has hosted countless services, farewells and commemorations. It has also evolved into a versatile community space, welcoming a wide range of activities including art exhibitions, theatre performances, expos and seminars.

The Jubilee Complex has become a familiar and comforting space where people come together to honour lives, share memories and find connection.

If you’re interested in exploring our beautiful memorial grounds and hearing the inspiring stories of extraordinary individuals resting here, let us take you on one of our history tours. We have a few spots left on the 21st and 28th May.

👉 https://bit.ly/49kRKDj

We are pleased to present author and Grief Recovery Specialist Jodie Atkinson - Have You Met My Grief? for a powerful talk exploring the space following loss, endings and major life change.

Through reflection and lived experience, Jodie invites us to honour our emotions, rediscover identity, and consider how healing, resilience and possibility can grow alongside loss.

Suitable for anyone navigating grief, change or transition, or for those supporting others through challenging times. 💛

Date: Saturday 13 June
Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Location: Centennial Park Function Rooms
Tickets: $15+booking fee

Bookings essential via Eventbrite 👉 https://bit.ly/4t2SSDF

After the Ending: Navigating Loss and the Space it Leaves Behind An author talk with Jodie Atkinson

Did you know one of the most daring World War II escape stories has a connection to our Park?

Ralph Churches, a South Australian nicknamed “Crow”, spent years as a prisoner of war after being captured in Greece in 1941. To his captors, he appeared compliant and trustworthy. Behind the scenes, he was quietly preparing for something extraordinary.

By 1944, Ralph was in a position no one would have expected. What followed was a bold escape, an unlikely alliance, and a decision that put hundreds of lives on the line.

Ralph’s remarkable story, and those of other South Australian soldiers, will be shared by his son and historian, Neil Churches, at a free talk here at Centennial Park on Saturday 23 May.

Book now to hear this powerful account of courage, leadership and resilience 👉 https://bit.ly/4rwYNQu

A Hundred Miles as the Crow Flies

Fresh flowers special 🌸

We have a few fresh blooms left over from the weekend in our Gift Shop! They’re now 20% off until sold out.

Perfect for brightening someone’s day. 💐

We still have places available on our Behind the Scenes Tour on Saturday 30 May at 9am!

Join us for a guided look at areas of Centennial Park not usually open to the public. This popular tour offers insights into the operations and care that occurs behind the scenes at Centennial Park.

Bookings are limited, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time.

👉 https://bit.ly/3Yqo0jz

Today, we pause to honour and celebrate the mothers, grandmothers and mother figures who shape our lives with love, strength and guidance.

Whether you’re visiting our Park today to pay tribute, holding your loved ones in your thoughts from afar, or spending the day celebrating the women in your life, we hope it brings moments of comfort, connection and warmth.

Centennial Park wishes you a heartfelt Mother’s Day.