Voices from the Grounds

Beyond the gates of Metropolitan Memorial Parks lies a world of meaningful work, rich tradition and compassion. Join members of the team to hear what these jobs really involve and how they contribute to the rituals of remembrance. This is your chance to learn more about the work that happens when life ends and legacy begins.

Panellists:

• Sach Killam – Award-winning Heritage Stonemason
• Jason Cooper – Industry Engagement Manager (Metropolitan Memorial Parks) & former funeral director.

Introduced by: Anita Kenny – Community Engagement Manager (Metropolitan Memorial Parks) for an overview.

Sach Killiam – a highly committed cemetery conservation specialist and National Trust Cemeteries Committee member since 2008. Sach combines industry-leading skills in lime-based stone conservation with a wide range of international repair practices from minimal intervention approaches to complex inset/armature repairs. His work helped preserve and re-establish historic monumental masonry skills including lead lettering, traditional lettering layout by hand and fine repainting on stone.

Notable projects include: Maitland Jewish Cemetery, Brewarrina Honour Roll, Hyde Park Barracks, Sodwalls Inn, Vaucluse House, Bourke War Memorial, Maitland Glebe Cemetery, Frazer Mausoleum sarcophagi and extensive works at Rookwood and other Metropolitan Memorial Park sites.

Jason Cooper – has been with Metropolitan Memorial Parks (MMP) for nearly 4 years, initially in the role of Customer Care Manager at Macquarie Park, Frenchs Forest and Sandgate Cemeteries. More recently, Jason has commenced as the Industry Engagement Manager for all 8 MMP locations, working closely with Funeral Directors.

Prior to this, Jason spent over a decade working as a Funeral Director, supporting families at their time of need.