The cairn was built from (granite) rock that was cut from the islands and the trimmings from the granite blocks that built into the facing of (South Australian) Parliament House.

We don't know whether scavenged or whether it was legitimately gained but the house on the corner that's now gone had that was the facing of the house and it was saved by the council and we're really appreciative the fact that the council have been able to create this cairn and we as a family are going to unveil a plaque on that cairn that just has the words will you'll see soon that just indicate our love and respect for those that went before us.

Pte Frank Harris RUMBELOW

Buttes New British War Cemetery, Belgium

The grave of Pte Frank Harris RUMBELOW at Buttes New British War Cemetery, Belgium.  On 12th October 1917 he was reported missing in action and this was later upgraded to killed in action in April 1918 aged 23. 

He is named in Belgium at the Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen. Frank was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

This photograph was taken by Victor Harbor RSL members Ian & Janet MILNES on 30 October 2015.

City of Victor Harbor - Cemetery and Memorials FAQ

1 Bay Road, Victor Harbor SA 5211

P  08 8551 0500   

E localgov@victor.sa.gov.au  | www.victor.sa.gov.au      

Responsibility for grave sites and headstones is the responsibility of the interment right holder?

See attached the Cemetery Rules of Operation that is available on our website – section 7 outlines the responsibilities relating to memorial plaques and monuments.

Can you provide a list of who is the designate for each of the graves?

A list of interment right holders for each Rumbelow grave can be provided, however there is fee for large searches. Attached is the 2024-25 Fees & Charges Register, page 13 states that searching for records of up to five (5) names is $70 and for additional names the price will be based on the application. A list of the sites/names that you are wanting to enquire about will be required.

How long are the plots leased/confirmed for?

The plots at the Victor Harbor Cemetery and Inman Valley Cemetery are leased for 99 years.

How can we ascertain when the leases will expire?

All interment rights taken our prior to 01.01.2000 have an automatic extension to 31.12.2098.  This means that all the interments you listed below have an expiry date of 31.12.2098.  These interment rights will remain in perpetuity. 

The earliest date of interment right expiration is 31/12/2098, as per section 5, number 5 of the Cemetery Rules of Operation.

Which headstones are considered heritage?

The entire Victor Harbor Cemetery is listed as a local heritage site, according to SA Heritage. The monuments/headstones at the Tabernacle Cemetery are not state or locally heritage listed.  

Can our family group undertake repairs and maintenance of the headstones on behalf of other relatives?

Repairs and maintenance of headstones or memorials can be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals such as a monumental mason, with the permission from the site’s interment right holder. If a sites interment right holder is deceased, the right can be transferred to a living relative. I have attached a transfer of interment right application. Please note, the person/s (up to 2) are to be the highest-ranking person/s of entitlement in relation to the deceased interment right holder. 

Who do we report issues to for immediate repair?

As mentioned above, repairs relating to monuments and memorials are the responsibility of interment right holder.

Who is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the Rumbelow Memorial Cairn?

City of Victor Harbor is responsible for the general maintenance of the Cairn.  We are not responsible for the upkeep of the plaque, for example if it needs polishing.

Who is responsible for the “early settler headstones” who know longer have living relatives?

The Tabernacle Cemetery is City of Victor Harbor’s responsibility, and I refer you to the answer below.  The headstones/monuments within the Victor Harbor Cemetery are the responsibility of the families. If a sites interment right holder is deceased, the right can be transferred to a living relative. I have attached a transfer of interment right application. 

Please note, the person/s (up to 2) are to be the highest-ranking person/s of entitlement in relation to the deceased interment right holder. 

A suggestion, if there is a Rumbelow Family Trust then you could consider transferring the Interment Right to the Rumbelow Family Trust (instead of just one family member).

Who can repair / maintain headstone on behalf of families?

I refer you to the Monumental Masons Association of SA’s website which provides a list of its members. https://monumentalassociationsa.com.au/

Do you have a list of current heritage listed/protected headstones at Victor or Tabernacle Cemeteries? Can you provide this?

Repairs and maintenance of headstones or memorials can be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals such as a monumental mason, with the permission from the site’s interment right holder. If a sites interment right holder is deceased, the right can be transferred to a living relative. I have attached a transfer of interment right application. Please note, the person/s (up to 2) are to be the highest-ranking person/s of entitlement in relation to the deceased interment right holder. 

The Property Team has been researching the restoration of these headstones.  This will be a lengthy project that will take both time and budget consideration.  At this stage there are no funds available but other options are being investigated.  The entire Victor Harbor Cemetery is listed as a local heritage site, according to SA Heritage.

How / when is the cemetery database updated?

Unfortunately, our current system is not compatible with the software database which uploads information onto the online Cemetery Database available on City of Victor Harbor’s website.  We are transferring to a new computer system and it is hoped that in 2026 the cemetery database will be active.

Are local interest groups available for help in any works (Rotary/Lions/National Trust?)

This will need to be investigated by your members.

Are the council involved with condition assessment and reports for headstones? If so who?

This is responsibility of the Interment Right Holder.

Can headstones be removed for restoration and returned?

I refer you to the Monumental Masons Association of SA and also it would be responsibility of the Interment Right Holder.  All work is to be referred to City of Victor Harbor for approval and must be undertaken by a qualified monumental mason.

Is there a local/regional headstone/stonemason available?

As per above information.