Cemetery night tours win national award

Night tours of South Australia’s renowned West Terrace Cemetery have been recognised with a national gong at the 2015 Interpretation Australia Awards.

The iconic cemetery was recognised for excellence and innovation in heritage interpretation, making it the seventh major award the cemetery’s tours and trails have received since 2011.

The popular night tours were launched in May last year and highlight baffling, bizarre and callous stories of some of SA’s most colourful and mysterious characters.

Adelaide Cemeteries Authority Chief Executive Officer Robert Pitt says the award is great acknowledgement of West Terrace Cemetery’s unique night tours concept.

“This is fantastic recognition for the cemetery, which now leads the nation in engaging people with their heritage through innovative interpretation,” said Mr Pitt.

“The cemetery’s night tours have proven extremely popular since they were launched last year, with the theatrical sound and light experience and period actors providing an eerie yet exhilarating atmosphere that has really captivated audiences.

“The night tours at West Terrace Cemetery provide a fascinating insight into SA’s rich history and are another terrific example of the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority’s commitment to cater for the living, not just the dead.”

Interpretation Australia (www.interpretationaustralia.asn.au) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of the profession of cultural and natural heritage interpretation. The annual awards recognise outstanding heritage interpretation projects that help people better understand the world and its history, while adding depth and insight to people’s experiences.

The Adelaide Cemeteries Authority is SA’s leading provider of cemetery, burial and cremation services, and is responsible for the operation of West Terrace Cemetery, Enfield Memorial Park, Cheltenham Cemetery and Smithfield Memorial Park.

The West Terrace Cemetery night tours run every Friday. Current tour times are 8.30pm and 10pm. Tickets cost $25 for adults (concession $22) and $15 for children under 16. Bookings are essential by calling (08) 8139 7400 or emailing eventsWTC@aca.sa.gov.au. For more information visit www.aca.sa.gov.au.

Further information: Contact Tony Amato, ACA Marketing and Communications Team Leader, on 8139 7438 or 0403 010 131.

Issued by Hughes Public Relations: Contact Kieran Hall on kieran@hughespr.com.au.