Utakarra Cemetery groundskeeper and supervisor Harry Taylor receives the first State award for Geraldton

As a final resting place for countless loved ones, Harry Taylor fittingly takes pride in his work as the groundskeeper and supervisor of Utakarra Cemetery. That commitment has earned Mr Taylor the honour of being the first Geraldton recipient of the Peter Maclean Award from the Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of WA. Mr Taylor, the father of dual AFL premiership star Harry Jr, said he was proud and honoured to have won the award, but it was very much a team effort in the workplace, starting from chairperson Max Correy. “As with any sporting clubs, corporate business or small family run business, if it’s run well at the top it flows on down the line,” Mr Taylor said. “At the Geraldton Cemetery we have a very strong and dedicated board making the right decisions now and into the future. “I would not have been able to win this award without the strong backing of the board to implement some of the projects that I’d put forward.” Mr Taylor said catering for the families of those buried at the cemetery — many whom come to visit from outside the region and State — was rewarding in itself. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of having the cemetery look nice and try to keep it as presentable as possible,” he said. The award, handed out on April 1, recognises members who have performed above and beyond in their duties, with Mr Taylor singled out for praise due to his hard work in maintaining the cemetery grounds. Nomination criteria include aptitude for the industry, innovations, contribution to wider industry, welcoming and friendly service, being a professional role model and ambassador for the organisation, and commitment to improved service. Apart from his regular duties as groundskeeper, Mr Taylor has taken part in historical grave restoration, contributed to future plans for the cemetery and developed a new memorial garden for marble and bronze plaques for ashes.