'Guardian Angels' Grave Cleaning Day
This session has passed
The event date you're viewing has already occurred.
Next session: Sunday, 5 July 2026, 9am - 3pm
Other Dates
About This Event
Every month, something quietly wonderful happens at South Brisbane Cemetery. Neighbours, families, history lovers, and curious newcomers roll up their sleeves and come together as part of our Guardian Angels program. A cheerful, hands-on initiative where we clean and care for the graves of those long gone, but never forgotten.
Launched in 2018 (with roots reaching back to 2005), this volunteer program invites people of all ages and backgrounds to help preserve the beauty and dignity of one of Brisbane’s most historic cemeteries. Whether you’re gently washing a headstone, trimming overgrown grass, or simply uncovering a long-hidden inscription, every small act reveals a story and restores a little light to the lives buried here.
These relaxed, feel-good days have become one of our most loved community events, with many participants returning month after month, some even bringing along the whole family. Children often find joy in the ‘treasure hunt’ aspect of the work, while adults appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and chance to connect with both history and new friends.
We’re working section by section, grave by grave, with care and respect. It’s not just about tidying up, it’s about honouring lives lived and reconnecting our community with its past. Some of the graves we clean haven’t been visited in decades, and for many of our volunteers, the work becomes deeply meaningful.
Over the years, we’ve also come together for big clean-ups after the 2011 floods and participated in Clean Up Australia Day events. The energy and warmth of these group efforts continue to inspire us.
If you’ve ever been curious about grave care, love local history, or simply want to spend a Saturday morning doing something truly rewarding, we’d love to welcome you. No experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm, a hat, and maybe a friend or two. We’ll provide the tools, guidance, and good company.
Come along and be part of something special because every grave has a story, and every helping hand makes a difference.
Weather Forecast 12 Apr 2026
24-Hour Forecast
Getting There
South Brisbane Cemetery, Dutton Park
South Brisbane Cemetery, 185 Annerley Road, Dutton Park
More "'Guardian Angels' Grave Cleaning Day" Events Around Brisbane
'Guardian Angels' grave cleaning day
Every month, something quietly wonderful happens at South Brisbane Cemetery. Neighbours, families, history lovers, and curious newcomers roll up their sleeves and come together as part of our Guardian Angels program. A cheerful, hands-on initiative where we clean and care for the graves of those long gone, but never forgotten. Launched in 2018 (with roots reaching back to 2005), this volunteer program invites people of all ages and backgrounds to help preserve the beauty and dignity of one of Brisbane’s most historic cemeteries. Whether you’re gently washing a headstone, trimming overgrown grass, or simply uncovering a long-hidden inscription, every small act reveals a story and restores a little light to the lives buried here. These relaxed, feel-good days have become one of our most loved community events, with many participants returning month after month, some even bringing along the whole family. Children often find joy in the ‘treasure hunt’ aspect of the work, while adults appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and chance to connect with both history and new friends. We’re working section by section, grave by grave, with care and respect. It’s not just about tidying up, it’s about honouring lives lived and reconnecting our community with its past. Some of the graves we clean haven’t been visited in decades, and for many of our volunteers, the work becomes deeply meaningful. Over the years, we’ve also come together for big clean-ups after the 2011 floods and participated in Clean Up Australia Day events. The energy and warmth of these group efforts continue to inspire us. If you’ve ever been curious about grave care, love local history, or simply want to spend a Saturday morning doing something truly rewarding, we’d love to welcome you. No experience is needed, just bring your enthusiasm, a hat, and maybe a friend or two. We’ll provide the tools, guidance, and good company. Come along and be part of something special because every grave has a story, and every helping hand makes a difference. We will be at the cemetery between 9am–3pm on these days. You are welcome to come when you want and stay for as long as you want. Meet at the office in the centre of the cemetery. Parking is available inside the cemetery. More information available via the South Brisbane Cemetery website.
More Events on the Same Day Around Brisbane
Discover other exciting events happening on Sunday 12 April 2026
Clock Tower Tour
Discover the hidden secrets of your heritage-listed City Hall building with a guided tour of Brisbane’s iconic Clock Tower. The Clock Tower Tour is a “must do” while in Brisbane! For many years, City Hall’s Clock Tower elevated the building to Brisbane’s tallest, offering visitors a magnificent 360 degree view of the city around them. Whilst the view has changed significantly over the last 90 years, the time-honoured tradition of “taking a trip up the tower” happily continues at Museum of Brisbane. The Clock Tower Tour includes a ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts, a look behind Australia’s largest analogue clock faces and time to explore the observation platform that shares a unique perspective of your city. See if you can catch a glimpse of the bells! Make a booking online today to secure your spot! Spaces are limited and fill up quickly. Date & Time 10:15am - 4:45pm Daily, every 15 minutes Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour.
Stories from Gallipoli
Join us at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries on Sunday 12 April for a free talk exploring stories from the Gallipoli campaign. The Gallipoli campaign was a plan to knock the Ottomans out of the war but quickly turned into a stalemate that would continue for eight long months. Though they suffered heavy losses—and the campaign would fail to achieve its objectives—the actions of the Australian and New Zealand troops during this campaign began the ANZAC legend and saw the world stand up and take notice. Back by popular demand, this talk will feature new content and personal stories, including: Constance Keys, who was one of the first four Queensland nurses to embark for Egypt in September 1914 and spend five years nursing wounded soldiers. Able Seaman John Harrison Wheat, a submariner on the AE2 that was sunk in the Sea of Marmora in April 1915. Henry, George and Alexander Foot, three brothers who fought at Gallipoli, with two killed in action during the campaign. Stories from support staff to highlight the humanitarian struggles of the conflict. The talk will draw on stories, diaries, letters, and photographs from State Library's vast military collection. After the talk, visitors can stay to explore the Memorial Galleries - embarking on an interactive journey from the First World War to today, before taking time to reflect on the remarkable stories of bravery and sacrifice in the tranquil parklands. Anzac Square Memorial Galleries is located at 285 Ann Street, Brisbane. Entry is through the double brass doors located beneath the Shrine of Remembrance.
Meet Wildlife Neighbours
Get up close and discover the feathered, furry and scaly friends that live in our neighbourhoods. Brisbane is Australia’s most biodiverse capital city. Native wildlife live all around us — from our backyards to local parks and nature reserves. But have you ever met these unique animals face to face? Join our wildlife expert for an engaging and immersive session in nature, where you'll meet your wild neighbours and some of Brisbane's most iconic animals. Discover what makes them special, how they live, and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. Your actions matter. By learning more about our native species, you’ll be empowered to make simple changes — like planting native vegetation or keeping pets indoors at night. These actions help protect our incredible biodiversity and ensure our wildlife neighbours continue to thrive. Suitable for all ages. Children must be directly supervised by a parent at all times.
Perfect Little Planet
Children will love this tour of the Solar System through the eyes of a family of aliens on vacation from another star system. Session concludes with a virtual tour of the Brisbane night sky. This show contains some sudden sound effects, fast moving scenes and flashing light sequences.
Bands in Parks: Gospel Swing
Bands in Parks performs at Brisbane City Hall. Experience an uplifting concert of rhythm, joy and inspiration from the Brisbane City Temple Salvation Army Band. From foot-tapping rhythms to soul-stirring melodies, the program showcases upbeat gospel favourites and spirited brass arrangements that will have audiences smiling, clapping along and feeling the warmth of community. Celebrate the hope and spirit that gospel music has shared with audiences for generations in a concert filled with uplifting music, vibrant swing rhythms and the unmistakable sound of brass at its best. There will be afternoon tea and scones available for purchase as well as wine and cheese packs. The concert is free but if you would like to sit and sip with a glass of wine and cheese plate, or enjoy afternoon tea and cake, then it’s just $12 per person. Make it an afternoon out – invite family and friends for an afternoon at City Hall.
Cosmic Collisions
Narrated by Robert Redford, Cosmic Collisions launches visitors on an awe-inspiring trip through space and time - well beyond the calm face of the night sky - to explore the hypersonic impacts that drive the continuing evolution of the universe. Session concludes with a virtual tour of the Brisbane night sky. Cosmic Collisions was developed by the American Museum of Natural History, New York in collaboration with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science; GOTO INC, Tokyo, Japan; and the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum. Cosmic Collisions was created by the American Museum of Natural History with the major support and partnership of NASA, Science Mission Directorate, Heliophysics Division.
The Dark Side of the Moon
Experience Pink Floyd's iconic album with this immersive and all-encompassing surround sound and visual treat. This show features strobe effects, mature themes and explicit language. Not recommended for children.
Bands in Parks: Music on the Green
Bands in Parks performs at Lanham Park. Rivercity Steel Band will bring their unique sounds to the Bands in Parks program. Invite family and friends for an afternoon of music on the green. The bar will be trading and there will be food and drinks available for purchase.
Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose
Celebrating Country and Culture through the bold designs of Magpie Goose. Museum of Brisbane is excited to collaborate with Magpie Goose, a proudly Aboriginal owned and led fashion and social enterprise, to celebrate extraordinary First Nations cultural stories and designs. This exclusive to Brisbane exhibition, developed in close collaboration with Magpie Goose owners Amanda Hayman (Wakka Wakka and Kalkadoon) and Troy Casey (Kamilaroi), offers a deep dive into the work of some of the region’s most talented First Nations artists and designers. Using clothing as a canvas for storytelling, this exciting collaboration will connect audiences with the rich and diverse cultural expressions of First Nations communities in Queensland and beyond. Discover the artists and stories behind the brand that’s making a difference, one garment at a time. Stories You Wear: Magpie Goose is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Museum of Brisbane is Brisbane City Council’s leading history and art museum where you can experience our city’s vibrant culture. For more information, visit MoB website. Image: Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists, by Amanda Hayman & Troy Casey, Country to Couture, 2025, Photo by Dylan Buckee.
Bouldering
Bookings essential. Conquer your fears and experience the thrills of bouldering at Toohey Forest Park under the safe instruction of qualified facilitators. This is a Chillout event suitable for young people 10-17 years.