Headstone & Grave of John Helder Wedge

Why is it Significant?

John Helder Wedge (1793 – 1872) is an Australian of National significance, contributing to the colonial settlement of Tasmania and Port Phillip. Wedge’s legacy of achievements include exploration, land surveys, bushranger apprehension and government in Tasmania, as well as his influential membership of the Port Phillip Association and his consistent attempts to ameliorate conditions for Indigenous  Tasmanians.

Why is it at Risk?

The grave of a headstone on a raised platform with surrounding decorative iron railing. The rail and platform are actively deteriorating, with segments of both broken off and laying on the ground. The risk is continued deterioration of the grave and possible irreparable loss of its original elements.

What needs to be done?

Wedge’s headstone is in remarkably good condition, but the actual grave which includes a raised platform with an iron railing is actively disintegrating and pieces are moving away from the grave site. All the pieces were however still present in November 2009 and it would be relatively simple at this stage to have all of the parts assembled and secured so that this wonderful monument to Johnn Helder Wedge (and his wife Maria Medlands Wills, who predeceased Wedge in 1844) can survive into the future.