A role of grave importance

Often spoken about in hushed tones, the job of grave-digger isn’t one people like to think about unless the need arises.

But for Jack Denherder, the role he’s held for over 20 years (six of them at Council) is a service to his local community and one he considers a privilege.

“I know it sounds strange, but I love my job,” says Jack.

“For me, it’s an absolute honour, a final act of service. The way I look at things is that it has to be perfect because it’s the last moment for a loved one.”

Jack insisted on swapping the typical fluorescent jacket of outside Council workers, to a uniform more fitting for a role that sees him standing beside family members when interning ashes at Council cemeteries.

A uniform and a pair of aviator sunglasses are familiar to Jack.

“I spent eight years in the military, two tours overseas in Somalia and East Timor and I suffered from PTSD when I left,” he says. “I had an earthmoving background, but I couldn’t just sit in a machine on my own all day with my PTSD issues. Then a mate introduced me to grave-digging."

“Dealing with grieving people every day, I realised there are worse problems, and mine pale into insignificance.”

Polite, empathetic in nature, and meticulous in his work ethic, Jack brings his personality to the occasion. He adds a little light-heartedness to an otherwise solemn and sad time when he senses the need, always with the utmost respect, dignity and genuine compassion.

“Sometimes I’m the only one outside of their family there and I can make that connection. I get to know them very quickly. They even ask to hug me sometimes; they are so grateful and I’m so humbled.”

During funerals, Jack is always onsite in the distance, ready to assist on the very rare occasion an issue might arise.

Knowing every soil type and every rule and regulation in the industry, nothing gets past Jack’s eagle eye. It’s why he has earned the utmost respect from his peers and receives so many messages of thanks from families.

“I’m a Barossan myself and I have German heritage, so it’s like one big family to me,” he explains.

“95% of the people I bury here are descendants of the founding pioneers of this area. People are getting to know me now, and they say they want Jack to do it which makes me feel good.”

Jack admits people find the role of a grave-digger intriguing, and he’s always up for a chat.

“Ask me if I’ve seen a ghost,” he says, with a cheeky, knowing glint in eyes - the one that invites you in to listen.