Invicta Cemetery is a historic site on Boughtons Road, Bucca, a legacy from the time of the Invicta Mill which operated in the area from 1895 to 1918.
The site is a reminder of an important time in the region's history and demonstrates the significance of establishing a sugar mill at Invicta, as the intention of the cemetery was to serve the community created following the opening of the mill.
Now a historic cemetery, it is a Local Heritage Places.
The cemetery is located in lightly timbered bushland with just a small portion of the half hectare site cleared.
It contains two graves approximately two metres apart, with decorative concrete surrounds and upright concrete headstones with engraved inscription and ornamentation:
Herbert James Wigzell aged 31 died 3 February 1907 when he drowned in the Kolan River.
Herbert had worked in the area for some years and was reported to be well known and liked in the district.
On the day of his death, it was reported he had borrowed a towel from the Bucca Hotel and told a Mrs Anderson he was going for a swim.
When he didn’t return the towel the next day, she asked a cook from a nearby property ‘Obo’ to check the river, where Herbert’s body was found in the water.
Mr and Mrs Budgen, Herbert’s former employers, raised the funds from friends and subscribers for his headstone and surrounds.
They raised a total of £11, which equates to around $1,500 today.
His headstone reads We cannot tell who next may fall; Beneath thy chastening rod; One must be first but let us all; Prepare to meet our God.
Thomas Newell also died by drowning in the Kolan River, on 1 December 1913 aged 25 years.
It was reported at the time that Thomas was new to the area, having recently immigrated from Ireland, and had no known relations in Australia.
He was a fireman at Invicta Mill, and on the day of the accident was swimming with a group of other men in the Kolan River.
Another man attempted to rescue Thomas and was reportedly lucky to escape with his own life.
Thomas’ headstone reads Erected by his fellow employees and sympathisers of Invicta.
The graves have been restored by the Invicta community and a paved border has been added.
The site is enclosed by a timber pole barrier and an interpretive panel provides information about the history of Invicta.
It is unknown whether there are any more unmarked graves in the cemetery reserve.
