12. Mietta O’Donnell (1951-2001)

Born in 1951, O’Donnell was influential in arts and culture, but may be best known in the hospitality industry. With her partner, O’Donnell established and ran an iconic restaurant, ‘Mietta’s’, first in Fitzroy then Alfred Place, a heritage building in Melbourne’s CBD. Here O’Donnell established a salon supporting performing arts including comedy, song, play readings, poetry, jazz, opera, and social and political forums.

O’Donnell established a song competition, which began in 1995. The competition aimed to help singers to develop, providing opportunities to study and perform both in Australia and overseas. This competition continued after O’Donnell’s death in 2001 and ran until 2016.

The design of Mietta O’Donnell’s family grave is incredibly unique. The different geometric pieces of stone coming together to create a piece of art that contrasts dramatically with the surrounding historical monuments. It is another great example of how in modern times, there are nearly endless possibilities when considering memorialisation.

Walk along Centre Avenue towards the Melbourne Mausoleum. The mausoleum was the first constructed at Melbourne General Cemetery. It was opened in 1998 and holds 1416 crypt spaces. Walk along the pathways either side of the mausoleum. When you reach the roads, turn left then veer right onto Entrance Avenue. Follow the road along, towards the Gatehouse, and the stop will be on your left.