UPDATE: The Norfolk Chapel at Karrakatta Cemetery has officially reopened to the public after suffering devastating damage from an alleged arson attack. The chapel, located in Western Australia’s largest cemetery, was closed for nearly a year following a fire on October 1, 2022, which caused an estimated $1 million in damages.
Authorities confirm that Tianna Addison Diodato Day, a 28-year-old woman, has been accused of starting the fire and is also linked to a fire at Lakes Lawn Cemetery just days before. Day has pleaded guilty to four charges related to these incidents and is next scheduled to appear in court on October 10, 2023 for sentencing.
The chapel reopened its doors on September 12, 2023, with services resuming on September 15, 2023. The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board announced that the chapel underwent extensive restoration efforts to ensure a “dignified, comfortable, and welcoming environment” for visitors. Key renovations included structural repairs, updated seating and lighting, and new interiors that respect the chapel’s original design.
The redesign also enhanced the chapel’s condolence lounge, improving accessibility for visitors and upgrading fire and safety systems to prevent future incidents. Originally opened in 1991, the chapel can accommodate 96 people seated and another 114 standing.
This reopening is significant not just for the cemetery but for families who rely on the chapel for memorial services, offering a renewed space for reflection and remembrance after a traumatic incident.
As the community welcomes back the Norfolk Chapel, all eyes will be on the upcoming court date for Day, with many hoping for justice following this tragic event.
