Established in 1854 it became, together with St Kilda Cemetery, an alternative resting place for those who had lived south of the Yarra River.

There are up 70,000 people interred, including famous Australian artists, politicians and military heroes.

He organised the building of the Tahara house, where the deceased were watched until buried.

He instigated the idea of half-graves for children, as they were expensive and child mortality was high in the 19th century.

Blashki also founded the Jewish burial society, Chevra Kadisha, still in existence today.