Following the declaration of the grave of Goolam Rasool Nazar as a heritage place by the Minister for Lands and Planning in 2015, a new sign has been unveiled today to mark the site.

Chief Executive of the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment Mr Rod Applegate said the gravesite has a unique place in Territory history.

"This is the only known lone grave of an Afghan person in the Alice Springs region, and tells a fascinating story about what life was like for many people from Afghanistan and surrounding areas who left their homeland in the nineteenth century to help settle Central Australia.

"Goolam Rasool Nazar was a camelman and hawker who fought a legal battle to win the right to own land in Alice Springs.

"Sadly, he died just a few months after winning his case, but his successful legal battle ensured his right to a burial place in the town that had become his home.

"The gravesite was declared a heritage place in 2015, and a sign to commemorate the burial site was unveiled today by Mrs Patricia Miller, Deputy to the Administrator of the Northern Territory, and Mr Steven Satour, representing the Alice Springs Afghan community," Mr Applegate said.

The grave lies between the Golf Course and Olive Pink Botanic Gardens in Alice Springs, and according to Islamic tradition, lies on a north-south axis.

"For many years, nearby residents have cared for the gravesite.  The installation of this commemorative signage will be of interest to locals and visitors alike, and contributes to the rich history of the Alice Springs region," said Mr Applegate.

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