In October 1853 the government set aside crown land between Upper Heidelberg Road, and Darebin, Powlett and Brown Streets which in 1854 became the Warringal Cemetery. It was placed in the hands of a body of trustees who were appointed on a denominational basis by the ministers of each church. Only one of the original trustees, F.A. Powlett, appears to have had any direct connection with Heidelberg. In 1854 three local men, Patrick Stevenson, Thomas Farrell and William Perry (of Alphington), became additional trustees.

The Trust first met officially in August 1855 and, after some local dissatisfaction in 1857, settled down to perform its duties smoothly.