Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

22/10/2026

💧 Water for life. Planning for generations.
This National Water Week, we're celebrating the power of thinking ahead.

At SMCT, caring for landscapes that will exist in perpetuity means thinking beyond today's water needs. Every decision we make considers the role water plays in sustaining the landscapes, ecosystems and communities connected to our memorial parks.

From capturing and reusing stormwater at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, to our commitment to reduce potable water use by 20% by 2030, and increasing climate-resilient planting across our sites, we're finding smarter ways to manage this precious resource.

Good water stewardship isn't just about today. It's about creating resilient, beautiful places for future generations. 🌱💧🌏
For more information, visit smct.org.au/sustainability

21/10/2026

Choosing how to say goodbye is a deeply personal decision. Understanding the cremation process can help demystify the experience and provide peace of mind. This guide explains each step, from preparation to the collection of ashes, ensuring you feel supported throughout: https://www.smct.org.au/blog/the-cremation-process

15/10/2026

🐦🌿This 19-25 October, take part in the Aussie Bird Count and discover the incredible birdlife living in our cemeteries and memorial parks.

Whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or simply enjoy being outdoors, it's easy to get involved. Spend 20 minutes counting the birds you see and hear, then submit your results through the Aussie Bird Count app.

From colourful parrots and honeyeaters to tawny frogmouths and tiny fairy wrens, our parks provide important habitat for a remarkable diversity of species, making them some of Melbourne's most unexpected biodiversity hotspots.

Join the count and help build a better picture of Australia's birdlife while exploring places that are home to more than history.

Find out more at aussiebirdcount.org.au 🦜✨

15/10/2026

An update for families and visitors to Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery.

This week, we discovered that a number of memorial plaques have been removed or damaged. We know this news may be upsetting, particularly for families with loved ones memorialised at the cemetery.
We have notified Victoria Police and are supporting their investigation. Our teams are also carrying out inspections across the cemetery and contacting affected families where possible.

As Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery is over 150 years old, we may not have current contact details for every family. If you are concerned that a memorial may have been affected, we encourage you to visit the page below for updates and to register your details with us.
🔗 https://www.smct.org.au/cpcplaques
For immediate assistance, please call 1300 466 904.

Honour and celebrate life with SMCT’s burial and cremation services in Melbourne with cemeteries across Victoria, and personalised memorial services.

14/10/2026

Today, we recognise Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Across our community are parents, families and loved ones remembering babies whose lives were brief, but deeply meaningful.

For many, this grief is deeply personal and often unseen. It can be felt in milestones that never arrived and in the quiet moments when memories resurface.

At Bunurong Memorial Park, our Butterfly Garden offers a place for reflection and remembrance, where people can pause, remember, and honour babies gone too soon in their own way.

If today feels particularly difficult, please know you don't have to carry that grief alone. We've shared a grief support resource from in the comments for anyone who may find it helpful today.

To everyone remembering a baby today, we're holding you in our thoughts. 🦋

12/10/2026

For the first time, we hosted a Grief Retreat at Bunurong Memorial Park for people bereaved by su***de.
The retreat created a supportive space for people to come together, connect with others who understood their grief and explore some of the challenges that can follow a loss.
Through workshop discussions, creative activities, meditation, quiet conversations over lunch and time with the wellbeing dogs, participants were able to share, reflect and feel supported.
Thank you to Grief Australia specialist grief practitioners Bianca Lavorgna, Eszter (Esther) C., Hayley Russell and Miguel Lopez, and to The Unconditional Love Foundation for helping create such a welcoming experience.
We also extend our thanks to Jillian West for her Welcome to Country and Melissa King for her soothing sound bowl meditation.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so meaningful.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available 24/7:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

12/10/2026

One of the greatest gifts we can leave our loved ones is certainty.

Planning ahead gives you the opportunity to make informed decisions in your own time, share your wishes with family, and choose a place that feels right for you.

As availability within Melbourne's established cemeteries continues to evolve, many families are choosing to explore their options earlier, while there is still a range of locations available.

If you've been considering planning ahead, now may be the right time to learn more about the new areas available across our memorial parks.

🔗 https://www.smct.org.au/new-areas

08/10/2026

SMCT is proud to support Red Nose by hosting Melbourne’s Walk to Remember 2026 at Bunurong Memorial Park.
The event brings together bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, family members, friends and supporters to honour babies and children who have died, and connect with others who understand loss.
The day will include remembrance activities, activities for children, a short symbolic walk around Lake Australis and a picnic lunch.
We look forward to welcoming the Red Nose Australia community to Bunurong Memorial Park and continuing our shared commitment to supporting bereaved families.
For event details and registration, visit .https://rednose.org.au/events/walk-to-remember-2026/

04/10/2026

🐝💧 Tap to Habitat: A small drink, a big difference. Have you spotted the new stone bowls beneath taps at St Kilda Cemetery and Sorrento Community Cemetery?

They're part of our Tap to Habitat initiative, helping provide fresh drinking water for local wildlife including birds, native bees, butterflies, blue-tongue lizards, bandicoots, echidnas and more. 🦋🦎🐦
These natural stone bowls work alongside our habitat restoration efforts, including Project Cultivate, to create healthier, more biodiverse landscapes across our cemetery sites.

As habitat gardeners would say: "If you fill it, they will come." 💚

Next time you're visiting, take a moment to explore these wildlife-friendly features and see what nature you can spot. They'll soon be appearing at Melbourne General Cemetery too. 💧

📖 Read the full story and learn more about the animals benefiting from https://www.smct.org.au/tap-to-habitat

30/09/2026

Planning together can help your community stay connected. SMCT’s Community and Faith Partnerships team works with faith leaders, cultural organisations and community groups to explore meaningful memorial options that reflect shared traditions and values.

Eligible groups can also explore group purchasing arrangements and dedicated memorial opportunities for their community.

Learn more and enquire:
https://www.smct.org.au/about-us/community/community-planning-service