Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

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Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is a community based, not-for-profit organisation c

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust ( SMCT) is a public entity reporting to the Minister for Health, purposed with providing cemetery, cremation and related support services to the community on the government’s behalf.

04/06/2026

A gentle reminder to secure today’s rates before 30 June

We know that thinking about the future can be difficult, but taking the step to plan ahead is one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts you can leave for your family.

If you have been considering pre-planning a memorial space or arrangement at one of our sites, we want to let you know that our current prices are locked in until 30 June 2026.

From 1 July 2026, a government-regulated price update of 3.1% will take effect across all Victorian cemetery trusts in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

By completing your pre-planning arrangements this month, you can finalise your choices at our lower rates. More importantly, pre-planning locks in the cost of your selected products and services forever, completely protecting your family from any future cost increases.

Whether you are looking at arrangements for yourself or a loved one, our team is available to help you navigate these updates and understand exactly what they mean for you.

Our Sales and Contact Centre teams are here to guide you with care and clarity at every step of the way. Book an obligation-free appointment with us today to discuss your plans.

Visit https://www.smct.org.au/news/2026-planned-price-updates for more information.

28/05/2026

Gain better understanding of your grief through a supportive day-long event on 13 June 2026 at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Register by 07 June 2026 (limited spaces available)

https://www.smct.org.au/events/grief-retreat-springvale

27/05/2026

Our team is dedicated to supporting First Nations communities.

This National Reconciliation Week, we came together to reflect on what reconciliation means in the work we do across our cemeteries and memorial parks, and how we can continue to learn from and listen to First Nations voices.

Through an internal “You CAN ask that” session, our CEO, Ingrid Harvey, and proud Bunurong and Palawa woman, Jillian West, created space for an open, respectful discussion, diving into the questions we can sometimes hesitate to ask.

By listening to First Nations stories and shared histories, we strengthen our understanding of cultural practices, including Sorry Business, helping us support families with dignity and respect.

Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment grounded in truth-telling and working together toward justice and meaningful change in the workplace and the broader community.

Thank you to Ingrid, Jillian, and all team members who contributed to this important conversation.

16/05/2026

🌼 Native planting improvements coming this May 🌼

From late May, we’ll be refreshing four garden beds in the Talinga and Port Jackson Lawn sections at Cheltenham Memorial Park with thoughtful horticultural works designed to support both beauty and biodiversity.

More than 700 native and indigenous shrubs, wildflowers, groundcovers and grasses will be planted, bringing soft colour, texture and seasonal interest to these spaces 🌿

The works will also include soil remediation, organic mulch, and the replacement of selected exotic plants that are no longer thriving.

🌱 Native plantings play an important role in supporting small birds and pollinators, helping connect habitats within the cemetery landscape.

Access to these garden beds may be limited for a short time during works. We look forward to sharing the results as these plantings grow and settle over time.

Visit engagewith.smct.org.au/cmp-garden-works for updates.

12/05/2026

Customer Service Update: Wednesday, 13 May

Please be advised that on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, our customer service teams will be participating in a compulsory safety and wellbeing training session.

To facilitate this, our central Contact Centre and on-site customer service centres at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Bunurong Memorial Park, and Melbourne General Cemetery will be closed from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Please note that all cemetery and memorial park grounds will remain fully open to the public during this time for visitation and quiet reflection.

Additionally, for those visiting Springvale Botanical Cemetery, please be aware that page-turn requests at the Garden of No Distant Place may experience delays during this morning period.

Normal customer service operations across all sites and our Contact Centre will resume at 12:30 pm. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we invest in the safety and wellbeing of our team.

26/04/2026

Join the City Nature Challenge 25-28 April 2026 🐝🌱🌸

The City Nature Challenge is a worldwide initiative to gather observations of wild plants and animals.

This year, we encourage you to explore our beautiful sites, and log it as part of the local council area. 📷 Snap a photo of a plant or animal, or record a call, and upload it to iNaturalist between 25 - 28 April 2026.

Your observations are automatically added to the project, and will help your local council (and SMCT!) understand who and what is growing in our urban spaces.

➡️ Visit the iNaturalist page here
https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-greater-melbourne-umbrella

🪲 For more tips visit https://engagewith.smct.org.au/calling-all-citizen-scientists

21/04/2026

This Saturday 25 April, we're holding our second ever ANZAC Dawn Service at the Springvale War Cemetery within SBC. The service will start at 6 am with our mobile cafe Hilda serving jam donuts and warm coffee beforehand. ☕
You, your family and friends are welcome to attend. Join us as we honour the people who have served our country. 🎖️❤️
For event details, please visit https://www.smct.org.au/events/anzac-dawn-service

15/04/2026

Creating meaningful spaces where people can come together in grief is an important part of what we do.
Recently, families, partners and community members gathered at Bunurong Memorial Park for the Say Their Name Day service, held with Red Nose Australia, to remember babies and children gone too soon.
This year, Red Nose Australia's Blue Wren symbol gently reminded us that even after loss, love and memories stay close. The service offered a heartfelt moment to share stories, say names and remember together.
Red Nose Australia Community Engagement Coordinator Fotini Koklas said:
“This is my second year working with SMCT, and our partnership means so much to us. We were honoured to have SMCT CEO Ingrid Harvey open the service, and the feedback from families made it a really special day.”
Thank you to our dedicated team and partners for helping create a warm, welcoming space for connection and remembrance. 💙
📷Photos: Fotini with Ingrid and Programs and Partnerships team members Leah Grier and Jacqui Ueckert.

13/04/2026

National Miscarriage Awareness Day and Tour of the Butterfly Garden

SMCT & Miscarriage Information Support Services (MISS) warmly invite you to join us for the annual National Miscarriage Awareness Day service, including a guided tour of the Butterfly Garden (miscarriage and early pregnancy loss memorial garden) at Bunurong Memorial Park.

National Miscarriage Awareness Day, recognised annually on the first Sunday in May, is a day of remembrance and reflection for those impacted by miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, and to honour babies lost too soon.

Date: Sunday 3 May 2026

Proceedings: Arrival from 10.45am
11.00am - 12.00pm: Remembrance Service
12.00pm - 12.30pm: Refreshments
12.30pm - 1.00pm: Tour of the Butterfly Garden

Venue: The service and refreshments will be held in The Sanctuary at Bunurong Memorial Park, and guests will then proceed to the Butterfly Garden.

To register for the event, please visit: https://www.smct.org.au/events/national-miscarriage-awareness-day-butterfly-garden-launch

Further enquiries: [email protected]

Designed in collaboration with Miscarriage Information Support Services (MISS) and community, the garden is a place to honour enduring love and remembrance for those who have experienced miscarriage and early pregnancy loss.

31/03/2026

Easter Long Weekend Operating Hours
As we approach the Easter weekend, please be advised of the holiday operating hours across our locations and support teams.

Please note that our cemetery and memorial park grounds will remain fully open to the public every day, allowing you to visit your loved ones over the long weekend.

Springvale Botanical Cemetery (On-site Reception)
• Good Friday: Closed
• Easter Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm
• Easter Sunday: 9 am - 5 pm
• Easter Monday: Closed

Bunurong Memorial Park (On-site Reception)
• Closed from Good Friday through to Easter Monday.

If you require assistance while our on-site receptions are closed, our central teams are available by phone during the following hours:

Contact Centre (Phone Support)
• Good Friday: Closed
• Easter Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm
• Easter Sunday & Easter Monday: Closed

Bookings Team
• Good Friday: Closed
• Easter Saturday to Easter Monday: 9 am - 4 pm daily

We wish our community a safe, restful, and peaceful Easter weekend. For site maps or further information, please visit our website: https://smct.org.au

Address

600 Princes Highway
Springvale, VIC
3171

Telephone

+61385588278

Website

http://www.smct.org.au/

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