GIPPSLAND CEMETERIES RECEIVE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT GRANTS

Thursday, 31st January 2019

Nineteen cemeteries across Gippsland will receive a government grant as part of a $832,000 state-wide investment by the Andrews Labor Government to ensure the final resting places of our loved ones are maintained in a respectful manner.

Announcing the grants, the Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, said the funds would be used for maintenance or equipment purchases:

Cemetery Trust Name Cemetery Site Grant amount Description of works
Aberfeldy Cemetery Trust Aberfeldy $5,095 Ride on mower
Buchan Cemetery Trust Buchan $7,500 Ride-on mower
Buchan Cemetery Trust Buchan $76,000 Toilet block, storage shed
Crib Point Cemetery Trust Crib point $1,368 Grave shoring
Drouin Cemetery Trust Drouin $987 CCTV system
Ensay Cemetery Trust Ensay $10,000 Storage shed
Gormandale Cemetery Trust Gormandale $20,000 Toilet facility
Grantville Cemetery Trust Grantville $10,302 Grave shoring
Hazelwood Cemetery Trust Hazelwood $7,500 Concrete path
Kilcunda Cemetery Trust Kilcunda $4,000 Niche wall and memorial area
Leongatha Cemetery Trust Leongatha $40,000 Resealing roadway
Maffra Cemetery Trust Maffra $40,000 Mapping
Phillip Island Cemetery Trust Phillip Island $850 Geophysical survey
Phillip Island Cemetery Trust Phillip Island $15,000 Purchase tractor
Poowong Cemetery Trust Poowong $9,009 Fencing
San Remo Cemetery Trust San Remo $18,000 Cemetery masterplan
Traralgon Cemetery Trust Gippsland Memorial Park $1,780 Removal of dangerous trees within easement of high pressure natural gas line
Welshpool Cemetery Trust Welshpool $5,316 Fencing

 

The grants were some of the 70 grants – most of them to small rural cemeteries – that will help provide much-needed equipment or assist with carrying out maintenance projects.

The state’s cemeteries offer many unique insights into how Victoria has grown and developed.

The grants program helps Cemetery Trusts, the vast majority of which are run by volunteers, who maintain and improve cemetery facilities, so they can be utilised by many generations to come.

The general maintenance work, facility renovations and purchase or upgrade of essential equipment will help to ensure the cemetery grounds are safe for staff and visitors.

Works will also focus on public health and safety, improving record keeping and maintaining infrastructure.

The grants recognise the significance a cemetery holds within local communities, and the need to keep the facilities well maintained and make them as welcoming as possible.

Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

The Andrews Labor Government recognises the tireless work of local, volunteer-run trusts and their need for extra support to maintain our cemeteries.”

“In many cases local cemeteries provide a snapshot of the history and growth of Victoria so it’s important they are not neglected.”

“Family and friends deserve to be surrounded by a pleasant environment when saying goodbye to a loved one or visiting a grave, and this funding will ensure that happens in Gippsland.”