Cade Lucas
After recent reports that it was full, new burial plots are set to be made available at Werribee Cemetery.
On February 14, the Star Weekly reported that the 160 year old cemetery was no longer offering new burial plots due to a lack of space, with only those with existing reservations still able to be buried there.
Instead, residents of Australia’s fastest growing municipality who wanted a traditional burial were forced to choose between Altona or Melton.
But earlier this month, the General Metropolitan Cemetery Trust (GMCT), which manages Werribee Cemetery, announced a limited number of new lawn plaque graves would be developed at the site, meaning Wyndham will again have a place where local residents can be laid to rest.
“We are developing 170 new, lawn plaque graves at Werribee Cemetery, which we expect to complete by July,” said Chief Operations and People Officer at GMCT, Dimi Patitsas.
The new graves will be located at the northeastern end of the cemetery, towards the fence line, where infrastructure has been removed to make space.
Ms Patitsas said along with new graves, the condition of this part of the cemetery would also be improved, allaying concerns expressed by some families that it was falling into disrepair.
“We’re further beautifying this section of the cemetery as well to create a sense of peace and solace for families. It includes hundreds of metres of garden beds with trees, new fencing and bench seats. Roads within the cemetery are also being improved.”
The news was welcomed by Mambourin resident David Hanley who has numerous family members buried at Werribee Cemetery, but was last year told he wouldn’t be able to join them due to a lack of space.
With new burial plots now available he said he’d again try to secure one.
“Yes because my health’s not that good at the moment,” he chuckled.
Work on the new grave sites is schedule to begin next month and will be available in the new financial year.
GMCT said once the new section is open they will contact those who have previously registered their interest in buying a lawn grave at Werribee Cemetery, but that the number of purchases per family or individual will be limited.
Those interested can contact Werribee Cemetery on 1300 022 298 or enquiries@gmct.com.au
