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.”