Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

As we celebrate International Women's Day tomorrow, we're shining a spotlight on the incredible women at SMCT, whose expertise and dedication shape meaningful projects like the Dianella Microforest at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. “There was a really strong involvement of women at all levels of this project, and that’s really quite unusual,” says Helen Tuton, SMCT’s Horticultural Assets Manager. Over her 30-year career, she has seen horticulture evolve into a more inclusive and dynamic field—one where diversity is driving better outcomes. At SMCT, we’re committed to fostering an environment where women are empowered to thrive across all areas of our organisation. Arbor Apprentice Allicia Doyle puts it simply: “You come to work, and you’re given the space to succeed.” Join us to celebrate the contributions of women in our industry and take a look at how our commitment to gender equality and inclusion not only benefits our team members, but also positively impacts our business and community. 🎬 Watch the video below to learn more. #InternationalWomensDay #Sustainability #Leadership #Cemeteries #Horticulture 

Project Cultivate is growing!🌱 With a $500,000 boost from the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Fund last year, we’re entering the final phase of this award-winning initiative at Melbourne General Cemetery. This council partnership is a testament to the project’s success, following our win at the 2024 Tidy Cities Sustainability Awards. Since 2023, Project Cultivate has transformed over 32 acres with locally native plants, reducing herbicide use by 70%, cooling the environment, and bringing back biodiversity—including species not seen for 150 years! With an extra 245,965 plants on the way, we’re future proofing this historic space for future generations. Read our blog post now about how the project is creating a more sustainable future: https://lnkd.in/gWVbX5XA #Sustainability #Biodiversity #UrbanGreening #ProjectCultivate #Cemeteries

On 1 February 2025, we proudly welcomed San Remo and Wonthaggi Cemeteries to our care following a voluntary transfer from Bass Coast Shire Council, supported by the Victorian Government. This transition ensures these historic sites receive expert support, sustainable management, and continued community connection. We appreciate those who have cared for these cemeteries over the years and look forward to working with the Bass Coast community to uphold the legacy of these beautiful locations for generations to come. Learn more and read our Frequently Asked Questions at https://lnkd.in/gb_n4tSk. #Community #Legacy #Cemeteries #SanRemo #Wonthaggi #History #SustainableManagement

We’re excited to welcome Ingrid Harvey as our new Chief Executive Officer.   Ingrid joins us from BlueCross Aged Care, where she led one of Australia’s largest aged care providers with a focus on purpose, community, and delivering meaningful outcomes.   Ingrid’s experience in care and commercial industries makes her uniquely placed to lead SMCT. “It all starts with caring for our people, customers, and community. It is truly humbling and an honour to serve this organisation and help support our diverse communities as they grieve, honour and celebrate life."   Known for her authentic and adaptable leadership, Ingrid is passionate about building positive workplace cultures and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals. She is committed to SMCT’s long-term success.   Ingrid has already spent her first few days meeting many of our team members and getting to know our sites from the grounds and sheds to the kitchens and offices. We welcome her and look forward to many more conversations as we create better together. 👏 Read the statement from SMCT Trust Chair Dr Vanda Fortunato: https://lnkd.in/gJ7fNvUD #Leadership #CEO #PeopleFirst #Community #Cemeteries 

Grief can feel isolating, but connection brings healing. Last October, we collaborated with The Compassionate Friends Victoria Inc. (TCFV) to host the first-ever Grieving Together: Grief Retreat at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Over 80 participants shared stories, attended workshops, and connected with others who understood their journey. From art therapy and yoga to exploring sibling grief and the grief of suicide, the retreat offered a safe space for healing and practical tools to navigate loss. A heartfelt thank you to our partners, attendees, and dedicated team members who made this event possible. Together, we showed the power of community and connection in supporting one another through grief. Read the full blog to learn more about this meaningful event: https://lnkd.in/gdWGSHGk #GrievingTogether #CommunitySupport #GriefSupport #Wellbeing #Cemeteries

Melbourne General Cemetery is going solar! As part of SMCT's Environmental Strategy, we've installed a new 13.2kW solar system on the roof of St Michael the Archangel Mausoleum. This follows the installation of a18.8kW solar system at St Mary of the Cross Mausoleum last year, which was approved by Heritage Victoria. Together, these solar installations reinforce our ongoing commitment to greenhouse gas reduction and energy cost savings — creating a more sustainable future for all. ☀️ #Sustainability #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Cemeteries #Mausoleum

This year, we’ve achieved remarkable outcomes for our people, community, and environment. From improving safety and fostering innovation to building stronger community connections, we’re proud of what we accomplished in 2024.   Here’s a snapshot of our 2024 highlights – focusing on our growth, our people, and our relationships. These achievements reflect the commitment of our teams to work with passion, respect, integrity, dedication, and empathy every day.   We wish our team members, partners and community a safe and happy holiday season. For everything you do, thank you! We look forward to continuing our work together in 2025! ✨   #YearInReview #Teamwork #Community #Innovation #ThankYou

Earlier this month, we welcomed families and friends to Bunurong Memorial Park for our annual Children's Remembrance Service. The festive period can be an especially difficult time for those affected by such profound loss, and we are privileged to provide a space to reflect on and honour the memory of cherished loved ones. Over 150 guests attended the event, which featured a speech from SMCT Interim CEO Lucinda Nolan and the lighting of our Remembrance Candle by SMCT Trust Chair Dr Vanda Fortunato PhD, FAICD. During the service, families were invited to illuminate a personalised white lantern with their child's name and to reflect on 'Eternal Light,' a star owned by SMCT symbolising the everlasting love we hold for those we have lost. Thank you to all who joined us, including City of Greater Dandenong Cr Lana Formoso and Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) Founder and President Melissa King. Read more about the heartfelt event here: https://lnkd.in/gTNDyPTQ #ChildrensRemembranceService #CommunitySupport #BunurongMemorialPark #EternalLight

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is excited to announce a new wetlands project for Bunurong Memorial Park (BMP) in Dandenong South. Funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and SMCT, the new wetlands and habitat project will transform BMP into a model for healthy urban waterways and biodiversity. Through sensitive waterway design and sustainable management of urban water resources, this project aims to: - Introduce vegetated wetlands and restore ecologically significant grassy ephemeral wetlands. - Link waterways to increase and diversify habitat for native wildlife. - Establish an important ecological link to the nearby Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Ramsar site and the remnant wetlands of the former Carrum Carrum Swamp. - Protect and restore indigenous vegetation and support vulnerable bird species in Victoria, including blue-billed ducks and musk ducks. - Build on community connections to our natural environment through improved access to green and blue spaces. This exciting new project will be conducted in project partnership with Melbourne Water, South East Water and City of Greater Dandenong and key stakeholders Mirragimpah Cultural Consultancy. We take this opportunity to thank the Australian Government for their contribution. The project will be delivered over a three-year period, with an expected completion in late 2027. #UrbanRiversandCatchmentsProgram, #NaturalHeritiageTrust, #UrbanRivers, #ClimateResilience, #NaturePositive, #Biodiversity, #DCCEEW, #NativeSpecies, #SaveNativeSpecies, #Conservation 

We are privileged to collaborate with Grief Australia on such a beautiful and heartfelt event. This annual remembrance event was an opportunity for our community to remember their loved ones before the often-difficult festive season. Our Chief Customer Officer Damian Ramondetta says, "these partnerships are incredibly important to SMCT. They allow us to work together to provide so much more support for our grieving community." Thanks again to our partners, including The Compassionate Friends Victoria Inc. (TCFV) and especially to everyone who had the courage to attend, share their memories and stories, and connect in this meaningful space. #grief #partners #remembrance #LoveNeverDies