Melbourne General Cemetery covers 43 hectares (107 acres).

 

Fourteen staff are employed at Melbourne General Cemetery as at January 2009.  This comprises three administration staff, and eleven other staff such as funeral supervisors, gravediggers, gardeners and maintenance staff.

Who administers Melbourne General Cemetery?

Melbourne General Cemetery is administered by the Trustees of the Necropolis Springvale.  Necropolis also administers Dandenong, Springvale Botanical and St Kilda cemeteries.  Necropolis is a self funded not for profit organisation.  Its board consists of up to 11 members, who are appointed by the Governor in Council.

 

Burial

How many burials take place each year at Melbourne General Cemetery?

In the 2008/09 financial year Melbourne General Cemetery conducted 169 burials.

 

The number of burials that can occur within a grave depends on the depth of the first interment. 

 

The standard depth for new graves is 1.52m (5’) which allows for a single interment.  However, if advised at the time of the first interment most graves can be dug to 2.13m (7’) to allow for two interments.  Certain areas will provide for three interments with the depth of the first burial at 2.7m (9’).

 

Most graves are dug by excavator.  In the older areas, where access is difficult, the grave is hand dug.  The gravediggers will determine whether to shore the grave.  This involves placing timber around the inside of the grave to form solid walls.  In areas where the soil is unstable, shoring the grave ensures the safety of the gravedigger and helps prevent the grave from collapsing during the funeral.

 

The gravedigging course runs for 12 to 18 months and involves both practical and theoretical study.  At the completion of the course, the gravedigger receives a Certificate in Gravedigging Operations.

 

Click here for information regarding tenure on graves.

 

Mausoleum

How many interments within mausolea take place each year at Melbourne General Cemetery?
In the 2008/09 financial year Melbourne General Cemetery conducted 41 mausolea interments.

What is a mausoleum?

A mausoleum is a building in which bodies in caskets can be securely and hygienically stored above ground level in crypts.

What is a crypt?

Crypts are above ground compartments which are specially constructed from durable, poured-in-place, reinforced concrete.  All crypts are connected to drainage and ventilation systems and are adorned with either granite or marble frontages.

Crypts are usually available at six different designated levels, with the price varying depending on the level and type of the crypt.

There are three different types of crypts:

• Single crypts provide for a single casket.
• True companion crypts allow for two caskets placed end to end, in tandem.
• Pair crypts provide for two caskets side by side.

What is the process for interring a body in a mausoleum crypt?
Once the funeral service is completed, the casket is placed in the crypt.  The crypt is then sealed.  The marble or granite shutter is then placed over the seal.  The crypt is always sealed immediately after the interment.

Is it necessary for embalming to occur for interment within a mausoleum crypt?

No.  It remains the choice of the family whether to embalm the deceased.

For what length of time is a mausoleum crypt purchased?
Click here for information regarding tenure on crypts.

What different types of crypt locations are available?
A wide range of crypts are available to suit all tastes, incomes, preferences and cultures.  Please click here to be taken to the Mausoleum section of the website which details the range of crypt locations available.

Gardens

What is the Prime Minister’s Garden?
In 1992 the then Premier, Jeff Kennett and his close political associate, Ron Walker, became aware of the fact that a memorial had not been established for the late Sir Robert Menzies.  A Prime Minister’s Garden at Melbourne General Cemetery was subsequently established and the cremated remains of Sir Robert and Dame Pattie Menzies interred. 

Additional monuments have been added over the years which commemorate Sir John Grey Gorton, the Hon Harold Holt and Dame Zara Bate.  A decorative wall recognising all Australian Prime Ministers who have held office is located at the rear of the garden.

With water restrictions in place, how are the gardens maintained?
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, several water tanks have been installed to catch water off the maintenance building and the Gatehouse Mausoleum. The water is used to maintain surrounding garden areas.

Is the cemetery ever used for alternative purposes?
Yes, tours are regularly conducted and we have recently had a wedding ceremony within the grounds.  The site also features in the recent Hollywood movie, Ghost Rider.