General Information
How large is St Kilda Cemetery?
St Kilda Cemetery covers 7 hectares (18 acres).
How many staff are employed at St Kilda Cemetery?
In recent years two staff have been employed at St Kilda Cemetery. With changing OH&S requirements, specialist horticulture and grave care needs, increasingly the site is being serviced from either Melbourne General or Springvale Botanical cemeteries.
Who administers St Kilda Cemetery?
St Kilda Cemetery is administered by the Trustees of the Necropolis Springvale. Necropolis also administers Dandenong, Melbourne General and Springvale Botanical 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 St Kilda Cemetery?
In the 2008/09 financial year, St Kilda Cemetery conducted 8 burials.
How many burials can occur in each grave?
The number of burials that can occur within a grave depends on the depth of the first interment.
To what depth are graves dug?
Nowadays 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’).
What equipment is used to dig a grave?
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.
What training is required to become a gravedigger?
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.
For what length of time is a grave purchased?
Click here for information regarding tenure on graves.
