Geelong Cemeteries Trust opens new community mausoleum

A FOURTH community mausoleum is now open for the use of families from across the Geelong region.

Geelong Cemeteries Trust officially opened the facility – its fourth community mausoleum – in the grounds of Geelong Eastern Cemetery earlier this month.

The new mausoleum building meets the growing needs of the community and offers a traditional, cultural and significant resting place.

Completed over 11 months, the new space provides 105 crypts and is set among beautifully landscaped gardens and walkways, offering visitors a quiet environment for reflection.

Of these 105 crypts, 19 have already been pre-purchased.

The building is designed by award-winning architecture and interior design practice, Harmer Architecture, and draws on the existing three mausolea, characterised by light-filled galleries and elegant finishes using the highest quality materials.

All trades and consultants were Victorian-based, with many from the Geelong region.

Geelong Cemeteries Trust staff also played a major role in the construction and landscaping.

Each mausoleum stands as a unique building, distinguished by details such as unique stone, Italian bronze statues and chandeliers of coloured glass.

Geelong Cemeteries Trust chair John Mitchell said the new mausoleum was a reflection of the continued commitment the trust had in caring for its communities.

“We are proud to unveil this beautiful addition to Geelong Eastern Cemetery, that embraces the various cultural and personal preferences of those we serve.”

Trust chief executive officer Dean Matthews said the trust’s mausoleums had much to offer.

“They provide all weather protection so loved ones have a tranquil environment to reflect.

“All of this, with peace of mind that Geelong Cemeteries Trust will look after these final resting places for all time.

“Our mausolea honour both the living and those who have passed. We look forward to opening this new space to our communities.”

Several councillors and MPs attended the official opening, and Geelong Cemeteries Trust has extended a wider invitiation to all to attend the community opening, to be held on June 19 at 11am.

St Mary’s Parish priest Father James Clarke will perform a blessing.

Crypts are available to be pre-purchased, with options to suit all families.

For more information, head to gct.net.au/plan-ahead or phone 5249 3939.