Tallarook Cemetery, which was originally Dabyminga Cemetery, is following these new changes with a new Memorial Cremation Walk.
The Tallarook Cemetery Trust Committee has been planning and working on the new memorial walk for the past couple of years, and it has now come to fruition.
The committee’s secretary Leigh Vague said that the memorial walk has been discussed even before he came to the committee, and was happy to see the works have been finished.
“Two years ago, we established, initially, the area, and then we've had it landscape since,” he said.
“We're already welcoming anyone who wishes to book a site effectively.
“There are a number of sites, which have been prepaid, it’s 84 sites.”
“We've sold 10 or 11 so, there's plenty of space here, and it's a lovely setting.”
The Memorial Cremation Walk featured two concrete kerbs to place a memorial plaque honouring loved ones, and drought resistant plants donated Denise Richardson of Tallarook Trees, inside the kerbs where ashes can be interned.
The new site has been opened to cater to the increasing demand for cremation.
Mr Vague said there are a couple of reasons on why people are leaning towards cremation recently, rather than a burial.
“I think cost is a big (reason) one,” he said.
“The internment costs of the General Cemetery (for burials) is about $1,000 and monuments, probably, you are looking at $5,000 to $6,000, probably significantly more than that now.”
The purpose of the area is also to serve as a lovely, quiet surrounding which people can come sit and reflect the memories of their loved ones.
The sites at the Memorial Cremation Walk costs $400, and the family will be responsible for getting the plaque and make sure that it is placed properly.
A ceremony can also be held during the internment of the ashes with a Trust Committee Member Present.
The new memorial walk wouldn’t be complete without the help from the community.
“There's a number of people that have been very generous in donating their time or donating plants or equipment or concrete,” Mr Vague said.
“It's been terrific from a community sense, and that tends to be what small communities are about.
“They more than willing to come and help.”
Local Les Bell donated his time and expertise with the kerb and channel machine, Daryl Barns from Spot On Concrete completed the foundation and concreting, and Hansen Concrete from Kilmore donated the concrete used to build the kerb.
The Seymour Men’s Shed also built two bench seats for the Memorial Cremation Walk.
Trust member Josephine Bell said they were very driven when they decided to make plans to build the Memorial Cremation Walk.
“I know myself, I just could see the picture in my head and I just wanted it done,” she said.
“We just all really pushed together, and we got it done.”
24°C