Goodwill offers by cemeteries

By Lia Bichel
SPRINGVALE Botanical Cemetery is hoping to relieve some of the burden suffered by families of those who perished in the bushfires.
The cemetery is offering half-priced plots and a $2000 credit towards a mausoleum crypt.
“We and a number of cemeteries are doing anything we can do to help families in these tragic circumstances,” Springvale Botanical Cemetery chief Russ Allison said.
“It’s not going to make the death easier for the family, but it will help to relieve some of the burden.”
Mr Allison said it was too early to know how many deceased from the fire would be brought to Springvale Botanical Gardens or to other cemeteries, but staff in the industry are offering their services to each other to help cope with the work load.
“There has been a collegiate response from surrounding cemeteries,” he said.
“Many country cemeteries only bury about 10 people a year, and heaven forbid, they may have that many in a month now. We are offering any assistance we can, be it staff or extra equipment to help smaller cemeteries cope. Clearly the industry has a strong focus on helping families with their special needs. ”
Mr Allison said cemeteries, including Altona Memorial, Anderson’s Creek, Keilor, Lilydale, Melbourne General, St Kilda, and Templestowe are also offering discounted services for people who perished in the fires.