Balloons are released to mark the official opening of the special memorial.A SPECIAL memorial – in the shape of a life-sized carousel – to remember babies and children who have died was opened at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Saturday.
Health Minister Daniel Andrews officially opened the carousel, designed by Melbourne artist Jenny Steiner.
The ‘In Memories We Live’ carousel will provide a quiet place for parents and sibling, relatives and friends.
The creation, the realisation of a concept that grew from discussions with parents of children interred in the grounds, provides a focal point on the lawns in the children’s section of the cemetery.
The opening ceremony, which was attended by parents, friends and special guests, featured a symbolic balloon release.
The chief executive of Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Mr Russell Allison, said the carousel was a unique way of acknowledging that special loss associated with the death of a baby or a child.
“No words that I can express will compensate a family for the loss of a child … what we can do is ensure that when they entrust their baby into our care, that we provide a special place where families can reflect on a life that was so short.
Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg described the concept as a sign of society’s growing understanding of the grief process. “There is no doubt that grief and mourning is a very personal experience and that there are no rules or norms,” Dr Carr-Gregg said.
The carousel has a gentle children’s theme including a stained glass star lantern in the centre of the roof structure, allowing light to dance and reflect on sculpted lily leaves and the face of a sleeping child (‘Silent Slumber’) at ground level below.
