News

Community facilities | January 20, 2021

Funding available for cemetery trusts

Local cemetery trusts are being encouraged to apply for Department of Health and Human Services cemetery grants to fund cemetery infrastructure, amenities, maintenance, equipment and training.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the major objectives of the grants program were to:

• enhance the delivery of cemetery services across Victoria;
• support and strengthen the governance of public cemeteries;
• develop and maintain local community infrastructure;
• support and sustain the volunteer cemetery trust workforce; and
• invest in local communities

Examples of suitable grant requests include:

• Removal of infrastructure or other items that pose a public safety risk;
• Purchase of lawnmowers, garden tools, watering systems, water tanks;
• Construction or repairs to fences, gates, roads, driveways, pathways, car parks, toilets (must be accessible to people living with a disability), storage sheds, rotundas, niche walls and/or the establishment of new burial areas;
• Grave covers and shoring equipment;
• Computer hardware and software;
• Health and safety training; and
• Removal of trees that pose a public safety risk (conditions apply).

“I encourage all our local cemetery trusts to consider lodging an application for financial support to help them continue the fantastic work they do for our local communities,” Ms Kealy said.

Further details are available at https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/cemeteries-and-crematoria/grants.

Applications close on 31 March 2021.