Eltham Cemetery (14)
From fire to flood, from gold mining to wheat harvesting, from the horse and buggy to the motor car and from Shillinglaw Cottage to the Eltham Library, Our Eltham — Artistic Recollections is a celebration of life in our Shire since the opening of the Eltham Cemetery more than 150 years ago.
Depicting scenes of life in and around Eltham, this collection offers us a deeper connection to our area through a series of visual narratives of our past, our environment and our community. Historic photographs ignite an impression of what our forefathers may have witnessed during their lifetimes as pioneers before us, while indigenous flowers and plants symbolically connect us to life and nature in our local area.
The Eltham Cemetery Trust commissioned this project as part of its ongoing vision to offer our community a fresh and unique relationship to the Cemetery.
Our Eltham is a collection of panels that were collaboratively created by artist Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma. The project was designed and constructed by Leigh Wykes with Australian stone and ironwork by Neil Carter. All contributors to this installation are residents of the Eltham area.
September 2017
[Click here to read the booklet]
For regular updates on COVID-19, please refer to the Department of Health and Human Services website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or freecall 1800 675 398.
20 December 2021
The Victorian Government Public Health and Wellbeing Act came into effect as of 11.59pm on Wednesday, 15 December 2021. Please continue to observe social distancing, practice good hygiene and follow public heath guidelines to help keep our community safe.
Funeral and interment service attendance
There is no capacity limit for a funeral or interment service, and mourners do not need to be vaccinated to attend a funeral or interment service at the Eltham Cemetery.
Those attending must register using the Service Victoria QR Code provided, including funeral directors and celebrants. All persons necessary to conduct the funeral or interment (ie. persons attending the service through their employment as an essential worker) must still be fully vaccinated or hold a valid medical exemption.
Each cemetery will have its own requirements based on their facilities and the services they offer - you should check the cemetery's website or with the funeral director the requirements for any cemetery you may be attending for a funeral service.
When on the grounds, please ensure you comply with any instructions provided by cemetery staff and funeral directors.
Visiting a memorial or gravesite
There are no restrictions on reasons to travel, and you may travel from anywhere to visit the Eltham Cemetery.
Social gatherings and exercise
Social gatherings within the cemetery (as a public space) for purposes other than a funeral or interment service have no caps or restrictions. If you are visiting the cemetery for social or exercise purposes please remember to be respectful of the space and those visiting loved ones.
Use of face masks and social distancing
Please comply with current face mask and social distancing directives during your time at the cemetery.
The Trust has identified 10 Grand Estate sites to offer families or individuals to design and erect a sculpture which expresses a celebration of their life, their achievements, their contribution by way of a significant and long lasting visual statement to the culture of a special community and to the natural setting.
The Trust’s vision is that with time, the Cemetery will have encouraged opportunities to create an artistic precinct of sculptural works of art that are timeless, reflective of the Eltham area and the neighbouring culture of Montsalvat.
For further information about Grand Estates, please contact the Secretary.
A Currawong Takes Flight
A CURRAWONG TAKES FLIGHT was the inaugural memorial sculpture in the Cemetery’s Grand Estate collection, commissioned by Harold Mitchell AO, Patron of the Arts and longstanding resident of Nillumbik Shire.
Sculpted by local jeweler and goldsmith Michael Wilson, the piece recognizes two of Eltham’s native species: the Red Box Eucalypt Tree with its beautiful soft green scalloped shaped leaves and the Pied Currawong known for its adept flight patterns and melodic chortle.
This amazing creature is about to leave the loved environs of Eltham for a journey to the unknown heavens.
The Eltham Cemetery Trust currently offers Rights of Interment for a variety of interment types, from traditional lawn burials, memorialized with a bronze plaque to Grand Estates featuring sculptures or artwork in place of a traditional headstone.
The following is a summary of the current interment offerings at the Eltham Cemetery. For further information, please contact the Secretary.
Burials
Lawn gravesites
Since the 1970s, the Trust has offered lawn gravesites memorialized with a bronze plaque, shifting away from monumental gravesites. The lawn gravesites and associated landscaping respect and contribute to the natural native setting of Eltham.
A lawn gravesite can accommodate up to three burials, as well as the placement of cremated remains. All lawn gravesites are prepared for a minimum of two burials.
Memorial plaques in lawn gravesite areas are featured at ground level on an individual pad. They can be arranged directly through the Trust, or through a third party supplier with the appropriate permits. Only approved plaques may be placed.
These gravesites are currently available to purchase when required for a burial.
Headstone Lawn gravesites
The Trust offers a variety of headstone lawn gravesites within Wisteria Walk and Grevillea Garden sections. Headstones are situated within architecturally designed walls of Coldstream rock, Corten steel and soft planting.
The southern end of Wisteria Walk features the OUR ELTHAM, ARTISITIC RECOLLECTIONS installation, a collaboration of works by artists Nerina Lascelles and ceramicist Linda Detoma. For more information about the Our Eltham installation, click here.
All gravesites come with accompanying headstone and can accommodate two burials, as well as the placement of cremated remains. These sites may pre-purchased.
Inscriptions for headstones are to be undertaken by an authorised monumental mason. Interment and stonemason fees are not included in the purchase price.
Vaults
A limited number of fully lined concrete vaults inclusive of headstone are available. They are situated within Celebration Hill overlooking the Eltham valley alongside the sculpture YOUNG MAN AWAKENING by renowned local artist Matcham Skipper.
These sites can accommodate two burials and the placement of cremated remains and they may pre-purchased.
Inscriptions for headstones are to be undertaken by an authorised monumental mason. Interment and stonemason fees are not included in the purchase price.
Monumental gravesites
The original monumental sections dating back to 1858 currently do not have any gravesites for purchase.
There are gravesites in these monumental sections that remain unmemorialized; construction of a full monument or provision of a headstone may be undertaken by a stonemason with the appropriate permits.
The following information relates to plaques which have been ordered and purchased directly through the Eltham Cemetery Trust.
For plaques or memorials arranged through a third party, please consult directly with the supplier for care and maintenance instructions.
Due to natural conditions such as ultra violet sunlight, heat, water, chemical sprays and general weathering, the finish on a plaque will begin to breakdown and gradually patina. Regular maintenance can lengthen the high quality protective coating applied to our plaques.
We recommend dusting with a soft duster or soft cloth (microfiber or chamois) when required. If more thorough cleaning is required:
- Clean the plaque with mild soapy water and a soft cloth (microfiber or chamois) to dislodge any dirt and debris from the surface of the plaque. Do not use hot water particularly over a ceramic photograph.
- Rinse thoroughly, dry and buff with a soft cloth.
Never use solvents, metal cleaners, chemical cleaning agents and paints. These will damage the protective coating which has been applied during the manufacturing process.
Never use brushes and any abrasive materials such as steel wool, scourers and sandpaper.
The cleaning and maintenance of a plaque will extend the quality of the protective coating, however over an extended period of time (years), all plaques will gradually patina and loose their original finished appearance. Some people prefer the look of the aged patina however, reconditioning by the foundry may be possible and may be arranged with the Secretary, if preferred.
Vehicles
Vehicle access is available weekdays from 7:30am to 4pm, and weekends from 10am to 4pm via entrances on Mount Pleasant Road and Metery Road.
Vehicle access is not available on public holidays that occur on a weekday, with exception of Good Friday and Christmas Day where vehicle access is available between 10am and 4pm.
Funeral corteges should use the Mount Pleasant Road entry, where they will be met by Cemetery staff for further directions.
Pedestrian Access
Pedestrian access is available 24 hours via the Mount Pleasant Road and Metery Road entrances.
Public Transport
The Eltham Town bus service (Route 582) operates from Eltham Train Station and stops opposite the Mount Pleasant road entrance. It is approximately a 6 minute journey.
Buses on routes 901, 902 and 513 stop at the intersection of Main Road and Mount Pleasant Road. It is approximately a 10 minute uphill walk to the Cemetery from the intersection.
Code Red
The Eltham Cemetery Trust does not perform funerals or interment proceedings on any day declared ‘Code Red’ by the Emergency Management Commissioner and the Cemetery will be inaccessible by vehicle.
The Code Red designation represents the worst case scenario conditions for a bushfire (including grass fires).
If a funeral or interment has been arranged to occur on a declared Code Red day or in extreme weather conditions, alternative arrangements will need to be made.
Download Map
Instructions: Click on the images below to enlarge and then click on the left or right side of the image to scroll.
https://www.elthamcemetery.com/itemlist/category/5-eltham-cemetery#sigProId92c762c4eb
ABN: 62 902 341 939
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Cemetery Grounds: 40 Mount Pleasant Road |
Postal Address: PO Box 423 |
Tel: 03 9432 1963
Email enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pre-constructed headstones and vaults
In recognition of 150 years since the establishment of the Eltham Cemetery, the trustees commissioned internationally recognised Montsalvat jeweller and sculptor, Matcham Skipper, to produce a work that would express a sense of awakening to life.
“Here the rare and endangered Eltham copper butterfly alights on a youth’s hand. The young man stands with boldness and certainty, challenging his future, yet his gentle interaction with the butterfly conveys a sense of wonder at the great cycle of life.The butterfly that alights at its beginning, stays a day, a week, or for many years, then flies away, alluding to the release and upward flight of the spirit.”
This contribution to the community of Eltham is in appreciation of the many volunteer trustees who, since the establishment of the cemetery in 1858, have sought to create a place of tranquillity in a peaceful natural environment. Here, one may have both an experience of contemplation and celebration of life.
Instructions:
Click on the images below to enlarge and then click on the left or right side of the image to scroll.
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Eltham Cemetery provides a natural environment of tranquility, where the living andthe deceased are able to be at peace; where contemplation and celebration of life may be experienced.
The services that the Eltham Cemetery provides are efficiently performed with an awareness and respect shown to its natural setting.
The cemetery will be available to the community of Eltham for any purpose not in conflict with the primary purpose of presenting a tranquil and serene resting place.
Opening Hours
Vehicle access is avaliable Monday to Friday 7:30am - 4pm; Weekends and Public Holidays 10am - 4pm. Access may be avaliable outside of these times where staff are present on site.
Pedestrian access is available 24 hours, however street parking is limited.
The administration office on the cemetery grounds is open
Monday to Friday 9:30am - 4pm.
The Eltham Cemetery Trust acknowledges the Wurundjeri as traditional
owners of the land, and pay their respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
More...
The Grevillea Garden Memorials are set in a backdrop of native gardens and are available for purchase.
Lawn graves are presented in four terraced levels of coldstream stonework with individual polished granite headstones and plinths, brought together with a flight of bluestone steps and landing, wrought iron arbour entry and featured rock paving.
Instructions: Click on the images below to enlarge and then click on the left or right side of the image to scroll.
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The Eltham Cemetery Trust is responsible for maintaining the appearance and atmosphere of the Cemetery grounds; different sizes and styles of memorialisation are used throughout the Cemetery, and we ask that you contact the Secretary to discuss the options for your particular memorial site.
Lawn gravesites
Lawn gravesites are memorialized with a plaque installed on an individual pad and placed at the head of the gravesite. The lawn areas do not have any monuments, raised plaques, pedestals or headstones.
A memorial plaque can be arranged directly through the Trust, or through a third party supplier with the appropriate cemetery issued permit. Only approved plaques may be placed at memorial sites.
A reconditioning service is also available to restore aged or deteriorated plaques.
Headstone memorialisation
The Trust offers grave, vault and ashes interment sites featuring pre-installed headstones in architecturally designed settings. They are in the following sections:
Headstone Lawn:
- Grevillea Garden
- Wisteria Walk South
Headstone Lawn and Headstone Ashes:
- Wisteria Walk Central
- Wisteria Walk North
Vault:
- Celebration Hill
Inscription of headstones must be undertaken by a stonemason and require a permit from the Trust. Any subsequent alterations to an existing headstone (e.g. an additional inscription) require a further permit.
Stonemason fees and permit fees are not included in the cost of the memorial site. The Trust does not recommend specific stonemasons.
Monumental gravesites
In monumental areas, a full monument or headstone may be constructed.
The construction and the inscription must be undertaken by a stonemason with the appropriate permits issued by the Trust.
Any subsequent alterations to existing headstones, monuments or monumental gravesites (e.g. an additional inscription, inclusion of new features to the monument or any restoration works) also require a permit.
Stonemason fees and permit fees are not included in the cost of the memorial site. The Trust does not recommend specific stonemasons.
Ashes Memorials
The Trust offers a variety of ashes memorials including plaque and headstone options.
A memorial plaque can be arranged directly with the Trust, or through a third party supplier who will require the appropriate cemetery permit. Only approved plaques may be placed at memorial sites.
A reconditioning service is also available to restore aged or deteriorated plaques.
For headstone sites, please refer to Headstone Memorialisation
Maintaining memorials
The Eltham Cemetery is on Crown Land and when a memorial site is purchased, it is not the land that is purchased, but rather the right to use that land for the purpose of an interment.
The memorial, whether it be plaque, headstone or monument, is owned and maintained by the family whilst the maintenance of the cemetery grounds is the responsibility of the Trust.
For maintenance of monuments and headstones, we suggest consultation with your stonemason. For memorial plaque care, click here.
Flowers and Ornaments
It is the policy of the Eltham Cemetery Trust that only cemetery issued vases may be used for floral arrangements with the exception of where a vase forms part of a monument or headstone.
Further, the following are not permitted and will be removed:
- any non-Cemetery issued or approved vase (glass, plastic, ceramic or otherwise);
- containers or pots;
- ornaments of any kind*, which includes any item intended as a gravesite marker/identifier in lieu of a memorial plaque;
- candles;
- any item attached to a memorial plaque or lawn grave headstone, other than a ceramic photograph;
- artificial flowers or floral arrangements that may
- have the potential to cause harm to visitors or employees or damage to maintenance equipment OR;
- intrude upon or obstruct neighbouring interment sites;
- potted shrubs, trees or flowers or the planting of same
Dead and stray flowers or floral arrangements will be removed as required prior to undertaking lawn mowing or garden maintenance activities.
* Some ornaments may be placed on monumental or headstone interment sites provided Cemetery standards are met and with approval of the Secretary/Manager.
Vases
Replacement vases may be arranged with the Secretary or Cemetery Team Leader.
Replacement or additional vases for sites in monumental sections (i.e. constructed monuments or non-Trust constructed headstones) should be sourced through a stonemason or third party supplier. Applicable permits will be required.
The Eltham Cemetery Trust, established in 1858, selected the existing burial site at Mount Pleasant Road on high ground overlooking the village of Eltham.
Trustees appointed from various church and local organisations have administered and maintained the cemetery to this day.
The cemetery, set in natural bushland adjoining Montsalvat, is the resting place of Sir William Irvine, a former Premier and Chief justice of Victoria.
Headstones depict the names of many early and well known local families.
Eltham Cemetery celebrated 150 years in 2008.
