The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT), who looks after the management of the historic Yarra Glen Cemetery, is seeking community input in uncovering any potential unmarked graves.
To meet the future needs of families wishing to purchase a plot in the Cemetery, GMCT is planning new grave works in the Wesleyan and Lawn areas of the cemetery.
Prior to commencing any works, GMCT is conducting an extensive search to check if there are any historical unmarked graves from the 1900s in these areas to ensure these graves remain undisturbed.
Previous cemetery trusts lacked the technology to map grave locations in the way GMCT can do today. Additionally, the historical records are inconclusive as to location of the individuals buried in those areas.
“As guardians of history and heritage it is our purpose to hold the stories of those laid to rest and who remain in our care, for all time. We are asking family members or descendants of individuals buried at Yarra Glen to help us achieve this purpose,” said GMCT CEO Deb Ganderton.
GMCT is already working with some families and individuals on the location of their ancestors graves after a public notice was published last month.
If you are a family member or descendant of an individual buried at the Yarra Glen Cemetery, and know the unmarked location of your ancestor’s grave within the Wesleyan and Lawn areas of the cemetery please contact GMCT’s Customer Care team on 1300 022 298 or email community@gmct.com.au.
