Planning a final resting place involves several important decisions, which can feel overwhelming given the wide range of options to consider. This guide provides clear insights into burials, including the different options available, key considerations when choosing a burial position, and the benefits of pre-purchasing, helping you make a well-informed, confident decision that’s right for you or your loved one.
What Does Purchasing a Burial Position Mean?
In Victoria, all graves are purchased in perpetuity (for all time), meaning they are yours and your family’s forever. This ensures a permanent place for memorialisation, providing peace of mind for future generations.
Geelong Cemeteries Trust cares for 22 locations across regional Victoria, with a majority of these locations offering burial positions.
Key Costs to Consider
Geelong Cemeteries Trust offers a range of burial options across our locations that accommodate cultural and personal beliefs. When purchasing a burial position, there may be several costs in addition to the position itself. The overall price will also be influenced by the decisions you make about memorialisation and celebration of life services.
The burial position (grave)
From standard traditional lawn graves, to decorative monumental structures, and our distinguished mausoleum buildings, the cost varies based on the type of burial selected. At some locations, premium burial areas are available, offering select positions that attract higher prices. At Geelong Cemeteries Trust, maintenance fees are included in the cost of a burial position.
Burial position types include:
- Lawn Headstone Grave
A traditional grave marked by an inscribed upright stone and typically made of granite. Allowing personalisation and set in neat rows over manicured lawns, they create a peaceful environment that invites reflections and contemplation. - Lawn Plaque Grave
Simplistic and elegant, these graves are marked by a bronze plaque. Set in neat rows on manicured lawns, they offer a timeless design with personalisation. - Lawn Monument Freestyle Headstone Grave
Marked by an inscribed upright stone at the head of the grave, this variation allows individuality and personalisation through the skill of local artisans. - Natural Grave
Marked by pre-placed stone boulders, these graves are sensitively designed to protect natural bushland, offering a sustainable resting place. - Monumental Grave
A custom, handcrafted memorial that covers the entire grave, established by a Monumental Stonemason. - Mausoleum Crypt
A traditional and culturally significant resting place, crypts are housed above ground in freestanding mausoleum buildings. - Concrete-Lined Monumental Grave
Precast concrete burial vaults installed below ground level and sealed with concrete lids.
Interment fee
The interment fee, occasionally referred to as the digging fee, is the cost of opening, preparing and closing the grave for burial.
The cost of an interment fee can vary based on the burial depth, with single or double depth burials (accommodating one or two burials) sharing the same cost, and triple depth (accommodating three burials) attracting a higher fee.
An interment fee is required each time the grave is prepared for a new burial.
Memorialisation
A variety of memorial options are available throughout our locations, serving as a lasting tribute to a life lived. Memorials provide a place for reflection and remembrance, creating an enduring connection between past and present.
The type of memorial option, chosen – for example a plaque, headstone or monument – depends on the chosen burial option. The Geelong Cemeteries Trust team can assist with organising a bronze plaque for positions across our locations, with pricing depending on the location and size of the plaque.
If headstone or monument is chosen, additional costs such as installation and work by a monumental stonemason should be considered. These works may include establishing a new monument or headstone, the removal of an existing monument or ledger before an additional interment (burial) or adding an inscription to a monument or headstone following a burial. These costs will vary depending on materials, size and design.
Celebration of Life Services
Celebration of life services provide a meaningful way to honour and remember a loved one. When planning a service, venue and catering costs should be considered. Geelong Cemeteries Trust offers a range of multi-use reflection spaces at Geelong Memorial Park, allowing for a personalised tribute.
Benefits of Pre-Purchasing a Burial Position
Many families choose to pre-purchase a burial position in advance, saving families from making difficult decisions at an overwhelming time. Planning ahead offers several advantages:
- Final wishes fulfilled – take comfort in knowing you will be memorialised in the way you wish.
- Peace of mind – free yourself from the worry about what will happen at the time of need.
- Removing burden – allow your loved ones to focus on remembrance and healing.
- Today’s prices – avoid the increase in the cost of products and services over time.
- Ease of financial burden – interest free payments in monthly instalments, with guaranteed prices.
- Family together – an opportunity to have your final resting place close by to loved ones
Flexible Payment Plans Available
Geelong Cemeteries Trust offers flexible payment plans, helping to alleviate the one-off financial burden that is felt by some families.
Payments can be made in monthly instalments over a period of up to two years. No fees are charged to enter into a plan and prices are guaranteed.
You can reach out to our friendly client services team for more information.
Making an Informed Choice
By considering these factors—type of burial position, key considerations, benefits and financial payment plans—you can make an informed decision that honours your or your loved one’s memory. It’s always a good idea to reach out to our client services team to get detailed information about burial position prices and other costs, such as memorialisation and celebration of life services.
If you’re exploring options, Geelong Cemeteries Trust is here to provide guidance and help you find what’s right for your family. Reach out today to learn more about our cemeteries and available options.
