Geelong Cemeteries Trust | Community organisation

Geelong Cemeteries Trust

Phone: +61 3 5249 3939

Address: 127-189 Ormond R 3219

Website: http://www.gct.net.au

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25.01.2022 A fascinating read! Learn about Ellen Davitt, author of Australias first published full length crime novel. She is buried at Eastern Cemetery. https://www.sistersincrime.org.au/ellen-davitt-reincarnate/

25.01.2022 Today is National Grief Awareness Day, an opportunity to embrace our grief and take the time to remember our loved ones. We have been fortunate enough to speak with Geelong local and Author of Grief - a guided journal Jo Betz about her experiences losing her husband, her support from Hope Bereavement Care and Wombats Wish and her new book. Jo has written a guest blog, now live on our website. Click the link below to read. ... https://www.gct.net.au//a-guest-blog-about-grief-by-jo-be/

25.01.2022 Did you know the Mexican holiday 'Día de los Muertos' Day of the Dead commences today and finishes on the 2 November. Family and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family members who have passed away. It is acknowledged as a day of celebration rather than mourning.

25.01.2022 Meet Eliza Batman, wife of John Batman. Here, Eliza is pictured at the grave of her daughter Elizabeth and son in law William Weire, played by actress Maureen Eaton. Elizabeth was married to William Weire in Geelong. This was his third marriage. William was transported to Tasmania as a convict for theft in London. In 1850, William moved to Geelong and was appointed the first Town Clerk, a position he held for the next 34 years. Marianne died in 1848, William in 1884. ... Photo by Mary Thompson.

24.01.2022 Meet Caroline Newcomb, played by actor Mary Steuten. Caroline was born in London in 1812 to a family of minor means. She was considered to be resourceful and quick-witted, and had an excellent reputation as a horsewoman. At the age of 21, Caroline migrated to Australia due to medical advice to move to a warmer climate to aid her weak chest. She gained employment under Melbourne founder John Batman. When visiting Geelong, Caroline met her partner and companion, Anne Drysdale..., who was 20 years Carolines senior. They bought a sheep run of 10,000 acres together and built a mansion on their property, overlooking the Bay in Drysdale, which took three years to build. Anne died four years later in 1853, and Caroline lived on their property alone for another eight years. Caroline married Reverend James Dodgson in 1861- he was 22 years her junior. Once married, they moved to Brunswick for the Church. Caroline died in Brunswick at the age of 62 in 1874. Photo by Mary Thompson.

23.01.2022 As the wearing of a protective face covering is now compulsory in Victoria, Geelong Cemeteries Trust are grateful to have received their reusable DHHS compliant Face Masks from SisterWorks today to provide to all staff. This will reduce use of disposable masks used by staff, and helps support a great social enterprise as well. Many thanks to the team at SisterWorks. #facemasks #dhhsapproved #geelongcommunity #sisterworks

23.01.2022 Funerary Symbolism History at Geelong Cemeteries Trust: You may have noticed special symbols and motifs found on headstones across Cemeteries. The monuments belong to different religions, ethnicities, professions and associations from our ancestors. This week we explore the 'Angel'. This symbolises the messenger of God, to man. Often Angels have their right hand raised to heaven.... Credit Josy #FunerarySymbolismHistoryatGCT #GCT #FunerarySymbolismHistory

22.01.2022 Did you know? Geelong Eastern Cemetery features many people with fascinating stories like Howard Hitchcock born in 1866. Howard was Geelong's Mayor for 5 years and was incredibly progressive in Geelong establishing many of the iconic buildings we see today. At one point Howard was chair of 31 different trust committees in Geelong - not counting his 'pet project', the Great Ocean Road. To read more about Howard Hitchcock and other prominent people, purchase a 'History Alive Tour' book here: https://www.gct.net.au/news/history-alive-tour/

22.01.2022 Many thanks to Salesian College Sunbury for having their Year 12 VCAL Literacy Students attending our Gisborne Cemetery where they walked our Eddie's Trail Heritage Walk.

21.01.2022 We are pleased to welcome Yaugher Cemetery to Geelong Cemeteries Trust. This small, historic cemetery is located in the Otway Ranges, 2km from the town of Forrest. Read more about it here:... https://www.gct.net.au//introducing-yaugher-cemetery-forr/

20.01.2022 The Geelong Cemeteries Trust acknowledges those celebrating All Souls Day today. #allsoulsday2020

20.01.2022 At Geelong Cemeteries Trust we believe funerals should be a celebration of life surrounded by family and friends. In support of this, we now offer on-site catering provided by THE RK GROUP - corporate and event catering. Read more about our newest service here https://www.gct.net.au/n/geelong-cemeteries-trust-catering/

19.01.2022 A monument to life and a final resting place. Concrete-lined & monumental graves allow for a more personalised decorative tribute to be erected, with the option for designs of cultural or family significance. Read more about it here https://www.gct.net.au/services-we-//monument-area-graves/ #cemetery #cemeteries #geelongcemeterytrust #monuments #monumentgraves

19.01.2022 Each new week is full of beauty & opportunity. Happy Monday Its a good week to have a good week.

19.01.2022 Beautiful stained glass work inside one of our three community Mausoleums at the Geelong Eastern Cemetery

19.01.2022 Take a walk (socially distanced of course) around the Geelong Eastern Cemetery with your smart phone this weekend. Scan QR codes with your phones camera to be directed to information on our website about lives of significant Geelong historical people, including Hugh Niven. Hugh was a Scottish settler who was the first person to be buried in Geelong after he died from a horse fall at the age of 34.

18.01.2022 Beautiful bird's-eye views over the Gisborne Cemetery this time last year Did you know that we administer 20 cemeteries across the Geelong, Bellarine, Queenscliff, Colac, Colac Otway & Gisborne regions? Click the link in our bio and select 'Our Cemeteries' to learn more.

18.01.2022 There's lots to smile about Victoria! We're all in this together #inthistogether #smile

18.01.2022 Its so heartwarming for us to take a walk around our cemeteries and see all of the beautiful flowers left graveside by loved ones Did you know that we administer 20 cemeteries across the Geelong region? Click the link below learn more about Geelong Cemeteries Trust:... https://www.gct.net.au/about-us/

17.01.2022 Have you discovered this daily podcast yet? Part of Geelong Senior's Week, it features a different story of Geelong's past each day. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1383232

15.01.2022 Sadly, approximately 100 children in Geelong experience the death of a parent each year. Wombats Wish is a fantastic local organisation, working to support these children. For more information about Wombats Wish, visit their Instagram, Facebook page or website. https://wombatswish.org.au/... Artwork by Ruby Tuesday Art for Wombats Wish.

15.01.2022 Sunshine beaming in through the glass inside one of our community Mausoleums at the Geelong Eastern Cemetery Thinking about memorial options? Click the link below to learn more. https://www.gct.net.au/services-we-offer/memorials/

15.01.2022 You're allowed to visit a cemetery outside a funeral as this is deemed as an outdoor public gathering, allowing for 10 people to gather. Please do keep social distancing measures in mind #geelongcemetery #geelongcemeteriestrust #naturevibes #naturalenvironment #memorials #memorialservice #horticulturelove #nature #greenerybouquet

14.01.2022 "An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that its going to launch you into something great." - Paulo Coelho

14.01.2022 Remember you are not alone. Very Special Kids help approximately 850 families across Victoria with ongoing support from diagnosis all the way through to bereavement and beyond. Learn more here https://www.vsk.org.au/... #help #supportservices #geelongcemeteriestrust

14.01.2022 "The most wasted of days is one without laughter." E. E. Cummings

14.01.2022 This week we explore the meaning behind the 'columns/pillars'. If you walk through our cemeteries you'll notice them situated in our older areas. A column/pillar symbolises a notable person who has lived a complete and full life. Read our previous posts if you're interested in Symbolism History.... #FunerarySymbolismHistoryatGCT #GCT #FunerarySymbolismHistory

14.01.2022 "Happy Monday! New beginnings are available to all of us over fifty times a year; they are called Mondays." - Byron Pulsifer. Have a great day

13.01.2022 Sally from Dearly Plaques & Memorials at our Living and Dying: Lets Talk event in Portarlington last year. Given the current COVID-19 climate, were hoping that we may be able to bring back our community events next year. Well continue to share updates via our social media channels later in the year and into 2021.

13.01.2022 Meet James Harrison, played by Bryan Eaton. James founded the Geelong Advertiser in 1840, which he ran and edited for its first 25 years. During this time he also experimented with refrigeration, which all started when he was cleaning ink from the printing press, using chemicals that made the metal surface cold. After conducting a lot of research to develop this system in his sheds alongside the Barwon River, James developed a method which is still used today in supermarket... cabinets and home kitchen refrigerators. James also found time to experiment with creating salt by evaporating seawater at Point Henry. On top of this, he was Geelongs postmaster from 1842 to 48, a member of Geelongs first council, and he sent the first shipment of frozen meat to England. However, the meat went bad when a pump failed in mid-ocean, and as a result, he was declared bankrupt and required to sell all his possessions to pay his debts. James moved back to England for 20 years, working to pay off his debt. He then returned to Australia, where he worked as a journalist for The Age, and even became the Member of Parliament for Geelong in State parliament before he died at his home at Point Henry in 1893. Photo by Mary Thompson.

13.01.2022 An Everlasting Tribute: Each mausoleum offers 105 single crypts, with three walls being 5 levels high. Each crypt is purchased individually, though you have a choice of a double or single marble shutter position. Once you purchase and use a crypt it is yours forever, with no ongoing costs. Find more information here... https://www.gct.net.au/services-we-offer/mausolea/ See more

13.01.2022 Did you know that cremation is an increasingly popular after death option? Approximately 60% of all Victorian families now choose cremation. The Geelong Cemeteries Trust owns and operates 2 modern cremators located at the Geelong Memorial Park in Armstrong Creek. The Geelong crematorium was constructed in 1988. Since then, the Trust has performed more than 33,000 cremations. #didyouknow #geelongcemeteriestrust

13.01.2022 Meet Elizabeth Austin, played by actress Shirley Power. Elizabeth is known for founding the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. Elizabeth and her husband Thomas both grew up in Somerset, England, however the did not meet until they were working on adjoining sheep stations in Winchelsea. They married in 1845, prospering together for the next three decades. Together, they had 11 children, three of whom died in childhood. At Christmas time in 1867, the Austins hosted Duke of Edinbur...gh. Thomas released 24 rabbits for sport for Duke to shoot, which is why Thomas is famously known for being the man who introduced rabbits to Australia. Thomas died in 1871, leaving Elizabeth as a widow for almost 40 years. Elizabeth died in 1910 a proud mother and benefactor. Photographer: Mary Thompson.

12.01.2022 Barrabool Hills (Highton) Cemetery On the 10th November 1855 a meeting was held at the Race Course hotel, Ceres, to discuss the establishment of a cemetery. Early settlers had established vineyards, sheep farms, quarrying and cropping. The Trust applied for a Government grant which enabled a Sexton’s office to be built, fences and gates erected and insurance against bushfires. No doubt the horror of Black Thursday 1850 was still fresh in residents’ minds.... Find out about our cemeteries here https://www.gct.net.au/cemeteries/barrabool-hills-cemetery/

12.01.2022 While the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis are continually evolving, our commitment to servicing our communities continues as much as we are able. Regional Victoria returning to Stage 3 restrictions from 11:59 pm tonight means that our cemetery locations remain open to those attending a funeral, however, no more than 10 people can attend a funeral. Social distancing measures must be adhered to and mask/face covering must be worn at all times, unless a person has a lawful excuse.... Additionally, our administration offices at the Eastern Cemetery and at the Colac Cemetery will remain closed to the public. Our staff can be contacted via phone on 5249 3939 or email: [email protected]. Please click the link below to read our latest blog post for full details, thank you. https://www.gct.net.au//regional-victoria-returns-to-stag/

11.01.2022 A snippet into The first Chirnside of Werribee Park a Scot, Thomas Chirnside - Elizabeth Austin's life - to find out more about Geelong's most iconic purchase tickets to our History Alive Tours Thomas born in Berwick in 1815 arrived in Sydney in 1838 and two years later travelled overland to this region, to meet up with his brother Andrew. Thomas travelled back to Scotland where he fell in love with his cousin Mary. Mary refused to come back with him to Australia. So, after ...his return, Thomas asked his brother Andrew to go to Scotland and convince Mary to come here. Andrew did come back with Mary, but he had married her. The three lived together in Werribee Park mansion, which was big enough for their separate living arrangements. Once both men passed away Mary moved to Colac where she died in 1908 as a result of burns after her hair had caught alight from a candle. Learn more about iconic Geelong figures on our Tours https://www.gct.net.au/news-events/geelong-tours/

11.01.2022 Wanting to remember a loved one in your own way? We offer a range of personalised memorial options, from shrub gardens, to niche wall, to garden seats. Talk to us about what will best suit you and your family. Contact our administration office on 5249 3939 to speak to one of our friendly staff members, or click the link below: https://www.gct.net.au/contact-us/... The Gisborne Cemetery.

10.01.2022 Were all in this together In case you missed our June gathering restrictions update, click the link below read our blog post about what the easing of restrictions means for funerals: https://bit.ly/305nlWd

10.01.2022 August is grief awareness month, an opportunity for the community to come together and remember loved ones they have lost. Local not for profit organisation Hope Bereavement Care work to provide support and counselling when grieving the death of a child, the sudden and unexpected death of an adult, and those experiencing loss after suicide. If you or someone you know is needing support dealing with grief, please contact Hope Bereavement Care on 03 2415 3358.

10.01.2022 Green Burials: Any burial can become a greener burial. You can select to improve the environmental impact of a burial. A few options include ensure clothing is restricted to natural products, selecting a memorial that has a smaller carbon footprint when constructed, planting trees to offset emissions - In lieu of flowers, choose donations to charities or organisations. ... Discuss with our staff about your options https://www.gct.net.au/contact-us/

09.01.2022 To celebrate Geelong Seniors Festival this month, Geelong Cemeteries Trust and our History Alive! partner Drop Of A Hat Productions Geelong have launched a podcast series. Titled ‘Geelong’s Past, Today’s Voices’, the 31 podcasts are issued daily in / October, and feature memories of past Geelong read by Geelong’s top actors, radio personalities, city leaders and surprise celebrities. Visit this page to listen to the daily podcasts... https://www.buzzsprout.com/1383232

09.01.2022 Today is Remembrance Day. We pay our respects and remember the brave Australians who died in battle.

09.01.2022 "The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller #memorials #memorialservice #geelongcemetery #geelongcemeteriestrust #naturevibes #naturalenvironment #memorials #memorialservice #horticulturelove #nature #greenerybouquet

09.01.2022 It has been a year since we opened the third and final mausoleum at Eastern Cemetery. A mausoleum is the tradition of above ground entombment. The tradition is centuries old and has been a preferred choice for thousands of years in Europe. Find out more information on Mausolea's here https://www.gct.net.au/services-we-offer/mausolea/

08.01.2022 Due to the Stage four restrictions to be enforced at 11.59 pm tonight (Friday 12 February) our administration offices at Geelong Eastern Cemetery and Colac will be closed to the public. Funerals both indoor and outdoor are restricted to ten mourners plus those required to facilitate the funeral. Ceremonies relating to the placement of ashes at memorial positions within our cemeteries are allowed and have the same restrictions on people attending as funerals (maximum of 10 mou...rners). We will be open by appointment only to perform essential duties such as grave selections for upcoming funerals and for families to collect ashes of their loved ones. There are restrictions on the number of people our staff can meet with and they will guide you through this at the time of making your appointment. Our caring Client Service Consultants are very experienced at assisting families both over the phone and via email to arrange memorials including information on memorial gardens, graves, bronze plaques and urns. Please call and our staff will assist you with these requests. At this stage these restrictions will be in place until 11.59 pm Wednesday 17th February when they will be reviewed by the State Government. We at Geelong Cemeteries Trust understand how difficult this is for families already struggling with the loss of a loved one and encourage all to support those that are affected by these restrictions. For any further information, please call our administration office on 03 5249 3939.

08.01.2022 What a beautiful morning for today's All Souls Day service at Queenscliff Cemetery #allsoulsday2020

08.01.2022 "Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day." - Alice Morse Earle

08.01.2022 Nothing beats an ocean view #LoveLorne

07.01.2022 Dying isnt often discussed openly until the time comes, but its important to talk to our friends and family about our end of life wishes. Were proud to provide services to help families navigate through the process, from planning head, to memorials and cremation. Hit the link in our bio to learn more:... https://www.gct.net.au/services-we-offer/

07.01.2022 Colac was settled by Europeans as early as 1837 but it was not until the 1850s that land was set aside for the cemetery. Volunteers kept the graves and paths in good condition and residents were encouraged to ‘walk through the cemetery in order to contemplate the fragility of life.’ Today, the cemetery hosts an annual flag raising ceremony to commemorate the ANZACs and servicemen and women memorialised there. Read more about Colac cemetery here https://www.gct.net.au/cemeteries/colac-cemetery/

07.01.2022 Take time for reflection in our beautifully maintained gardens Discover what we have to offer https://www.gct.net.au/

07.01.2022 Meet Mr Howard Hitchcock OBE, CM, played by Actor Glen Barton. Immensely proud of coming from Geelong, Howard was born here, in 1866. He married a Geelong girl, Louie, and served five terms as Mayor between 1917-1922, as well as representing the city in State Parliament. He also worked in the family business, Bright & Hitchcocks, the biggest department store in the region at the time. Howard and Louie were champion tennis players, however, were not blessed with children. T...hey committed their working lives to modernising Geelong, establishing the town hall and the Gordon Institute, as well as Geelong High School, libraries, laboratories, and adult learning institutions, as well as other public schemes. Howard also headed up the family business from 1912 after the death of his father, and, at one point, was chair on 31 different trust committes in Geelong, plus The Great Ocean Road- a project he himself funded for 14 years. Howard died one month before its opening ceremony from a heart condition in 1932. Image supplied by Lynden Smith.

06.01.2022 Its a beautiful time of year to visit a cemetery, remember loved ones who have passed, and embrace flowers blooming

05.01.2022 Wednesday was a beautiful morning at the Lorne Cemetery. Can you swipe through the pics and spot our visitor? #geelongcemeteriestrust We Love Lorne

05.01.2022 About the Gisborne Cemetery // 5.4 hectares in size, the Gisborne Cemeterys major feature is a remnant Iron bark forest, and old European plantings of oaks, cedars, pines and other unique trees. Records of the Public Lands Office dated 1858 as the year of approval of the trustees of the Gisborne Cemetery under the provisions of the Act 17 Victoria No.12, dated 30 September 1858. Click the link below to learn more.... https://www.gct.net.au/our-cemeteries/

05.01.2022 Meet Mr Francis Nesbitt, played by actor Barry Eeles. Francis was known by critics as the greatest tragedian in the Southern Hemisphere. He was born in the 1800s in Manchester, England, where his military officer father had been stationed. When his father was transferred to Ireland, there Francis was educated to become a medical surgeon. However, the stage was his true calling. Francis fell in love with Annie Mills at the age of 32, twice the age that Annie was. Her father... disapproved of Francis and his profession. They married in secret in Dublin, leaving immediately for the Sydney colonies in 1841. Here, Francis was an instant success on the stage. He filled theatres in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston, and Adelaide. Annie often joined Fransics on the stage and beared five children, two of which died during infancy. They toured in America but were pressured to return do to anti-Australian sentiments of the time. Francis died in 1845 in a hotel room while touring alone after becoming ill at the age of 42. Photo by Mary Thompson.

05.01.2022 Geelong Western Cemetery; Minerva Road, Geelong West The cemetery was originally established to service the burial needs of those living in the western part of Geelong, as well as the outlying areas of Fyansford, Batesford and those living and working on the Moorabool Viaduct. The first Sexton appointed was Mr. David Ricketts and the first burial took place on 12 January 1858. The cemetery was known under various names during its history; New Cemetery, New General Cemetery, H...erne Hill Cemetery, Newtown Cemetery. In the 1850’s Geelong West supported many of the poorer families of Geelong. Land was cheap and landowners could afford to erect mean dwellings and sell and rent them cheaply. As many families could not afford burial costs, the cemetery had a regulation where a family could have one month to pay for the cost of a grave and burial and failing to do so by this time, saw the grave revert to a public grave. The land set aside for Roman Catholic burials was not greatly used during the early years as the land was un-consecrated. Learn more on our website here https://www.gct.net.au/cemeteries/geelong-western-cemetery/

05.01.2022 Autumn around our Eastern cemetery. Have you been for a walk through our beautiful gardens recently? Credit Josy #autumn #leaves #geelongcemeteriestrust #autumnvibes

04.01.2022 One of our stunning statues on display. Can you guess which cemetery this is in? Tell us in the comments

04.01.2022 Elizabeth Austin, known for founding the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. Her grave reads: "In recognition of her contribution in establishing the hospital for the incurables in Heidelberg in 1882. A wonderful gift to the people of Victoria..." Elizabeth died in 1910 a proud mother and benefactor.

04.01.2022 Did you see last Friday's post about Funerary Symbolism History at Geelong Cemeteries Trust? Have you seen various symbols around and wondered what they mean? Each Friday we are going to explore and explain a different symbol. This week we're looking at the Urn. The 'Urn' is deprived from the Latin word 'to burn' is thought to symbolise immortality. #FunerarySymbolismHistoryatGCT #GCT #FunerarySymbolismHistory

04.01.2022 Meet Captin Foster Fyans, played by actor Colin Mockett. Fyans joined the British army as an 18-year-old boy soldier and worked his way up the ranks. He fought in the Crimea and in Spain, and survived a Cholera outbreak in India that took 500 soldiers and all of the women, children and 19 officers within a six week period in 1820. In 1833, Fyans transferred to the 4th Regiment in Sydney and was posted to Norfolk Island as Captain of the Guard for two years where he took char...ge in a crisis and handled a murderous convict mutiny. It was during this time that he gained the infamous name of Flogging Fyans. In 1837 he sailed to Port Philip as the first police magistrate of Geelong. He obtained permission to erect the township. He gave it clean water by constructing the breakwater on the Barwon River using convict labour. He then brought law, order, peace and stability by heading up the regions first police force. He was seen as fair but firm. Foster Fyans stayed in Geelong for the remainder of his life, was involved in local politics and farming. He died on 23 May 1870 at his homestead at Balyang. He was 80 years old.

03.01.2022 "Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone" - Unknown Credit Josy

03.01.2022 Winter days at the Portarlington Cemetery If you need to visit loved ones memorials at the cemetery this weekend, please keep in mind Stage 3 restrictions that are in place as well as to social distance. Lets all do our part to stay safe

02.01.2022 "Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody." - Brad Montague

02.01.2022 Geelong Cemeteries Trust is wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter long weekend, celebrating your chosen faith

01.01.2022 "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." - Mother Teresa

01.01.2022 Daffodowndilly poem by A.A. Milne: She wore her yellow sun-bonnet She wore her greenest gown; She turned to the south wind... And curtsied up and down. She turned to the sunlight And shook her yellow head, And whispered to her neighbour: "Winter is dead." See more

01.01.2022 Did you know? Geelong Eastern Cemetery features many people with fascinating stories like Eliza Batman (Willoughby), the former wife of John Batman, founding father of Melbourne. At 17, Eliza was caught by the police in London and charged with passing counterfeit notes. Eliza argued she had not printed or produced them but that argument did not stand with the magistrates, who, at that time, were under government pressure to send women to the British prison colonies. As punis...hment she became a convict servant girl, but John encouraged her to abscond and remain in his house, were she had 8 children. After John passed away she married William Willoughby. After divorcing William she moved to Geelong West where she rented a house in Autumn Street to entertain men. Unfortunately later she was murdered in the house by a client. Eliza was buried in an unmarked grave on April 1st, 1852, aged 49 years old. To read more about Elizabeth Batman and other prominent people, purchase a 'History Alive Tour' book here: https://www.gct.net.au/news/history-alive-tour/