Harkness: reimagining the public cemetery

Victoria’s largest new cemetery in 100 years is coming to your community.

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) is proud to be developing a memorial park at Harkness – a 128-hectare cemetery and public park 40km northwest of Melbourne CBD. Here at GMCT, it all started with one question: What should a cemetery be?

We envisioned a reassuring sanctuary where people could connect to nature and each other, but we also believe that it should be what you need. So, we invited you all to reimagine the public cemetery with us.

Engaging with the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri people, and the local community has been central to our design process. With your help, we’ve master planned a memorial park that embraces Wurundjeri culture, creates a place for peaceful reflection and remembrance, and celebrates life through a multi-use space for the public.

Thank you for your feedback

We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed their ideas so far. Across the project, we’ve had more than 280 engagements, including surveys, advisory group meetings, site walks, community workshops, and pop-ups. But the journey far from over.

We will be looking for and welcoming your honest feedback at each step of the design and construction process. Below, you will find engagement opportunities and regular updates about the project.

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Complete the form on our website to subscribe for updates: https://www.gmct.com.au/harkness