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About Us2023-09-11T11:25:14+10:00

Surrounded by native flora (and at times fauna), Bellbrae Cemetery offers a beautiful and tranquil setting for the Surf Coast Community to memorialise its loved ones.

As a rural cemetery, facilities are limited.  However, water is available on site and a bin for disposal of litter, rubbish and expired tributes. Your help in keeping our cemetery “tidy” is always appreciated.  Power is not available.

Public toilets are located on the adjacent Bellbrae Recreation Reserve.  This area also includes limited car parking.  In Cemetery Road there is roadside parking including a designated Disabled parking area.

To ensure the safety of family and friends attending a service, vehicle access to the cemetery is restricted to Contractors, Funeral Directors conducting the funeral, officiating celebrants and people with disabilities (prior arrangement required).

Our Cemetery is located in a rural residential and school zone, so we ask that if you are attending a service you respect the safety and privacy of our immediate community.

Our Location

The small rural hamlet of Bellbrae is located within the Surf Coast community adjacent to the Great Ocean Road between Torquay and Angelsea.

Bellbrae is approximately 29 km south of Geelong.

Cemetery Map

The Cemetery is historically arranged in a traditional and denominational grid format.  The denominational references are now purely historical – all areas are available for all members of our community.

An index map and a names list are displayed in the Shelter for reference.  The  names list is updated quarterly and the index map annually.

There are traditional monumental graves, lawn graves and garden monumental graves.

The Callistemon, Rose, Correa, Rosemary and native Memorial gardens are available for interment of ashes.

Newer sections of our cemetery are being designed to complement the existing native flora and landscape to meet community preferences.

Services & Fees

In accordance with sections 40 & 41 of the Cemeteries & Crematoria Act 2003, the Delegate of the Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services, has approved the fees of the Bellbrae Cemetery Trust as listed on this website. 

Note: The Cemetery is open to the public daily. Business hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm – strictly by appointment.

Fees Amount Effective
INTERMENT OF BODILY REMAINS
Right of Interment – Bodily Remains – Lawn Sections or Monumental Sections (Gravesite) $2,175 1/7/2023
Right of Interment – Bodily Remains – Sheoak Lawn Section (Gravesite) including granite vase $2,340 1/7/2023
Right of Interment – Bodily Remains – Premium location   $3,260 1/7/2023
Interment Services – Lawn/ Monumental / Garden Sections
– Grave Digging – Single and double depth 2.3m (Sinking or reopening) $2,673 1/7/2023
– Grave Digging – 2.7m depth (Sinking or reopening) $2,822 1/7/2023
– Under beam Interment for Child (First Interment of Site) $506 1/7/2023
– Interment Services – Stillborn Child $TBA 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for interment services – Oversize Grave $467 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for removal of Ledger $510 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for interment after 4pm weekdays $596 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for interment before noon Saturdays $757 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for interment after noon Saturdays (Subject to Availability) $1,305 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for Interment at Short Notice (Subject to Availability) $465 1/7/2023
– Additional fee for Alternative Backfill (Sand or Loam on request) $354 1/7/2023
INTERMENT OF CREMATED REMAINS
Cremated remains Interment Site (Perpetual tenure) Memorial / Native Garden $610 1/7/2023
Cremated remains Interment Site (Perpetual tenure) Callistemon Memorial Rock Walled Garden $TBA 1/7/2023
Standard Gravesite for Cremated remains (Perpetual Tenure) – Maximum of 4 Ashes interments per gravesite $2,175 1/7/2023
Additional fee for Burial of Cremated Remains in pocket at foot or head of grave with existing monument $165 1/7/2023
Permit to inter cremated remains (Graves / Memorial or Native Garden) $171 1/7/2023
Trust Attendance at Cemetery for interment of cremated remains (mandatory) $97 1/7/2023
Interment Services – Scattering of Cremated Remains by Trust Member $97 1/7/2023
MONUMENTAL and MEMORIAL WORKS / DEDICATIONS
ALL INTERMENTS AND MEMORIALISATION WORKS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE TRUST PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
Permit to erect a memorial or place a bronze plaque (All Sections) $165 1/7/2023
Permit (to add additional inscription on existing memorial or bronze plaque) $60 1/7/2023
Permit

– Installation of a new Headstone (existing foundation)

– New monument without existing foundation

– Major Renovation to Headstone or Monument in any Section

$380 1/7/2023
Dedication of Bench Seat – (No interment rights / Plaque to be funded by family) $3,435 1/7/2023
Dedication of Rock Seat – (No interment rights / Plaque to be funded by family) $2,285 1/7/2023
MISCELLANEOUS FEES
General & Interment Administration Charge (per hour) $60 1/7/2023
Issue of Certificates – per Certificate $60 1/7/2023
Search of Cemetery Records $60 1/7/2023
Surrender of unexercised Right of Interment – According to DHHS Schedule plus an administration fee of: $175 1/7/2022
Exhumation of bodily remains / Lift and Reposition (when authorised) $4,088 1/7/2023
Grave Testing $465 1/7/2023

 Please Note:

  • The Trust’s fees are adjusted annually under the supervision of the Victorian Government.
  • Fees and charges do not include supply of plaques.
  • Bellbrae Cemetery fees and charges subject to GST are marked with an * Tax receipt provided on request.
  • Always contact the Trust Secretary to ensure access to our current fee structure.
  • Cemetery operations and services may be impacted on Days of High Fire Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What burial options are offered at Bellbrae?2020-07-01T17:11:36+10:00

Bellbrae Cemetery was established in 1864 primarily with monumental graves.  Over time, and to meet community requirements, as well as complement our beautiful rural setting we have expanded the options.

Families have a choice of traditional memorial sites, lawn memorials sites and headstone memorials.  In addition cremated remains can be placed in memorial or native gardens.

Rock and Bench seats can also be dedicated in memory of loved ones.  This option does not include interment rights but a plaque may be installed.

How do I report a problem or give feedback e.g. vandalism2023-09-11T10:57:06+10:00

If you notice something at the cemetery that concerns you or you have a suggestion, please contact the Trust or send a message via this site.  If at all possible, take a photo for reference.

How Do I locate or contact other Cemeteries Authority in Victoria?2018-09-25T03:26:59+10:00

The Cemeteries Unit at the Department of Health and Human Services has a search tool to locate contact details of all Victorian Cemetery Trusts at: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/cemeteries-and-crematoria/cemetery-and-fee-search 

I noticed a few neglected graves?  Who looks after the graves?2018-09-25T03:25:13+10:00

Sadly, over time some graves do start to look neglected and this can be for a variety of reasons.  The Bellbrae Cemetery Trust has responsibility for the overall care and maintenance of the site.  It works with families, who are responsible for the care of individual sites, to ensure this peaceful and tranquil place is well looked after.  We have contractors who handle the ongoing maintenance.   The Trust also has a Care Program that has an ongoing focus on the condition of individual graves.  Bellbrae has a strong commitment to respecting the history and heritage of our pioneers and early settlers.

How do I find a family member’s grave or memorial in the Cemetery?2023-09-11T10:59:43+10:00

There are several options – firstly, we suggest you ask other family members.  We also display a site map and a names list in our shelter area. The map is updated annually and the names list quarterly.

Site presales are not shown to comply with Privacy legislation.

Or if you are planning a visit in advance you are welcome to send us an online inquiry.

Can or should I Insure My Loved One’s Memorial?2018-09-25T03:21:39+10:00

The State Government’s VMIA insurance covers all Victorian Cemeteries for damage to memorials caused by malicious acts (vandalism).

For further information, please contact the Cemeteries Unit at the Department of Health and Human Services.

What are the Cemetery opening hours?2022-09-03T09:39:33+10:00

Bellbrae is an open rural cemetery so there are no prescribed hours.  Families and friends are free to visit at times that suit them.

We do ask that all visitors respect the needs of mourners when a funeral is underway.  Also we are situated in a community neighbourhood so awareness of our neighbour’s privacy is appreciated.

Ours is a volunteer Cemetery Trust and our team is contactable Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm.  Site visits are strictly by appointment. Funeral times are flexible but must be booked by prior arrangement.

Can I inter ashes into an earth burial allotment2023-09-11T11:01:13+10:00

Yes, ashes can be placed into an earth burial allotment, although we do have specific cremation memorials and gardens available.  Please contact the Trust to discuss your requirements and the site options, to complete the required documentation and to pay the applicable fee.

Can Memorials be for someone whose cremated remains have been scattered elsewhere?2018-09-25T03:18:37+10:00

Yes they can, memorials create a place of remembrance and reflection but it not necessary for the cremated remains to be placed within the memorial.

Bellbrae offers a number of memorial options within our Cemetery.  We currently have established memorial gardens as well as the option of ashes being interred in a standard grave.   We are currently exploring further options so please contact us if you wish to discuss.

Can I take my dog to the Cemetery?2018-11-11T21:12:29+11:00

For many people pets are very much part of their family (and they may being grieving too!), so all we ask is that you ensure you pet is kept under control and on a leash (if necessary or requested by another visitor).  What is play to you, can be of concern to others.   Of course we would expect you would attend to any pet droppings in the appropriate way.

Can I pre-purchase a grave or memorial site?2023-09-11T11:04:21+10:00

Yes – pre-purchase offers the advantage of securing a plot at current prices, as well as ensuring your last wishes are fulfilled.

If at any stage you decide to sell back or change the ownership of the site, please contact the Trust for details of how this is managed.

Bellbrae does not offer payment terms however will endeavour to work with families to meet their needs.

Allotments must be paid in full within 48 hours and prior to a burial, by direct deposit – sorry no cash.

N.B. Burial services e.g. grave digging, monument approvals, etc cannot be pre-paid.

What facilities are at the cemetery?2018-09-25T03:16:36+10:00

Bellbrae is a rural cemetery and does not have onsite staff or office.

Parking is available in Cemetery Road or the adjacent reserve.  This is where the public toilets are also located. There is provision for disabled parking. We have access to water but no power.  There is also a small shelter area.  The site has a gentle slope but well formed paths and access.

Who May Place A Memorial On A Burial Site?2023-09-11T11:07:11+10:00

The “Holder(s) of The Right of Interment” to the burial site (or if that person(s) is the deceased), their executor, administrator or authorised person) is/are the only person(s) who have the authority to place a memorial on a burial or cremation memorial site.

Where a person who is not the Holder(s) of the Right and has no proof that they are acting on behalf of the Holder(s) of the Right or the original Holder(s) cannot be contacted (i.e. they are overseas or they are deceased), the Trust may be willing to accept a Statutory Declaration from the applicant, in addition to the completed application form.

Please check with the Trust first as prior approval for all memorial construction is required along with applicable fees.

The memento I left has disappeared!2018-11-01T03:39:46+11:00

As an open cemetery there will be times when this unfortunately happens.  Often the weather plays a part in items being damaged or lost.  Sadly, but less frequently unwanted visitors do damage.

We have a Memorialisation Policy that helps guide us in regard to what is acceptable as part of a family’s tribute.  We ask all visitors to respect this approach and work with us to ensure a high standard of care is maintained and safety issues are addressed.  Expired floral tributes are cleared on a regular basis by Trust Members.

Can I camp, play sport, or games like Pokémon Go In The Cemetery? 2018-09-25T03:11:11+10:00

The Bellbrae Cemetery Trust acknowledges that cemeteries are public spaces and encourages the community to visit the cemetery.

We understand the community interest in genealogy, history and culture, but ask that visitors treat our cemetery with respect and consider other visitor’s privacy. This includes people visiting to use new technology, such as Pokémon Go, however we encourage people who play this game to act safely and to be aware of their surroundings and be respectful near funerals, our team and other visitors attending graves.

Can I donate to the Cemetery?2018-09-25T03:09:53+10:00

Donations or bequests are always welcome and greatly appreciated.  The Cemetery is self-funding and rellies in the sale of memorial sites and interest earned to generate its income.  Please contact us to discuss further.

My Property shares a boundary with the Bellbrae Cemetery.  Will The Crown/Cemetery Trust Contribute To The Cost Of Fencing? 2018-09-25T03:08:57+10:00

No, where the Cemetery Trust is the direct manager of the adjoining Crown land it will not contribute to the cost of fencing.  Cemetery Trust’s as managers of Crown land are excluded from the provisions of the Fences Act 1968 that requires property owners to share the cost of erection and maintenance of a common boundary fence. 

Any fencing constructed must be of sufficient standard for the intended use of the private land, for example, a stock proof fence would be required to retain any livestock within the private property boundary.

 

Can I plant flowers or my loved one’s favourite rose?2023-09-11T11:09:43+10:00

Private planting is not permitted at the cemetery for a number of reasons. The Trust is charged with the maintenance and care of the cemetery, so to protect the environment as well as support the maintenance aspects involved, private planting is not allowed.

We have had many historical examples were well-intended plants have been installed and then they have seeded and spread, thereby causing invasive damage to graves and the surrounds. As an option,  if you wish to sponsor a planting in the cemetery please contact the Trust to discuss.

I Don’t Know About Selecting A Memorial. Where Do I Start?2023-09-11T11:15:54+10:00

It is always best to start by contacting our Trust Administrator, who will check the records and advise you on permissible memorials for the chosen gravesite.

It is very  important to seek approval prior to commencing this process as there are laws, regulations and external standards that must be complied with.  For example – wood, bricks and masonry blocks are not permitted.

Your next step is to select a Monumental Mason who can manufacture and install a monument on your behalf subject to the Trust’s approval.

Please refer to our Fact Sheet on this site:

A Guide for selecting a site and installing a plaque at Bellbrae Cemetery
Why Is It Important I Memorialise My Departed Loved One? 2018-09-25T03:01:37+10:00

Many people find comfort in having a special place to visit after the passing of a family member or loved one, even if the cremated remains have been scattered elsewhere.

A memorial is a symbolic place shared with family, friends and future generations.

Bellbrae Cemetery offers a range of tranquil memorial options for loved ones, in its beautiful rural setting.

Please contact us at: bellbraect@gmail.com to make an appointment to discuss your memorialisation options.

How do I organise a burial at Bellbrae?2023-09-11T11:18:30+10:00

You are welcome to contact the Trust to discuss your requirements and the options available at Bellbrae.  This is often done in conjunction with your chosen funeral director.

Burials and funerals are subject to specific legislation and requirements, so at this stressful time it’s always advisable to ensure you have the right and current information.

Timing is also very important to ensure that your chosen plot (for burials) is prepared in time for the graveside commitment.

Why can’t I use my own vase?2018-09-25T03:03:45+10:00

Placing Flowers, ornaments and tributes on graves and memorials is a respected tradition.

Like most cemeteries, Bellbrae has a Memorialisation Policy that helps us ensure our cemetery is well maintained and safe for all visitors.

This Policy does not allow the placement of glass or ceramics on or adjacent to memorials. They create a safety risk and will be respectfully removed.

The cemetery provides flower containers and some graves have stone vases included.

Our Trust Members

Current Trust Members

  • Annie Young – (appointed June 2018) – Chairperson
  • Jeff Wapling – (appointed June 2018)
  • Bridget Jacoby – (appointed June 2018)
  • John Bell – (appointed April 2021)
  • Felicity McDonald – (appointed April 2022) – on leave
  • Melissa Howard – appointed March 2023)
  • Julie Tait – (appointed August 2023)
  • Richard Porter – (appointed August 2023)

The Chairperson

The role of the chairperson is to exercise procedural control over trust meetings and to lead and assist the Trust Members in understanding their role, responsibilities and accountabilities as members of the Trust. The Chairperson is responsible for ensuring that all Trust Members actively participate in the governance of the Trust.

Recruitment

Trust Member recruitment is conducted at local Trust level.   The Trust’s recommendations are then forwarded to the Department of Health & Human Services, Cemeteries & Crematoria Regulation Unit who oversee the appointment process for Class B Cemetery Trusts.  Trust Members are appointed by the Governor-In-Council on the recommendation of the Minister of the Department. To find out more about becoming a Trust Member, please contact the Trust Administrator.

We make a living by what we get, but a life by what we give.

Winston Churchill
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