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.
Cemetery Map
The Cemetery is primarily arranged in a traditional and denominational grid format. A index map is displayed in the Shelter for reference.
There are traditional monumental graves, lawn graves and garden monumental graves.
Rose, Lavender and Rosemary 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) | $2,015 | 1/7/2022 |
Right of Interment – Bodily Remains – Premium location | $3,020 | 1/7/2022 |
Interment Services – Lawn/ Monumental / Garden Sections | ||
– Grave Digging – Single and double depth 2.3m (Sinking or reopening) | $2,400 | 1/7/2022 |
– Grave Digging – 2.7m depth (Sinking or reopening) | $2,605 | 1/7/2022 |
– Under beam Interment for Child (First Interment of Site) | $250 | 1/7/2022 |
– Interment Services – Stillborn Child | $TBA | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for interment services – Oversize Grave | $345 | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for removal of Ledger | $380 | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for interment after 4pm weekdays | $465 | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for interment before noon Saturdays | $605 | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for interment after noon Saturdays (Subject to Availability) | $1,210 | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for Interment at Short Notice (Subject to Availability) | $340 | 1/7/2022 |
– Additional fee for Alternative Backfill (Sand or Loam on request) | $240 | 1/7/2022 |
INTERMENT OF CREMATED REMAINS | ||
Cremated remains Interment Site (Perpetual tenure) Memorial / Native Garden | $565 | 1/7/2022 |
Standard Gravesite for Cremated remains (Perpetual Tenure) – Maximum of 4 Ashes interments per gravesite | $2015 | 1/7/2022 |
Cremated remains Site Conversion from 25 year to Perpetual tenure | $445 | 1/7/2022 |
Permit to inter cremated remains (Graves / Memorial or Native Garden) | $140 | 1/7/2022 |
Trust Attendance at Cemetery for interment of cremated remains (mandatory) | $90 | 1/7/2022 |
Interment Services – Scattering of Cremated Remains by Trust Member | $90 | 1/7/2022 |
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) | $155 | 1/7/2022 |
Permit (to add additional inscription on existing memorial or bronze plaque) | $55 | 1/7/2022 |
Permit
– Installation of a new Headstone (existing foundation) – New monument without existing foundation – Major Renovation to Headstone or Monument in any Section |
$350 | 1/7/2022 |
Dedication of Bench Seat – (No interment rights / Plaque to be funded by family) | $3,180 | 1/7/2022 |
Dedication of Rock Seat – (No interment rights / Plaque to be funded by family) | $2,115 | 1/7/2022 |
MISCELLANEOUS FEES | ||
General & Interment Administration Charge (per hour) | $55 | 1/7/2022 |
Issue of Certificates – per Certificate | $55 | 1/7/2022 |
Search of Cemetery Records | $55 | 1/7/2022 |
Surrender of unexercised Right of Interment – According to DHHS Schedule plus an administration fee of: | $160 | 1/7/2022 |
Exhumation of bodily remains / Lift and Reposition (when authorised) | $3,635 | 1/7/2022 |
Grave Testing | $340 | 1/7/2022 |
Granite Vases | $155 | 1/7/2022 |
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.
- All Bellbrae Cemetery fees and charges are GST free.
- 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
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.
If you notice something at the cemetery that concerns you or you have a suggestion, please contact our Secretary or send a message via this site. If at all possible, take a photo for reference.
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
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.
There are several options – firstly we suggest you ask other family members. We also display a general map in our shelter area. Or if you are planning a visit in advance you are welcome to send us an online inquiry.
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.
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.
Yes, ashes can be placed into an earth burial allotment, although we do have specific cremation memorials and gardens available. Please contact the Trust Secretary to discuss your requirements, complete the required documentation and pay the applicable fee.
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.
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.
Yes – pre purchase offers the advantage of securing fees and charges 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, either by direct deposit or bank cheque – sorry no cash.
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.
The “Holder of The Right of Interment” to the burial site (or if that person is the deceased, their executor, administrator or authorised person) is the only person who has the authority to place a memorial on a burial site or cremation memorial site.
Where a person who is not the Holder of the Right and has no proof that they are acting on behalf of the Holder of the Right or the original Holder 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 Secretary first as prior approval for all memorial construction is required.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 examples were well-intended plants have seeded and spread, thereby causing invasive damage to graves and the surrounds. If you wish to sponsor a planting in the cemetery please contact the Secretary to discuss.
It is always best to start by contacting our Secretary, 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 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.
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.
You are welcome to contact our Secretary 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.
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)
- Elizabeth Wapshott – (appointed September 2018)
- Vicki Smith – (appointed September 2018)
- John Bell – (appointed April 2021)
- Felicity McDonald – (appointed April 2022)
- Carolyn Hall – (appointed April 2022)
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 Secretary.