The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) has cemeteries in high bushfire risk areas. These are:
Andersons Creek Cemetery – Blair St, Warrandyte, Vic 3113
Emerald Cemetery – 169 Macclesfield Rd, Avonsleigh, Vic 3782
Healesville Cemetery – Mt Riddell Rd, Healesville, Vic 3777
Yarra Glen Cemetery – Corner Eltham-Yarra Glen and Glenview Rds., Yarra Glen, Vic 3775
Our response to the different levels in the Fire Danger Rating system
Fire Danger Rating | GMCT response |
|---|---|
Catastrophic For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. | The cemetery will be closed to all visitors and for burials. No funerals will take place. |
Extreme, High or Total Fire Ban Take action now to protect life and property. | The cemetery will be open with restrictions. Staff will monitor information and conditions and if a 'Watch and Act' or an 'Emergency Warning' is issued for the area, the cemetery will be closed. |
Moderate Plan and prepare. | The cemetery will be open. |
What this means for services and burials
GMCT’s booking team will advise funeral directors if there is a need to postpone services or burials. Your funeral director will let you know how this impacts you. In the event of a cemetery closure, we will work closely with funeral directors to find the next best time and day for the service or burial.
Before booking future services or burials, please consider:
the advice provided by the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Emergency Victoria
the 4-day fire rating forecast provided by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Central District.
Understanding fire ratings and risk
Fire Danger Ratings indicate what conditions would be like if a bushfire started. They are forecast up to four days in advance based on weather and environmental conditions. They act as a trigger to encourage people to put their bushfire plans in place and act.
The possibility of Extreme or Catastrophic ratings is approximately three-five days per year. When there is an Extreme or Catastrophic rating, the four cemeteries listed above will usually have the same Fire Danger Rating as they are all within the Central District. The rating is district-wide on any given day.
Where to direct your questions
Please contact us and our team will be happy to assist you further.
Phone: 1300 022 298
Email: enquiries@gmct.com.au
Always call 000 in an emergency.
For up to date emergency information, including evacuation advice, go to Country Fire Authority and Emergency Victoria.