Victoria's largest new cemetery in over 100 years, growing with the community for the next century
Breaking ground in mid-2025, the memorial park at Harkness will be more than a final resting place. Located in Melbourne’s west, it will be a versatile space where the community can gather, reflect and celebrate life.
Design and development
The memorial park will evolve in stages, guided by a master plan that is designed to meet community needs, adapt to population changes, and respond to climate change.
Traditional Owner knowledge and ongoing community consultation are central to this plan, shaping the park’s development over the next 100 years. Their input informs opportunities to care for Country, celebrate diverse cultures, and create meaningful spaces and facilities.
We are rethinking the role of a cemetery, balancing spaces for reflection and connection while delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits to the region.
What to expect when the park opens
In the initial stage, the memorial park will include:
Affordable burial and memorialisation options, including lawn, monumental, and directional graves, as well as ash scattering areas.
Flexible places for funeral services and events.
Outdoor gathering spaces where visitors can connect with nature and community.
Construction starts in mid-2025. Subscribe for project updates.
About the site
The 128-hectare site is located in Harkness, in the City of Melton, approximately 40km northwest of Melbourne. It lies on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People and is next to the Melton Gilgai Woodlands Nature Conversation Reserve, part of the Arnolds Creek corridor.
This site is home to many endangered species and features 100 mature grey box trees, some hundreds of years old. Significant Wurundjeri cultural landmarks, like the Melton Ring Tree and five scarred trees, will be preserved.

Find out more
Visit our community hub for regular project updates.
Contact us on 1300 022 298 or email harkness@gmct.com.au.
For media enquiries, email media@gmct.com.au.
Concept images by McGregor Coxall.