Families who have experienced pre‑natal loss or stillborn children will soon have a dedicated memorial space at Lilydale Memorial Park, offering a much‑needed place of reflection, remembrance and connection.
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) is creating the new garden in response to strong community feedback highlighting the need for a meaningful place where families can acknowledge their loss, honour their baby’s life, and return over time knowing their child is cared for and remembered.
Named Everlasting Meadow, the memorial garden is thoughtfully designed around the symbol of the knot, representing the enduring and unbreakable bond between parents and their children.
Central to the space will be an ashes scattering area set within a reef knot pattern, formed by gently curving concrete pathways. Ashes can be scattered in the garden bed at the heart of the knot, surrounding a large, established tree.
Two free‑standing stone walls will feature floral and butterfly patterns, symbolising renewal and hope. Families will have the opportunity to memorialise their babies with personalised, leaf‑shaped plaques installed across the walls, with each leaf forming part of a larger native daisy motif.
The garden will also include native flowering plants, as well as a larger grassed area designed to accommodate gatherings and shared commemorations.
The design and naming of Everlasting Meadow have been carefully informed through consultation with key community stakeholders, including people with lived experience of infant loss, ensuring the space is delivered with compassion, sensitivity and respect.
Construction commenced in early May, with the memorial garden expected to be completed in August.