Why is that monument or headstone lying on the ground?
Our cemeteries are home to many monuments and memorials, including some that are over 100 years old.
Unfortunately, as monuments age, some may pose a safety risk.
Under the law, GMCT doesn’t have the right to repair or change a monument or memorial.
If a monument is unstable, we make the area safe for visitors while we reach out to the right of interment (ROI) holder, who has the authority to get the monument repaired. They are often a relative or friend of the person laid to rest at that location.
How do you keep memorials safe?
Our team regularly check monuments, memorials, mausolea and other buildings across our sites. If they identify a potentially unsafe structure, they cordon it off and install warning signs. We determine what needs to be done and the estimated cost.
We also make efforts to contact the ROI holder. Over the years, the details of the ROI holder may change but not be updated with GMCT. So, we make other efforts to contact the relevant person.
If we can’t reach the ROI holder, or they are unwilling or unable to make repairs, we will make the monument or memorial safe by laying it flat with the inscription facing up. This also ensures ongoing access to information of historical interest.
Let us know
If you have information about the ROI holder of a monument that has been identified as unsafe, please let us know by calling our Customer Care team on 1300 022 298.
If you see a monument you think might be unsafe at one of our sites, you can use the same number to let us know the location.
To help us ensure the safety of memorials on our site, it’s important to maintain accurate contact details for ROI holders.
Please update GMCT with any change of address or contact details using this form.
The forms page on our website also includes forms you can use to add an additional ROI holder or transfer the ROI to another person.