Works to “enhance and preserve the sanctity of the Sunbury Cemetery for future generations” have led to complaints after graves were disturbed.
Sunbury Cemetery Trust says it commissioned capital works in its monumental grave area at 88 Shields St that involve the construction of permanent grave footings, “…adhering to strict Australian standards”.
Members of the trust, including Hume City Cllr Jarrod Bell, say it is “concerned and alarmed” that a family who buried their loved one only a week ago have heard that the coffin has been damaged.
The trust says it offered the family immediate assistance and to ascertain what has happened.
A statement from the trust says: “As no damage can be seen at ground level, a staged process will be undertaken to ascertain if any damage has occurred.
“Firstly, the contractor will undertake minor digging activities around the grave site with hand tools to see if the coffin has shifted.
“If the coffin has shifted the contractor will lift the coffin with chains to provide a line of site and if this shows any damage at all the coffin will undergo an exhumation process.”
Exhumation will require a licence from the Department of Health that could take six months to process.
Trust members say they are “…appalled that the family has to go through this harrowing process whilst their grief is so fresh”.
On 16 January 2024. the trust issued a press release to express its “…profound disappointment” over an act of vandalism at the cemetery.
Richard Vandeloo, chair of the trust, said: “The Sunbury Cemetery Trust is deeply disheartened by this act of vandalism. We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all. Let us come together to protect and preserve this sacred space.”
