Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery

15/10/2026

An update for families and visitors to Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery.

This week, we discovered that a number of memorial plaques have been removed or damaged. We know this news may be upsetting, particularly for families with loved ones memorialised at the cemetery.
We have notified Victoria Police and are supporting their investigation. Our teams are also carrying out inspections across the cemetery and contacting affected families where possible.

As Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery is over 150 years old, we may not have current contact details for every family. If you are concerned that a memorial may have been affected, we encourage you to visit the page below for updates and to register your details with us.
🔗 https://www.smct.org.au/cpcplaques
For immediate assistance, please call 1300 466 904.

Honour and celebrate life with SMCT’s burial and cremation services in Melbourne with cemeteries across Victoria, and personalised memorial services.

26/07/2026

Please be advised that a nationwide emergency alert test will be sent to mobile devices across Australia today at 2:00pm.

When the test is issued, compatible mobile phones, smartwatches, and tablets may vibrate, display a test message, and play a loud siren-like sound for approximately 10 seconds. Please note that this will occur even if your device is set to silent.

Our cemetery grounds, services, and hospitality venues remain fully operational during this time.

If you are attending a funeral service, a scheduled appointment, or visiting a loved one's memorial around 2:00pm today, we gently encourage you to switch your devices off entirely or place them into aeroplane mode to help minimise any disruptions.

Please be aware that if you switch your device back on during or shortly after the test period, you may still receive the alert.

Our team members will be on hand across all our locations to provide support and guidance. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a peaceful environment for all our visiting families.

For further information regarding the emergency test, please visit: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test

04/06/2026

A gentle reminder to secure today’s rates before 30 June

We know that thinking about the future can be difficult, but taking the step to plan ahead is one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts you can leave for your family.

If you have been considering pre-planning a memorial space or arrangement at one of our sites, we want to let you know that our current prices are locked in until 30 June 2026.

From 1 July 2026, a government-regulated price update of 3.1% will take effect across all Victorian cemetery trusts in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

By completing your pre-planning arrangements this month, you can finalise your choices at our lower rates. More importantly, pre-planning locks in the cost of your selected products and services forever, completely protecting your family from any future cost increases.

Whether you are looking at arrangements for yourself or a loved one, our team is available to help you navigate these updates and understand exactly what they mean for you.

Our Sales and Contact Centre teams are here to guide you with care and clarity at every step of the way. Book an obligation-free appointment with us today to discuss your plans.

Visit https://www.smct.org.au/news/2026-planned-price-updates for more information.

12/03/2026

Friends of Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries invite you to step back into the 1920s and uncover the haunting stories behind Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery’s quiet graves. Join our tour to hear moving, forgotten tales—from a tragic family house fire to a fatal childhood mishap and a rail disaster that shook the community. Discover the tragic, yet fascinating lives that shaped our local history.

Event details:
Location: Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery, Sunday 22 March. Meet just inside the gate at 1.30pm
Cost: Members: $12* – Non members: $15*
Refreshments provided
Bookings required: Email [email protected] or call 9497 1318

* Please note that this tour is organised by the Friends of Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries, not by SMCT.

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23/01/2026

With hot conditions and higher temperatures forecast over the next few days, we encourage visitors to plan ahead and take care while visiting our cemeteries.

✅ Plan your visit: Come early or postpone to avoid the hottest part of the day.
💧 Stay safe: Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
🤝 Be prepared: Look out for yourself and others in the extreme heat.

07/01/2026

With hot conditions continuing across the state and higher temperatures forecast tomorrow, we encourage visitors to plan ahead and take care while visiting our cemeteries.

✅ Plan your visit: Come early or postpone to avoid the hottest part of the day.
💧 Stay safe: Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
🤝 Be prepared: Look out for yourself and others in the extreme heat.

31/12/2025

As the sun sets on 2025, we reflect on the memories we hold dear and the legacies we honour.

Thank you for allowing us to care for your loved ones this year. We look forward to serving you in 2026.

24/12/2025

To our community, today, we light a candle for those who are present in our hearts, even if they are absent from our tables.

However you are spending today, we wish you peace, comfort, and safe travels.
– The team at Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

19/12/2025

We’re taking a short festive break🎄 Responses may take a little longer than usual, but we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. For anything urgent, please call 1300 466 904 or submit a contact form: www.smct.org.au/contact-us.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

23/05/2025

The loss of a family member or loved one can be a difficult and painful experience. The initial shock and grief are often compounded by the need to make time-sensitive decisions and practical arrangements.

Our 10 Steps guide is based on the most frequently asked questions by families when planning a burial, funeral or memorial service. Contact us for further information about the considerations, options, and support services available to help you honour your loved one in the most special and meaningful way for your family.

Read the guide here:

Download this practical guide for families planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one. It contains useful information and links.