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Easing grief through planning: Supporting families before, during and after loss

Two friends enjoying a relaxed conversation over coffee at a café in a peaceful memorial park setting, surrounded by greenery and tranquil atmosphere

Planning ahead

At Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), we believe that honouring life also means preparing for its end with compassion, clarity, and care. Whether you're navigating grief or planning ahead, our goal is to support families and communities with meaningful resources and guidance.

Why talking about death matters

End-of-life planning is often a difficult topic to raise, but it’s one of the most important conversations we can have. By discussing wishes early, families can:

  • Reduce emotional stress during times of loss
  • Avoid financial uncertainty
  • Ensure final wishes are respected
  • Strengthen connections through shared understanding

Initiatives like Dying to Know Day, held annually on August 8, encourage Australians to build death literacy - the practical knowledge and emotional readiness to deal with death, dying, and bereavement.

MyLifeBook: A practical planning tool

To help families prepare, SMCT offers MyLifeBook, a free resource designed to:

  • Organise personal, legal, and financial affairs
  • Record funeral and memorial preferences
  • Assist executors and loved ones during difficult times

Starting your MyLifeBook is a thoughtful way to ease the burden on your family and ensure your legacy is honoured with dignity.

Learn more about MyLifeBook and download your copy

The Community, Care & Wellbeing program

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline and neither does our support. The Community, Care & Wellbeing program at SMCT is part of our grief support and offers:

  • Compassionate grief resources
  • Access to books and materials on mourning and healing
  • Community programs and workshops
  • A safe space for reflection and connection

Whether you're newly bereaved or continuing your journey through grief, our program and team are here to walk beside you.

Planning Ahead: Peace of mind for you and your family

Pre-planning funeral and memorial arrangements offers several benefits:

  • Emotional relief for loved ones
  • Financial protection against future price increases
  • Clarity and control over your final wishes
  • Confidence that your values and beliefs will be honoured

At SMCT, our team is here to guide you through every step of the planning process with empathy and expertise.

Book an appointment to speak with our team today.External site

Supporting grief and legacy in Melbourne

From Springvale Botanical Cemetery to Bunurong Memorial Park, our memorial spaces are designed to support both remembrance and renewal. We invite you to explore our resources, connect with our team, and take the first step toward planning with purpose.

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