Skip to main content

Honouring Mothers this Mother’s Day at SMCT

  • 5 May 2026

2026 Mother's Day

Mother’s Day can be a time of reflection, gratitude and love. For many, it can also bring moments of sadness or quiet remembrance. At SMCT, we recognise that this day holds different meaning for everyone, and we are committed to providing welcoming, supportive spaces for our community.

This Mother’s Day, we invite families and visitors to spend time across our cemeteries and memorial parks as they honour mothers, grandmothers, carers and mother‑figures who continue to live on in memory.

Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park will host thoughtful on‑site activations designed to support remembrance, reflection, and connection.

Activations will be available from 9am–4pm on both days of Mother’s Day weekend at both locations.

Mother's Day Tribute Wall
Mother's Day Tribute Wall

What visitors can expect

  • Tribute walls
    A meaningful space to leave messages, memories, and dedications in honour of mums and mother figures.
  • Flowers for Mum
    Fresh floral tributes available for purchase from our florist for those wishing to leave a special tribute.
  • Food and coffee options
    • Springvale Botanical Cemetery:
      Café Vita et Flores will be serving hot coffee and a special menuExternal site, with the Hilda food truck also on site offering coffee and sweet treats.
    • Bunurong Memorial Park:
      Café Vita et Flores will offer hot coffee alongside a special high tea menuExternal site

Visitors are welcome to engage in a way that feels right for them, or simply spend quiet time with loved ones.

Opening hours

Springvale Botanical Cemetery

  • Cafe: Saturday & Sunday, 9am–4pm
  • Florist: Saturday & Sunday, 9am–4pm
  • Reception: Saturday & Sunday, 9am–5pm

Bunurong Memorial Park

  • Cafe: Saturday & Sunday, 9am–4pm
  • Florist: Saturday & Sunday, 9am–4pm
  • Reception: Closed Saturday & Sunday

Contact Centre

  • Saturday: 9am–1pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Planning your visit

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days across our cemeteries and memorial parks. Traffic conditions are expected to be busy, particularly at Springvale Botanical Cemtery and Bunurong Memorial Park.

We encourage visitors to:

  • Travel early where possible
  • Allow extra time to arrive and move through our grounds
  • Follow signage and instructions from staff on the day

Our teams will be on site to assist with directions, accessibility support and general enquiries.

Mother's day flowers from Cafe Vita et Flores
Mother's day flowers from Cafe Vita et Flores

Support on the day and beyond

Mother’s Day can be emotionally challenging, especially for those navigating grief or visiting a loved one for the first time. Our staff are there to offer assistance, guidance and care throughout the day.

If you have questions before your visit or need support afterwards, our Customer Care team is available to help.

Grief support services

If Mother’s Day brings difficult feelings, you are not alone. Support is available beyond your visit, and speaking with someone can help.

You may find comfort in reaching out to one of the following organisations:

  • Grief Australia
    Provides counselling, education and support for people experiencing grief and loss.
    www.grief.org.au | 1300 022 243
  • Beyond Blue
    Offers mental health advice and support for anxiety, depression and emotional wellbeing.
    www.beyondblue.org.au | 1300 22 4636
  • Lifeline
    Available 24 hours a day for crisis support and emotional assistance.
    www.lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14

Whether you are visiting to remember, reflect, or simply spend time together, SMCT is here to support you this Mother’s Day with care, compassion and respect.

Share article

Recommended articles

Creating community and connection: Grieving Together Grief Retreat

  • 12 September 2024

The annual retreat intends to bring together people to gain greater knowledge and understanding of grief and how to process it.

  • Community Care & Wellbeing Program
  • Events
A group of people sitting at a remembrance event, photographed from the back.

Say Their Name Remembrance Service 2025: Supporting community with Red Nose

  • 13 May 2025

Supporting our community is at the heart of our work at Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT). On Sunday 23 March 2025, our Community Care and Wellbeing (CCW) program team collaborated with Red Nose Australia to create a safe and welcoming space for community as part of Red Nose’s Melbourne Say Their Name Day remembrance service.

  • Events
  • Community Care & Wellbeing Program

Supporting community together: Miscarriage Information Support Service

  • 8 October 2024

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) has collaborated with Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) for many years, co-hosting events and creating an inclusive space to acknowledge miscarriage and early-pregnancy loss.

  • Events