A NEWLY erected sign at the Wonthaggi Cemetery listing a range of prohibited items has caused a stir among locals, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and disappointment.
The sign, recently installed by the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), prohibits the placement of several items at gravesites. These include glass, ceramic, stones, tiles, bricks, chemicals or flammable materials such as lanterns, artificial flowers, items with hooks or sharp edges, food, alcohol, cigarettes, inground plantings, furniture, and decorative lighting like fairy lights or solar stakes.
Although the sign is new, the SMCT insists the rules have always existed.
“Following the recent transfer of management of Wonthaggi and San Remo Cemeteries to Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), updated signs have been installed to reflect long-standing policies across SMCT’s network of cemeteries and memorial parks,” the Trust said in a statement.
“While the sign is new, the items listed as prohibited have not substantially changed.”
SMCT says the rules are based on their Floral and Mementos Guidelines and align with statewide cemetery regulations. The prohibited items, the Trust says, pose safety risks to visitors and staff, hinder maintenance, and can cause environmental damage.
“Many items such as plastic wrapping for flowers, rubber bands or vases damaged through time and weather become litter to the environment, harm the local native wildlife, and have a detrimental impact on the environment,” the statement reads.
But the new signage has struck a nerve with the local community, many of whom see the move as an unnecessary intrusion into how they honour their loved ones.
“What a joke,” one person wrote online. “Better not touch my Pop and Nonna. I take fake flowers, but I also clean all around their resting place. I’m sick of being told what to do.”
Another added, “That’s beyond a joke, stopping people from grieving and showing love to their deceased loved ones in their own way.”
A third person described the changes as “sad,” writing, “All the things that mean something to the families of the loved ones at the cemetery, having to be removed.”
In response to these concerns, SMCT said it continues to engage with the local community.
“SMCT has listened to the Bass Coast community on operational matters, cemetery upkeep, historical preservation and entrance signage specific to these sites,” the Trust said.
“Our teams continue to consult with the community regularly about ongoing
matters and welcome community members to discuss their feedback or concerns with us.”
The Trust also acknowledged the importance of personal tributes in the grieving process.
“Families are still welcome to leave flowers and appropriate mementos that do not pose a safety risk and are weatherproof. Our teams are available to support families who may have questions or would like guidance about how to honour their loved ones in a way that is meaningful and compliant with cemetery guidelines.”
Despite these assurances, some residents remain upset by what they see as overly restrictive rules that make the cemetery feel less welcoming and comforting.