Castlemaine Cemetery Trust has played a role in helping to change the law regarding burials in Victoria.
“We are just the second state that will allow your family pet to be buried in your family plot,” the trust stated last week.
Woodend-based Animal Justice Party MP, Georgie Purcell, was successful with her amendment put before the Legislative Council.
“We have officially legalised joint human and pet burials in Victoria. It is set to become law soon,” Ms Purcell said afterwards.
A long-time crusader on this issue, Ms Purcell said for many people, pets were their family.
She explained the change honours that bond and gives people the right to rest eternally beside their best friends.
“I want to thank the hundreds of cemetery managers, funeral directors, anthropologists, animal advocacy organisations and fellow colleagues who supported this change,” Ms Purcell said.
“In particular, I want to thank my friend Deb Tranter from Oscar’s Law and Castlemaine Cemetery for her determined advocacy to this issue.
“This is a victory for Victorians, their companion animals, and the love that connects them — which can now be honoured forever.”
New South Wales is the only state to previously have such legislation.
ROTARY IMPRESSED
Castlemaine Rotarians have expressed appreciation to the trustees of the Castlemaine Cemetery for allowing them to inspect the historic 32-acre site earlier this month.
In particular, the visitors were reminded of how tough it was for women and children of previous generations.
Cemetery volunteers have operated the cemetery since it was relocated to the present site in 1852.
Families are responsible for maintaining the plots, while the trustees care for the grounds.
