2024 Children's Remembrance Service at Bunurong Memorial Park

On Sunday 8 December, the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) hosted their annual Children’s Remembrance Service for the first time at Bunurong Memorial Park, bringing together over 150 family members, children, friends, and loved ones.

This heartfelt event offered an opportunity to reflect and honour the memory of cherished loved ones during a time that can be especially difficult for families. For many, attending this service has become a beloved ritual; for others, a new experience.

While the service holds special significance for those remembering babies and children, it warmly welcomes families of children of all ages—even those in adulthood—ensuring everyone can attend and be part of this meaningful tradition.

Losing a child is one of the most heartbreaking things a family can go through, often leaving people feeling alone in their grief. City of Greater Dandenong Cr Lana Formoso attended the event to show her deepest sympathies and support to families for their profound loss.

Through her work with organisations like Monash Children's Hospital and My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, she has gained personal insights into the challenges faced by child patients and their families.

“The venue at Bunurong Memorial Park within the City of Greater Dandenong felt like a warm, safe space where everyone could reflect and share together in loving memory. Some people don’t realise, but the Children's Remembrance Service is open to anyone who has lost a child of any age, and they don’t need to be resting at any SMCT site. It’s a public event open to anyone who would like to be with others who know what it's like to lose a child. I found it a moving and powerful event,” said Cr Formoso.

The annual Children’s Remembrance Service is an important way to come together to support and comfort families going through this profound loss. Families were gifted a personalised white lantern, lighting candles to symbolise their love in a warm, supportive environment.

“The service was magical. We were given a gorgeous white lantern with our baby’s name attached to it in memory of our much-loved son. His name was read out, along with all the other babies and children who were remembered. I look forward to attending this touching remembrance service again next year,” said Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS) Founder and President Melissa King.

Part of the service includes a special tradition to reflect on the ‘Eternal Light’ star—a real star that SMCT acquired in December 2005 to remember all the babies and children who have gone before us. Just as the Remembrance Candle was lit in loving memory of those lost, the star connects us to the timeless presence of our children, who stay forever in our hearts.

“No matter where we stand, this star burns above us, and we remember that this star burned above your child too. For us, the star and its constant place in the sky is an enduring symbol of love, care and hope,” says Interim CEO Lucinda Nolan.

After the service, families and community members enjoyed light refreshments and an opportunity to share stories, connect, and support one another.

Children and families could also place tribute cards on the floral wall, join in colouring activities and play lawn games like ring toss and bocce, creating moments of joy and togetherness throughout the event.

SMCT’s Children's Remembrance Service has become a much-loved event each year, offering a safe space for families who want a meaningful way to remember their babies and children. We thank all families and community members who joined us to connect with the community and share their beautiful stories.

For more information about our future events, please visit our SMCT Events page. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date. We continue to be inspired by the stories and memories shared by our community.