A festive December at SMCT
![Ornament on christmas tree](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220073851_0D5A7538.jpg)
The festive season is a special time at SMCT, and this December we wanted to give our community the space to reflect on those who have passed and also celebrate life and family.
Take a look at the initiatives that took place this month, from a musical event at Bunurong Memorial Park to the traditional Children's Christmas Trees with customised ornaments created by our community.
Together by the Lake
This year, we introduced a brand new event for Bunurong Memorial Park dedicated to the community. Together by the Lake is a celebration of both the festive spirit and a reflection of our loved ones. On December 9, visitors gathered on the shore of Lake Australis as bands in the Sanctuary broadcast their music, and the clouds parted just in time for a fantastic sunset.
View our short video below to relive the evening.
![band from outside glass](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209202804_0D5A7072.jpg)
![the sanctuary lit up for music with sunset](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209202955_0D5A7083.jpg)
![close up of band](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209203725_0D5A7102.jpg)
![A happy visitor](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209183407_0B5A0097.jpg)
![CEO Jane Grover mingling](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209190119_0D5A7017.jpg)
![bunurong chapel silhouette with sunset behind lake in front](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209202622_0D5A7062.jpg)
![Visitors with sunset behind](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209202451_0B5A0419.jpg)
![candles held up by community](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211209203405_0B5A0508.jpg)
Children's Remembrance Trees
The festive season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a solemn occasion for those who have lost a child. The Children’s Remembrance Christmas Trees at both Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park through the month of December are sacred spaces, created specifically for families who have lost a child.
This year, visitors were given the option to order a customised ornament engraved with the name of a child as a token of love and remembrance. These ornaments were available to place onto the tree at Bunurong Memorial Park's Solace Gardens and Springvale Botanical Cemetery's A J A Gardner Lawn.
Thank you to everyone who visited the trees, and our hearts are with you over the holiday season.
![QR code leading to Solace Gardens](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220073551_0D5A7519.jpg)
![Children's Remembrance Tree in Solace Gardens](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220073004_0D5A7492.jpg)
![Close up of ornaments](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220073307_0D5A7504.jpg)
![Close up of customised personalised ornaments](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220090944_0D5A7606.jpg)
![Children's Remembrance Tree at Springvale Botanical Cemetery](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220091346_0D5A7631.jpg)
![SMCT team placing ornament on tree](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220101157_0D5A7760.jpg)
![A J A Gardner Lawn with Children's Remembrance Tree.](/uploads/uploads/_blogHeroDesktop/JLPhotography_211220091857_0D5A7655.jpg)
Thank you to everyone who took part in our December festivities, and thank you to the team members who made the events possible. Have a safe and happy holiday period, and we'll see you next year!