With demand for land far exceeding supply at the iconic Melbourne General Cemetery, the newly constructed, architecturally ground-breaking Saint Mary of the Cross Mausoleum will provide the last major opportunity for the community to be laid to rest at this prized location. The inclusion of an underground level will also provide affordable options for the many who hold Melbourne General Cemetery in high regard.

Named in honour of Sister Mary MacKillop, with permission from the Sisters of St Joseph, demand for crypts is expected to be extremely high. The pre-release waiting list sale was held from March 24 to 26, 2012 with the full public release scheduled for April 2, 2012. The official blessing was held on Friday 20 April, officiated by Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart.

Saint Mary of the Cross Mausoleum features sheltered crypts adorned with natural finishes, including granites, bluestone, timbers and leadlight and also a gathering area, designed for peaceful reflection. A feature of the gathering area is a specially commissioned bronze sculpture of Australia’s first saint, Sister Mary MacKillop, by internationally acclaimed sculptor, Julie Squires.

All enquiries can be directed to Melbourne General Cemetery’s Gina Webling-Muleta on (03) 9349 3014 or 0432 760 249.

Click here to view Saint Mary of the Cross Crypt Layout Map
Click here to download the Saint Mary of the Cross Mausoleum Price List

Melbourne General Cemetery celebrates our first Saint

2012 International Women’s Day on 8 March 2012 saw the installation of an exquisite sculpture of one of Australia’s most famous women at Melbourne General Cemetery.

The intricate, bronze, life-sized sculpture of newly sainted Sister Mary MacKillop was installed at the cemetery’s Saint Mary of the Cross Mausoleum. Located adjacent to the heritage listed Gatehouse and also the Prime Minister’s Garden, (the final resting place of Sir Robert Gordon Menzies, James Henry Scullin, Sir John Grey Gorton and the memorial to Harold Holt), it provides a focal point at Melbourne’s most historic and prestigious cemetery.

Sculptor is internationally acclaimed, Julie Squires, recent Newton-John award-winner and sculptor of the Peter Brock Memorial. Squires’ work is held in collections in Europe, China and the UK and includes 20 Public Art Commissions in Australia. Julie said, “It was a special honour to be commissioned to sculpt Australia’s first saint, especially as I was educated by the Sisters of St Joseph. As Mary spent her life helping children, I couldn’t separate her from a child and wanted to bring out her very maternal side.”