Carr Villa Memorial Park Open Day explores end of life choices

Published on 22 October 2024

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Staff at the City of Launceston's Carr Villa Memorial Park will seek to demystify death as part of the facility's first ever Open Day this weekend.

 

Members of the Launceston community are invited to the Carr Villa Memorial Park Open Day this Saturday October 26, from 10am to 2pm. 

 

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the free event would offer people a unique opportunity to explore the picturesque park and learn more about the wide range of services available at Launceston's principal cemetery and crematorium complex.

 

"Carr Villa Memorial Park has served our community for more than a century, and the Open Day is a chance for the public to discover the important work we do here on behalf of Tasmanian families," Mayor Garwood said. 

 

"We welcome everyone to explore the peaceful grounds, meet our dedicated team, ask any questions they may have, and learn about the diverse services we offer for families during their time of need."

 

Carr Villa Memorial Park Business Leader Eve Gibbons said the event would include guided tours of the cemetery, chapel, and crematorium, aimed at providing insights into the historical significance of the park, as well as new and evolving trends in burial and cremation services.

 

"Our Open Day is designed to help people feel more comfortable and informed about end-of-life arrangements," Ms Gibbons said. 

 

"We want to demystify the burial and cremation processes and offer clarity around the options available, so that families can make informed decisions.

 

"On the day, tours will depart every 15 minutes from various locations across the grounds, providing an informative look at everything from traditional grave sites to landscaped ash gardens.

 

"We hope this is something people will find interesting and will ultimately help them when it comes time to making those end-of-life decisions for their loved ones."

 

In addition to the tours, the Carr Villa office will be open for visitors to research burial locations. 

 

For those thinking ahead, the team can also provide guidance on pre-arranging services and memorial plaque designs.

 

"We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with the Carr Villa team and ask questions in a relaxed, open setting," Mayor Garwood said.

 

"The team will provide compassionate support and help people understand how to plan meaningful tributes for their loved ones."

 

The Open Day is also a key opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the future of Carr Villa Memorial Park. 

 

Community input will play a crucial role in shaping the Carr Villa Memorial Park Master Plan, which will guide cemetery services for the next 100 years.