Our History

The Book of Life click to view enlarged

In 1995, The Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries Trust saw the need for a new style of memorial park in the Dandenong region and the idea of Bunurong was born.

Purchasing 120 hectares of land in amongst established farms and market gardens, the Trust set about creating a beautiful and tranquil landscape encompassing lakes, rock gardens, waterfalls and lush grassy plains. The light-filled and unobtrusive buildings were designed by architect, Peter Ross, to blend with the natural environment.

Today, the Park is comprised of many memorial gardens, a mausoleum, the Weeroona Chapel and the Condolence Lounges with more developments in the pipeline, such as multi-denominational churches and temples, to ensure that Bunurong evolves with the community it serves.

The facility is owned and operated by The Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries Trust, a group of voluntary trustees, who have been responsible for the good name of Cheltenham Cemetery since 1865 and the running of Cheltenham Memorial Park since 1933.

For further information on the trustees, click here.