News & Updates
Visit the Harkness team at Keilor Cemetery
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) cares for and manages 20 memorial parks and cemeteries across Melbourne. As some of our older cemeteries change over time, how do we continue to meet the needs of local communities while preserving their history and heritage?
Woodgrove Shopping Centre pop-up
We’ll be at Woodgrove Shopping Centre to share updates on Harkness Memorial Park.
Watergardens Shopping Centre pop-up
We’ll be at Watergardens Shopping Centre to share updates on Harkness Memorial Park.
Join us in Sunbury for Creating Space for Grief
Join us on Saturday 27 June from 1pm-3pm at the Goonawarra Neighbourhood House for our Creating Space for Grief event.
Say Hello to the Harkness team at Eynesbury Market
Stop by our stall at the Eynesbury Market to hear the latest updates about Harkness Memorial Park.
Milestone site visit with Melton City Council
Construction at Harkness Memorial Park is progressing, and last week we welcomed Melton City Council to see it firsthand.
Kingfisher Centre – Foundations to begin mid-March
Construction crews will begin pouring the foundations of the Kingfisher Centre, the park’s first stage main building and multi-purpose hub, from mid-March.
Visit GMCT at Ballan Autumn Festival 2026
Join our team at the Ballan Autumn Festival on Sunday 15 March, 9am–3pm. Visit our stall on Inglis Street to meet some of our team and share your thoughts on the future of cemeteries in your community.
Building Harkness Memorial Park: The Build
After years of planning and consultation, construction at Harkness Memorial Park is ramping up. What was once wheat fields is taking shape as Melbourne west’s newest memorial park – and GMCT’s operational expertise is shaping how it’s being built.
Building Harkness Memorial Park: Faith and Belonging
Muslim community member Ali Mohammed shares how faith communities worked together to shape Harkness Memorial Park.
First road and precinct names announced
We’re excited to share the first official first road, precinct and building names for Harkness Memorial Park.
Main works contract awarded for Harkness Memorial Park
Major construction has begun at Harkness Memorial Park, with Building Engineering appointed to deliver the first stage. The site is expected to open in early 2027.
Local MP Steve McGhie visits Harkness Memorial Park construction site
Local MP Steve McGhie recently visited Harkness Memorial Park to see progress on this vital community asset for Melton and Melbourne’s west.
Have Your Say on Community Engagement at GMCT
We want to hear from you. Share your ideas on what would make our memorial parks more welcoming and what kinds of events matter most to your community.
Building Harkness Memorial Park: A Community Asset
For the first time, Melbourne's west is getting a memorial park built specifically for its current communities. Local resident Ron Megna explains how Harkness Memorial Park addresses critical infrastructure needs while creating connections in a region that's growing rapidly.
Boundary tree planting complete as Harkness Memorial Park prepares for major construction
Early construction phase complete at Harkness Memorial Park with boundary tree planting finished. Major construction works to begin December 2025.
Building Harkness Memorial Park: Remembering Loved Ones
Learn more about how care and community are at the heart of Harkness Memorial Park - from empathy in daily interactions to memorial options that reflect diverse needs.
Visit the project team at Melton’s Djerriwarrh Festival
Visit us at Melton’s Djerriwarrh Festival and hear the latest updates on construction timelines, the first stage design, and final resting place options for this new memorial park serving the Melton community.