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On Monday 21 September 2015, religious community leaders representing Baha’i, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh faiths participated in a special service at Springvale Botanical Cemetery to mark International Peace Day.

The multi-faith blessing, which was held in the Springvale Botanical Cemetery’s new Chapel of Reflection attracted local government leaders including the mayor of Kingston, Cr Geoff Gledhill and the mayor of Bayside, Cr Felicity Frederico.

Back Row: Cr Felicity Frederico (Mayor Bayside City Council and SMCT Trust), Julie Busch (SMCT Trust), Jasbir Suropado (Sikh Interfaith Council of Victoria) , Stephen Shipp (SMCT Trust), Jane Grover (SMCT CEO), Helen Heath (Interfaith Network, City of Greater Dandenong), Sister Tu My Nguyen (Buddhist) | Front Row: Anne Maslin (Baha'i faith), Fr John Vayalillkarottu (Christian Catholic faith), Pandit Abhay Awasthi (Hindu), Sheik Majidih Essa (Muslim), Venerable Thich Thien Tri (Buddhist)

The CEO of Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), Ms Jane Grover said the multi faith celebration blessing would become an annual event at the cemetery. She said next year the event would seek to attract an even greater representation of religious faiths. SMCT, a not for profit organisation, administers Springvale Botanical Cemetery and seven other cemeteries and memorial parks on behalf of the State Government.

“This south-eastern region of Melbourne has a strong multi-cultural community and SMCT is delighted our religious service helped support the United Nations’ International Peace Day and the focus for this year on ‘partnerships for peace – dignity for all,’” Ms Grover said.

Report by: Kara Dunn, Communications Manager, Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust