State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp announced on Wednesday the Rochester Cemetery Trust was one of more than 70 cemetery trusts across Victoria that would share in almost $750,000 from the latest round of funding through the 2021-22 Cemetery Grants Program.
Rochester Cemetery Trust will receive a $6710 grant.
The funding will be used to purchase a new mower, which will help improve public health and safety for staff and visitors.
The grants program provides financial support to help cemeteries, many of which are volunteer run, continue to function as peaceful and welcoming places of remembrance for the whole community.
“The Andrews Labor Government recognises the important role cemeteries play in a community, and these grants provide local cemeteries with an opportunity to get those much-needed upgrades,” Mr Gepp said.
“Providing the Rochester community with a peaceful place to visit their loved ones is a meaningful way to preserve their memory, and this funding will help provide this.”
The latest funding round will help secure the long-term future of these sites and provide them with the modern facilities expected by the community.
In total, $748,868.62 was awarded through round one of the 2021-22 Cemetery Grants Program, with applications for round two now open.