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Workshops and walks in an unexpected location SOUTHERN Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), manages nine cemeteries, including Springvale Botanical Cemetery (SBC), and is a non-profit, community-based organisation that is committed to caring for every member of our community throughout all of life’s stages. Anyone who visits to take a tour or attend our free, informative workshops is surprised by how beautiful and special a place it is. The comments we hear most are usually centred around what an enjoyable and interesting time they’ve had, and that it is not at all what they expected to find in a cemetery. SMCT Community Engagement Officer, Sunita Varlamos said, “If you haven’t been to Springvale Botanical Cemetery lately, you really must join a tour or a workshop, and be ready for something different! Not only is there a vast botanical parkland to explore, but people are impressed by our on-site Café, Vita et flores and the multitude of interesting historical facts, sights and topics on offer.” During the Victorian Seniors Festival, a number of free workshops will be offered that are designed to help people think about their life, their stories and what matters to them. We know that the more prepared we are when it comes to planning our life matters, the higher our peace of mind and comfort. “We have developed workshops that can help attendees to think about, plan, contemplate and create various aspects of their life journey so that their choices are documented and understood,” said Sunita.
Everyone is welcome to attend one, or all, of the workshops which are centered around the MYLifebook booklet. MYLifebook is a tool that helps people to put their affairs in order in a thoughtful way, that is personal to them. “Why not combine a workshop with a walk around the gardens or stop for coffee at Café Vita?” said Sunita, “or if you’d rather take it easy, we offer community groups or individuals, free bus tours with over a century of fascinating insights into Springvale Botanical Cemetery.” Workshop details My Story: Our lives are a series of stories from which we create meaning and purpose, but sometimes it’s hard to get started with our own story. This workshop provides an opportunity to use our hearts and minds to consider the story of our lives and begin the experience of writing it in ways that are meaningful and personal. My Traditions: Rituals and ceremonies are important and have many benefits for individuals, family and community. In a fast-paced world it is difficult to know how to create and sustain rituals that can mark our significant life events. This workshop highlights the value of rituals and how to create your own. My Wishes: The more we can do to think about how we would like our lives celebrated, the more likely our family and friends can provide our final wishes. It’s important to think about this time, document it and get on with life. This workshop provides the knowledge and confidence to plan a funeral and final resting place for yourself or loved
one. It’s delivered in a sensitive and thoughtful way, so you can plan an occasion that is suited to your personality and style Here’s what recent attendees at our workshops had to say:
“The staff are friendly and supportive.” “A good starting point for developing my story and what needs to be included to make it engaging.” “A great info-packed introduction.”
“Well organised and planned, nonthreatening and informative.” Bookings Book a workshop, or a tour, here: http://smct.org.au/workshops.
Frankston Times
1 October 2018
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