Warrnambool cemeteries are moving away from large monuments and rows of concrete, a shift seen increasingly across the state.

In 2012/13 there were 192 burials across Warrnambool, down to 156 in 2020/21. The interment of ashes over that period was relatively unchanged.

Warrnambool Cemetery Trust chair Sheryl Nicolson said the trend towards lawn cemeteries and more recently low-rise headstones had been used to establish the new Tooram Memorial Park site.

"Whilst we struggle against the harsh elements at Tooram Memorial Park, we are progressing towards the establishment of a range of gardens and bush lands that will also become memorial sites," she said.

"The WCT has recognised that in many instances, ashes are being scattered in a range of sites and are introducing concepts so that deceased individuals can be memorialised, including individualised plaques, garden seats, garden art or memorial trees.

"The WCT also has the vision to move towards the establishment of parklands that families can use, not necessarily to mourn the loss of their loved ones, but to use the space to celebrate the lives of those deceased."

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She said the community was becoming increasingly environmentally-friendly, prompting a range of innovative ideas.

"Some have begun approaching the Trust with concepts for memorials that blend better with the environment," she said.

"Some cemeteries have 'natural' burial sites whereby there is no headstone or plaque and after burial, the land returns to its natural state.

"The burial site is located merely through GPS coordinates. This is not something yet adopted by the Warrnambool Cemetery Trust but we are aware of the potential in the not too distant future."

Ms Nicolson said a more interesting suggestion seen across the state could use QR codes in the not-too-distant future.

"Another interesting concept that is available is the use of QR codes on memorial sites," she said.

"By scanning that QR code you are taken to a website where detailed information and photos regarding the life of that particular individual can be stored."

The WCT continues to receive feedback, suggestions, ideas and requests from members of the community, with contact details available through their website.

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