A Ballarat family was left disappointed after visiting their son’s grave on Christmas Day, only to find it surrounded by overgrown grass.
The mother of the boy, who did not wish to be named, told The Courier after her visit on Christmas Day that grass appeared to be dry and un-watered, and had not been edged around burial plaques – including her son’s.
“We’ve been going to the cemetery for 40 years, we go for every occasion. But in all that time I haven’t seen it this bad,” she said.
“It was so hard to see the plaque. It was really disappointing.”
The woman said she had spoken to a number of people who also visited the cemetery on Christmas Day and had commented on the length of the grass.
“We understand staff are busy this time of year, but for one day of the year surely they could have made sure it was perfect,” she said.
In response, Chair of Ballarat General Cemeteries Trust, Judy Verlin, said staff took the maintenance of the grounds very seriously.
“We make every best effort to ensure grounds are well serviced … and in line with community wishes,” she said.
“It has been an exceptionally wet year … and with 2700 roses, (maintenance) is a massive job.
“But we’re not using this as an excuse. If it wasn’t quite right, we apologise.”
Ms Verlin said while she was saddened to hear families had expressed their disappointment of the grounds, the cemetery had also received a number of emails from families of those buried congratulating them on the presentation of the 55 hectare area.
She said while the cemetery was not walking away from the fact maintenance was a challenge, they will continue to strive to ensure grounds are kept to community expectations.
