Community Care & Wellbeing

Grief rarely walks alone. Often, guilt walks beside it.

For those who have lost a baby, child, or grandchild, the weight of "what if" can be heavy. Guilt for what we wish we’d done differently, for surviving, or even for moments of joy.

This month, you are invited to a special Mindful Circle at the Centre for Care & Wellbeing, focusing on softening and releasing that guilt.
In a beautiful collaboration between SMCT and Red Nose Australia, we have created a safe space where your grief can be acknowledged gently and held with compassion.

Facilitated by Fotini, an experienced mindfulness practitioner, this session will guide you through:

• A meditation infused with healing sounds
• Space to meet yourself with compassion
• A time to simply rest and be

Event Details:

When: Friday, 27 February 2026, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Where: The Centre for Care & Wellbeing, Springvale Botanical Cemetery (600 Princes Hwy, Springvale)

Who: Open to all - parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends supporting a loved one.

What to bring: A water bottle and a light blanket for comfort. (Mats, pillows, and eye masks are provided).

After the session, we invite you to stay for a coffee and gentle connection at Cafe Vita et flores.

Come as you are, and leave feeling a little lighter.
Spaces are limited.

Secure your spot here: https://www.smct.org.au/events/mindful-circle

Grief Retreat - Grieving Together
For those navigating the journey of grief, finding a space to connect and heal can make all the difference. We are holding a one-day Grief Retreat at Bunurong Memorial Park for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
"Grieving Together" is a supportive, full-day event featuring facilitated sessions, wellbeing activities, and the gentle company of others with shared experiences. It's a day dedicated to helping you understand your grief and learn ways to take care of yourself.
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
The cost of $60 includes all sessions, resources, and full catering for the day.

Bookings are essential and numbers are limited. Please register now at https://www.smct.org.au/events/grief-retreat-bunurong

We're partnering with Red Nose to host their Melbourne Say Their Name Day memorial event.
The Say Their Name Remembrance Service brings people together to honour the memory of treasured babies and children—those we love and have lost—creating a space for reflection, healing, and connection.
Event details
Date: Sunday 23 March
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Location: The Stratus Reflection Space at Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South, Victoria 3175
Register for the event here: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/bc9m5/melbourne_say_their_name_day_remembrance_service.aspx

Our Community Care and Wellbeing program's popular monthly Navigating Grief sessions are returning for 2025!

Led by a specialist grief practitioner from Grief Australia, these free sessions invite gentle conversations and are aimed to equip you with a better understanding on how to cope with grief, and how to manage common bereavement experiences such as feelings of overwhelm, confusion and sadness.

Join us for our first session for the year at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Wednesday 5 February: https://smct.org.au/events/navigating-grief-springvale-botanical-cemetery

Grief can feel isolating, but connection brings healing. Last October, we collaborated with The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV) to host the first-ever Grieving Together: Grief Retreat at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Over 80 participants shared stories, attended workshops and connected with others who understood their journey.

From art therapy and yoga to exploring sibling grief and the grief of su***de, the retreat offered a safe space for healing and practical tools to navigate loss.

A heartfelt thank you to our partners, attendees, and dedicated team members who made this event possible. Together, we showed the power of community and connection in supporting one another through grief.

Read the full blog to learn more about this meaningful event: https://smct.org.au/blog/creating-community-and-connection-grieving-together-grief-retreat