CENTENARY Memorial Gardens opened in 2001, with the first service held in the Federation Chapel that February.
Centenary Memorial Gardens is nestled amid the bushland and hills of the western suburbs of Brisbane, 15km from the CBD.
Surrounded by bushland reserve, the 16ha offers a park-like, open expanse of manicured gardens in various themes.
“We are 100 per cent Australian-owned by local families,” a Centenary Memorial Gardens spokesperson said.
“With over 320 years of combined experience in funeral care, the founders’ vision was to create a restful setting in which families could visit and relax while they shared stories of their loved ones with younger generations.”
Mature gum trees are a feature of the grounds, and an extensive program of garden creation and tree-planting over the past six years has complemented these.
The most recent project was completed in August with the planting of 220 flowering trees that will eventually surround the 16ha with masses of purple, yellow, pink, white and red flowers 10m high.
Recently 200 roses were planted in terraced beds and the Secret Garden areas, located next to the Fathers Forest area established with the help of the families whose men have memorials at the gardens.
The families helped on Fathers Day several years ago.
Beyond the graceful curving avenue of poinciana trees, visitors will find the imposing main building, where all the facilities are housed in one convenient location.
The Federation Chapel, with its high gable roof and glass walls, features a specially commissioned leadlight window created by a local artist that features many of the animals and birds that frequent the grounds.
Kangaroos, kookaburra, possum, magpies, butterflies and ducks are just a few of the images in the window.
The grounds of Centenary Memorial Gardens are open every day of the year from 7am to 7pm.
There are a variety of burial sites from lawn settings to full granite memorials. All work is arranged by the staff in consultation with the families.
CMG also provides cremation facilities and memorial areas.
For more information phone (07) 3271 1222 for an information pack.
