Victorian Cemetery Trusts Governance & Operational Training

We recognise the valuable contribution you make to your local community as a Cemetery Trust member. To support you in thriving in your role, we are delivering FREE Cemetery Trust Governance and Operational training on behalf of the Department of Health. Training is provided for Class A and Class B cemeteries.

Class A training

Class A training is organised directly with each Trust. Please email learn@ourcommunity.com.au if you want to find out more or book a session.

Class B training

Face-to-face training for Class B cemetery Trusts is scheduled regularly in locations across the state.

Additional online training: Cemetery Essentials for Class B Cemetery Trusts

We offer additional, free, self-paced online training for members of Class B Cemetery Trusts. This course is called the Cemetery Essentials for Class B Cemetery Trusts.

The training comprises of two days of carefully designed training that offers a valuable and solid foundation for Trust members who are committed to implementing strong governance and operational processes for their trust.

Training is offered at various locations throughout the year. The two required training days are:

1. Cemetery Governance and Operations - DAY 1
2. Cemetery Governance - PLUS

Both days of training will be offered at various locations throughout the year for you to choose from. Each Training Day will run from 10:00am - 3:30pm. There is no cost to attend, and catering will be provided at all sessions.

You will get the most out of the workshops if you have done Cemetery Governance DAY 1 before doing Cemetery Governance PLUS, so try to arrange to do your days in that order.

The program covers a wide range of topics, such as strategy and planning, risk management, financial governance, legislative frameworks, effective operations and oversight, stakeholder relations and more.

The training will help you to:

• better understand your legal and ethical responsibilities as a trust member

• get up-to-date with any regulatory changes

• share your experiences and solutions, and get to know peers from other trusts

• know where to go if you need more information or help in fulfilling your role

If none of the pre-scheduled workshops are suitable for your trust, we may be able to arrange a workshop for the two days of training especially for you, provided that your trust can guarantee attendance of at least six people (two or more trusts may get together to arrange this). Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.

To be eligible for a Certificate of Attainment from the Department of Health for Cemetery Trust Governance and Operational Training, members must complete both Day 1 and PLUS sessions within their five-year appointment term. Those who have already completed two training days within the past five years are considered certified.

The course material is different from the face-to-face workshops and does not replicate their content. The online course focuses on the role of the secretary, record keeping, customer service, governance, and finance.

The online training consists of 4 modules, with Modules 1-3 done online at your own pace (approximately 1 hour each) and Module 4 done as a live group zoom session (2 hours).

Please email learn@ourcommunity.com.au if you want to do this training.