The Virtual Memorialisation Pilot is a new digital project being introduced at Colac Cemetery that allows visitors to explore life stories connected to people buried there.  Using mobile technology, visitors will be able to access stories, images and historical information linked to specific locations within the cemetery. The pilot brings together history, legacy and community, offering a new way to engage with local heritage while visiting the cemetery.

Virtual Memorialisation refers to remembering, honouring and celebrating the life of someone who has died through a digital platform or space. Our Virtual Memorialisation Pilot is a digital experience that sits alongside the physical cemetery. It does not replace traditional memorials or change the cemetery itself. Instead, it adds a digital layer that allows stories to be shared in ways that are not possible through headstones alone.

The Virtual Memorialisation Pilot is currently being introduced at Colac Cemetery. Any future expansion or additional storytelling opportunities will be considered following the launch and response to this pilot project.

The Virtual Memorialisation Pilot is expected to launch in June.

The project is being delivered by Geelong Cemeteries Trust, in partnership with Arrow Bronze and the Colac & District Family History Group (CDFHG). CDFHG has undertaken extensive historical research through their Almost Forgotten project into early burials at Colac Cemetery, which forms the foundation of the pilot.

Almost Forgotten is a long running local history project led by the Colac & District Family History Group. It is an extensive research initiative of more than 1,800 life stories, including historical records and images relating to individuals interred at Colac Cemetery prior to the 1900s. The Virtual Memorialisation Pilot draws on this research to help ensure these stories are respectfully preserved and shared. You can learn more about the Almost Forgotten project here.

Initially, up to 200 stories will be available as part of the pilot. These will be selected from the Almost Forgotten collection.

Visitors can access stories using their mobile device while visiting the cemetery. A QR code will prompt users to download an app (at no cost), which will then guide them through the virtual memorialisation experience. A web/desktop platform is also available for those who are not visiting Colac Cemetery but still wish to experience the stories and view images of known graves.  The digital platform integrates:  written life stories (also available through audio)  historical images  a map leading users to the known graves  Further information, including how to download and use the app will be provided before the launch and available at Colac Cemetery.

No. Traditional memorials, headstones and plaques remained unchanged. The Virtual Memorialisation Pilot is designed to complement existing memorialisation by offering an additional way to share and preserve stories.

The project supports Geelong Cemeteries Trust’s commitment to:  preserving local history  inclusive and meaningful memorialisation  innovation that respects tradition  ensuring stories remain accessible for future generations  Importantly, it also recognises the important work of Colac & District Family History Group.

At this stage, this project only focuses on stories drawn from the Almost Forgotten collection.  The learnings from the Pilot will inform next steps on how this could be expanded to include new and existing memorials.

The project has been developed with care and sensitivity. The stories featured within the experience are accounts of history and the information is publicly available and has been researched and curated by the Colac & District Family History Group. Respect for those who feature in these stories, any descendants and the community has guided every stage of development. Privacy is a key consideration, and the project follows appropriate governance and approval processes.

Updates will be shared through this website on our news page and social media channels as the project progresses. More information will be available closer to the launch.