Mourners claim they have been banned from visiting Melbourne cemeteries

·

Mourners have been been left confused by restrictions around visiting cemeteries in Victoria, with police saying people are allowed to mourn as long as they keep to social distancing rules.

Father Lykopandis said he was banned from a Melbourne cemetery. Source: Facebook.

But that wasn’t the case for Father Emmanuel Lykopandis who claimed on Facebook that he was shut out from visiting Keilor Cemetery on Good Friday.

“I was informed by the Greater Metropolitan Cemetery Trust that visiting grave sites to place fresh flowers and lighting the oil lamps is regarded as non-essential,” Father Lykopandis wrote.

“We hope the state government of Victoria can see there is need for people to visit the cemetery.”

And he’s not the only one who claims to have had a brush with the law when visiting a cemetery. Some distraught families jumped online to say they had even been fined for putting flowers down on gravesites.

When asked on Monday about these reports, Victoria Police said in a statement that officers had been given “clear instructions” to exercise discretion if people were in cemeteries to pay their respects.

People claim to have been refused entry to Keilor Cemetery. Source: Find A Grave.

“At this stage we are unable to confirm whether any fines have been issued,” a Victoria Police statement read.

“However, as per our process, all fines in relation to the Chief Health Officer directions will be reviewed to determine whether they should be withdrawn or whether it was more appropriate to issue a warning.

“In the case of people visiting cemeteries, in the absence of any other factors which may have led to an infringement being issued, these fines will be withdrawn.”

Currently, social and physical distancing restrictions still apply during cemetery visits but if possible, the Victorian Government is urging people to “delay” their visit.

Funerals are still limited to no more than 10 people.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

UN confirms more Cyprus talks as disagreements persist

The second expanded meeting on the Cyprus problem concluded in New York with limited progress and plans for further talks.

Review: A Cretan culinary journey with Peter Conistis at Ammos, Brighton-Le-Sands

To mark the first anniversary of Ammos at Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, Peter Conistis launched his much-anticipated regional dinner series.

Greek Welfare Centre launches 2025 Winter Community Appeal to support families in need

The Greek Welfare Centre will host its annual Winter Community Appeal on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at Marrickville Town Hall, from 9am to 4pm.

Fronditha Care finalists shine in national aged care awards

Ageing Australia’s 2025 You are ACE! Awards are a national initiative that recognises individuals making a positive impact in aged care.

Australia-Greece medical ties strengthen with push for mutual recognition of degrees

Efforts to enhance Australia-Greece medical cooperation were the focus of a meeting between Dr Pirpiris, Dr Pantos and Prof Arkadopoulos.

You May Also Like

Deadline extended for the Greek-Australian Cultural League’s Literary Competition

The Greek-Australian Cultural League has extended the submission time for its Literary Competition 2023 to Friday, July 14.

Kosta the Kri-Kri: The Cretan goat putting smiles on the faces of young kids in Sydney

Kosta the Kri-Kri is guaranteed to become an internet sensation. He dances to Cretan music, tutors young children and loves playing dress up.

Official reception held for Greek Independence Day at NSW Parliament

The Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, held an official reception on Monday to mark Greek Independence Day.