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What if I told you that cemeteries could be more than just final resting places? What if they could serve as vibrant community spaces that celebrate life, culture, and nature? In this episode of Don't Be Caught Dead, I sit down with Hamish Coates, a seasoned landscape architect and the principal designer at Greater Melbourne Cemeteries Trust.
With over 20 years of experience, Hamish has transformed the way we think about cemeteries—not just as resting places for the dead, but as vibrant, accessible spaces for the living. We dive deep into the fascinating world of cemetery design, exploring how these spaces can reflect cultural diversity, promote community engagement, and even combat climate change.
Hamish shares his journey from traditional landscape architecture to the unique challenges of designing cemeteries. He discusses the importance of creating spaces that honour the deceased while also serving the needs of the living. From the intricacies of soil types and drainage to the innovative use of art and nature, Hamish reveals how thoughtful design can change perceptions of death and dying. We also touch on the growing demand for natural burials and the future of cemetery spaces in an ever-evolving urban landscape.
Join us as we
If you’ve ever thought “I really should get my affairs in order,” this is your moment.
For $99 (fully tax-deductible), you can sponsor one carer with a full year of practical planning support — or use the same tools to make sure your loved ones aren’t left guessing by creating your own backup plan..
https://project.liftwomen.com/p/692a1d7562daa122b31e6dc4
MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?
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If you’ve ever thought, “I really should get my affairs in order,” or wondered what would happen if you suddenly couldn’t show up — this is your moment.
Through Critical Info, we’re inviting listeners of Don't Be Caught Dead to either sponsor an unpaid carer or put their own backup plan in place.
For $99 (tax-deductible), you can sponsor one carer with a full year of practical planning support — real backup, not paperwork for paperwork’s sake.
Or you can use the same tools to make sure your loved ones aren’t left guessing if something happens to you.
It’s not about being morbid.
It’s about being kind — to yourself and to the people who rely on you.
👉 Sponsor a carer or start your backup plan via this link:
https://project.liftwomen.com/p/692a1d7562daa122b31e6dc4
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