Gungahlin Cemetery’s new memorial hall and condolence lounge will be available for public use from 13 April.

The memorial hall accommodates up to 150 people. It is fully non-denominational, with flexible layouts and orientations, as well as a catafalque.

Families can use audio-visual technology to display photos, play music, share cherished memories, and livestream ceremonies to anywhere in the world.

There are also a sky-lit internal courtyard within a tranquil garden; a porte-cochère to shelter arriving guests and protect hearses and families from inclement weather; and two kitchens, one commercial and operated by a catering team, and one for families or groups to prepare their own refreshments.

City and government services minister Tara Cheyne MLA said: “Every family deserves a space that honours their loved one in the way that’s right for them. Gungahlin Cemetery’s new non-denominational memorial hall delivers exactly that… It’s a facility our whole community can be proud of.

“The completion of this facility realises a vision that Canberra Memorial Parks has held for more than a decade, providing expanded service offerings to meet the needs of families and our culturally diverse community.”

Gungahlin Cemetery opened in 1979. Its lake, native wildlife habitat, and landscaped gardens offer a peaceful natural setting and final resting place.

Canberra Memorial Parks CEO Kerry McMurray said:“It is the largest cemetery in Canberra, and accommodates various faiths. It also provides the broadest range of burial, interment, and memorial options out of all the cemeteries in the ACT.”

Mr McMurray invited Canberrans to see the new facility.

“Our customer service team can show you around our parks or to help you understand our services based on your specific needs, cultural and religious customs, and environmental or financial considerations.”

For more information, visit www.canberramemorialparks.act.gov.au.