Shining a light on pregnancy and infant loss

On Wednesday 15 October 2025, Metropolitan Memorial Parks will host a moving tribute of remembrance as part of the globally recognised Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Being held at Woronora Memorial Park & Crematorium between 4pm and 5pm, the service is a moving and memorable occasion for families and their loved ones to come together in honour of the babies and infants who have left us too soon.  

Metropolitan Memorial Parks CEO, Denise Ora, said that lived experiences of pregnancy and infant loss in Australia haven’t been spoken about enough. 

“Every loss of a loved one is a painful one. But it is a different kind of heartbreak to suffer a miscarriage, stillbirth or to lose a baby or child,” Ms Ora said. 

 

“Our Pregnancy and Infant Loss Memorial Service is a long-held event that is close to all our hearts. We hope to offer families a special way to remember their babies and children who have passed by giving them a chance to share grief and unload burdens in a supportive and healing way.”

Since September 2020, 2227 children under the age of 17 have been buried or cremated at the eight cemeteries managed by Metropolitan Memorial Parks, of which 843 involved stillbirths. 

Speaking at the memorial service will be Lucas Mara, whose son Aidan tragically died of pneumonia in 2014, and Bears of Hope Counsellor Kelly Merchant whose daughter Aimee was tragically stillborn in 2007 at 39 weeks' gestation.

“It’s important to share your feelings. Whether that’s with your loved ones, or other families who have experienced the unfathomable loss of a baby or child,” Mr Mara said. 

 

“During our loss, many people helped us. That’s driven us to give back, helping others find strength, and letting them know that there’s still meaning and purpose in life.” 

To keep Aidan’s memory alive and honour his life lost too soon, Lucas and wife Gillian established Aidan's Legacy. 

The program subsidises the cost of burials and cremations for babies and children funded by the sale of metals salvaged and recycled from cremations. This year and at Woronora Memorial Park alone, the program has raised more than $245,000.

Aidan's memory is also kept alive through younger and older brothers Patrick and Samuel. 

"There are fewer things more difficult than having to say goodbye before you can even say hello," Bears of Hope Counsellor Kelly Merchant said. 

“One of the important elements of this year’s memorial service is the Wave of Light ceremony: a moment of connection, where families newly engulfed in grief stand alongside those who have been weathering its storm for some time.  

"No matter where a family finds themselves in their journey, the candle becomes a shared symbol: of remembrance, unity, and quiet validation. It says, 'You are not alone. Your grief matters. Your child is remembered.'" 

 
The Memorial Service is supported by Bears of Hope and White Lady Funerals. Bears of Hope is an Australia-wide initiative that partners with hospitals to provide support packages to families who experience a pregnancy or loss. The not-for-profit charity also has a Beyond the Bear programme, aimed at supporting families with resources and counselling following their loss at no financial cost. White Lady Funerals have been guiding families in grief for over 35 years from the first moments of loss through to personalised farewells. 

Held at the Karinya Garden at Woronora Memorial Park & Crematorium and supported by both Bears of Hope and White Lady Funerals, the memorial service will feature respectful speakers, music and memorialisation activities. 

Registrations to attend the event are essential by visiting the registration page.