Echoes of Love – letters to lost loved ones
Our Echoes of Love letterbox is a special place for anyone who wishes to write to a loved one who has died. Whether you’re sharing memories, saying what you wish you’d said, or simply expressing your love, this is a gentle way to stay connected.
Located in Contemplation Court, it offers a peaceful, reflective space where you can post your letter and take a quiet moment to remember.
Why a letterbox?
The idea for the Echoes of Love letterbox came from Annaliese Holland, who was visiting Centennial Park to spend time at her friend Lily Thai’s grave. While there, Annaliese saw a letter caught in the wind. As she looked around for where it belonged, she noticed other handwritten notes left by visitors – small, heartfelt messages to those no longer with us.
It got her thinking: Could there be a better way to do this?
Her search led her to a story from the United Kingdom, where a nine-year-old girl created a “Letterbox to heaven” so she could write to her grandparents. The idea inspired several cemeteries and crematoria in the UK to install similar letterboxes – and now we’re honoured to bring that idea to our community.
Annaliese, who is living with a terminal illness, is passionate about encouraging open conversations around death and dying. She believes planning ahead for our own funerals and talking with loved ones about final wishes can make these topics feel less daunting. She also hopes to support others in grief by creating opportunities – like this letterbox – to feel continued connection to those they’ve lost.
We’re proud to support Annaliese’s vision and grateful to her for helping bring the Echoes of Love letterbox to life.
How it works
Where is the letterbox located?
The Echoes of Love letterbox is in Contemplation Court, a quiet, reflective area with level pathways, easy parking, and full mobility access. Signage will guide you from the main entrance, and the letterbox is also marked on our park map.
Who can use it?
Anyone. Echoes of Love is a community letterbox for anyone who wishes to write to someone they’ve lost.
You can write as many times as you like – to mark anniversaries, birthdays, or other celebrations, or simply when you’re missing a loved one – there is no limit to how often you can use the letterbox.
Will anyone read my letter?
No. All letters posted in the Echoes of Love letterbox are completely confidential. They are never opened, read, or shared. Your message is just for you and your loved one.
Do I need a stamp?
No. The Echoes of Love letterbox is managed by Centennial Park, not Australia Post, and therefore does not require a postage stamp.
What happens to the letters?
Centennial Park’s operations team regularly collects the letters and cremates them using residual heat from our crematorium. The process leaves no ashes or residue. This symbolic act reflects the care and dignity we bring to everything we do.
Can’t visit in person?
If you can’t visit Centennial Park in person, we offer an alternative. You can email your letter to us, and our team will print and post it in the Echoes of Love letterbox on your behalf. Once your letter is placed in the box, the email will be permanently deleted to ensure your privacy. No one will read the content of your letter.
Other ways to cope with grief
Grieving the death of a loved one is deeply personal, and different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and no timeline to follow.
Writing to someone you’ve lost is just one way to process your feelings. If you’re seeking additional support, you’ll find helpful information here.
Planning ahead
Annaliese’s vision also includes encouraging people to plan ahead for their own end-of-life wishes – to talk about death more openly, and to ensure loved ones know what matters most.
Centennial Park shares this vision. You can find more information about planning ahead here.
Here for you when you need us
Get in touch with us for personalised funeral planning assistance. Centennial Park is open for peaceful moments of remembrance.