Three Western Australian charities have received a share of more than $867,000 through the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board's (MCB) Surgical Metals Recycling Program, helping to provide accommodation, crisis support and other essential services to individuals and families across the State.
The donations were presented at a special afternoon tea attended by Minister for Local Government the Honourable Hannah Beazley MLA and representatives from the recipient organisations.
The Surgical Metals Recycling Program enables the respectful recycling of surgical metals recovered following cremation. Families may choose not to participate and request the return of surgical metals. Materials collected through the program are processed by OrthoMetals, a specialist recycling company with extensive experience working with crematoria around the world.
Since the program commenced in 2013, it has generated more than $4.35 million in charitable donations, transforming recovered materials into lasting community benefits.
Supporting Western Australians When They Need It Most
The latest round of funding will be shared between:
- Cancer Council WA, which has been a recipient of the program since 2013. Its donation will support the Milroy and Crawford Lodges, providing accommodation for regional Western Australians and their families while they are in Perth for cancer treatment.
- Lifeline WA, whose funding will help support the recruitment, training and ongoing development of the call centre operators who provide 24-hour crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health services.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, which will use the donation to help provide accommodation and support for regional families whose children are receiving medical treatment in Perth.
In 2025, MCB expanded the program's list of beneficiary charities after inviting staff to nominate organisations making a significant contribution to the community. Since then, Cancer Council WA has received 50 per cent of program proceeds, while Lifeline WA and Ronald McDonald House Charities WA have each received 25 per cent.
Minister Hannah Beazley said the program demonstrated how practical sustainability initiatives could create lasting social benefits.
"The Surgical Metals Recycling Program is an outstanding example of how innovation and sustainability can create real and lasting benefits for the community.
I commend the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board for its ongoing commitment to this important program, which has raised more than $4.35 million in charitable donations.
I know the donations being made to Cancer Council WA, Lifeline WA and Ronald McDonald House Charities WA will make a big difference to the incredible work they do in supporting individuals and families across Western Australia."
MCB CEO Kathlene Oliver said the program's success was only possible because of the generosity of the individuals and families who choose to participate.
"At its heart, this program is about creating a lasting legacy through a final act of generosity. The funds raised help charities continue their vital work supporting Western Australians facing some of life's most challenging circumstances."
MCB extends its sincere gratitude to those whose final act of charity made these donations possible, and to our charity partners for the extraordinary support they provide to Western Australians when they need it most.
More information about the Surgical Metals Recycling Program can be found at:
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/metropolitan-cemeteries-board/metals-and-cremation
L-R: MCB CEO Kathlene Oliver, MCB Board Chair Dianne Guise, Melanie Marsh and Ron ten Hoor from Cancer Council WA, with the Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government
L-R: MCB CEO Kathlene Oliver, MCB Board Chair Dianne Guise, Peter King from Ronald McDonald House Charities WA, with the Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government
L-R: MCB CEO Kathlene Oliver, MCB Board Chair Dianne Guise, Sarah Fordham from Lifeline WA, with the Hon. Hannah Beazley MLA, Minister for Local Government
