Cameo Memorials – A Heritage of Memorial Craftsmanship Since 1873
Cameo Memorials is one of Australia’s most established names in memorials and monuments, with a heritage that dates back over 150 years. The business in its current form was created in 1973 after the merger of four respected Melbourne stonemasonry companies:
GEO Dawe, JW Foley & Sons, S Harris & Sons, and Cameo Stone & Lettering. Together, these companies formed a strong foundation of expertise in crafting headstones, monuments, memorial plaques, and cemetery memorials.
S Harris & Sons was founded by Stan Harris (2nd), who learned the trade from his father, Stan Harris (1st), a talented stonemason who trained in Footscray and contributed to the construction of the Melbourne War Memorial. The business began in a Coburg backyard before relocating to Sydney Road, Fawkner, in 1963. At that time, the company became Cameo Stone & Lettering and supported the Fawkner War Graves Commission, producing high-quality cemetery monuments and memorial plaques.
Over the next 15 years, all four companies gradually moved to a shared location at 1122 Sydney Road, Fawkner, directly opposite one of Melbourne’s largest cemeteries. In the mid-1970s, they officially united under a single name: Cameo Memorials.
This merger created a stronger, more comprehensive provider of memorials, headstones, stone monuments, and cemetery services across Victoria and beyond.
Today, Cameo Memorials continues to honour its legacy of craftsmanship, serving families and cemeteries throughout Australia with a team of around 20 skilled professionals. In 2025, the company expanded its services even further by merging with ArrowBronze, Australia’s leading manufacturer of bronze plaques.
This partnership strengthens Cameo Memorials’ ability to provide complete memorialisation solutions, combining traditional stonemasonry with expertly crafted bronze memorial plaques.
With deep roots in Australian history and a commitment to quality, Cameo Memorials remains dedicated to helping families create meaningful, lasting tributes.
A Visual of Our History
Our history is woven through decades of craftsmanship, dedication, and the families we’ve had the honour to serve. This timeline captures the moments that shaped us and the values that continue to guide our work today.
1949
1956
1960
1967
1983
1984
1998
2024
This timeline captures only a small part of the journey that has shaped Cameo Memorials into who we are today. Every milestone reflects years of dedication, learning, and the trust of countless families who allowed us to honour their loved ones.
As we move forward, we remain committed to preserving the traditions and values that define us—craftsmanship that endures, service rooted in compassion, and a genuine belief in the importance of remembrance.
Our future is built on the strength of our past, and we will continue to evolve, innovate, and support our community while staying true to the heart of our work: helping families create lasting tributes that tell their stories for generations to come.