Keeping my son’s memory alive: Anna Zaltron installs the state’s first digital memorial plaque

An Adelaide mum says precious memories of her teenage son are now much more vivid because of a new approach to his memorial.

When Anna Zaltron’s 18-year-old son was killed in a motorbike accident, the Adelaide mum-of-two felt as though a part of her had died as well.

Two years on, she feels the same and is determined to do what she can to ensure the memory of her eldest son Anthony Bruno, an “outgoing boy who was loved by everybody”, lives on. “(When you lose a child) it is like living hell on earth, it is like you are breathing with one lung … your kids make you who you are and when one is gone, it is very, very hard,” she said.

In a South Australian first, Ms Zaltron has installed a digital memorial plaque to share Anthony’s life story with friends and loved ones and to honour his legacy beyond the traditional headstone.

Friends and family visiting Enfield Memorial Park can now connect via Bluetooth to a secure app near Anthony’s burial site where they can access and contribute to a digital memorial celebrating his life.

The technology also allows his interstate and overseas relatives to contribute to the memorial remotely.

Anne Bruno and son Michael at Anthony's gravesite in Enfield Memorial Park. Picture: Michael Marschall

The Smart Memorial Plaque stores biographical and family information, photos, videos and a digital visitor’s book.

“I feel once people get put to rest they do get forgotten, this way we can keep his memory alive, his friends can stay in contact with him … it is just keeping him alive really, not forgetting who he was, where he came from, the things he has done,” Ms Zaltron said.

“Having this makes me feel better … you can see pictures and videos of Anthony you might not have seen before.

“Anthony had a big social group and was always busy with his mates … he liked just hanging out, going looking at fast cars, mountain bike riding, his BMX, scooters, skateboarding – he was always busy.”

Access to the app is by invitation only and Ms Zaltron must approve any new material added to it.

Adelaide Cemeteries CEO Robert Pitt said the modUrn Smart Memorial was an example of technology enhancing traditional memorialisation for grieving families.

“This new device enables greater storytelling and connectivity for families and our community to commemorate loved ones who have passed away,” he said.