Usually held during the network's awareness walk, the ceremony allows people to decorate and dedicate a butterfly in honour of a loved one or friend.

SPAN secretary Alannah McGregor said despite the walk being cancelled, the butterfly net would be displayed at the Bendigo Marketplace from March 17 to March 24.

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She said people could decorate a butterfly and attach to the net during this time.

"Part of our annual walk, we usually have our butterfly ceremony where people can decorate a butterfly with the name of a loved one and while that is happening, we have some people who play lovely music," she said.

"During that time, people usually place their butterfly on the net and reflect.

"As we couldn't do the walk this year, we thought it was a great opportunity to have the net located here.

"It's a nice way to honour that person that you lost and also for yourself to have the memento."

The walk had been an annual Bendigo event, with hundreds of people turning out to listen to guest speakers and take part in the traditional butterfly remembrance ceremony.

Both the 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to COVID-19.

Ms McGregor said the butterfly net ceremony was one of the most moving and special moments of the walk each year.

A butterfly template is available here.

Along with the butterfly net, a mini walk will also be held for SPAN members on Sunday at 10.30am around Lake Weeroona.

The group will meet in the rowing club car park from 10.30am.

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