Cemetery

Trying to make decisions about your own burial, or that of a loved one, can be quite confronting and confusing. To help you better understand the services we provide, we've compiled a number of answers to frequently asked questions about our Cemeteries. 

What is an Interment Right?

Formerly known as a Burial Licence or a Right of Burial. It is an exclusive right granted by Council for use of a burial or memorial site. The holder of the Right of Interment has the authority to determine who can be interred or buried in the grave or memorial site, request the installation of headstones, inscriptions or memorials on the site.

What happens to a reserved plot/site when I am deceased?

If the plot will not be occupied by the intended Interment Right holder/s, then the Right of Interment will become part of the Deceased Estate and will be managed by the Executor accordingly.

Does the Interment Right holder own the land where the grave/interment site is?

No. The ownership of the land, wall, garden and memorials remains with Council. The Interment Right holder's entitlement is limited to use and access of the interment site described in the Right of Interment.

Can anyone apply to have an interment into a reserved plot?

The Interment Right holder (or appointed agent, normally a Funeral Director) are the only people that can authorise an interment in a reserved plot. An application must be made for an Order of Interment, formerly known as a Burial Permit, prior to interment.

How many interments can take place in a grave site?

You will need to check with Council for further information.

Can the ashes of a cremated person be placed in a grave?

Yes. As well as one (1) burial, ashes can also be interred into a single grave. Consideration must be made however in relation to the number of names that can be shown on the memorial marker. (Usually a maximum of 6 names)

How do I know the details of the site I would like to reserve?

Visit the Cemetery that you would like to reserve your plot in and select a location. It is advised to select a few preferences in case your preferred option is already reserved. Once your preferred site has been selected, contact our friendly and professional Cemetery and Memorials team who will be able to confirm availability, location, any conditions and restrictions that may be relevant to the plot you have chosen. Alternatively, you can ask them to find the closest available site near to a loved one. Once your chosen site has been confirmed you will need to fill out an Application for Perpetual Interment Right (formerly known as Exclusive Rights Reservation), and pay the relevant fees.

What do I do if I have not reserved a site and require a plot for immediate use?

Your Funeral Director will liaise with Council and make all the necessary arrangements. Any associated Council costs will be managed by the Funeral Director as a part of their service fees to you.  

What is an Application for Order of Interment?

An Application for Order of Interment (formerly known as Burial or Interment of Ashes Permit) must be lodged with Council by the Funeral Director or other authorised person, prior to interment taking place. The interment must be carried out by Forbes Council's Interment team or a qualified Stonemason (ashes interment only when monument is installed in General Cemetery sections only).

How do I relinquish a reservation?

You will need to advise Council in writing if you would like to relinquish a reservation, attaching the original Certificate of Perpetual Interment Right.

Council will then process and refund the amounts already paid (less 20% administration costs) by direct deposit to the Interment Right holder.

How do I go about making funeral arrangements?

Council has no involvement in Funeral Arrangements. A Funeral Director should be contacted who will assist you with all the necessary arrangements including any permits that are required through Council.

Can I pre-pay my Funeral?

For advice on pre-paid Funeral Bonds/Funeral Payment Plans contact a Funeral Director.

How do I engage a Gravedigger?

Your Funeral Director will directly make all arrangements for all grave digging requirements with Council's Interment team.

What are the fees and charges ?

Fees and Charges