Frequently asked questions

Making decisions about burials and the placement of ashes can be confusing. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers about Federation Council Cemeteries.

More information regarding cemetery services can be found in our frequently asked questions below or via email cemeteries@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au.

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Navigate to the Federation Council online cemetery platform.

  • Find and select the interred you want to create the online memorial for.
  • Click the "Create A Memorial" button under the interment detail. Then, a popup window will appear.
  • Click the "Create Now" button to submit the Life Chronicle for your loved ones.
  • If a plot has more than one person in it, pick the person you want to write about. If there is only one person in the grave space, you will go right to the next part.
  • Fill in your contact details and click the "Next" button to proceed.
  • Write the life story that you want for the chosen burial. You can also add up to six pictures for their story.
  • Then, follow the payment instructions.

Note: After you submit your online memorial, the cemetery administration will review and approve it within five days.

Who do I contact to inter ashes?

You can contact a local funeral director or Federation Council directly for ashes internment in Columbarium Walls, Rose Gardens, General Garden settings, Memorial Trees or existing graves. Ash Interments in existing graves or 2nd interments in individual rose plots will require approval from the Interment Right Owner. 

Please refer to our current fees and charges and complete relevant forms.

  • The Cemetery Operator reserves the right to review and/or amend these Terms and Conditions, its holdings, interment sites and property within its cemeteries at any time, without notice.
  • Glass or other items that the Cemetery Operator deems to be a safety hazard are not permitted and if necessary, may be removed without notice to any person. 
  • No person shall disturb any funeral service taking place at any grave, whether by working in the area, visiting the cemetery, or otherwise. 
  • No plantings on grave site/memorials shall take place. 
  • No person shall take or damage any of the plants, flowers, or shrubs within the cemetery.
  • All rubbish & dead flowers are to be disposed of in rubbish bins where provided.

If you see something in any of our cemeteries that require councils’ attention. Please submit a customer request form.

Who can erect a headstone or monument?

Contact a monumental mason of your choice. They will obtain the necessary permits from Council.

Who is responsible for headstone/monument/plaque maintenance?

The family or extended family of the person interred is responsible for maintaining the headstone, monument, or plaque. Council is responsible for maintaining the cemetery surrounds. Council will not touch the headstone unless it is deemed unsafe. If the headstone becomes a safety risk the headstone will be laid flat onto the grave. Every attempt to contact any family member will be made before this occurs.

Are dogs allowed in Federation Council Cemeteries?

Dogs are allowed at our cemetery locations, providing:

  • Dogs always remain on a leash.
  • Owners show courtesy to others and clean up after their dogs.
  • Dogs do not relieve themselves on or near graves or memorial sites.
  • Dogs do not bark excessively.
  • Dogs are not overly boisterous or aggressive toward other visitors or dogs.

How do I reserve a plot?

Contact Council to confirm plot availability at your preferred cemetery and inquire about any specific conditions or restrictions. For example, specific plot reservations are not possible in the lawn areas of any of our Cemeteries. You can reserve the next available plot. Complete the required form to reserve a plot.

What are my choices of plots?

The following areas available at Federation Council Cemeteries;

  • Ash Interments - Columbarium Walls – Corowa, Mulwala, Howlong, Urana & Oaklands
  • Burials & Ash Interments - Lawn Plots – Corowa, Mulwala & Howlong (next available plot only)
  • Burials & Ash Interments - Monumental Plots – Corowa, Mulwala, Howlong, Hopefield, Urana, Oaklands & Boree Creek
  • Ash Interments – Individual Roses – Corowa (limited roses available), Mulwala & Howlong
  • Ash Interments – General Garden – Corowa
  • Ash Interments – Memorial Trees – Corowa & Howlong

What is a Perpetual Interment Right?

A Perpetual Interment Right is a contract with the cemetery operator allowing burials in a specific location or area. It does not grant ownership of the land itself. A Perpetual Interment Right Contract allows burials or ashes interment in the designated areas of our cemeteries and guarantees the remains will remain undisturbed.

What do I pay for when completing a pre-need Perpetual Interment Right Contract and what is included in this cost?

When completing a pre-need Perpetual Interment Right Contract, you are paying for the plot and letting council know who is to be interred in this plot. An administration fee is also charged at this time. A perpetual Interment Right Certificate is then issued and is to be kept in a safe place. This certificate is required at time of interment. The costs of all cemetery services are available on Federation Councils Fees & Charges (link/reference needed here). Fees & Charges cemetery page

All other costs including grave digging and the interment levy are charged at the time of interment.

How many plots can I reserve?

As many as specific plots as required can be reserved in all areas except lawn plots.

Are payment plans available for plot reservations?

Yes, contact the Cemeteries team to arrange a payment plan, which must be completed within 24 months from the first instalment date. The Perpetual Interment Right Certificate is issued only upon completion of the payment plan. If the right holder dies before the plan is complete, the balance is payable to Council.

Can I prepay interment fees?

No, interment fees are payable at the time of interment only.

What if I lose my Perpetual Interment Right Certificate?

A replacement certificate can be issued upon application and payment of the applicable fee. Please refer to Councils Fees & Charges.

Can I transfer a Perpetual Interment Right?

Yes, after consulting with the Cemetery Operator. A Transfer of Interment Right Application must be submitted with the associated administration fee as stated in Councils fees & Charges and processed by the Cemetery Operator. Unused Interment Rights can be bequeathed or transferred according to a will or intestacy.

How long does my Perpetual Interment Right last?

A Perpetual Interment Right must be used within 50 years of purchase. After this period, the cemetery operator may revoke the right. The Cemetery Operator may consider applications regarding an Interment Right from any authorized person (upon provision of written evidence and payment of the fee).

Can I get a refund for an unused Perpetual Interment Right?

The Cemetery Operator may repurchase unused Interment Rights according to their current policy. Cancellation of a Perpetual Interment Right after 50 years requires proof of purchase for a refund consideration.

How do I arrange a burial in a Federation Council Cemetery?

Contact a local funeral director of your choice. They will handle the arrangements and obtain necessary Council forms.

How many people can be buried in one lawn plot?

Each lawn burial plot can accommodate two coffin burials and up to two ashes interments.

How many people can be buried in a monumental plot?

This is determined at the first interment. The maximum that can be interred are two people and two ash interments. 

 

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