Cemeteries and memorials
Wherever you are in the MidCoast, we live surrounded by natural beauty that extends from our pristine coastline, across rolling green hills, and up to our rugged escarpments and tropical rainforests.
Where will you leave your final footprint in our stunning region?
Did you know we manage cemeteries across the entire MidCoast region? But we understand everyone is unique, and we celebrate the diversity of the people who call the MidCoast area home.
Whether you choose to follow a family tradition, or create a new one, we’re here to explore your ideas and create a personalised approach that suits you and your loved ones. You can find out more by downloading the flyer(PDF, 1MB), or by emailing our cemeteries team with your enquiry. You can also explore the tabs below for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Take our Online Survey
Times have changed, and there is now far more flexibility associated with how you choose to leave your final footprint. At MidCoast Council our aim is to contemporise our approach, provide a range of different options, and to support the needs of our community members in their end of life planning in the MidCoast region.
Help us by completing the online survey here. Alternatively, you can download and print the pdf version here(PDF, 159KB) .
Please note, we are currently working on improving our cemetery information and procedures. New content will be added here very soon.
Dying to Know Day 2020
Each August we partner with a range of local professionals to bring ‘Dying to Know Day’ events to the region.
This annual national campaign encourages important conversations about end-of-life planning and breaks down the stigma attached to talking about death with the people we love.
Previously we've hosted a range of events for community members to attend where they can discuss their options with different representatives from the funeral industry, however COVID-19 has changed the way this important initiative is being delivered this year.
For the first time, Dying to Know Day is being ‘home delivered’ and together with our partners we've created an informative video as well as information and resource packages that are available for pickup or delivery.
We know talking about end of life planning isn’t an easy conversation to have. It can be uncomfortable and sad, but it’s inevitable.
Let’s bring death to life and ensure we’re sharing our thoughts and wishes with the people we love most.
To view this year’s Dying to Know Day video - which features a range of local industry professionals from grief counsellors and funeral directors to healthcare providers and celebrants - go to our Youtube channel.
If you're interested in receiving one of the take-home resource packages contact our Cemeteries and Memorials team to find out more.
Memorial options
When it comes to leaving your final footprint, or making decisions on behalf of a loved one, there are now many options to consider.
Take a look below and download our flyer(PDF, 154KB) to help you start the conversation.
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Columbarium walls – Columbarium walls are for the placement of ashes into a wall setting. Ashes are interred into the niche receptacle and a memorial plaque is placed securely over the niche. Plaques are available in a range of materials and are included in the purchase price. Memorial plaques can also be placed, in instances where the ashes have been interred or scattered elsewhere
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Denominational Burial sections – Various denominational sections are available within MidCoast Cemeteries for burials or interment of ashes into a burial site. Only single depth burials are now permitted in MidCoast Council Cemeteries for new Interment Rights.
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General burial sections – General burial sections cater for all denominations or personal beliefs for burials or interment of ashes into a burial site.
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Lawn burial sections – Lawn burial sections create a peaceful modern setting within our cemeteries for burials or interment of ashes into a burial site
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Various memorial gardens - Various Memorial Ashes Gardens have been thoughtfully established throughout MidCoast cemeteries for the placement of ashes. These gardens are all nestled within serene bushland environments and are designed with an emphasis on bird attracting native plants and flowers. Ashes are interred into the allotment and a memorial plaque is securely placed above the ashes at ground level.
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Memorial only options – Various memorial only options have been especially designed and created to memorialise your loved in in a unique way where ashes have been interred, scattered elsewhere or lovingly held by your family.
For further information and to discuss the different types of memorials that are available, and options for the cemetery of your choice please contact our friendly and professional Cemetery and Memorials team by emailing cemeteries@midcoast.nsw.gov.au or calling 6591 7222.
Find a cemetery location
We manage cemeteries across the entire MidCoast region. Download a map(PDF, 671KB) that shows all our cemetery locations.
You can also find out more about each of our cemeteries, their locations and unique features, by clicking the link below.
Find a Cemetery
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Interment Right holder does not own the land where the grave/interment site is located. The ownership of the land, wall and garden remains with Council. The memorial is owned by the Interment Right holder. 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/s 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 MidCoast 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.
Reservations & pre-purchasing
Pre-purchasing an interment site is an option many people choose to ensure their loved ones are not burdened with tough decisions during an emotional and distressing time. Purchasing ahead of time also allows you to decide on a location, perhaps near family and friends, that is right for you.
Deciding on a site is as simple as visiting the cemetery you wish to be buried in, selecting two or three preferred locations, and visiting Council’s Customer Service Centre to confirm availability. Alternatively, you can ask our friendly and professional Cemetery and Memorials team to find the closest available site near to a loved one. Once your chosen site has been confirmed you will need to fill out a Perpetual Interment Right Application, and pay the associated fees.
Sites required for immediate use will be organised at the time of need by your Funeral Director, who will liaise with us on your behalf.
Historical resources and links
We are often contacted by people who are interested in tracing their ancestors, researching and writing about their family history, or looking for information about the history of our region. While we are happy to help where we can, below are some resources that may get you started: