Cemetery FAQs

In most instances, the next of kin are responsible for contacting and arranging the funeral of the deceased; for example, a spouse, child, parent, legal partner or sibling or the will's nominated executor.

The funeral home of your choosing will contact Council and with the information you have provided to them and arrangements will be organised on your behalf. The funeral director will assist with the application form and Council fees will be included in the funeral home expenses and paid to Council on your behalf.

 A list of funeral homes can be found on the Application forms and related information page.

The funeral home of your choosing will contact the crematorium and with the information you have provided to them, arrangements will be organised on your behalf. If you wish to have ashes placed at our cemeteries you will need to make contact with us, when you are ready for this to occur. 

Application forms are available on the Application Forms and Related Information page.

Ashes of your loved one can be placed into a niche on the Columbarium Wall. At the time of the initial interment an option is provided to the surviving partner to make a reservation for the adjoining niche, for future use.

You will need to submit the form with proof of relationship documents and pay the appropriate fee. Ashes can be lodged at the same time, or later during the process for interment. The supply of a Columbarium Wall plaque is included in this process.

Application forms are available on the Application Forms and Related Information page.

An Interment Right for either a single depth plot, within the denominational sections or a dual depth plot, within the Lawn sections  may be purchased in all cemeteries for the purpose of the burial of ashes, allowing the interment of up to eight sets of ashes only. The use of this plot must be for immediate interment of the first set of ashes, and may not be reserved in advance of need.

Ashes may also be buried into an existing plot of a previously deceased loved one.  Conditions apply. 

Ashes can be provided at the same time, or later during the process.

Application forms are available on the Application Forms and Related Information page.

You will need to submit the form with a Death Certificate and proof of relationship documents and pay the appropriate fee.

Council undertakes all burial of ashes and no longer permits families to bury ashes themselves. This enables accurate record keeping for reference into the future, and enables compliance with the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act (NSW) 2013.

This practice is permitted throughout the Shire, however you are requested to ensure that:

  • the general public are not impacted or affected by the ashes being scattered (i.e. be mindful of wind direction before scattering of ashes, early or late in the day is recommended)
  • ashes are not scattered in the vicinity of bathers or beach users.

If you wish to scatter ashes at beaches not managed by Council, you will need to contact the relevant managing authority to check their requirements.

Council-managed beaches

  • Main Beach (Byron Bay)
  • South Golden Beach
  • Belongil
  • New Brighton
  • Brunswick Heads
  • Main Beach Cape Byron

Trust-managed beaches

  • Broken Head
  • The Pass
  • Tallow Beach
  • Wategos
  • Clarkes Beach
  • Cape Byron. 

Contact 02 6639 8300 

Email contact npws.tweedbyron@environment.nsw.gov.au

Scattering ashes at sea requests can be directed to surf clubs or, if required to be further out to sea, the Roads and Maritime Service.  For more information about this call 13 12 36.

Firstly speak with a qualified stonemason for direction and assistance. They will be familiar with our forms and procedures. Proof of relationship documentation needs to be provided when you meet with the stonemason.

The applicant MUST engage a qualified stonemason to undertake the work in accordance with Council’s Cemeteries Guidelines and headstone specifications, as set out on the headstone application form.

Working with the stonemason, a completed form will be lodged on your behalf and this will need to be approved prior to work commencing.

Richmond Tweed Family Historical Society Inc

Richmond Tweed Family Historical Society Inc 

The society holds records of burials and monumental inscriptions within the region.

  • Contact: Nola Rodey, Membership Secretary
  • Address: Behind Council Library, Ballina
  • Phone: 02 6686 3257
  • Hours: Monday 10am to 4pm, Saturday 1pm to 4pm

Church of England/Anglican

Cemetery Archive Records

Catholic Diocese

Cemetery Archive Records

Related Information

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