Cemeteries

An interment refers to the placement of human remains. This can include by burial or by placing ashes in the ground or in a wall niche.

An interment right (formerly known as a burial licence or a right of burial) 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 buried in the grave or memorial site
• request the installation of headstones, inscriptions or memorials on the site.

If the plot will not be used by the interment right holder/s, the right becomes part of the estate. It is then managed by the executor.

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

The holder of an interment right decides who can be buried in a particular grave or allotment. 

To transfer an interment right to someone else, you must complete a Transfer of a Perpetual Interment Right by Holder(PDF, 197KB) form

No. Only the interment right holder (or appointed agent, e.g. funeral director) can authorise an interment in a reserved plot. An application must be made to Council for an order of interment before interment takes place.

This depends on the plot size. A standard plot in Nambucca Valley Council cemeteries can allow for 1-2 burials and additional ash interments can occur in a burial plot. A wall niche allows for 1 ash interment. Please contact Council for more information.

Yes. The Interment Right holder is the only person who can apply for this.

Please contact Council in the first insatcne and we can confirm the plot details. If you would like to reserve a particular plot, you can visit the Cemetery that you would like to reserve your plot in and select a location – either a burial site or a niche wall. It is best to contact Council first as they can provide a list of available plots for purchase.

Because some locations may already be reserved, it's ideal if you identify a few alternate options. Once you have made some decisions, contact our Cemeteries Team who will be able to confirm:

• availability
• location
• any conditions and restrictions that may be relevant to the plot you have chosen

Or you can ask them to find the closest available site near to a loved one.

On confirmation of the site, you will need to fill out an application for perpetual interment form and pay the relevant fees to secure the site.

Application for a perpetual interment right - Niche

Application for a perpetual interment right - Burial

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

An Order of Interment is a permit that allows a burial (or interment) to take place at your chosen site. The Order of Interment form needs to be lodged with Council prior to the burial/placement by the Funeral Director or Interment Right holder. 

Application for an Order of Interment - Burial Plot

Application for an Order of Interment - Wall Niche

You will need to let us know in writing if you would like to relinquish a reservation. To do this you will need to attach the original Certificate of Perpetual Interment Right.

We will then process and refund the amount already paid less administration costs. Please refer to our Schedule of Fees and Charges

Contact your Funeral Director who will assist you with all the necessary arrangements, including any permits required through Council.

You can speak to us directly and arrange to purchase your right of interment which includes determining which cemetery and which location.

Yes, provided you meet certain criteria Please contact Council’s Planning Department to discuss further 02 6568 2555.

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

It is possible to scatter ashes if you do not wish to place them in a columbarium or niche wall at a cemetery.

If you would like to scatter ashes in a Nambucca Valley Council cemetery, please call Council to discuss.

There will be no fee for scattering of ashes.

Permission must also be sought and granted from Council for scattering of ashes on any public land.

For the scattering of ashes on private land, permission must be obtained from the property owner. 

Headstones or memorials are installed by a stonemason and require Council approval. Together with the mason you have selected, you must complete an Application to Carry Out Work in Cemeteries

No, Council is not responsible for the condition or theft of memorials after their placement.

The maintenance of headstones and plaques is the responsibility of the family and descendants.

No. The interment right holder is the only person who can make memorial arrangements. Otherwise, he or she can give written permission for someone else to make those arrangements.

Please refer to Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges document for current fees.