The NSW Government has developed a new guide to help the state’s cemetery operators keep their estates in best possible condition.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW has developed the maintenance guide to provide a best practice blueprint for cemetery operators.
“There are over 990 cemeteries across NSW, including 128 in Sydney, and they are much more than just places to bury, cremate and memorialise those who have passed away,” Mrs Pavey said.
“NSW cemeteries range from small local cemeteries less than a hectare in size in villages or churchyards to larger district and regional cemeteries that service towns or local government areas and then major metropolitan cemeteries like Rookwood.
“The voluntary Cemetery Maintenance Guide is designed to highlight best-practice to help operators of all sizes maintain and improve their cemeteries over time to the best of their ability.
“It provides a range of advice, tips and case study examples of how cemeteries can be at their best through a combination of cemetery design and layout, great customer service, and smart maintenance practices.”
Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW chairman Stepan Kerkyasharian said the maintenance guide would be a valuable resource to help cemetery operators abide by the industry code of practice.
“The principles promoted in the maintenance guide aim to make cemeteries Welcoming, Safe, Efficient, Serviceable, Accessible and Sustainable into the future,” Mr Kerkyasharian said.
“It will support high-quality practices across the interment industry while providing flexibility for operators of different scales and situations to implement appropriate measures to best meet community expectations.
“The maintenance guide follows an earlier report commissioned by CCNSW which showed how well-managed cemeteries can contribute to the environmental, heritage and cultural fabric of their local communities.”
The Cemetery Maintenance Guide is available on the CCNSW.
