FAQs
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, we've compiled a number of answers to frequently asked questions about our cemeteries.
What is an Interment Right?
An Interment Right was formerly known as a Burial Licence or a Right of Burial.
It's an exclusive right granted by Cessnock City Council for use of a burial or memorial site.
The holder of the Interment Right 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 ownership of the land, wall, garden and memorials remains with Cessnock City Council. 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, if the interment right holder is deceased, the executor/authorised person of the Interment Right Holder) are the only people able to 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?
Generally two burials and up to six interments of cremated ashes, however this depends on the cemetery. Please contact us for more information.
Can the cremated remains of a person/s be placed in a grave?
Yes, up to six ash interments. The interment right holder is the only person who apply for this.
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's advised to select a few options in case your preferred option is already reserved. Once your preferred site has been selected, please contact our Cemetery Officer who will be able to confirm
- availability
- location
- any conditions and restrictions that may be relevant to the plot you have chosen.
Alternatively, our Cemetery Officer can meet with you and your family at the cemetery. 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 Cessnock City 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 Order for Interment Application?
An Order for Interment Application (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 of ashes in our Columbarium Walls and Ash Gardens will be completed by Council staff, or by a qualified Stonemason in the case of ashes interred in the monumental section.
How do I relinquish a reservation?
You'll need to complete a Cancel Interment Right Application.
Council will then process and refund the amount already paid (less current administration fees set out in our fees and charges) by direct deposit to the Interment Right holder.
How do I go about making funeral arrangements?
Contact your Funeral Director who will assist you with all the necessary arrangements, including any permits required through Council.
Council has no involvement in funeral arrangements.