Buying a Grave

We are able to provide the following choices of grave.  Click here for prices. 

All memorials must be fixed in accordance with the recommendations of NAMM (National Association of Memorial Masons)

Slabbed Grave

These graves are situated on lawns, with a slabbed section at the head where a vase or headstone can be placed. The graves have a neat, though uniform appearance, and are mown every two weeks during the summer.

Traditional Grave (Ward 10 Richardson Street only)

These graves are for those who want greater choice over the size or design of the memorial, or do not want people to walk over the grave. The entire grave area must be covered, and the whole maintained by the grave owner. A large memorial can be placed, or kerbs, to surround the grave, leaving an area which can be gardened. The grave can also be brick lined to ensure the coffin is soil and water free. Large memorials can be expensive, and this should be considered.

Re-cycled Grave

There are many old graves owned by the Council, and last used for burial in Victorian times. These are now used for burial of those who do not want a private grave, or a memorial upon the grave. This form of burial requires only the payment of the interment fee, saving the cost of making the grave private. An inexpensive biodegradable coffin must also be used and space for a second burial cannot be reserved. The grave will be used again in about 100 years, when all the human remains have disappeared. This type of funeral is the least expensive that can be arranged.

Woodland Grave (Richardson Street only)

Our woodland grave option was the first in the world, and offers a "Return to Nature" burial, with the accumulating graves forming a forest, mainly Oaks. This is not a suitable choice for people who require a neat and tidy grave. These graves may have long grass at times, to offer a habitat to wildlife, particularly voles and owls. Most people choose a biodegradable coffin and avoid the use of embalming fluids, which may kill the trees. A tree is planted as a memorial, often by the family some weeks after the burial, Some of these trees will be thinned out after 10 years, and a tree to each grave cannot be guaranteed long term. The two burials are side by side, although a "half grave" can be purchased for a single burial, at half the usual fee. A double grave should not be used if the second burial is likely to occur perhaps 20 years later, when the tree on the first burial may make access difficult for the second burial. We provide the trees and cover all the planting costs. If a bronze plaque is required, memorial wall plaques can be placed in the nearby "Sheepfold".

Baby & Infant Graves

We offer small baby graves in all our cemeteries. The "Babies Memorial Garden" at Richardson Street is reserved for the burial of stillborn and foetal remains. All graves are individual and a small headstone can be placed on graves.

Cremated Remains Graves

These small graves accept up to four caskets and are available at all cemeteries, upon payment of an additional fee. You can place a small memorial or vase, which gives you a personal place to visit after the cremation. These graves are mown every two weeks. If you require a service at the interment, we can provide this free of charge.