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We manage 11 cemeteries in the Port Macquarie Hastings region. Burial plots and wall niches can be reserved in some of these cemeteries. We don’t manage any of the local crematoriums, so cremations must be arranged through private local providers.
Cemetery & Memorial Services are currently being reviewed to align with major changes in legislation and associated guidance since the introduction of the Cemeteries & Crematoria Act 2013, along with the additional implementation of the NSW ‘Interment Industry Scheme’ of which introduces a licensing framework for NSW cemetery operators. We’re working closely with industry operators to ensure the requirements of these changes are met. If you work in the industry and require assistance, please contact:cemeteries@pmhc.nsw.gov.au
Burial plots are available for reservations at any of these cemeteries:
Gravesites may be marked with a headstone or plaque. All headstone work must be performed by a registered monumason.
Wall niches, or columbarium walls, for the placement of ashes are available at any of these cemeteries:
Ashes are placed into the niche receptacle and a memorial plaque is placed securely over the niche.
Ash may also be placed in a gravesite, there is capacity for up to four ash placements in each gravesite.
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The placement of cremated remains in an urn, after which the urn is placed into a niche or other resting location.
Refers to the placement of human remains in the ground.
An Interment Right (formerly known as a Burial Licence or a Right of Burial) is an exclusive right granted by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for use of a burial or memorial site.
The holder of the Interment Right 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 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.
No. The ownership of the land, wall, garden and memorials remains with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. The Interment Right holder's entitlement is limited to use and access of the interment site described in the Right of Interment.
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 into a reserved plot.
An application must be made for an Order of Interment, formerly known as a Burial Permit, prior to the burial.
An Order of Interment is a permit that allows a burial (or interment) to take place at your chosen site. The Order of Interment needs to be lodged with Council prior to the burial/placement by the Funeral Director or Interment Right holder.
One burial and up to four inurnments of cremated ashes can be placed in the one gravesite, depending on the cemetery location. Please contact us for more information on 6581 8111.
Yes. The Interment Right holder is the only person who can apply for this.
Sometimes its best to visit the cemetery you would like to reserve your plot in and select a location - either a burial site or a niche wall.
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:
Once the site has been confirmed an Application for Perpetual Interment Right form and payment are required to secure the site.
Your Funeral Director will liaise with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and make all the necessary arrangements.
You will need to complete a transfer of Perpetual Interment Right application form.
We 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.
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.
Funeral Directors are in the best position to assist you during this time. They can provide the documentation required for cremation, coffins, transportation of the deceased and arrangements for the service in line with Public Health Act 2010 and Cemeteries and Crematoria Act NSW 2013.
Ashes cannot be posted to Council as we not have the facilities to store ashes in line with Public Health Act 2010 and Cemeteries and Crematoria Act NSW 2013.
For information about war graves, contact the Office of Australian War Graves:
To reserve a burial plot, ash placement, wall niche, or for any other enquiries, please call us or email us.
The Australian Cemeteries Index allows you to:
Port Macquarie and Districts Family History Society can assist you to discover your ancestry and research your family tree locally, Australia wide, and internationally.