Collect ashes
Ashes from cremations performed by Shoalhaven Bereavement Services are held in a secure facility until collected by the applicant, funeral director or placed in a reserved plot.
If you are ready to collect ashes, please contact Shoalhaven Bereavement Services.
The ashes will only be released to the applicant or the executor of the deceased's estate. If someone else needs to collect them, they must have written authority from the applicant or executor. The written authority must clearly state:
- the full name and residential address of the person who has been delegated to collect the ashes;
- the full name and residential address and dated signature of the applicant or executor; and
- the full name, date of death and last address of the deceased whose ashes are being collected.
The person being delegated to collect the ashes must establish their identity via photo identification at time of collection.
Cremation urns
Ashes are contained in a standard plastic cremation urn that is rectangular in shape. The urn, measuring 255mm X 150mm X 125mm, is labelled with an identification certificate. Generally, also attached to the urn will be the name plate that was on the coffin.
If you would like to purchase a decorative urn, there are a range on display in the office at Worrigee or we can assist in ordering further designs from Anakie Pottery or Final Touch.
There is no fee for decanting into urns purchased at Shoalhaven Bereavement Services but a decanting fee is payable if you wish to provide your own urn.
What to do with the ashes
Ash placement
In the Shoalhaven, six cemeteries have gardens or walls where ashes can be placed and commemorated with a plaque.
In a burial site
If your family has a grave in a local cemetery it may be possible to arrange for the interment of the cremated remains in the same plot.
At home
You may wish to preserve the cremated remains in a decorative urn to be kept at home or some other favourite spot. If you would like to purchase an urn, there are a range on display in the office or we can assist in ordering further designs from Anakie Pottery or Final Touch.
Scattering
Scatter gardens are available at Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery and Sandridge Cemetery.
If you intend to scatter the cremated remains outside of a cemetery, you should contact the relevant authority to check for any specific requirements or regulations.
The NSW Department of Environment and Heritage advise that scattering at a beach in a national park can take place below the mean high water mark unless the water is within a marine park.
Scattering cremated remains on land in national parks or in marine parks is not permitted.