ACCA News

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

Prestavest Crematorium & Memorial Park

Lot 8517, Jalan Taman Semarak, Pokok

Assam, 34000, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia

e: marketing@prestavest.com.my

p: 605 807 6868

When a loved one passes, What’s left is memories...

Semenyih Memorial Hills Berhad

9A, Jalan SS22/23 Damansara Jaya

47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

e: ckliew.hms@gmail.com

p: 6 3 772 95585

When a loved one passes, the grief is real but coupled with grief are the fabulous memories of the life lived

Shanghai Fu Shou Yuan

Industrial Group Co Ltd

Room 1306 No88 Cao Xi North Rd, Shanghai, China, 200030

e: shuting@shfsy.com

The moments in time that remain with us forever, the constant reminder of life and love

p: 86 21 5425 5151

Taiyo Chikuro Industries Co Ltd

At Arrow Bronze, we are committed to, and understand the importance of the last loving gesture for your customers loved ones – memorialising and celebrating their life.

6-21 Higashi-koen, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan

e: s-eguchi@taiyochikuro.jp

p: 0 8 92 651 4131

Wellington City Council

76 Old Karori Road, Wellington, 6012 NZ

e: elizabeth.reddington@wcc.govt.nz

We dedicate ourselves to the highest standards of memorial plaques and appreciate the intense emotion in dedicating these plaques to loved ones

p: (+64) 4 4766 109

Wu Han Chang Le Yuan Cemetery

No. 120 Liuzhi Street Huangpi District

Wuhan City Hubei Province, China

So, each plaque is painstakingly crafted by our dedicated team to the highest possible standard and quality

e: whclyly@163.com

p: 86 27 87163269

Xiao En Memorial Park Bhd

Plaques tailor made to your specific requirements and desires. Plaques that help create your customers living memories

Xiao En Centre, No.1, Jalan Kuari, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

e: kuan@xiao-en.com.my

p: +603-9145 3888

We are dedicated to creating living memories!

YOU CAN NOW FOLLOW US ON

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

Millingtons Cemeteries

The Cottage, Queens Walk, Cornelian Bay, TAS 7008

e: twhitehead@millingtons.com.au

p: (03) 6278 1244

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra Memorials Parks

(Cemeteries and Crematoria Authority)

PO Box 37, Mitchell, ACT 2913

e: kerry.mcmurray@act.gov.au

p: (02) 6207 0000

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Alice Springs Town Council

PO Box 1071, Alice Springs, NT 0871

e: astc@astc.nt.gov.au

p: (08) 8950 0500

Coomalie Community Government Council

PO BOX 20 Batchelor Northern Territory 0845

e: mail@coomalie.nt.gov.au

p: 08 8976 0058

Thorak Regional Cemetery, Litchfield Shire Council

PO Box 446, Humpty Doo, NT 0836

e: anthony.vanzeeventer@litchfield.nt.gov.au

p: (08) 8947 0903

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Albany Cemetery Board

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2023

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Steve Nobbs Executive General Manager Cemeteries & Crematoria

Invocare

p: (02) 9978 5200

e: steve.nobbs@invocare.com.au

Joe Fortuna Director of Finance

Chief Finance Officer

PRESIDENT

Lauren

e:

VICE PRESIDENT

David Molloy Manager, Nudgee Cemetery & Crematorium, QLD

p: (07) 3622 9690

e: molloyd@bne.catholic.net.au

p: (08) 9383 5266

e: joe.fortuna@mcb.wa.gov.au

Ben Kelly Coordinator City Cemeteries Community Venues & Services City of Gold Coast

p: (07) 5582 9021

e: bekelly@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

PO Box 469, Albany, WA 6330

e: allambie@iinet.net.au

p: (08) 9844 7766

Bunbury Cemetery Board

ACCA SECRETARIAT

PO Box 1115, Bunbury, WA 6231

e: kristy@bunburycemetery.com.au

Suite North 1, 215 Bell Street

p: (08) 9721 3191

Preston, VICTORIA, Australia 3072

p: (03) 9863 6914

City of Busselton

f: (03) 9863 6901

Locked Bag 1, Busselton, WA 6280

For information on advertising in ACCA News or to contribute content, please contact:

e: city@busselton.wa.gov.au

p: (08) 9781 0444

Chris Harrington, Editor at: admin@accaweb.com.au

City of Mandurah

PO Box 210, Mandurah, WA 6210

e: council@mandurah.wa.gov.au

p: (08) 9550 3777

Geraldton Cemetery Board

Unless expressly stated the views put forward in ACCA News are not necessarily the considered views or policy of the Association or the Publisher, nor is the Association or the Publisher responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

130 Eastward Road, Geraldton, WA 6530

Graphic Design by Dean O’Brien

e: admin@geraldtoncemetery.com.au

Printed by NEO

p: (08) 9921 2707

Published by ACCA Secretariat

Kalgoorlie - Boulder Cemetery Board

PO Box 79, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430

e: kalg.bld.cemetery@bigpond.com.au

p: (08) 9091 1693

Meadowbank

Auckland, New Zealand 1071

e: alastaircrombie@purewa.co.nz

p: 64 9 528 5599

CORPORATE MEMBERS

NEW SOUTH WALES

Arciuli - Monumental Building

18 Links Road, St Marys, NSW 2760

e: dominic@arciuli.com.au

p: (02) 9623 8774

Celeste Catering Pty Ltd

5/481 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby NSW 2068

e: annie@celestecatering.com.au

p: (02) 9808 1088

Dodge Australia Pty Ltd

Unit 5, 29 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton, NSW 2170

e: info@themazwellgroup.com.au

p: 1800 506 796

Everlon Unit 7/1-3 Nicholas St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141

e: info@everlon.com.au

p: (02) 9646 3886

Frank Dimarco & Son Pty Ltd

14 Production Avenue, Kogarah, NSW 2217

e: alf@fgagranite.com.au

p: (02) 9588 5477

Glory Marble & Granite

165 Hume Hwy, Greenacre, NSW 2190

e: mel@glorymarble.com.au

p: (03) 9460 9066

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

MANAGING DATA DURING A CRISIS

What would you do in the midst of an unprecedented natural disaster? Would you be able to bring your team together, support a grieving family, and complete a service having had the earth just rumble beneath your feet?

For Barbara Terry, there was little other choice when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island in 2011. As the manager of Christchurch’s Canterbury and Harewood Memorial Gardens and Crematoriums, Barbara was working the day of the earthquake with a staff that included her son, and a service due to begin with nearly 200 people milling around the chapel.

Speaking of her experience, Barbara describes the cacophony of noise with glass shattering, cabinets falling and people crying out. She braced herself against a cabinet (one that she notes is now well secured against the wall), enduring the quake that seemed to last minutes, but in reality, was over in seconds.

Once the first force of the earthquake settled, Barbara leapt into action, checking in on her staff in reception before moving on to the chapel. The chapel had held, the only visible damage being to their perimeter fencing, but the ground outside now had waves in its surface where it once lay flat. The service attendees were fine, weeping and hugging one another, but physically okay; could they somehow continue the service that had been due to begin?

This day was already difficult enough for the family who’d come for a funeral service, so Barbara and her team wanted to do what they could to make the day a little easier. Despite the risk, she and her support team decided to return to the chapel to bring out the casket, allowing the family to have a simple committal. Retrieving the casket with a church trolley,

she talks of the disarray that faced them, the chaos of broken pews and of the aftershocks that continued.

They held a simple service in front of the chapel, and when it ended, she made sure that everyone had the means to try and get home, and that everyone had someone there to help them.

The knowledge of what awaited them outside their world was still yet to come. They didn’t know of the fatalities their community endured, nor of the extent of the destruction. They knew their team at the Harewood location were okay and unharmed, but beyond that, things were uncertain. With low phone batteries and patchy communication, their thoughts then turned to their loved ones and those at home. Thankfully, Barbara was able to confirm her husband’s safety, but there were still many unanswered questions.

They didn’t know if the earthquake had run its course, or if more was yet to come. And they were dealing with liquefaction, a term that became familiar in the coming days, describing the liquid that bubbled up from the earth, pushing through the ground and settling into a solid, odorous

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

PO Box 90, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620

e: anna.corcoran@qprc.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 6285 6183

Rookwood Memorial Gardens & Crematorium

Memorial Ave, Rookwood NSW 2141

p: (02) 9746 8945

w: www.rookwoodcrem.com.au

Sapphire City Crematorium

Lots 1-4 Ashford Road, Inverell, NSW 2360

e: phorder@horderfamilyfunerals.com.au

p: (02) 6732 5911

Shoalhaven City CouncilShoalhaven Bereavement Services

PO Box 42, Nowra, NSW 2541

e: charmaine.Schembri@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 4429 5788

Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens

176 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486

p: (07) 5524 2428

w: www.tweedheadscrem.com.au

muck. Her journey home was an ordeal, one that began in a car, then turned to foot, including leaps across bridges and aftershocks rolling through.

Tweed Shire Council PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

e: cemeteries@tweed.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 6670 2400

Walkers Crematorium

75 Smith Street, Kempsey NSW 2440

e: rbwalkerpl@gmail.com

p: (02) 6562 4329

Wollondilly Shire Council PO Box 21, Picton, NSW 2571

e: cemeteries@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 4677 1100

QUEENSLAND

Albany Creek Memorial Park

400 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035

The coming days were difficult for everyone. Barbara’s house was unliveable after the effects of the earthquake, and while they were lucky to have friends to put them up, the need to act affected not just their personal lives, but their professional ones too. They had cremations scheduled and services booked, and that, coupled with staff who were now dealing with everything from slight damage to homelessness, made each step more difficult and taxing.

p: (07) 3263 3033

w: www.albanycreekcrem.com.au

Allambe Memorial Park

129 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Nerang QLD 4211

p: (07) 5578 1699

w: www.allambe.com.au

Balonne Shire Council

PO Box 201, St George, QLD 4487

e: debbie.green@balonne.qld.gov.au

Fortunately, their records were digitised. While their location had no power, water, or sewage, they were able to relocate to reassess. With their hard drive in hand, Barbara and her team moved to the Harewood location to establish their next steps.

p: (07) 4620 8888

Brisbane City Council Cemeteries & Crematoria

40A Kitchener Road, Kedron, QLD 4031

e: jade.sime@brisbane.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 3178 4144

Eventually, they began to rebuild with support coming from all places in their community. The chapel that had stood for 100 years and protected 200 people that day was reinforced and repaired. The

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

MANAGING DATA DURING A CRISIS

Bundaberg Crematorium and Memorial Park & Branyan Garden ‘Garden of Rest’

PO Box 768, Bundaberg QLD 4670

e: info@brownsfunerals.com.au

p: (07) 4151 3357

Bundaberg Regional Council

91 Takalvan Street, MillBank, Bundaberg, QLD 4670

e: nicholas.burfield@bundaberg.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4130 4477

Burdekin Shire Council

PO Box 974, Ayr, QLD 4807

e: enquiries@burdekin.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4783 9800

Cairns City (Regional) Council

PO Box 152 Cairns QLD 4870

e: regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4044 3231

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

PO Box 887, Innisfail QLD 4860

e: hayley.accatino@ccrc.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4043 8829

Centenary Memorial Gardens

PO Box 3363, Mt Ommaney, QLD 4074

e: taniahoward@centenarymemorialgardens.com.au

p: (07) 3271 1222

Eco Memorial Park Crematorium

21 Quinns Hill Road West, Stapylton QLD 4207

e: tim@newhavenfunerals.com.au

p: (07) 3807 4111

Darling Downs Cremation Service

PO BOX 7370, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

e: trevor@burstows.com.au

p: (07) 4636 9600

Fraser Coast Regional Council

PO BOX 1943, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655

e: cemeteries@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

p: 1300 794 929

Gladstone Regional Council

PO Box 29, Gladstone, QLD 4680

e: parks@gladstone.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4970 0700

City of Gold Coast

PO Box 5042, Bundall, QLD 4217

Reflecting on Barbara’s story, we can see the aid that record digitalisation can have in death care. The digitisation of their documents allowed Barbara and her team to quickly access and relocate all those of importance. Natural disasters such as these come without warning and put important data and documents at high risk of loss or damage. Keeping documents digitally, or, even better, in cloud-based software, allows a user to retain their data no matter what occurs at their location.

When the earthquake happened, they didn’t need to waste time locating the most pertinent documents and deciding which to bring; they could instead bring them all. Emergencies like this place significant mental and physical demands on staff and removing the burden of concern over data and documentation can have a great impact.

In Barbara’s case, strong record-keeping had an enormous impact on the aftermath of the disaster too. Their detailed records allowed them to understand who was affected by the destruction of the Memorial Walls. It allowed them to accurately replace ashes in their new Memorial Walls, keeping the relationships intact between the location and those resting there.

We again want to thank Barbara for speaking with us and sharing her story. If you would like to ensure the protection of your records, the team at OpusXenta would love to help.

Talk to us today at OpusXenta.com.

e: bekelly@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 5582 9021

Great Northern Garden of Remembrance

31-35 Tallowwood Drive, Deception Bay, QLD 4508

e: info@gngor.com.au

p: (07) 3888 6622

Memorial Walls had been destroyed, with ashes and plaques separated in the chaos. Barbara’s son and his friends volunteered to help, collecting the ashes, reuniting them with their plaques, and re-storing them safely. Thankfully, the records were lengthy and intact, and with these and a detailed photo library, the Memorial Walls, too, could be repaired and restored.

Hosting Barbara for a webinar was an honour; this was her story, and it’s one that reminds us of the power of resilience and courage even in the face of the unprecedented. Her journey shows the importance of kindness during a time of difficulty, courage, and of willingness to continue to act.

ACCA BROCHURES

HAVE YOU GOT YOURS?

ACCA STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW

The quality-print brochures ACCA produces offer cemeteries a way to inform their customers of the subjects of memorial and cremation in a take-home brochure. Our members find this extremely valuable in conveying to members of the public this sensitive, and sometimes complex, information in the form of reading material that can be provided to customers, where they may absorb the information at home and make informed decisions about the services they wish to undertake.

As part of our ongoing review of governance and purpose, ACCA are currently reviewing the strategic plan of the association. Having a thorough and considered strategic plan is critical to the success of any organisation. It provides the guidance and focus that enables us to deliver on what is important to members and to the broader cemeteries and crematoria sector nationally.

ACCA has been in existence since 1985, and has supported members through advocacy, operational guidelines and policies, safety practices and products, education and training, networking conferences and trade exhibitions, among many other services. The core services and values of our sector may remain consistent but the world we live and work in is ever changing. Our client families are more informed. Information around grief, bereavement and memorialisation options is now more readily available. We as cemetery and crematorium operators and allied associations must keep learning and evolving. Thus the strategic plan review.

The ACCA Board have engaged a professional consultant to conduct a range of interviews with ACCA Members, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders (including non-ACCA members) to gather a cross section of views on what they believe are the key issues facing our industry, as well as what key objectives they believe ACCA should be considering as the peak industry association supporting its members and the broader sector. All ACCA Members will also have the opportunity to provide their feedback as part of this review.

When thinking about what you value most from your membership of your national association, it helps to think about what support services you need most regularly, and also what information you would like more of into the future. What emerging trends are being evidenced in our industry locally, and internationally? Remember that thanks to the internet, the world is a much smaller place now, with people able to communicate and share their ideas more easily. ACCA, through its historic and current relationships with industry colleagues from all around the world, is well positioned to gather this information and share it across the ACCA Membership. We do this in a number of ways, both online and in-person through our regular training and education workshops and via our seminars and annual conference & trade exhibitions.

Once the interviews and surveys have been conducted, we will provide all ACCA Members with a full summary of the results, and a copy of the revised Strategic Plan so that you can keep it on hand as a reminder of our commitment to you as an ACCA Member.

When the time comes for you to provide your feed-back I strongly encourage you participate. Together we can keep supporting each other, and ensure that our industry and association remains at the forefront of our constantly evolving industry.

MEMBER PROFILE Kathlene Oliver

What is your full name, title, company name?

Kathlene Oliver, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Cemeteries Board

How long have you worked in the cemeteries/ crematoria industry and what do you like most about your role?

I have only worked in the industry for 10 months, having joined in my current role at the start of June 2022. I love the opportunity to support the community through one of the most difficult times, providing respectful and dignified end of life services for their loved ones.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

I have been lucky to work with some amazing mentors who have led by example and were authentic. Their leadership has shaped the way I lead, fostering trust and respect across the organsiation.

What are some notable/unique differences in this role compared to your previous role?

The hazards of the job would be a notable / unique difference to my previous role. Before joining the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board I was an Assistant Director General at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. We did not work with the same kinds of hazards that you experience in a working cemetery, having got first hand experience of this after falling into a grave week 2 in the job!

What are some things that are on your ‘bucket list’?

I would love to travel to Africa and go on safari, experiencing the big cats in their natural environment. I would also love to go hot air ballooning.

What do you love to do away from work when you have time?

I have an uber talented (ok I am biased) border collie that consumes my spare time away from work. I have trained her to track a human scent (to help find lost people) and am actively involved in helping other people to teach their dog’s this sport and to judge a dog’s abilities.

What is a favourite memory of

I have some great memories from my geophysics career. It enabled me to travel the world and experience a range of different cultures. A favourite memory would be hiking to a village in the Philippines to enjoy a feast with the locals of a tribe that one of my crew members came from. We had a tour of the historic sites around the village and learnt about their cultural rituals. Was a fantastic opportunity.

Finish this sentence - ‘Nobody

Tim Tam – controversial I know! But seriously, they make no sense.

ACCA BRANDED HI-VIZ VESTS HAVE ARRIVED!

With the increase in activity within the grounds of Australian cemeteries & memorial gardens, it’s important for your staff to be able to provide a clear and visible presence for all visitors to the cemetery.

The ACCA branded Hi-Viz vests provide high visibility, and have reflective strips across the vest making your staff easily seen by all, as they coordinate the safe movement of people around the cemetery.

Stocks of the Hi-Viz vests are now in stock in all sizes from Small up to 2XL. The vests are only available to ACCA Members and are only $10 each.

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Our products meet the most stringent environmental legislation and we offer cremation solutions worldwide together with a full range of cremation equipment including coffin loaders, cremulators and ash transfer cabinets.

In addition, our dedicated customer care department offers full support and back up and our on-line diagnostics means that we can view any problems remotely and often solve them without the need for an engineer to attend site.

Facultatieve Technologies gives advice and support on the whole cremation process. Our product range is extensive and we are therefore able to supply the ideal product in any situation. Facultatieve Technologies provides excellent support and maintenance services anywhere in the world.

FT is part of ‘the Facultatieve Group’ and benefits from knowledge and experience of cremation dating back to 1874. Feel free to contact us: T: +44(0)113 276 88 88 M: + 61 477 057 799 E: info@facultatieve-technologies co uk or mark rothery@ftaustralasia com

www.facultatieve-technologies.com

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

STATE REPORT

In just my second report to ACCA Members since being elected as your President in October last year I am staggered at the number of things that have taken place in our sector in such a short space of time.

It’s also not lost on me that we are still managing the COVID pandemic and its many requirements, and even though they are reducing they are still important to acknowledge and accommodate. This extra layer of service that we have all had to provide our client families, funeral directors and other contractor organisations visiting our cemeteries has made us think about how we present our cemeteries, crematoria and memorial parks. I believe that as a national collective, we are now presenting a better a service offering than ever before, and we have gained a greater appreciation of how important our service is to grieving families in our communities.

As freight and logistics issues of the last two years begin to ease, we can reflect on the frustrations this caused those bereaved clients as they were forced to wait inordinate lengths of time for their loved-ones memorials to be produced and delivered to the cemetery for them to finalise the farewells of their deceased relatives and friends. It has really been a tough time for everyone.

And meanwhile our industry picks itself up and surges forward into 2023 with a number of association events and gatherings of industry delegates to reflect on the past year and to reset for a new year ahead with renewed enthusiasm and a want to provide the very best service we can.

I recently attended the AFDA Annual Convention in Canberra and was privileged to present an update on ACCA and our activities over the past year to nearly

200 members of the funeral and allied industries. There were some great business sessions and equally productive networking conversations held around how we can work together for the benefit of our client families and to play an important role in their grief journey. Congratulations to outgoing AFDA National President Adrian Barrett for all his work during his term, which just happened to coincide with the difficult COVID years. And congratulations also to incoming President Kelly Scott. Kelly is only the second female National President of the AFDA and she and I had some very positive conversations around the changing nature of our industry and those emerging leaders within it. We agreed that this is an area that both ACCA and the AFDA can collaborate on to continue to develop and nurture.

In more recent news we were saddened to see the resignation of past ACCA President and CEO of the Catholic Cemeteries & Crematoria in NSW, Peter O’Meara from his position as CEO due to health reasons. Peter made an enormous contribution to the sector in NSW and also nationally when President of ACCA between 2014-2016 and beyond. Peter’s vision for a more united group of cemeteries associations has resulted in a strong base from which we will continue to pursue greater collaboration and unity among the cemeteries sector nationally.

ACCA continues to roll out education and training workshops both online and in-person for ACCA Members and the broader industry, to ensure consistent learning opportunities for all organisations across the country and into New Zealand and neighbouring countries. ZOOM and other similar technology platforms have certainly enabled us to reach beyond our own shores to provide our training and education to our international colleagues.

sector, we would like to thank them for their significant services and wish them all the best in the future.

The day was full of presentations and information from our Platinum partners.

Nicole McDonald, Manager Cemetery Governance Support Unit.

The Program and Registration details for the 2023 ACCA Mid-Year Education Seminar has been distributed to ACCA members and the broader industry. The program is an excellent one and will address the important issues around how we and our staff can provide an empathetic and efficient service to bereaved families whilst ensuring we remain aware of our own mental health and use the skills gained through this education to ensure we look after ourselves and each other.

Key Note Speaker Paul Taylor gave an animated talk on how to become your best self through a range of holistic measures including simple nutrition, optimised exercise, routine, and positive self-talk. A key message was: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

So in signing off on this report I hope that 2023 has started off positively for you and thank you for your support of your association.

Sessions on Cyber Security, Vegetation Overlays and their impact, Social media, Split sessions on Customer experience with cemetery management systems, users of OpusXenta, Plot Box, Chronicle and excel spreadsheets, and The Public Records Office of Victoria shared the requirements of the management of cemetery public records and what happens when we no longer need the physical records.

Lauren Hardgrove ACCA President

Keynote speaker and Cultural Anthropologist Dr Hannah Gould challenged each table to pitch a project with the following parameters: You have been given $500k and 3 years. How would you study “a good death” in Australia?

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria

STATE REPORT

CORPORATE SPONSORS 2023

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Dr Gould works with the Death Tech Research team at University of Melbourne, and has been recently working with the Australian Death Studies Society.

And finally, stand-up comedian, author, radio and television presenter Cal Wilson provided some light entertainment - based on her shopping experience around the trade show.

GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Dinner and Entertainment was held at Sovereign Hill. Amongst us we had an Armed Robber of the State Bank of (CCA) Victoria. Annie de Jong and a Highway Robber – Rita Woolley

Day Three continued the theme of Key Note speakers and industry partners

GENERAL SPONSOR

PAST PRESIDENTS HONOUR LIST

C Ashton Shirley

October 1985 - June 1987

Graeme MacGill

Ange Elson unpacked the meaning of reconciliation, and discussed the benefits of having a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in place for inclusion and diversity. She also spoke about what it takes to be better than our ancestors, and the kinds of work that needs to be done for true change to happen. A key message was “Find where the energy is.”

June 1987 - October 1987

Koos Adrichem

October 1999 - October 2001

Bruce Macumber

October 2001 - October 2003

Bryan Elliott

October 2010 - October 2012

Armen Mikaelian

October 2012 - October 2014

Ian Roddick

October 1987 - October 1990

Kevin Crowden (Dec)

October 1990 - October 1993

David Blake OAM

October 1993 - October 1997

Leah Slee led guests on a guided tour of the trade room to introduce conference sponsors and allow each business to showcase their products or services. Leah encouraged guests to enter competitions on offer and collect brochures and other promotional materials to review after the conference.

Peter MacLean AM PSM JP

James McKay

October 2003 - October 2005

Pieter den Boer

October 2005 - October 2007

Darryl Thomas OAM

October 2007 - October 2009

Brendan O’Connor

Peter O’Meara

October 2014 - October 2016

Peter Deague

September 2016 – June 2017

Darryl Thomas OAM

June 2017 - October 2019

David Molloy

Senior Associate - Corporate from Lander & Rogers Kate McGurk provided an update on memorial permit applications

October 1997 - October 1999

October 2009 - October 2010

October 2019 - October 2022

MEMBER NEWS

AFDA REPORT

Australian Funeral Directors Association

ACCA Members are invited to go to www.accaweb.com.au to see the brand new and revamped ACCA Website.

A considerable amount of review and rework has been conducted over recent months to enhance the look and feel of the ACCA Website, and to review the content that we provide to ACCA members and also to the public. Whilst this is a new website, we continue to develop it further to add additional content and features for the benefit of ACCA Members and the broader death care sector in Australia and Internationally.

Recently ACCA Members were invited to send in photos of your cemeteries and crematoria memorial gardens for consideration for use on the new website. We have received some excellent images from ACCA Members and we will continue to introduce new images periodically as they are received. This is an excellent way of showing how our cemeteries are continuing to evolve and grow.

The ACCA Mid-Year Education Seminar is fast approaching and takes place on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland from 4-5 May at the Oaks Oasis resort in Caloundra. Registrations are coming in thick and fast for the 2023 Education and Training Seminar and we have an excellent program lined up.

Day 1 of the seminar will take delegates through a lived experience from someone within our industry who has lost a loved one. This personal account will be followed and supported by training facilitators from Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV), who will unpack the lived experience and take delegates through a set of strategies that will help them to understand the impacts that grief has on our client families and on ourselves. These strategies are research based and results driven, and will help delegates to manage these impacts more successfully, providing a more

understanding and empathetic service to client families. Also, and importantly, delegates will be better equipped to identify and manage their own mental health and those of their workmates. Delegates will learn more about Managing Challenging Behaviours; Skills to support grieving clients and families; Professional Boundaries; and Vicarious Trauma.

Day 2 will focus on the two Australian Standards that impact our industry, as well as a tour of the Kulangoor Cemetery (including lunch).

AS 4204:2019 – Headstones & Cemetery Monuments

AS 4425:2020 – Above-ground burial structures

Delegates will learn more about each standard and why they exist. Industry expert Sach Killam (Rookwood General Cemetery, NSW) will take delegates through a presentation that will assist them to understand the standards, and how to apply them in their respective cemetery environments. There will also

Thank you to the ACCA members who joined us for the 2023 AFDA National Convention in Canberra. After three long years it was wonderful to finally come together with members and industry colleagues and celebrate what we do. The AFDA National Convention is also the time that we recognise and award some of our highest honours and I congratulate Past Presidents Allan Piddington and Bernardine Brierty on being awarded the honour of Life Membership of AFDA, two very deserving recipients who have devoted a great deal of time to our Association.

It’s been an exciting start to 2023 and I look forward to meeting and connecting with many ACCA members during my term as AFDA National President.

be the opportunity to ask questions and participate in an open forum discussion with Sach, before all delegates will board the buses to the Kulangoor Cemetery for a tour of the cemetery grounds and a presentation by representatives from the Sunshine Coast Council. Kulangoor Cemetery is currently undergoing a review of their Master Plan, and details of this plan will be shared with delegates followed by an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Regards

Kelly Scott National President

As ACCA President Lauren Hardgrove mentioned in her Presidents Report earlier in this edition of ACCA News, Lauren and I recently attended the Annual Convention of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) in Canberra, ACT. Like many associations, the AFDA had been waiting nearly 3 years to hold their marquee education and networking event for their members and the wider funeral industry, and I was pleased to see that the program was informative and the convention well attended by AFDA members and other industry stakeholders.

ACCA CEO Chris Harrington with AFDA Master Funeral Director Warwick Hansen OAM

STATE REPORT

MEMBER NEWS

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Western Australia

The Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of Western Australia held their annual one-day seminar and AGM on Friday, 31st March 2023 at the Joondalup Resort, Connolly a northern suburb of the Perth metropolitan area.

The seminar titled ”We Remember Them…” was an overwhelming success, the first well attended seminar in a few years following on from the effects of Covid-19.

44 local shires and cemetery boards were represented from throughout the state of WA and delegates included Admin, outdoor staff, funeral directors, monumental masons and operational staff.

Maintaining a strong relationship with our funeral director colleagues is an important part of our work in cemeteries & crematoria. It is important that we communicate openly and regularly with our local funeral directors to ensure that our mutual client families get the best possible service at a most difficult time of their lives.

The CCAWA Board made the decision to include a tour of the War Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance at Karrakatta which proved to be a very moving experience. Scott Rogers, Stella Muspratt and Janice Hasler assisted in the tour and provided information on the history of the cemetery before delegates moved on to the crematorium at Karrakatta where delegates had the opportunity to view the newly installed Facultatieve Technologies cremators. Chris Carter from MCB was on hand to answer questions and give a full run down on the cremators and ash processors in operation at the time of the visit.

On return to the resort by coach, delegates enjoyed a barbeque dinner followed by a trip down memory lane with some fun networking games that everyone was able to participate in and share the humour.

ACCA Chief Executive Officer Chris Harrington attended the Annual General Meeting and One Day Seminar for the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Western Australia (CCAWA) at the Joondalup Resort and Conference Centre in Perth on March 30-31. Chris presented an update to delegates on the activities and projects that ACCA has been working on for members and the broader industry for the past 12 months, and also participated in the presentation of the annual Peter Maclean Award.

Friday saw the official seminar opening, General meeting and AGM with the election of office bearers:

Member, and a highly valued, committed and driven member of the CCAWA Executive Committee, who during his working life had a gift for providing outstanding industry service.

year, and we look forward to welcoming Melissa to the conference.

The CCAWA Board for 2023/24 are:

PRESIDENT: Christine McGrath - City of Busselton

SECRETARY: Anne Dixon - Bunbury Cemetery Board

The Peter Maclean award is an award presented on an annual basis to ‘any employee of a CCAWA member who has performed above and beyond the call of duty in providing excellence in customer service.’ It is presented in recognition of Peter Maclean, who was a past CEO of Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB), ACCA Association President & Life

The Peter MacLean Award for 2023 was presented by Peter himself, to Melissa Marcon from the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu in the WA wheatbelt. Melissa is passionate about her work and the service she provides to families in a time of need. Melissa now has the opportunity to attend the Annual ACCA Conference & Trade Exhibition in Melbourne in October this

Congratulations to CCAWA Secretary Anne Dixon and the CCAWA Executive Committee for their hard work in delivering an excellent couple of days of conference in Joondalup. And a big thank you to outgoing CCAWA President Brad Smith for his hard work and dedication over the past 4 years, and welcome to new President Christine McGrath (Busselton Regional Cemetery) for her election to the role of President for the 2023/24 year.

Lauren Hardgrove at the AFDA Conference

ACCA past President and Life member Peter Maclean

ACCA MEMBERSHIP

And Crematoria, Industry Corporates And Businesses!

The Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA) is a non-profit professional organisation that exists to provide leadership, professional services and development, communication and networking platforms to the cemetery and crematorium industry.

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

Full Membership:

Organisations that administer the affairs of a Cemetery and/or Crematorium in Australasia.

SUITED TO CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA

Corporate Membership:

Shall be incorporated organisations or trading enterprises considered worthy of membership associated with the burial or cremation industry who satisfy the Board that one or all of their activities assist and complement the work of the association and/ or other members.

SUITED TO INDUSTRY SUPPLIER COMPANIES

Affiliate Membership:

Shall be persons considered worthy of such classification associated with the burial, cremation or allied industry who are not otherwise qualified to become an associate fellow, associate member or corporate member of the association.

SUITED TO FUNERAL DIRECTORS

ACCA MERCHANDISE

How to Order

Please visit our webpage at accaweb.com.au/publications/ resources to download the Order Forms and return to the Secretariat.

ACCA Brochures

The quality print brochures ACCA produces, offer cemeteries a way to inform their customers on the subjects of memorialisation and cremation in a take-home brochure. Our members find this extremely valuable in conveying to the public this sensitive, and sometimes complex information in the form of reading material that can be easily understood, allowing informed decisions to be made about the services available to them.

Handbook On Cremation

The Commemorative publication for the 75th anniversary of the International Cremation Federation (ICF) Editor, Dr.Rolf Lichtner

ACCA NEWS Complimentary to all Members

The ACCA News magazine is published 4 times per year, and is dedicated to thecemeteries and crematoria industry in Australasia. Via print and electronic distribution, the readership is estimated to be over 2,000 within Australia and also internationally.

The only magazine in Australia dedicated to the Cemeteries and Crematoria industry, it also promotes the latest in innovation, safe work practices, industry equipment and also events designed to help communicate the message of memorialisation and comfort to our communities.

ACCA News Advertising

Advertising in this publication is the ultimate way to promote your business or services to the cemeteries and crematoria industry and to increase your exposure. If you are interested in advertising in the ACCA News please contact the Secretariat on (03) 9863 6914 or email: admin@accaweb.com.au

ACCA News Contributions

ACCA also uses its magazine to encourage members to contribute summaries of interesting events or information pertaining to our industry that you believe other members would find beneficial. Please feel free to forward your articles to us for consideration of inclusion in the ACCA News.

To Order Additional Copies

To order additional copies, of ACCA News please contact the Secretariat or download a form at: accaweb.com.au/publications/accanews

LIFE MEMBER HONOUR ROLL

Koos Adrichem

David Beames

John Campbell

Pieter Den Boer

Keith Joyce (Dec)

Karen Hinrichsen

David Lusby (Dec)

Peter Maclean AM

Bruce Macumber

James Mckay

ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A MEMBER?

Lawrie Miller OAM

Brendan O'Connor

Tony O’Connor (Dec)

Greg Taylor (Dec)

Darryl Thomas OAM

Full Memberships, Corporate Memberships and Affiliate Memberships Available. Contact the Secretariat today or download an application form from the website: accaweb.com.au/about/join-acca

ACCA SECRETARIAT:

Suite North 1 / 215 Bell St, Preston VIC 3072 Australia

T: +61 3 9863 6914 F: +61 3 9863 6901

E: admin@accaweb.com.au

W: accaweb.com.au

INDUSTRY EVENTS 2023

We are increasingly becoming an international/global business community. The following is a snapshot of the industry conferences and seminars we have been informed of for 2023. Web links to the organisations are below. If you would like further contact details of any of the organisations listed, please contact the Secretariat Office..

Some of the events listed on this page may be cancelled or postponed. Please contact each organisation directly if you have any uncertainty or questions.

ACCA

Mid Year Training & Education Seminar

4-5 May 2023

Oaks Oasis Resort, Caloundra QLD

Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition

22-25 October 2023

Pullman Hotel, Albert Park, Melbourne, VIC

CCAV

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria Country Conference

8-10 March 2023 - Ballarat, VIC

CCAWA

Cemeteries Crematoria Association of WA

AGM & one Day Seminar

30-31 March 2023 - Perth, WA

CCASA

Cemeteries Crematoria Association of SA Conference

November 2023 (exact dates & location TBA)

CCANSW

Cemeteries Crematoria Association of NSW Conference

18-19 May 2023

Liverpool Catholic Club, Sydney NSW

NFDA

National Funeral Directors Association (USA)

10-13 September 2023

Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, USA

NZCCC

New Zealand Cemeteries & Crematoria Collective Conference

9-10 May 2023 - Wellington, NZ

ICCFA

International Cemetery, Creation & Funeral Association

Annual Convention & Exposition

16-19 May 2023 - Kansas City, USA

MARYBOROUGH MONUMENTAL CEMETERY - 150 YEARS

CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES AT MACARTHUR MEMORIAL PARK

Construction commenced in December 2022 on a world-class memorial and botanic parkland destination at Macarthur Memorial Park in south-west Sydney. Landscaped over 113 hectares of open space at Varroville, the new memorial park has been conceived as a whole-of-community sanctuary where visitors can gather, relax, and reflect.

The memorial park will accommodate 136,000 burial plots over the coming 100 years, responding to the acute need for space in Sydney’s rapidly growing and diverse multi-cultural population.

A recent State government report found that if there is no change to existing cremation and grave occupancy rates, cemetery capacity in metropolitan Sydney for Jews and Muslims would be exhausted in the next five years.

The former CEO of Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC), Peter O’Meara who has been planning this development for several years said “We are delighted to commence the construction of these new botanic parklands, which will feature facilities for the local community such as lakes, walking tracks and a café, creating a place of peace and reflection for the whole community.

“We will be adopting a successful overseas model where memorial parklands are now quiet and beautiful places of recreation

QUALITY &

RELIABILITY when it’s needed most.

IMPERIAL CEMETERY MODEL

A simple device with removable telescopic rails lengthwise. Rubber-covered rollers aid pallbearers in smoothly positioning the casket over the device.

1800 77 77 44

hyqual@bigpond.com www.hyqual.com 31 Enterprise St, Caloundra QLD, 4551

*Terms and Conditions

With

to last for over 25 years, the Imerial Lowering Device is respected for it’s high-grade stainless steel, brass and polished aluminium construction which assures quality of performance.

FUNERAL

DIRECTOR’S MODEL

A space-saving device with long rails that are designed to break apart and fold to ease singleperson use.

* AND

RENTAL CHARGES APPLY

Offer: Order Bulk LPG to receive 1 year fixed pricing and 10% price beat on Bulk LPG.

Eligibility: Offer applies to new Supagas Bulk LPG 190kg and 210kg customers ordering for the first time. Fixed pricing is subject to signing a Bulk Gas Supply Agreement and credit application. Excludes vessels and formula customers.

Pricing: Discount applies to gas price on first order only, calculated by price per litre based on competitor invoice issued in the last 3 months. Rental charges apply. Discount does not apply to rental. Supagas retains ownership of the cylinders.

Delivery: Free delivery within delivery area of Supagas branches. Contact your nearest Supagas branch for more information.

Availability: Offer is valid until 31 August 2023, from all participating Supagas branches. Offer is not available via agents, dealers or distributors. Cannot be used with other discount or offers.

A COMPACT ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR CHAPEL &

Available colours: Silver, Gold & Bronze

HEARSE NEEDS

Our new HA+ Church Truck presents great durability and easy cleaning with it’s polished, anodized aluminium build. It is equipped with four folding handles to pass in narrow places and features three sizes of extension. All four wheels are 150mm in diameter with a non-slip anti-noise coating.

potential

INNOVATION AWARD FOR THE METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES BOARD

MCB staff involved with implementing and improving the system,” said MCB’s Project Manager, Brad Smith. “It is very encouraging to see a Cemetery system win an award such as this and I am looking forward to seeing future innovations that Dynamics 365 makes possible.”

Overall, the MCB’s implementation of these innovative solutions has been a great success. They have helped to improve the overall user experience of those visiting the cemeteries, making it easier to navigate and access information. The ISG Paragon Award for Innovation is a fitting recognition of the efforts in this area, and it demonstrates the MCB’s commitment to providing a high-quality service to the Perth Metropolitan community.

For more information on the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board, please visit their website www.mcb.wa.gov.au

What’s next for this system?

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), a Victorian communitybased organisation responsible for the care and long-term maintenance of nine cemetery locations, has announced its decision to replace its end-of-life CRM and Finance systems with Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement and Business Central. After a rigorous procurement and solution exploration process, Capgemini was selected as the vendor.

The new solution will provide SMCT with the capability to improve its current processes in a more streamlined and efficient manner. In addition, the organisation has an ambitious roadmap to enhance the customer experience by implementing the features already created by MCB and Capgemini, as well as offering future digital engagement solutions. Dynamics 365’s ability to adapt and respond to changing needs is set to create boundless opportunities.

INNOVATION AWARD FOR THE METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES BOARD

“We are excited to unlock the new capability that a modern and progressive solution provides,” said SMCT’s Chief Digital Officer James Balazs. “Our vision is to enable our people to deliver a seamless and integrated customer experience, now and into the future.”

SMCT is committed to guiding families through the most important, long-term decisions they will need to make when a loved one passes away. With Dynamics 365 and Business Central, they will have the tools to achieve their long-term strategic goals, further enabling them to carry out their mission of serving the community in the most efficient way possible.

For more information on Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, please visit their website at www.smct.org.au.

New Quarter, New You?

This year a lot of people and businesses ditched the concept of resolutions and opted for a word to define the years goals. I saw one business state “integrity” as their word, another listed "fresh".

We asked all our staff to choose a word for their personal life in 2023 and this week we sat down to check in on each other and our words. It made me think that we hadn’t yet done this as a business before kicking off this next part of the year.

Why do we wait for a Monday to start a new week fresh? Why do we wait for a new year to reevaluate? This is your reminder to audit your plans and realign your goals from the events of the past few months.

Major Cremation Systems

Let’s be honest, we all got very good at this during Covid The ‘pivoting’ that threw all our necks out. I promise it is much more enjoyable than that. A saying I love is “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. To me it says take the path unknown that pops up, reevaluate when a new option comes and bowls you over, it may just be better than the original. After all, most good ideas stem from another!

So I sat down and answered the below….

1-What has happened that I didn’t expect so far this year?

2-In what ways has this benefited us?

3-What are our new goals?

4-Do any of the previous plans still apply?

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As a key component of digital transformation, it’s important to understand the crucial role that data migration plays in the process of digital change.

Digital transformation will reflect a fundamental change in how you operate and deliver value to those you serve - the thing that doesn’t change - your data, is what allows that to happen. With that in mind, let’s start to demystify the process of data migration by looking at 3 key things you should know.

Most typically, this will be part of the digital initiatives affecting wider organisational transformation - of which data migration will form the foundation.

Let’s look at some common steps:

DATA MIGRATION DEMYSTIFIED: 3 THINGS CEMETERIES SHOULD KNOW to

Planning will always be the all-important first step. That means identifying and understanding current systems and processes, the data to be migrated and what you need from the new system.

#1 Data Migration is a Process of Change

Let’s start with the obvious questionwhat is data migration? Put simply, it’s the process of transferring data from one system to another.

As with any transformational process, there are a wide number of factors to be considered that will help to shape and define exactly what it looks like. That may be the type of data to be transferred, where it’s currently stored, what format it’s in (and what format it’s becoming), where it’s going and how it’s getting there.

To that point, there are a number of different types of data migration. For deathcare providers, that may involve transitioning data from one system to another, consolidating data from multiple systems into one cemetery management system, or moving data from on premises to the cloud.

data, is that at of question process one terms

It may even very likely involve moving data from the applications of one vendor to another. Most typically, a migration with PlotBox - in its most simple terms - will involve taking data from your database and mapping into fields within a new ‘target’ cemetery management system.

#2 Data Migration is part of a wider transformation

There are many reasons why a deathcare provider may want to migrate their data.

Quite often, deathcare providers face the imperative of upgrading legacy systems and software, faced with the prospect of vendor servers becoming unsupported, or, as mentioned, seeking to consolidate multiple systems into a single cemetery management system. Data integrity, accessibility and scalability are often priorities, and migrating data into new systems - quite often cloud-based - is one of the best enablers to achieve that.

Many of the benefits that data migration can provide are those that come from creating a ‘single source of truth’ within an organisation - breaking down silos of information, creating more efficient processes, providing greater visibility and connectivity, and ensuring more informed, data-driven decisions.

So what does that look like in practice?

#3 Processes may vary, but best practice remains constant

While not all data migration processes are the same - in part due to differing types of data, the systems involved, and the specific requirements of the organisation - there are, broadly speaking, a number of common steps in all that point to best practice.

Migration takes place over a number key phases, informed by and building upon the previous, to ensure as smooth and efficient a transition as possible.

These often begin with project configuration, ensuring everything is in place to begin the migration, and on through to resolution where any issues picked up in the testing phase are resolved before the project is signed off and moved to the training phase.

Analysis involves looking closely at your data to determine what needs to be pulled over and what it looks like in its current form - what needs to be migrated and what doesn’t, what might be missing, and whether there are inaccuracies - essentially anything that may adversely affect the migration process. It’s crucial to ensure this is done before extracting, transforming and importing the data into the new system. Testing, testing, testing - both by the vendor to ensure that the data has migrated to the target system correctly, and by the customer, to ensure what exists in the source system matches that within the new one. That’s key to ensuring any issues are resolved before going live.

And as a final point - a ‘4th thing to know’, if you will, is understanding the importance of the role that you have to play within the data migration process.

You know your data better than anyone else - including, importantly, your migration partner. And therein lies the key takeaway. That begins with ensuring that your data is ‘clean’ before the migration process begins. Getting your data right in the first instance is arguably the most important part of the entire process, and will ultimately save you time, money and effort in the long run.

“We’ll fix that later”, is a phrase that should be avoided at all costs - get it right first time, and you will be enjoying the benefits your new cemetery management system provides, rather than rectifying issues that could have been avoided.

To learn more, visit: www.plotbox.io

New Quarter, New You?

This year a lot of people and businesses ditched the concept of resolutions and opted for a word to define the years goals. I saw one business state “integrity” as their word, another listed "fresh".

We asked all our staff to choose a word for their personal life in 2023 and this week we sat down to check in on each other and our words. It made me think that we hadn’t yet done this as a business before kicking off this next part of the year.

Why do we wait for a Monday to start a new week fresh? Why do we wait for a new year to reevaluate? This is your reminder to audit your plans and realign your goals from the events of the past few months.

Major Cremation Systems

Let’s be honest, we all got very good at this during Covid The ‘pivoting’ that threw all our necks out. I promise it is much more enjoyable than that. A saying I love is “get comfortable being uncomfortable”. To me it says take the path unknown that pops up, reevaluate when a new option comes and bowls you over, it may just be better than the original. After all, most good ideas stem from another!

So I sat down and answered the below….

1-What has happened that I didn’t expect so far this year?

2-In what ways has this benefited us?

3-What are our new goals?

4-Do any of the previous plans still apply?

INNOVATION AWARD FOR THE METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES BOARD

Western Australia’s Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB), in conjunction with the developers, Capgemini, has recently been awarded the ISG Paragon Award for Innovation, at an awards ceremony held in Melbourne; recognising their efforts in implementing a range of innovative solutions to improve the experience of those visiting Perth cemeteries. These innovations include a stakeholder portal for the online submission of funeral bookings and applications, the use of barcode scanners, a mobile app, and a wayfinding solution, all of which have helped to improve the overall user experience.

The MCB manages seven cemeteries in Western Australia, including Karrakatta Cemetery, which is the largest cemetery in the state. With over 120 years of history and over 1 million interments, the MCB has been working hard to improve the experience of those visiting its cemeteries. The implementation of these innovative solutions has been a significant step forward in achieving this goal.

The MCB made the decision to move to a new system in 2017 due to their old system running on ageing architecture and being unsupported. This outdated system was not only unreliable but also lacked modern features necessary for efficient operations.

After considering various options, the MCB decided to use Dynamics 365 as their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system as it is a cloud-based system that is highly scalable and flexible, making it a great choice for the MCB’s needs. The MCB engaged Capgemini to assist with the design, development,

implementation, and on-going support of the new system. The Dynamics 365 solution was deployed in November 2019.

One of the most innovative features of Dynamics 365 that the MCB implemented is the Service module. The Service module allows MCB to track and manage all service requests from customers, such as funeral bookings and applications, memorial sales, and feedback, as well as tracking of ashes, invoicing and payments, and monumental permits.

Enhancing this innovation further the MCB implemented a B2B (business to business) stakeholder portal in April 2021. The MCB portal is a web-based platform that allows funeral directors and other businesses to submit bookings and applications electronically, streamlining the process and reducing errors and delays. The portal provides a secure and user-friendly interface, making it easy for businesses to manage their bookings and communicate with the MCB. The portal has been a significant success, reducing the time and effort required to manage bookings and applications and improving the overall customer experience.

Other innovative features include the integration of Dynamics 365 with the MCB’s Geographic Information System (GIS), barcode scanning for ashes, and wayfinding solutions on the website and within the grounds. This integration allows MCB to track the exact location of graves, memorials, and other facilities within their cemeteries. This feature has significantly improved the customer experience of navigating the cemetery, finding graves, and streamlined cemetery operations.

The system also integrates with the MCB’s finance platform ensuring that tasks such as invoicing and processing payments are performed seamlessly.

“We are very proud of this prestigious award which has been earned by all

MCB staff involved with implementing and improving the system,” said MCB’s Project Manager, Brad Smith. “It is very encouraging to see a Cemetery system win an award such as this and I am looking forward to seeing future innovations that Dynamics 365 makes possible.”

Overall, the MCB’s implementation of these innovative solutions has been a great success. They have helped to improve the overall user experience of those visiting the cemeteries, making it easier to navigate and access information. The ISG Paragon Award for Innovation is a fitting recognition of the efforts in this area, and it demonstrates the MCB’s commitment to providing a high-quality service to the Perth Metropolitan community.

For more information on the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board, please visit their website www.mcb.wa.gov.au

What’s next for this system?

The Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), a Victorian communitybased organisation responsible for the care and long-term maintenance of nine cemetery locations, has announced its decision to replace its end-of-life CRM and Finance systems with Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement and Business Central. After a rigorous procurement and solution exploration process, Capgemini was selected as the vendor.

The new solution will provide SMCT with the capability to improve its current processes in a more streamlined and efficient manner. In addition, the organisation has an ambitious roadmap to enhance the customer experience by implementing the features already created by MCB and Capgemini, as well as offering future digital engagement solutions. Dynamics 365’s ability to adapt and respond to changing needs is set to create boundless opportunities.

INNOVATION AWARD FOR THE METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES BOARD

“We are excited to unlock the new capability that a modern and progressive solution provides,” said SMCT’s Chief Digital Officer James Balazs. “Our vision is to enable our people to deliver a seamless and integrated customer experience, now and into the future.”

SMCT is committed to guiding families through the most important, long-term decisions they will need to make when a loved one passes away. With Dynamics 365 and Business Central, they will have the tools to achieve their long-term strategic goals, further enabling them to carry out their mission of serving the community in the most efficient way possible.

For more information on Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, please visit their website at www.smct.org.au.

QUALITY &

RELIABILITY when it’s needed most.

With potential to last for over 25 years, the Imerial Lowering Device is respected for it’s high-grade stainless steel, brass and polished aluminium construction which assures quality of performance.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR’S

MODEL

A space-saving device with long rails that are designed to break apart and fold to ease singleperson use.

A COMPACT ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR CHAPEL & HEARSE NEEDS

Available colours: Silver, Gold & Bronze

Our new HA+ Church Truck presents great durability and easy cleaning with it’s polished, anodized aluminium build. It is equipped with four folding handles to pass in narrow places and features three sizes of extension. All four wheels are 150mm in diameter with a non-slip anti-noise coating.

IMPERIAL CEMETERY MODEL

A simple device with removable telescopic rails lengthwise. Rubber-covered rollers aid pallbearers in smoothly positioning the casket over the device.

hyqual@bigpond.com www.hyqual.com 31 Enterprise St, Caloundra QLD, 4551

AND

RENTAL CHARGES APPLY

*Terms and Conditions

Offer: Order Bulk LPG to receive 1 year fixed pricing and 10% price beat on Bulk LPG.

Eligibility: Offer applies to new Supagas Bulk LPG 190kg and 210kg customers ordering for the first time. Fixed pricing is subject to signing a Bulk Gas Supply Agreement and credit application. Excludes vessels and formula customers.

Pricing: Discount applies to gas price on first order only, calculated by price per litre based on competitor invoice issued in the last 3 months. Rental charges apply. Discount does not apply to rental. Supagas retains ownership of the cylinders.

Delivery: Free delivery within delivery area of Supagas branches. Contact your nearest Supagas branch for more information.

Availability: Offer is valid until 31 August 2023, from all participating Supagas branches. Offer is not available via agents, dealers or distributors. Cannot be used with other discount or offers.

MARYBOROUGH MONUMENTAL CEMETERY - 150 YEARS

The Maryborough Monumental Cemetery is administered by the Fraser Coast Regional Council. Established in 1873, the cemetery is commemorating 150 years of providing funeral service.

When it opened in June 1873, it was the third cemetery for the Queensland city.The second cemetery, located on Kent St had filled faster than expected as due to the rapid movement of people to the township. Council obtained the land on Walker Street for a new cemetery in 1871 and it opened in 1873.

When the Kent Street cemetery closed it was converted into a garden which is now referred to as the Elizabeth Park Rose Gardens (named in honour of the visit to Australia by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954).

The new cemetery on Walker St was divided into religious portions as was common practice, using various religious denominations, including Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterians, Wesleyans and the Lutherans.

The total number of burials to date is 19,521.A feature of the cemetery is the Mortuary Chapel, designed by architect Willoughby Powell, which was built 10 years after its opening in 1883.

The Chapel is prominently sited at the intersection of two principal axes within the cemetery which is laid out on a simple grid plan with a series of intersecting lanes and walkways separating the denominational sections.

The lanes are lined with established trees and other trees and plantings are found within the burial sections.

The chapel is unique and unusual representing nineteenth century extravagant appearance and has been listed on the State Heritage Register, the Register of the National Estate, the Register of the National Trust of Queensland, the Queensland Heritage Register and the Fraser Coast Regional Council Local Heritage Register.

Queensland Policeman Tommy King, who was part of the group of indigenous trackers who pursued Ned Kelly to Glenrowan Station, is buried in the cemetery. Tommy had returned to the Maryborough region before Ned Kelly was captured. He passed away peacefully on K’gari (Fraser Island).

CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES AT MACARTHUR MEMORIAL PARK

The architecturally distinctive chapel will complement the landscape with natural materials of sandstone and timber, and open to views of the surrounding gardens and water features. The chapel has been designed to accommodate both large and more intimate funerals.

Construction commenced in December 2022 on a world-class memorial and botanic parkland destination at Macarthur Memorial Park in south-west Sydney. Landscaped over 113 hectares of open space at Varroville, the new memorial park has been conceived as a whole-of-community sanctuary where visitors can gather, relax, and reflect.

The memorial park will accommodate 136,000 burial plots over the coming 100 years, responding to the acute need for space in Sydney’s rapidly growing and diverse multi-cultural population.

A recent State government report found that if there is no change to existing cremation and grave occupancy rates, cemetery capacity in metropolitan Sydney for Jews and Muslims would be exhausted in the next five years.

The former CEO of Catholic Cemeteries + Crematoria (CCC), Peter O’Meara who has been planning this development for several years said “We are delighted to commence the construction of these new botanic parklands, which will feature facilities for the local community such as lakes, walking tracks and a café, creating a place of peace and reflection for the whole community.

“We will be adopting a successful overseas model where memorial parklands are now quiet and beautiful places of recreation

for all the family, with groves of trees, lakes, and open space. For all intents and purposes, they are not cemeteries but beautiful open spaces.

“We will ensure that the burial plots are discreetly positioned inside bush-lined enclosures and the interment practices and beliefs of all religious and cultural groups are respected, with a state-of-the-art chapel and function centre” he added.

Chairman of the Muslim Cemeteries Board, Mr Kazi Ali said the lack of burial space has created a real crisis for his community and the new multi-faith cemeteries are long overdue.

“Our cemetery space is close to capacity and with the Muslim community forecast to continue growing over the coming decades, new cemeteries like the Macarthur Memorial Park are critical.” Mr Ali said.

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies also welcomed the start of construction, stating the Jewish community was projected to run out of graves available for purchase in Sydney within a few years, and the new cemetery will provide for our community’s burial needs at least until the end of the century.

CCC have appointed Paynter Dixon for the design and construction of six new buildings to accommodate cemetery and recreational uses, including a multidenominational chapel, function room, café and workshop, gatehouse and plant and maintenance building.

James Boyd, Executive Chairman of Paynter Dixon, said the company was privileged to support CCC in the delivery of this landmark project. “Macarthur Memorial Park is testament to the longterm vision of CCC in caring for the future communities of western Sydney.”

“Numerous religious communities have already welcomed the memorial park as a significant step in resolving their burial needs as existing cemeteries reach their capacity.

“Our shared commitment to quality and innovation will underpin the delivery of this unique memorial and parkland destination which the local community is bound to cherish for generations to come.”

Lauren Hardgrove, the recently appointed CEO of CCC also expressed her enthusiasm, “Catholic Cemeteries is delighted to partner with Paynter Dixon in the delivery of innovative and sustainable memorial and recreational facilities at Macarthur Memorial Park.”

“CCC recognised the critical shortage of burial space several years ago and is the only cemetery operator to secure new burial land to ensure affordable choices for families and communities in Sydney.

“Macarthur Memorial Park will set a new standard for memorial parks by providing communities with world-class facilities and unique public spaces, including a sculpture park, historical walkways and community gardens.”

ACCA MEMBERSHIP

And Crematoria, Industry Corporates And Businesses!

ACCA NEWS Complimentary to all Members

The ACCA News magazine is published 4 times per year, and is dedicated to thecemeteries and crematoria industry in Australasia. Via print and electronic distribution, the readership is estimated to be over 2,000 within Australia and also internationally.

The only magazine in Australia dedicated to the Cemeteries and Crematoria industry, it also promotes the latest in innovation, safe work practices, industry equipment and also events designed to help communicate the message of memorialisation and comfort to our communities.

ACCA News Advertising

Advertising in this publication is the ultimate way to promote your business or services to the cemeteries and crematoria industry and to increase your exposure. If you are interested in advertising in the ACCA News please contact the Secretariat on (03) 9863 6914 or email: admin@accaweb.com.au

ACCA News Contributions

ACCA also uses its magazine to encourage members to contribute summaries of interesting events or information pertaining to our industry that you believe other members would find beneficial. Please feel free to forward your articles to us for consideration of inclusion in the ACCA News.

To Order Additional Copies

To order additional copies, of ACCA News please contact the Secretariat or download a form at: accaweb.com.au/publications/accanews LIFE

ARE YOU READY TO BECOME A MEMBER?

Full Memberships, Corporate Memberships and Affiliate Memberships Available. Contact the Secretariat today or download an application form from the website: accaweb.com.au/about/join-acca

ACCA SECRETARIAT:

Suite North 1 / 215 Bell St, Preston VIC 3072 Australia

T: +61 3 9863 6914 F: +61 3 9863 6901

E: admin@accaweb.com.au

W: accaweb.com.au

The Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA) is a non-profit professional organisation that exists to provide leadership, professional services and development, communication and networking platforms to the cemetery and crematorium industry.

Lawrie Miller OAM

Brendan O'Connor

Tony O’Connor (Dec)

Greg Taylor (Dec)

Darryl Thomas OAM

INDUSTRY EVENTS 2023

We are increasingly becoming an international/global business community. The following is a snapshot of the industry conferences and seminars we have been informed of for 2023. Web links to the organisations are below. If you would like further contact details of any of the organisations listed, please contact the Secretariat Office..

Some of the events listed on this page may be cancelled or postponed. Please contact each organisation directly if you have any uncertainty or questions.

ACCA

Mid Year Training & Education Seminar

4-5 May 2023

Oaks Oasis Resort, Caloundra QLD

Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition

22-25 October 2023

Pullman Hotel, Albert Park, Melbourne, VIC

CCAV

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria

Country Conference

8-10 March 2023 - Ballarat, VIC

CCAWA

Cemeteries Crematoria Association of WA

AGM & one Day Seminar

30-31 March 2023 - Perth, WA

CCASA

Cemeteries Crematoria Association of SA Conference

November 2023 (exact dates & location TBA)

CCANSW

Cemeteries Crematoria Association of NSW Conference

18-19 May 2023

Liverpool Catholic Club, Sydney NSW

NFDA

National Funeral Directors Association (USA)

10-13 September 2023

Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, USA

NZCCC

New Zealand Cemeteries & Crematoria Collective Conference

9-10 May 2023 - Wellington, NZ

ICCFA

International Cemetery, Creation & Funeral Association

Annual Convention & Exposition

16-19 May 2023 - Kansas City, USA

WEBSITES

ACCA accaweb.com.au

AFE asiafuneralexpo.com

AIE aieptyltd.org

AFDA afda.org.au

CANA cremationassociation.org

CASA cemeteriessa.com.au

CCANSW ccansw.org.au

CCAV ccav.org.au

CSGB cremation.org.uk

Devota devota.at

FBCA fbca.org.uk

FDA (NSW) fdansw.com.au

FDANZ fdanz.org.nz

FIAT-IFTA thanos.org

ICF int-crem-fed.org

ICCFA iccfa.com

ICCM iccm-uk.com

MBNA monumentbuilders.org

NAFD (UK) nafd.org.uk

NFDA nfda.org

NFDA (RSA) nfda.org.za

NFDA (Aus) nfda.com.au

NZCCC nzcemeteriescrematoria.co.nz

TanExpo tanexpo.com

MEMBER NEWS

AFDA REPORT

Australian Funeral Directors Association

As the new National President of AFDA, I am very proud to present my first report. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and thank immediate Past President Adrian Barrett for his leadership over the last two years. Adrian’s dedication and commitment never waivered during his term, leading AFDA admirably while working on numerous projects and initiatives in a collaborative and innovative way during what has been a challenging time for our industry and for AFDA.

Adrian’s ability to concisely, yet gently, share our messages with the general public meant our stories were more visible and he was able to educate the public about best practice. The importance and value of the funeral was front of mind in everything Adrian did, bringing transparency to the narrative and also showing the human side behind the role.

I start my term as AFDA National President on an incredible foundation with the titans of industry behind me including my Dad, John Scott, himself an AFDA Past National President, Life Member and Life Councillor who introduced me to such a strong and supportive community that has embraced and nurtured my passion, and has now given me the opportunity to do the same for others.

I would like to acknowledge the National Executive who will be working with me for the next two years. Asha Dooley as Senior Vice President, Deanne McLeod as new Junior Vice President and James MacLeod as National Treasurer.

The AFDA has many challenges ahead and thanks to our Funeral Industry Data Hub we have been able to collate some incredible information so that we can focus on the needs of our members and our stakeholders as we face these challenges. My forthcoming two years will be focussed on responding to these needs, particularly through education and training which was an overwhelming request coming from this data. Developing education and training opportunities can strengthen our membership on multiple levels.

Attracting good people to work in funeral care and retaining these key staff is an enormous challenge and one of AFDA’s biggest initiatives in the coming year to combat this challenge is to implement an online Funeral Learning Hub. Career satisfaction comes when people feel valued and are invited on the journey. Education and training are key to this. Seen through the media and public lens this investment in our people can also set us apart.

AFDA has been hard at work behind the scenes, actively participating in government inquiries and growing our membership so that we are the Association of choice when it comes to responding to media and working with government departments. My goal for the next two years is to harness these strengths so that the general public can easily identify an AFDA Member and what that difference means. I want the public to know when they choose an AFDA Member they are choosing an experienced, educated and passionate professional to look after their loved one.

Thank you to the ACCA members who joined us for the 2023 AFDA National Convention in Canberra. After three long years it was wonderful to finally come together with members and industry colleagues and celebrate what we do. The AFDA National Convention is also the time that we recognise and award some of our highest honours and I congratulate Past Presidents Allan Piddington and Bernardine Brierty on being awarded the honour of Life Membership of AFDA, two very deserving recipients who have devoted a great deal of time to our Association.

It’s been an exciting start to 2023 and I look forward to meeting and connecting with many ACCA members during my term as AFDA National President.

be the opportunity to ask questions and participate in an open forum discussion with Sach, before all delegates will board the buses to the Kulangoor Cemetery for a tour of the cemetery grounds and a presentation by representatives from the Sunshine Coast Council. Kulangoor Cemetery is currently undergoing a review of their Master Plan, and details of this plan will be shared with delegates followed by an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Regards

Kelly Scott National President

As ACCA President Lauren Hardgrove mentioned in her Presidents Report earlier in this edition of ACCA News, Lauren and I recently attended the Annual Convention of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) in Canberra, ACT. Like many associations, the AFDA had been waiting nearly 3 years to hold their marquee education and networking event for their members and the wider funeral industry, and I was pleased to see that the program was informative and the convention well attended by AFDA members and other industry stakeholders.

ACCA CEO Chris Harrington with AFDA Master Funeral Director Warwick Hansen OAM

STATE REPORT

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Western Australia

The Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of Western Australia held their annual one-day seminar and AGM on Friday, 31st March 2023 at the Joondalup Resort, Connolly a northern suburb of the Perth metropolitan area.

The seminar titled ”We Remember Them…” was an overwhelming success, the first well attended seminar in a few years following on from the effects of Covid-19.

44 local shires and cemetery boards were represented from throughout the state of WA and delegates included Admin, outdoor staff, funeral directors, monumental masons and operational staff.

Maintaining a strong relationship with our funeral director colleagues is an important part of our work in cemeteries & crematoria. It is important that we communicate openly and regularly with our local funeral directors to ensure that our mutual client families get the best possible service at a most difficult time of their lives.

The CCAWA Board made the decision to include a tour of the War Cemetery and Garden of Remembrance at Karrakatta which proved to be a very moving experience. Scott Rogers, Stella Muspratt and Janice Hasler assisted in the tour and provided information on the history of the cemetery before delegates moved on to the crematorium at Karrakatta where delegates had the opportunity to view the newly installed Facultatieve Technologies cremators. Chris Carter from MCB was on hand to answer questions and give a full run down on the cremators and ash processors in operation at the time of the visit.

TREASURER: Peter Tomlinson - Albany Cemetery Board

DIRECTOR: Gaye Newton - Kalgoorlie Boulder Cemetery Board

DIRECTOR: Ben Mustard - Metropolitan Cemeteries Board

DIRECTOR: Wendy Russell - Shire of Narrogin

DIRECTOR: Melissa Marcon - Shire of Wongan-Ballidu

There were nine major sponsor presentations together with updates from AFDA and ACCA throughout the day. This year the CCAWA Board were in awe of the amount of sponsorship at both Major and Minor levels and are grateful to each and every one of them. Their ongoing support allows the Board to run a successful seminar which was once again evident from feedback received this year.

Goss a past funeral director spoke on the importance of burial and cremation registers, Baqir Al Asadi from GBG Group spoke on Radar ground penetrations, Kathlene Oliver, CEO of MCB gave an overview of the cremation process, Scott Rogers and Stella Muspratt followed on with a report from the War Cemetery tour and Garden of Remembrance after the tour on Thursday and Christine McGrath from the City of Busselton concluded the day with a presentation on memorialisation and options available to assist families and also allow the opportunity to increase revenue from the sale of memorials in cemeteries for their organisations.

The Peter MacLean Award for 2023 was presented by Peter himself to Melissa Marcon from the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu in the wheatbelt. Melissa is passionate about her work and the service she provides to families in a time of need. Melissa now has the opportunity to attend ACCA in Melbourne. Thanks to the support of ACCA and CCAWA Major Sponsors.

On return to the resort by coach, delegates enjoyed a barbeque dinner followed by a trip down memory lane with some fun networking games that everyone was able to participate in and share the humour.

ACCA Chief Executive Officer Chris Harrington attended the Annual General Meeting and One Day Seminar for the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Western Australia (CCAWA) at the Joondalup Resort and Conference Centre in Perth on March 30-31. Chris presented an update to delegates on the activities and projects that ACCA has been working on for members and the broader industry for the past 12 months, and also participated in the presentation of the annual Peter Maclean Award.

Friday saw the official seminar opening, General meeting and AGM with the election of office bearers:

The Keynote presenter this year was Sarah Barclay representing the Ivy Barclay Foundation Inc. Sarah is Ivy’s mother from Busselton in WA where Ivy, aged 9 years was killed in very tragic circumstances almost two years ago. Sarah shared the family’s journey speaking of all the hurdles they had encountered from the time Ivy was found unresponsive in the back yard to having to pay $40,000.00 out of their own pocket to have Ivy’s Dad, Simon be flown back to Perth from a working trip to Kununurra and more.

Regrettably the CCAWA Board farewelled Brad Smith from the position of President which Brad has held for the last four years. Brad was instrumental in upgrading the CCAWA Website, his knowledge commendable, as was his compassion and empathy for the industry. The CCAWA incoming President and Board of Directors wish Brad well for the future.

The CCAWA Board for 2023/24 are:

PRESIDENT: Christine McGrath - City of Busselton

SECRETARY: Anne Dixon - Bunbury Cemetery Board

The Peter Maclean award is an award presented on an annual basis to ‘any employee of a CCAWA member who has performed above and beyond the call of duty in providing excellence in customer service.’ It is presented in recognition of Peter Maclean, who was a past CEO of Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB), ACCA Association President & Life

The Foundation has been set up to allow for support to be available for families facing a similar situation and to one day be in the position to build a retreat for families requiring time out. Sarah did herself, her family and especially Ivy proud as she stood composed enough to share their journey.

Other presentations on the day were from Fiona Hurst at Footprint Training who took delegates on a journey of the trials and disbeliefs of grave safety, Jodie

The CCAWA President and Board of Directors thank everyone for the attendance and support at the seminar especially those who made the commitment to travel for the event. It was great to see so many sponsors in person attend this year together with special guests from interstate and within WA.

Planning will begin shortly for the 2024 seminar, so watch this space so that you can mark the date in your diaries.

Lauren Hardgrove at the AFDA Conference

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

STATE REPORT

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria

‘We are better together’

This year’s conference was themed ‘We are better together,’ and each of the sessions was included to further explore the reasons why.

This year, 130 people across 33 cemeteries attended the conference, which was held in Ballarat at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre.

The delegates enjoyed either a tour of Ballarat cemetery or tours of Linton, Smythesdale and Buninyong cemeteries and a welcome evening at the Hop Temple Brewery.

Ballarat Cemetery Historic Tour

The program included several informative and topical speakers to connect guests to new ideas, new methods, solutions to existing challenges, and key contacts to support each cemetery and crematoria moving into 2023 and beyond.

The second day of the conference commenced with Wadawurrung elder and traditional owner Aunty Joy Oldaker providing a welcome to country in the Wadawurrung language.

Cr Des Hudson OAM, Mayor of the City of Ballarat, welcomed guests to the conference and spoke of the importance of cemeteries as sites of memory as well as places for research.

He encouraged conference guests to get out and explore Ballarat and thanked the CCAV for their important work.

Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health was unable to be with us, but sent a video thanking cemetery trusts for continuing their work with families, especially during the difficulties of the last two years. She also thanked the CCAV for hosting the conference.

A presentation to Rita Woolley from Eltham Cemetery who retired after 35 years’ service, and our immediate past President Judith Voce who is also retiring from the

sector, we would like to thank them for their significant services and wish them all the best in the future.

The day was full of presentations and information from our Platinum partners.

Nicole McDonald, Manager Cemetery Governance Support Unit.

The Program and Registration details for the 2023 ACCA Mid-Year Education Seminar has been distributed to ACCA members and the broader industry. The program is an excellent one and will address the important issues around how we and our staff can provide an empathetic and efficient service to bereaved families whilst ensuring we remain aware of our own mental health and use the skills gained through this education to ensure we look after ourselves and each other.

Key Note Speaker Paul Taylor gave an animated talk on how to become your best self through a range of holistic measures including simple nutrition, optimised exercise, routine, and positive self-talk. A key message was: “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

So in signing off on this report I hope that 2023 has started off positively for you and thank you for your support of your association.

Sessions on Cyber Security, Vegetation Overlays and their impact, Social media, Split sessions on Customer experience with cemetery management systems, users of OpusXenta, Plot Box, Chronicle and excel spreadsheets, and The Public Records Office of Victoria shared the requirements of the management of cemetery public records and what happens when we no longer need the physical records.

Lauren Hardgrove ACCA President

Keynote speaker and Cultural Anthropologist Dr Hannah Gould challenged each table to pitch a project with the following parameters: You have been given $500k and 3 years. How would you study “a good death” in Australia?

STATE REPORT

CORPORATE SPONSORS 2023

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria

Dr Gould works with the Death Tech Research team at University of Melbourne, and has been recently working with the Australian Death Studies Society.

And finally, stand-up comedian, author, radio and television presenter Cal Wilson provided some light entertainment - based on her shopping experience around the trade show.

BRONZE SPONSORS

Dinner and Entertainment was held at Sovereign Hill. Amongst us we had an Armed Robber of the State Bank of (CCA) Victoria. Annie de Jong and a Highway Robber – Rita Woolley

Day Three continued the theme of Key Note speakers and industry partners

and trust requirements. She gave an overview of relevant definitions and discussed obligations that commonly arise in the management of memorials. She also outlined how trusts could protect themselves in relation to claims from damaged memorials. Several interesting questions arose from this presentation, indicating that this was a sensitive issue for many.

PAST PRESIDENTS HONOUR LIST

C Ashton Shirley

October 1985 - June 1987

Graeme MacGill

Ange Elson unpacked the meaning of reconciliation, and discussed the benefits of having a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in place for inclusion and diversity. She also spoke about what it takes to be better than our ancestors, and the kinds of work that needs to be done for true change to happen. A key message was “Find where the energy is.”

June 1987 - October 1987

Ian Roddick

October 1987 - October 1990

Kevin Crowden (Dec)

October 1990 - October 1993

David Blake OAM

October 1993 - October 1997

Leah Slee led guests on a guided tour of the trade room to introduce conference sponsors and allow each business to showcase their products or services. Leah encouraged guests to enter competitions on offer and collect brochures and other promotional materials to review after the conference.

Peter MacLean AM PSM JP

Annie De Jong gave a presentation on sustainability strategies that Ballarat Cemeteries had in place to be kinder to the environment. She discussed water management, the solar battery back-up system, the conversion of fuel-driven plant to electric, and investigations into green gas and new methods of water capture. She also talked about some of the challenges associated with going green, and encouraged those interested in making their cemeteries more sustainable to choose a project – any project – to kick off their journey toward a greener future.

like. Trusts were encouraged to participate in ongoing training, and to engage with the many free online resources available.

The final presentation of the conference was from keynote speaker and town planner and urban designer Jenny Donovan. Jenny shared information about inclusive design, the impact that the design of spaces can have on people’s lives, and how cemeteries can be designed to meet the needs of their communities more thoughtfully.

Annie De Jong closed the conference by thanking sponsors and partners and the Committee of Management for their help and support

October 1997 - October 1999

Senior Associate - Corporate from Lander & Rogers Kate McGurk provided an update on memorial permit applications

Marita Ryan and Mandy McDonald offered their expertise in how to manage disagreement and conflict around a trust or board table, together they offered general advice on good governance, approaches to dealing with tricky situations that arise, and what a healthy board or trust should look

The atmosphere of the conference was positive, and levels of guest engagement were high. We are looking forward to reviewing guest feedback and continuing conversations inspired by conference topics.

STATE REPORT

Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of New South Wales

The membership committee have been encouraged by the volume of non-member registrations for the upcoming CCANSW conference in May 2023. With our existing and potential members being located widely across NSW and further afield, this continues to show the reach of CCANSW and the opportunities for operators of all sizes and geographic locations.

The May conference is a return of our special Trade Show after the events of the last few years.

Sponsors and exhibitors are locked in including a special field trip to Rookwood, one of the best locations to showcase contemporary operations, future planning, heritage awareness and the current best machines on offer to make our work safer and provide a better service to our communities and families who rely on us. Be sure to check the CCANSW web for the conference details www.ccansw.org.au

CCANSW has kicked off what is a full year of training ahead. The start of our comprehensive calendar had a safety focus commencing in February with a 2-day Cemetery Safety course in regional NSW and then the first of our new online Cemetery Safety Refresher training. Another online session of our popular Cemetery Clients and their needs also ran in March. A further 2-day Cemetery Safety course is scheduled for Sydney in April. There is lots to book into your calendar that is really targeted at the improvement of cemetery operations.

We have a range of training options and dates available across the 2023 year including;

• Accidental Counsellor, Managing Conflict and Self Care / Burnout Prevention

• Cemetery Clients and their Needs

• Religious and Cultural Beliefs and Practices

• Cemetery Safety

• Cemetery Safety Refresher

• and keep an eye out for anything new popping up later in the year

With the commencement of the NSW Interment Industry Scheme this year, these training options provide a great framework to assist operators with knowledge, skills, and support during this process.

Please contact us at training@ccansw.org. au for information on upcoming courses or if you have any specific training needs.

Being a dynamic industry Association all the Board members and our secretariate welcome feedback. You can reach us via the secretary at secretary@ccansw.org.au

ACCA BRANDED HI-VIZ VESTS HAVE ARRIVED!

With the increase in activity within the grounds of Australian cemeteries & memorial gardens, it’s important for your staff able to provide a clear and presence for all visitors to cemetery.

The ACCA branded Hi-Viz provide high visibility, and reflective strips across the making your staff easily seen all, as they coordinate the movement of people around cemetery.

Stocks of the Hi-Viz vests are now in stock in all sizes from Small up to 2XL. The vests only available to ACCA Members and are only $10 each.

FT cremators are not

only

To order your stocks now, complete and send the order form via email to admin@ accaweb.com.au An invoice be sent to you on receipt of order.

Facultatieve Technologies (FT) with over 140 years of experience in cremation is the international market leader in the design,

Our products meet the most stringent environmental legislation and we offer cremation solutions worldwide together with a full range of cremation equipment including coffin loaders, cr

In addition, our dedicated customer care department offers full view any problems remotely and often solve them without the need for an engineer to attend site.

Facultatieve Technologies gives advice and support on the whole cremation process. Our product range is extensive and we are therefore able to supply the ideal product in any situation. Facultatieve Technologies provides excellent support and maintenance services anywhere in the world.

FT is part of ‘the Facultatieve Group’ and benefits from knowledge and experience of cremation dating back to 1874.

the most advanced but also the most c

INNSTALLLED first flue gas abatement system in Australia

ACCA STRATEGIC PLAN REVIEW

BROCHURES

HAVE YOU GOT YOURS?

The quality-print brochures ACCA produces offer cemeteries a way to inform their customers of the subjects of memorial and cremation in a take-home brochure. Our members find this extremely valuable in conveying to members of the public this sensitive, and sometimes complex, information in the form of reading material that can be provided to customers, where they may absorb the information at home and make informed decisions about the services they wish to undertake.

ALSO AVAILABLE HANDBOOK ON CREMATION

Once the interviews and surveys have been conducted, we will provide all ACCA Members with a full summary of the results, and a copy of the revised Strategic Plan so that you can keep it on hand as a reminder of our commitment to you as an ACCA Member.

The Commemorative publication for the 75th anniversary of the International Cremation Federation (ICF) Editor, Dr.Rolf Lichtner

HOW TO ORDER

When the time comes for you to provide your feed-back I strongly encourage you participate. Together we can keep supporting each other, and ensure that our industry and association remains at the forefront of our constantly evolving industry.

Please visit our webpage at accaweb.com.au/publications/resources to download the Order Forms. Simply complete and return to this office where our friendly staff are waiting to process your order.

Order Today!

the way I lead, fostering trust and respect across the organsiation.

What are some notable/unique differences in this role compared to your previous role?

The hazards of the job would be a notable / unique difference to my previous role. Before joining the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board I was an Assistant Director General at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage. We did not work with the same kinds of hazards that you experience in a working cemetery, having got first hand experience of this after falling into a grave week 2 in the job!

What are some things that are on your ‘bucket list’?

I would love to travel to Africa and go on safari, experiencing the big cats in their natural environment. I would also love to go hot air ballooning.

What do you love to do away from work when you have time?

I have an uber talented (ok I am biased) border collie that consumes my spare time away from work. I have trained her to track a human scent (to help find lost people) and am actively involved in helping other people to teach their dog’s this sport and to judge a dog’s abilities.

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

MANAGING DATA DURING A CRISIS

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Besi Belalis

Locked Bag 5123, Parramatta, NSW 2124

e: besi.belalis@cemeteries.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 9842 8473

Mark Forgie

PO Box 711, Gawler, SA 5118

e: bookings@northernrc.com.au

p: (08) 8522 1734

Lucy Millena

26 Westfield Street Earlwood, NSW 2206

e: msmillena@yahoo.com.au

p: (03) 9787 6993

ASSOCIATE FELLOW

Warwick Hansen

16 Akala Avenue, Forster NSW 2428

e: warwick@warwickhansen.com.au

p: 0418 421 421

EMERITUS FELLOW MEMBERS

Lynwood Davis

VIC, Australia

e: lhd1952@bigpond.net.au

p: 0419 321 993

Shirley Cooke

VIC, Australia

e: shrlcooke11@gmail.com

FULL MEMBERS

NEW SOUTH WALES

Broulee Memorial Gardens

195 Broulee Rd, Broulee NSW 2537

p: (02) 4471 5867

w: www.bmgc.com.au

Castlebrook Memorial Park

712-746 Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill NSW 2155

p: (02) 9629 1477

w: www.castlebrook.com.au

Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

Level 2/11 Murray Rose Ave, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127

e: enquiries@catholiccemeteries.com.au

p: (02) 8713 5700

Cessnock City Council

PO Box 152, Cessnock, NSW 2325

e: cemetery@cessnock.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 4993 4300

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Camden Valley Way, Leppington NSW 2179

p: (02) 9606 5822

w: www.forestlawn.com.au

InvoCare Australia Pty Limited

Level 5, 40 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW 2060

e: info@invocare.com.au

p: (02) 9978 5200

Lake Macquarie Memorial Park

405 Cessnock Rd, Ryhope NSW 2283

p: (02) 4950 5727

w: www.lakemacquariecrem.com.au

Lakeside Memorial Park

230 Kanahooka Rd, Kanahooka NSW 2530

p: (02) 4261 1200

w: www.lakesidecrem.com.au

Lincoln Grove Memorial Gardens & Crematorium

1040 Gunnedah Road, Tamworth NSW 2340

e: info@lincolngrove.com.au

p: (02) 6760 7471

Lismore Memorial Gardens Crematorium & Cemeteries

PO Box 23A, Lismore, NSW 2480

e: council@lismore.nsw.gov.au

p: 1300 878 387

Lithgow City Council

PO Box 19, Lithgow, NSW 2790

e: council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 6354 9999

Logan & Co Funeral Service

PO Box 15, Narrabri, NSW 2390

e: timlogan@loganco.com.au

p: (02) 6799 1322

Mackay Family Funerals & Crematorium

PO Box 89, Ourimbah, NSW 2258

e: admin@mackayfunerals.com

p: (02) 4362 2733

Melaleuca Station Memorial Gardens

9394 Tweed Valley Way, Chinderah NSW 2487

e: wes@heritagebrothers.com.au

p: (02) 6674 3777

Newcastle Memorial Park

176 Anderson Dr, Beresfield NSW 2322

p: (02) 4944 6000

w: www.newcastlecrem.com.au

Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens & Crematorium

199 Delhi Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

p: (02) 9887 2033

w: www.northernsuburbscrem.com.au

Pinegrove Memorial Park

Kington St, Minchinbury NSW 2770

p: (02) 9625 8066

w: www.pinegrovecrem.com.au

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council

PO Box 90, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620

e: anna.corcoran@qprc.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 6285 6183

Rookwood Memorial Gardens & Crematorium

Memorial Ave, Rookwood NSW 2141

p: (02) 9746 8945

w: www.rookwoodcrem.com.au

Sapphire City Crematorium

Lots 1-4 Ashford Road, Inverell, NSW 2360

e: phorder@horderfamilyfunerals.com.au

p: (02) 6732 5911

Shoalhaven City Council -

Shoalhaven Bereavement Services

PO Box 42, Nowra, NSW 2541

e: charmaine.Schembri@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 4429 5788

Tweed Heads Memorial Gardens

176 Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486

p: (07) 5524 2428

w: www.tweedheadscrem.com.au

Tweed Shire Council

PO Box 816, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484

muck. Her journey home was an ordeal, one that began in a car, then turned to foot, including leaps across bridges and aftershocks rolling through.

e: cemeteries@tweed.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 6670 2400

Walkers Crematorium

75 Smith Street, Kempsey NSW 2440

e: rbwalkerpl@gmail.com

p: (02) 6562 4329

Wollondilly Shire Council

PO Box 21, Picton, NSW 2571

e: cemeteries@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au

p: (02) 4677 1100

QUEENSLAND

Albany Creek Memorial Park

400 Albany Creek Road, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035

The coming days were difficult for everyone. Barbara’s house was unliveable after the effects of the earthquake, and while they were lucky to have friends to put them up, the need to act affected not just their personal lives, but their professional ones too. They had cremations scheduled and services booked, and that, coupled with staff who were now dealing with everything from slight damage to homelessness, made each step more difficult and taxing.

p: (07) 3263 3033

w: www.albanycreekcrem.com.au

Allambe Memorial Park

129 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Nerang QLD 4211

p: (07) 5578 1699

w: www.allambe.com.au

Balonne Shire Council

PO Box 201, St George, QLD 4487

e: debbie.green@balonne.qld.gov.au

Fortunately, their records were digitised. While their location had no power, water, or sewage, they were able to relocate to reassess. With their hard drive in hand, Barbara and her team moved to the Harewood location to establish their next steps.

p: (07) 4620 8888

Brisbane City Council Cemeteries & Crematoria

40A Kitchener Road, Kedron, QLD 4031

e: jade.sime@brisbane.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 3178 4144

Eventually, they began to rebuild with support coming from all places in their community. The chapel that had stood for 100 years and protected 200 people that day was reinforced and repaired. The

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

MANAGING DATA DURING A CRISIS

Bundaberg Crematorium and Memorial Park & Branyan Garden ‘Garden of Rest’

PO Box 768, Bundaberg QLD 4670

e: info@brownsfunerals.com.au

p: (07) 4151 3357

Bundaberg Regional Council

91 Takalvan Street, MillBank, Bundaberg, QLD 4670

e: nicholas.burfield@bundaberg.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4130 4477

Burdekin Shire Council

PO Box 974, Ayr, QLD 4807

e: enquiries@burdekin.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4783 9800

Cairns City (Regional) Council

PO Box 152 Cairns QLD 4870

e: regadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4044 3231

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

PO Box 887, Innisfail QLD 4860

e: hayley.accatino@ccrc.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4043 8829

Centenary Memorial Gardens

PO Box 3363, Mt Ommaney, QLD 4074

e: taniahoward@centenarymemorialgardens.com.au

p: (07) 3271 1222

Eco Memorial Park Crematorium

21 Quinns Hill Road West, Stapylton QLD 4207

e: tim@newhavenfunerals.com.au

p: (07) 3807 4111

Darling Downs Cremation Service

PO BOX 7370, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

e: trevor@burstows.com.au

p: (07) 4636 9600

Fraser Coast Regional Council

PO BOX 1943, Hervey Bay, QLD 4655

e: cemeteries@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

p: 1300 794 929

Gladstone Regional Council

PO Box 29, Gladstone, QLD 4680

e: parks@gladstone.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4970 0700

City of Gold Coast

PO Box 5042, Bundall, QLD 4217

Great Southern Memorial Park

1774-1794 Mount Cotton Rd, Carbrook QLD 4130

p: (07) 3829 9999

w: www.greatsoutherncrem.com.au

Gympie Cemetery Trust

93 Cartwright Rd, Gympie, QLD 4570

e: supervisor@gympiecemeterytrust.com.au

p: (07) 5482 2199

Gympie Regional Council

PO Box 155, Gympie, QLD 4570

e: nadia.bannerman@gympie.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 5481 0455

Haigslea Lawn Cemetery

Haigslea Road, Haigslea QLD 4306

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

p: (07) 5464 3145

Heritage Brady Funeral Directors & Crematorium

PO Box 58, Gordonvale, QLD 4865

e: chris@heritagebradyfunerals.com.au

p: (07) 4056 1627

Hinchinbrook Shire Council

PO Box 366 Ingham QLD 4850

e: vrusso@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4776 4607

Ipswich City Council

1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich QLD 4305

e: graham.schultz@ipswich.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 3810 7680

Ipswich Crematorium

12 Anderson Day Drive, Willowbank QLD 4306

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

p: (07) 5464 3145

Ipswich General Cemetery

Cnr Warwick Rd & Cemetery Road, Ipswich QLD 4305

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

p: (07) 5464 3145

Livingstone Shire Council

PO Box 2292, Yeppoon, QLD 4703

e: cemeteries@livingstone.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4913 5000

Lockyer Valley Regional Council

PO Box 82 Gatton, QLD 4343

Moreton Bay Crematorium & Memorial Park

644 Morayfield Road, Burpengary QLD 4505

e: rdrummond@traditionalfunerals.com.au

p: 1300 018 183

Moreton Bay Regional Council

PO Box 159, Caboolture, QLD 4510

e: darren.meinen@moretonbay.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 3205 0555

Mount Isa City Council

PO Box 815, Mount Isa, QLD 4825

e: city@mountisa.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4747 3200

Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens

329 Nursery Rd, Holland Park QLD 4121

p: (07) 3349 2001

w: www.mtthompsoncrem.com.au

Noosa Shire Council

PO Box 141, Tewantin, QLD 4565

e: troy.andreassen@noosa.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 5329 6454

Norwood Park Pty Ltd, Operating as Ipswich Cemeteries

PO Box 4206, Raceview QLD 4305

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

p: (07) 5464 3145

Nudgee Cemetery & Crematorium

493 St Vincent Road, Nudgee, QLD 4014

e: cemetery@bne.catholic.net.au

p: (07) 3324 3499

Pet Heaven NQ

PO Box 7543, Garbutt BC, QLD 4814

e: manager@petheaven.com.au

p: (07) 4751 3220

Redland City Council

PO Box 21, Cleveland QLD 4163

e: cemetery@redland.qld.gov.au

p: 07 3829 8570

Rockhampton Crematorium

PO Box 3015, North Rockhampton, QLD 4701

e: rockycrem@gmail.com

p: (07) 4928 2126

Rockhampton Regional Council

PO Box 1860, Rockhampton, QLD 4700

e: memorialgardens@rrc.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4934 8374

e: bekelly@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 5582 9021

Great Northern Garden of Remembrance

31-35 Tallowwood Drive, Deception Bay, QLD 4508

e: info@gngor.com.au

p: (07) 3888 6622

Memorial Walls had been destroyed, with ashes and plaques separated in the chaos. Barbara’s son and his friends volunteered to help, collecting the ashes, reuniting them with their plaques, and re-storing them safely. Thankfully, the records were lengthy and intact, and with these and a detailed photo library, the Memorial Walls, too, could be repaired and restored.

e: mailbox@lvrc.qld.gov.au

p: 1300 005 872

Mackay Regional Council

PO BOX 41, Mackay, QLD 4740

e: greg.walton@mackay.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4951 1413

Maryborough Crematorium

140 Adelaide Street, Maryborough, QLD 4650

e: jks1865@bigpond.net.au

p: (07) 4121 4183

Southern Downs Regional Council

PO Box 26, Warwick, QLD 4370

e: mark.mcgowan@sdrc.qld.gov.au

p: 1300 697 372

Stone Quarry Cemetery

Lot 207, Stone Quarry Road, Jeebropilly QLD 4340

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

p: (07) 5464 3145

CONTENTS

Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Locked Bag 72, Sunshine Coast Mail Centre

e: cemeteries@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 5459 2300

Tablelands Regional Council

PO Box 573, Atherton, QLD 4883

e: trcfacilities@trc.qld.gov.au

p: 1300 362 242

Tallegalla Cemetery

Mount Gambier Cemetery Trust

PO Box 56, Mount Gambier, SA 5290

e: cmccombe@mountgambier.sa.gov.au

p: (08) 8725 3099

Payneham & Dudley Park Cemeteries Trust Inc.

Exeter Terrace, Dudley Park, SA 5008

e: dudleypk@adam.com.au

p: (08) 8344 2973

Millingtons Cemeteries

The Cottage, Queens Walk, Cornelian Bay, TAS 7008

e: twhitehead@millingtons.com.au

p: (03) 6278 1244

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Canberra Memorials Parks

(Cemeteries and Crematoria Authority)

PO Box 37, Mitchell, ACT 2913

34

Cover Image: Maryborough Cemetery

Rosewood Marburg Road, Tallegalla QLD 4340

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

p: (07) 5464 3145

Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance

1001 Ruthven St, Toowoomba QLD 4350

p: (07) 4635 4866

w: www.toowoombacrem.com.au

Toowoomba Regional Council

PO Box 3021, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

e: cemeteryofficer@toowoombarc.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4688 6686

Townsville City Council

PO Box 1268 Townsville QLD 4810

e: townsville.cemeteries@townsville.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4727 9330

Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery

12 Anderson Day Drive, Willowbank QLD 4306

e: sue@norwoodpark.com.au

Salisbury Memorial Park (City of Salisbury)

PO Box 8, Salisbury, SA 5108

e: cemetery@salisbury.sa.gov.au

p: (08) 8406 8386

West Coast Memorial Park

e: kerry.mcmurray@act.gov.au

p: (02) 6207 0000

NORTHERN TERRITORY

30 Innovation Award for the MCB

Alice Springs Town Council

34 Maryborough Monumental Cemetery - 150 Years

PO Box 1415, Port Lincoln, SA 5606

e: jennifer@westcoastfunerals.com.au

p: (08) 8684 2001

Yorke Peninsula Council

PO Box 1071, Alice Springs, NT 0871

e: astc@astc.nt.gov.au

p: (08) 8950 0500

35 Construction Commences at Macarthur Memorial Park

37 Industry Events

PO Box 58, Maitland, SA, 5573

e: sue.beech@yorke.sa.gov.au

p: (08) 8823 0000

VICTORIA

Eltham Cemetery Trust

Coomalie Community Government Council

PO BOX 20 Batchelor Northern Territory 0845

e: mail@coomalie.nt.gov.au

p: 08 8976 0058

44 ACCA Cremation & Memorialisation brochures

46 ACCA Member Directory

Thorak Regional Cemetery, Litchfield Shire Council

PO Box 446, Humpty Doo, NT 0836

e: anthony.vanzeeventer@litchfield.nt.gov.au

PO Box 423, Eltham VIC 3095

e: admin@elthamcemetery.com

p: (03) 9432 1963

p: (08) 8947 0903

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Albany Cemetery Board

Geelong Cemeteries Trust

p: (07) 5464 3145

Western Downs Regional Council

PO Box 551, Dalby, QLD 4405

e: info@wdrc.qld.gov.au

p: (07) 4679 4000

Whitsunday Regional Council

PO Box 104, Proserpine, QLD 4800

e: info@whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au

p: 1300 972 753

Woongarra Crematorium

PO Box 2510, Idalia, QLD 4811

e: kyliem@woongarra.net.au

p: (07) 4778 1476

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Anglican Diocese of Adelaide / North Road Cemetery

1A Cemetery Avenue, Nailsworth, SA 5083

e: cemetery@adelaideanglicans.com

p: (08) 8344 1051

Drumminor Gardens Cemetery

61 Golden Grove Road, Ridgehaven, SA 5097

e: brenton@harrisonfunerals.com.au

p: (08) 8396 6451

141 Ormond Road, Geelong East, VIC 3219

e: ah@gct.net.au

p: (03) 5249 3939

Mildura Cemeteries Trust

P.O. Box 105, Mildura VIC 3502

e: danielle.mazzini@mildura.vic.gov.au

p: (03) 5018 8260

Rememberance Parks Central Victoria

P.O. Box 268, Eaglehawk VIC 3556

e: emma.flukes@rpcv.org,au

p: (03) 5446 1566

Rye Cemetery Trust

P.O. Box 754, Rye, VIC 3941

e: ryecemetery@bigpond.com

p: (03) 5985 1343

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust

PO Box 1159, Clayton VIC 3169

e: tina.atkinson@smct.org.au

p: (03) 8558 8204

TASMANIA

Launceston City Council: Carr Villa Memorial Park

PO Box 396, Launceston, TAS 7250

e: carrvilla@launceston.tas.gov.au

p: (03) 6323 3600

PO Box 469, Albany, WA 6330

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2023

e: allambie@iinet.net.au

p: (08) 9844 7766

Bunbury Cemetery Board

ACCA SECRETARIAT Suite North 1, 215 Bell Street

PO Box 1115, Bunbury, WA 6231

e: kristy@bunburycemetery.com.au

p: (08) 9721 3191

Preston, VICTORIA, Australia 3072

p: (03) 9863 6914

City of Busselton

f: (03) 9863 6901

Locked Bag 1, Busselton, WA 6280

e: city@busselton.wa.gov.au

p: (08) 9781 0444

For information on advertising in ACCA News or to contribute content, please contact: Chris Harrington, Editor at: admin@accaweb.com.au

City of Mandurah

PO Box 210, Mandurah, WA 6210

e: council@mandurah.wa.gov.au

p: (08) 9550 3777

Geraldton Cemetery Board

Unless expressly stated the views put forward in ACCA News are not necessarily the considered views or policy of the Association or the Publisher, nor is the Association or the Publisher responsible for the claims of its advertisers.

130 Eastward Road, Geraldton, WA 6530

Graphic Design by Dean O’Brien

e: admin@geraldtoncemetery.com.au

Printed by NEO

p: (08) 9921 2707

Published by ACCA Secretariat

Kalgoorlie - Boulder Cemetery Board

PO Box 79, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430

e: kalg.bld.cemetery@bigpond.com.au

p: (08) 9091 1693

Metropolitan Cemeteries Board

PO Box 53, Claremont, WA 6910

e: kathlene.oliver@mcb.wa.gov.au

p: (08) 9383 5213

Shire of Meekatharra

PO Box 129, Meekatharra, WA 6642

e: dceo@meekashire.wa.gov.au

p: (08) 9980 0600

INTERNATIONAL

Auckland Memorial Park

PO Box 391, Silverdale, Auckland, New Zealand

e: gm@ampl.co.nz

p: 64 9 426 9383

P Day and Son Ltd

41 Nile Street, Nelson, New Zealand 7010

e: bevan@daysfuneralservices.co.nz

p: 64 3 548 2770

Greenworx

2/23 Bearing Road, Seven Hills, NSW 2147

e: john.kalocsai@greenworx.com.au

p: (02) 9676 5110

H. Parsons Pty Ltd

34 Belmore Street, Woolongong, NSW 2500

e: alan@hparsons.com.au

p: (02) 4228 9622

H.N. Olsen Funerals Pty Ltd

691 Old Princess Hwy, Sutherland, NSW 2232

e: service@olsens.com.au

Final Touch Australia

Unit 3/13, Strathwyn St, Brendale, QLD 4500

e: chantelle@finaltouchaustralia.com.au

p: (07) 3889 9607

Hyqual Australia

PO Box 3736, Calaundra, QLD 4551

e: hyqual@bigpond.com

p: (07) 5492 7122

NAOCA Pty Ltd

7/16 Bremner Rd, Rothwell QLD 4022

e: a.medcalf@naoca.com.au

p: (02) 9545 3477

Hickey & Co. Pty Ltd

PO Box 13, Petersham, NSW 2049

e: paul@hickeyandco.com

p: (02) 9564 1888

L.S. Piddington & Sons Pty Ltd

PO Box 4424, Armidale, NSW 2350

Grow new revenue for your cemetery

Purewa Cemetery Trust Board

4a Parsons Road, Meadowbank

Auckland, New Zealand 1071

e: alastaircrombie@purewa.co.nz

p: 64 9 528 5599

CORPORATE MEMBERS

NEW SOUTH WALES

Arciuli - Monumental Building

18 Links Road, St Marys, NSW 2760

e: dominic@arciuli.com.au

p: (02) 9623 8774

Celeste Catering Pty Ltd

5/481 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby NSW 2068

e: annie@celestecatering.com.au

p: (02) 9808 1088

Dodge Australia Pty Ltd

Unit 5, 29 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton, NSW 2170

e: info@themazwellgroup.com.au

p: 1800 506 796

Everlon

Unit 7/1-3 Nicholas St, Lidcombe, NSW 2141

e: info@everlon.com.au

p: (02) 9646 3886

Frank Dimarco & Son Pty Ltd

14 Production Avenue, Kogarah, NSW 2217

e: alf@fgagranite.com.au

p: (02) 9588 5477

Glory Marble & Granite

165 Hume Hwy, Greenacre, NSW 2190

e: mel@glorymarble.com.au

p: (03) 9460 9066

e: allan@piddingtons.com.au

p: (02) 6772 2288

National Granite Pty Ltd

PO Box 183, Sydney Markerts, NSW 2129

e: steve@nationalgranite.com.au

p: (02) 9748 8567

OpusXenta Pty Ltd

Tower 2, Level 14, 101 Grafton St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

e: lea-annm@opusxenta.com

p: 1300 994 835

Phoenix

44 Duke St (PO Box 5), Uralla, NSW 2358

e: orders@phoenixfoundry.com.au

p: (02) 6738 2200

PlotBox

Level 12/64 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 and The ECOS Centre, Kernohans Lane

Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT43 7QA Northern Ireland

e: martin.jackson@plotbox.io

e: laura.oneill@plotbox.io

p: 0401 123 897

p: (02) 7228 7971

Russell Investments

GPO Box 3279, SYDNEY NSW 2001

e: jhampshire@russellinvestments.com

p: (02) 9229 5375

Supagas

5 Benson Road, Ingleburn, NSW 2565

e: sales@supagas.com.au

p: 13 78 72

QUEENSLAND

Callide Dawson Funerals

56 Callide St, Biloela, QLD 4715

e: cdfunerals@bigpond.com

p: (07) 4992 2332

p: 0448 891 060

Office of Australian War Graves

GPO Box 9998, Brisbane, QLD 4001

e: wargraves@dva.gov.au

p: 1800 555 254

Windsong Chimes

1/27 Lysaght Street, Coolum Beach, QLD 4573

e: hello@windsongchimes.com.au

p: (07) 5233 6405

Worssell & Co Pty Ltd

70 Mica Street, Carole Park, QLD 4300

e: michele@worssell.com.au

p: (07) 3271 1544

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Monumental Masons Association of SA Inc

PO Box 10289, Adelaide BC, SA 5000

e: secretary@monumentalassociationsa.com.au

p: 0439 276 461

VICTORIA

Arrow Bronze

22-24 Elliot Road, Dandenong South, VIC 3175

e: hymie.j@arrowbronze.com.au

p: (03) 9794 2922

Austeng Pty Ltd

78-80 Douro Street, North Geelong, VIC 3215

e: lyn@austeng.net.au

p: (03) 5278 2044

Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants 36 Sackville Street, Montmorency  Vic 3094

e: funerals@afcc.com.au

p: 1300 555 875

Choice Energy

Level 6, 580 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3000

e: rebecca@choiceenergy.com.au

p: 1300 304 448

Dearly Plaques & Memorials

PO Box 460, Buninyong, VIC 3357

e: sally@dearly.com.au

p: 0408 999 288

DP Jones & Co

PO Box 486, Kyabram, VIC 3619

e: info@dpjones.com.au

p: (03) 5852 2661

ACCA MEMBER DIRECTORY

Florence Jaquet Landscape Architect

49 May Street, Kew VIC 3101

e: flo@fjla.com.au

p: 0419 983 641

Giannarelli Holdings Pty Ltd

121 Trawalla Avenue, Thomastown VIC 3074

e: ag-sons@iimetro.com.au

p: (03) 9359 2142

JCB Construction Equipment Australia

PO Box 4149, Dandenong South, VIC 3175

e: m.mccann@jcbcea.com.au

p: (03) 9797 3444

John Stonemart Pty Ltd

e: jacky@johnstonemart.com

p: 03 9359 0898

Major Furnace Australia

INTERNATIONAL

Auckland City Council

Private Bag 92300, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

e: nikki.marchant-ludlow@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz

p: +64 9 890 4294

Canterbury Memorial Gardens & Crematorium

P O Box 19795, Woolston

Prestavest Crematorium & Memorial Park

Lot 8517, Jalan Taman Semarak, Pokok

Assam, 34000, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia

e: marketing@prestavest.com.my

p: 605 807 6868

When a loved one passes, What’s left is memories...

Semenyih Memorial Hills Berhad

9A, Jalan SS22/23 Damansara Jaya

47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

e: ckliew.hms@gmail.com

p: 6 3 772 95585

310 Mahoneys Road, Thomastown, VIC 3074

Christchurch 8241, New Zealand

Cremation Society of Canterbury Limited PO Box 398, Christchurch, NZ

e: barbara@cremsoc.co.nz

Shanghai Fu Shou Yuan

When a loved one passes, the grief is real but coupled with grief are the fabulous memories of the life lived

Industrial Group Co Ltd

Room 1306 No88 Cao Xi North Rd, Shanghai, China, 200030

e: shuting@shfsy.com

The moments in time that remain with us forever, the constant reminder of life and love

92 Fairbank Road, Clayton South, VIC 3169

e: andrew.north@majoreng.com.au

p: (03) 8558 1800

Memories Group Limited

p: 64 3 3896 282

Facultatieve Technologies

80 Armstrong Way, Highland Park QLD 4211

p: 86 21 5425 5151

Taiyo Chikuro Industries Co Ltd

6-21 Higashi-koen, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka, Japan

Hamilton Park Cemetery

At Arrow Bronze, we are committed to, and understand the importance of the last loving gesture for your customers loved ones – memorialising and celebrating their life.

Morrinsville Rd, Private Bag 3010, Hamilton 3240 New Zealand

e: michelle.rivers@hcc.govt.nz

e: s-eguchi@taiyochikuro.jp

p: 0 8 92 651 4131

Wellington City Council

Level 2.2, 435 Malvern Road, South Yarra VIC

3141

e: ben.cukier@memories.net

p: 0493 231 867

Morello/ Ashcroft Pty Ltd

Unit 1, 33-35 Commercial Drive, Thomastown, VIC 3074

e: mandyr@cmorello.com.au

p: (03) 9464 1700

Morgans Financial

p: 647 856 9604

Hutt City Council

Private Bag 31912, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

76 Old Karori Road, Wellington, 6012 NZ

e: elizabeth.reddington@wcc.govt.nz

We dedicate ourselves to the highest standards of memorial plaques and appreciate the intense emotion in dedicating these plaques to loved ones

p: (+64) 4 4766 109

Wu Han Chang Le Yuan Cemetery

e: janine.jones@huttcity.govt.nz

p: 02 7620 2470

Maunu Crematorium Ltd

PO Box 8043, Kensington, Whangarei, New Zealand 0145

No. 120 Liuzhi Street Huangpi District

Wuhan City Hubei Province, China

So, each plaque is painstakingly crafted by our dedicated team to the highest possible standard and quality

e: whclyly@163.com

p: 86 27 87163269

Xiao En Memorial Park Bhd

279 Bay Street, Brighton North VIC 3186

e: stuart.doherty@morgans.com.au

p: (03) 9519 3512

Nelson Bros. Funeral Services

PO Box 2237, Footscray, VIC 3011

e: nelsonbros@nelsonbros.com.au

p: (03) 9687 1301

Norwalk Precast Burial Systems

PO Box 595, Seymour, VIC 3661

e: info@norwalk.com.au

p: (03) 5799 0083

qRIP Memories

PO Box 4066, Hopetoun Gardens VIC 3162

e: jeff@qRIPMemories.com.au

p: 0417 592 288

The Minter Group of Companies

17 Park Road, Oakleigh, VIC 3166

e: mandee@rhminter.com.au

p: (03) 9568 6999

e: info@maunucrematorium.co.nz

p: 64 9437 5799

Plaques tailor made to your specific requirements and desires. Plaques that help create your customers living memories

Memorial Park Hong Kong Limited

93 Fo Tan Village Shatin N.T. Hong Kong SAR

e: hsi.general@gmail.com

p: 852 2145 4826

Milne Construction Australia Pty Ltd

Level 7 / 114 Williams Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

e: info@milneaustralia.com

p: 0404 456 223

Mongolian Funeral Association

301 “New Mind” Building, Undsen Huuli Street

9/1, 5th Khoroo, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia 14253

e: info@mfa.mn

p: +976 7011 1343

OrthoMetals

Eekhorstweg 32, 7942KC Meppel, The Netherlands

e: hidde@orthometals.nl

Xiao En Centre, No.1, Jalan Kuari, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

e: kuan@xiao-en.com.my

p: +603-9145 3888

We are dedicated to creating living memories!

p: +31 6 4306 6196

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