Preparation of the Grave
Each grave is prepared with clean artificial grass mats for the graveside service. The grave will be dug to the correct dimensions as stated on the interment form. For new graves there will be a temporary plot marker made so that it will identify that grave after the burial until permanent memorial is placed on the grave.
During the ceremony
The funereal director and family will be met at the cemetery by a cemetery official who is there to check the right coffin is buried, ensure the paperwork is in order and that everything runs smoothly. He/she will liaise with the funeral director and minister for the proceedings. The family will be offered the option of carrying the coffin to the graveside. Once the family is ready, the procession lead by the minister and cemetery official will walk to the grave.
The coffin will be placed on the ground to the side of the grave and the ropes thread through the handles. The cemetery official and funeral director on the instruction of the minister will lower the coffin and stand back afterwards. The funeral director will place the floral tributes on the grass nearby for you to view. At the end of the service the mourners will be offered soil in which to scatter on the coffin or they can place in a flower from a floral tribute.
After the service
Once the mourners have left the graveside, the cemetery staff will back fill the grave and the floral tributes will be placed on top of the grave with the plot marker if applicable. The flowers will remain there not less than 14 days. If the family has not moved them the cemetery staff will dispose of the floral tributes.
Baby Graves
Designated sections available at the following cemeteries for the interment of babies.
A small memorial and kerb set is allowed on the grave. A grave can be unpurchased although it has to be purchased to erect a memorial.
