Overview
Council are working with key stakeholders to create a cemetery management framework that aligns with legislation and promotes sustainable cemetery options for our community. Our aim is to consult and obtain feedback from the community to guide the development and implementation of processes, policies and aspirational plans.
Our community engagement will foster a deeper appreciation and awareness of cemeteries as public spaces that interconnect history, culture, worship and the emotions of grief and celebration. Our intent is to shape a future where our cemetery management reflects the shared values of diverse communities within the region.
The review involved consultation with funeral homes to gain valuable insights and to ensure changes remain in-line with legislative requirements.
To improve efficiency and accountability, the following initiatives are planned:
- Accurate and live data register of approximately 36,000 plots across the Dubbo region.
- Online mapping software to assist with cemetery record searches and reserving available plots.
- DRC&ME cemetery dashboard enabling public access to services via online applications and interment booking calendars.
DRC&ME dashboard going live late April 2024
The draft policy will detail how Council proposes to sustainably manage, maintain and operate Council's public cemeteries while ensuring compliance with current legislation.
This will involve:
- Community engagement
- Draft policy development
- Public exhibition
- Council adopt policy.
Details to come
Each Masterplan will outline the future expansion and lifespan of the two most utilised Council managed cemeteries into a practical long-term vision, which Identifies and prioritises short and long term needs for the New Dubbo Cemetery and Wellington Lawn Cemetery.
It will draw from learnings from industry research, consideration of other successful cemetery operators throughout Australia and importantly our community feedback to ensure sustainability of cemeteries in the region.
Details to come
