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. The dashboard will also be updated later in 2025 to feature a live data registry of plots across the Dubbo Region and mapping software to assist with cemetery record searches.
• 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 launched on 1 July 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.

Underway.

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