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.

We have identified three key areas that we intend to consult community on;

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.

In accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 1998, written submissions received by Council containing personal information may be made public when the matter goes before Council for consideration, as it may be included in Council’s Business Papers. Persons have the right to remain anonymous if they so choose by refraining from submitting their personal information, however, the submission may be given less weight in the overall assessment and consideration of the draft master plan.

The guide will provide an overview on how Council proposes to sustainably manage, maintain and operate Council's public cemeteries while ensuring compliance with current legislation.

The development of this guide will be shaped through consultation with key industry and internal stakeholders.

A 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.
• Online mapping software to assist with cemetery record searches and reserving available plots, Memorial Mapper.
• DRC&ME cemetery dashboard enabling public access to services via online applications and interment booking calendars.

Further historical records will continue to be added to the Memorial Mapper into the future.