ACCA News and Information

Q&A Cremation Questions Q - Do you cremate the coffin with the deceased person, or are the coffins re-used? A- The coffin is always cremated and never re-used Q - How many people do you cremate at once? A - Only one coffin can fit in a standard cremator therefore provided there is only one body in the coffin (which is usually the case) only one...

Funeral parlours across South Africa on Thursday said they were battling to cope with the high number of burials. The coronavirus pandemic has put immense pressure on the death-care industry, as cases across South Africa continue to rise. The National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa said the industry also faced challenges of high ...

By Julie KirkRDMS, Medical WriterGrave blankets are customary headstone coverings that are typically used during winter months and holidays. The cemetery arrangements cover a portion or most of the plot and are highlighted with a series of holiday-themed ribbons or flowers.What Is a Grave Blanket?A grave blanket is a handmade or commercially made e...

Greek funerals are held for those of Greek Orthodox faith. The Greek Orthodoxy falls within the communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and is characterised in part by their liturgy which is (or was) originally performed in ancient Greek – the original language of the New Testament. According to the most recent Australian Census, there are 544,3...

This section is Q and A from the ACCA Membership.  This could be about anything. Operations, Suppliers, Memorialisation, Rights of Interment, Grief and Bereavement, etc. We want to hear from you about real questions that come up at your cemetery from time to time that you would like to put to the rest of the ACCA Membership. And...

This article on funeral planning is provided by Everplans.In Jewish culture, it's common for families to have a ceremony around viewing the headstone at the cemetery for the first time, called a "headstone unveiling." Though a headstone unveiling is traditional, it's not a religious obligation.When To Have A Headstone Unveiling A headstone unveilin...

By Daniel Szczesniak / Cremation, Planning AheadLast Updated on January 7, 2021 More and more people are choosing cremation as a final disposition method.Cremation is on the rise, and there are many factors involved in this trend – from cost to claustrophobia, from religious considerations to the increasing personalization of funerals, there are no...

Mel Buttigieg - Writer, Bare Donating your body to medical science is a unique gift that will help with the advancement of medicine and science in Australia and will benefit generations to come. Depending on the program, the donated body – medically known as a cadaver – can either be used for medical research or training. Through institutions ...

CHRISTMAS EVE IN A CANDLELIT FINNISH CEMETERY Visiting the cemetery forms part of many Finns' Christmas rituals. Hey, it's not as morbid as it might sound. Although going to a graveyard might seem an unlikely activity for the festive season, the sight of hundreds of graveside candles glowing in the snow in a serene wooded cemetery can be surprising...

How to choose the right flowers for a funeral?  Sometimes flowers say what you can't say yourself.  At a funeral, for instance, or another time around the death of a loved one. But what flowers do you choose? There are no strict rules - what's most important is that it feels right. Maybe they represent a memory, or you choose the deceased...

​Traditions provide a sense of comfort and of belonging to enable us to connect and reconnect with each other. They shape our character and reinforce the values, morals, beliefs and passions, both individually and as part of families, friendship circles and community groups. Traditions assist us with keeping memories of the past alive and help us s...

Words and pictures: Angela SkujinsMain image: A screenshot of Krysten's livestreamed service ​The funeral industry has seen a spike in livestreamed services since the government brought in restrictions on social gatherings, bringing about a new way of being together online. "Due to current government restrictions, there are many loved ones who can'...

Many people recently became aware of burial at sea during the infamous disposal of Osama Bin Laden's body. According to the U.S. Military, Bin Laden was placed in a metal coffin and thrown into the Arabian Sea. Of the many ways societies that lay the dead to rest, burying them at sea is one tradition that we often forget in the modern age. Believe ...

LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF SYDNEY, Parramatta is a bustling city filled with business and activity. However, all of these modern developments are built on land of one of the most important heritage districts. Parramatta was home to Australia's first European inland colony, and evidence of their past is still prominent in daily life around this western...

This year has changed a lot for the foreseeable future, including cremation growth, according to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). CANA members are reporting that they have seen increased cremation in their businesses. Death rates have increased and more families are requesting cremation than before. I spoke with Barbara Kemmi...

Does your workplace have a drugs and alcohol policy? Are the purpose and expectations clearly communicated to all staff? With the Christmas and holiday season approaching, now it is more important than ever to communicate with staff about protocol. This is about safety and protection for all, and to have a policy in place where possible, and have i...

Whilst ACCA pursue the Registered Training Organisation status to allow us to provide the industry with Accredited Professional training courses, we are also wanting to provide short course training where possible. COVID-19 has hampered these intentions but while we are still working on course content, now is the time to let us know what areas you ...

​ In the 14th October Plot Matters email, I introduced everyone to an amazing cemetery in New York called Hart Island. This cemetery and its story is truly incredible and definitely worth reading about. The fact that for over 100 years all (mass) graves were dug and all burials were performed by prisoners (from Rikers Island Prison) is something we...

​ Further to the recent article and results of ACCA's National Cremation Capacity survey, first published in Plot Matters (14/10), I am pleased to provide some further observations gleaned from the data provided by the Australian cremation industry. This update focusses on the number of crematoria operating in each state and territory, and also the...

Could you potentially help out with this member query?  Responses will be collated and posted on a blog on the ACCA website homepage.  The ACCA member query is as follows:- "Is anyone currently using, or plans to use, locally sourced stone for monuments and headstones? Our organisation seeks to improve its environmental impact and one of ...