ACCA News and Information

By Daniel Szczesniak / Cremation, Planning Ahead Last 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 ...

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 ...

Words and pictures: Angela Skujins Main 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 ca...

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 weste...

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 ...

​ 2020 has indeed been a strange and challenging year. It has been a year of surprise, worry, disappointment, separation, and in more recent times, hope. Whilst many of us would just like the year to end so that we can reset and start a new year with much of this awful global pandemic behind us, the fact is we must see out the rest of the year and ...

From time to time, families place various sentimental, religious, or ornamental items and tributes at gravesides. This is a sensitive topic for some, yet in the interest of maintaining cemetery aesthetics, neatness, and general public care (concerning debris and trip hazards), it is important to have a Flowers & Ornaments Policy so your co...

IPART has released an issues paper for our review of competition, costs and pricing factors in the funeral industry. This is the second part of a review required under section 145 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013. They are seeking feedback by written submissions on their proposed approach and key issues. Submissions may be provided through...

We know cremation rates are changing and have been increasing for decades, and this is supported in a recent report on Observations from the British Islands.  One of the most stark changes is in the Disposition of Cremated Remains, in 1970, 69% were strewn in the crematorium grounds, but in 2019 it was only 15%. Similarly in 1970, 14.5% of cre...

Have you "liked" the ACCA facebook page yet? Being connected in the industry is more important than ever. There are various ways to stay connected and facebook is a great tool. If you wanted to drop by the page, say hi, or post something – we would love to hear from you.Check out our page regularly for industry updates and news. https://www.faceboo...

Have you ever wondered about celebrity graves?How many of these were you already familiar with? The link below shows 10 famous celebrity graves. Many people enjoy paying tribute to an iconic historical or famous figure and fans from all over the world travel to see their final resting place. https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/blog/10-famous-celebrity-g...