ACCA News and Information

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 d...

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...

Some months ago, ACCA embarked on an industry-wide survey of our cremation capacity as a nation. Thank you to all those crematoria that responded to this important piece of work for our industry. A list of all contributing crematoria is at the footer of this document. If your crematorium is not listed here, please contact me to discuss the inclusio...

"Time has been the highest influence in my professional life. Through my various leadership roles, education and experiences over the last 30+ years, I have failed forward beautifully! As the old saying goes… If only I knew then, what I know now".  ​ACCA MEMBER PROFILE What is your full name, title, company name? Helen Treloar, General Manager...

Coronavirus restrictions are starting to ease and be modified, so we remind you and your staff to re-visit your state's regulations. Let's remind each other to keep each other and our customers safe, by following protocol.  We strongly advise all ACCA Member cemeteries and crematoria to maintain close communication with your local Funeral Dire...

You'd think cemetery caretakers would appreciate a little graveyard humor. A New Hampshire couple thought they'd tickle grave-goers' funny bones by erecting a Halloween skeleton display at the headstone of their deceased son. Unfortunately, the cemetery owners might've not found their gallows gag nearly as amusing as they promptly removed the decor...

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) NSW, have conducted a review in to cemetery pricing, efficiency and perpetual maintenance liabilities & governance. IPART are investigating the costs and prices of interment services in NSW. They have released a Draft Report recommending changes to the interment industry that deliver: Inte...

Imagine a cemetery on an island where the only people to be buried there were either homeless, destitute, unwanted by their families, or from families unwilling to provide them a funeral service, or babies of mothers without the means to provide a proper burial, or even those who died from AIDS.  Now imagine that this cemetery for the past 150...

SANTALUM COURTA NEW MEMORIAL AREA FOR PERTH'S PINNAROO VALLEY MEMORIAL PARK, WAThe result of over 18 months of planning by the planning, operations, client services and marketing teams at the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB), the Santalum Court Memorial Gardens at Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park in Perth's northern suburbs is being well received b...

Welcome to the Winter 2018 edition of ACCANews. This edition includes a special edition on Celebrating people who have made a significant contribution to the industry. Also included is: The presidents reportMember profile of Lynwood DavisTime will tell - St Paul's Anglican Cemetery, Carlingford, New South WalesCelebrating people specialCultural art...