Join ACCA - ACCA

Benefits for
Members

The Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA) is a not-for-profit professional organisation that exists to provide leadership, professional services and communication to the Cemetery and Crematoria industry and its affiliates.

ACCA Celebrates 40 Years of Service to the Sector

For four decades, the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA) has been the leading voice for the industry, advocating for members, setting standards, and fostering collaboration.

Now, more than ever, ACCA is committed to helping you and your team thrive in an evolving social, cultural, and regulatory landscape.

What are the benefits of an ACCA Membership?

Being a member of ACCA means more than joining a professional body – it means being part of a unified movement working to shape the future of the cemetery, crematoria, and memorialisation sector. Together, we are improving the way end-of-life care is delivered, experienced, and understood by the community.

Membership Benefits That Drive Your Success	As an ACCA member, you’ll gain access to a powerful suite of resources and opportunities to elevate your operations and better serve your community. You will be part of a unified movement working together to positively shape the future of the cemetery, crematoria, and memorialisation sector.
Professional Recognition	Join a respected association that sets standards and promotes excellence.
Advocacy & Representation	Be represented on local, national, and international levels.
Discounted Events	Access reduced rates to ACCA conferences, training, and workshops.
ACCA News	Receive our quarterly digital magazine covering sector insights and updates.
Education & Resources	Access tools, templates, webinars, and learning materials.

Connection, Collaboration, and Community

Membership with ACCA opens the door to a broad, vibrant network of peers, professionals, and leaders from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. It provides a unique opportunity to connect, engage, and learn from others who share the same challenges, responsibilities, and aspirations in caring for the deceased and supporting grieving families.

Build relationships with cemetery and crematoria professionals from metropolitan councils, regional operators, faith-based organisations, and private providers
Join national and regional working groups that address key issues—from safety and cremation standards to cultural engagement and sustainability
Collaborate on shared challenges, learn from others’ experiences, and gain insight into innovative solutions being implemented across the sector
Contribute to national standards and best-practice guidelines by participating in committees, consultations, and forums
Gain exposure to international perspectives through ACCA’s partnerships with leading global organisations, bringing in ideas and benchmarking from around the world
Expand your professional network and tap into a wealth of shared knowledge.
Connect with peers from metropolitan councils, regional operators, faith-based organisations, and private providers.
Join national and regional working groups addressing key issues, from safety and cremation standards to cultural engagement and sustainability.
Collaborate on shared challenges, learn from others’ experiences, and gain insight into innovative solutions being implemented across the sector.
Contribute to national standards and best-practice guidelines by participating in committees, consultations, and forums.
Gain exposure to international perspectives through ACCA’s partnerships with leading global organisations and associations.

Whether you’re a small cemetery operator or part of a large multi-site organisation, ACCA provides the platform to connect meaningfully with others in your profession, fostering a true sense of community, shared learning, and sector-wide improvement.

Professional Development and Industry Education

The ACCA Learning Hub provides an ever-growing library of tools and learning resources for our members and their team.

We are committed to supporting your entire team! From grounds staff and customer service representatives to managers and executives – through practical, accessible training that builds skills and supports long-term career development. ACCA Education has host of new courses including;

Induction programs for new staff
Role-specific courses for team leaders and managers
Customisable sessions delivered online or onsite at your facility

If you would like to discuss any of the available courses through ACCA Education please feel free to email us at admin@accaweb.com.au

Safety, Compliance & Best Practice Standards

ACCA has recently helped create a Australasian Safety Advisory Committee (ASAC). This is a dedicated advisory body made up of volunteers for across the region who are focused on enhancing safety standards and practices within the cemetery sector.

ASAC will be a resource for the sector and help drive continual improvements and provide resources to address safety concerns.

The association is also forming a Cremation Standards Committee to introduce a consistent Australasian guideline for cremator operation, reflecting ACCA’s commitment to environmental sustainability and global best practice.

Advocacy That Gets Results

ACCA gives you a strong, united voice with local, state, and federal governments. Recent advocacy wins include overturning GST on burial rights and reversing a council’s decision to restrict weekend burials, preserving community access and choice in memorialisation. ACCA also advocates for better recognition of cemeteries as sites of cultural, historical, and social value, helping to protect land, resources, and community expectations.

Events, Networking, and Leadership Opportunities

ACCA offers members a dynamic calendar of events designed to inform, inspire, and connect professionals across the sector. These include the Annual National Conference, specialised workshops, regional forums, and onsite training days.

These events not only provide access to the latest industry insights but also foster genuine collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Through international partnerships, ACCA also facilitates participation in global study tours, webinars, and collaboration projects.

Our 2025 National Conference in Sydney was a huge success bringing together over 200 delegates from all over the world for 3 days of collaboration, innovation and networking. Stay tuned for announcements on the 2026 Annual Conference at accaweb.com.au/about/events.

These events offer more than just education – they are a platform for leadership, innovation, and the strengthening of our sector through shared experience and collective knowledge.

Public Awareness and Community Engagement

ACCA is helping the broader community better understand the importance of cemeteries, crematoria, and memorial spaces. This includes supporting open conversations about death, grief, and remembrance, promoting the cultural and environmental roles of burial and cremation grounds, and advocating for inclusive, community-responsive service design and delivery.

Join the Movement Shaping the Future of the Sector

Your ACCA membership is an investment in the long-term success of your operations and the industry as a whole. Together, we’re driving positive change and elevating the way end-of-life care is delivered, experienced, and understood by the community.

The 2025–26 year is already shaping up to be an exciting one, with major events, new initiatives, and expanded member benefits on the horizon.

Want to discuss further? Email our friendly team at; admin@accaweb.com.au

Membership
Designations

Any continuing Associate Fellows or Associate Members may use the following letters after his or her name:

in the case of an Associate Fellow the letters AFACCA; and
in the case of an Associate Member, AMACCA

Full Member

For those organisations who administer the affairs of a Cemetery, Crematorium, or Memorial Park.

Voting Rights
The appointed Authorised Representative of each Full Member has voting rights. All other types of Members or representatives of Members may attend and speak at ACCA meetings and conferences but they shall have no voting rights and are unable to be nominated for a position on the Board.

Associate Member

For individuals with the following expertise:

Have held a senior or executive position in cemeteries or crematoria for at least five years, or
Possess a professional qualification and to have a minimum of two years experience in an executive or supervisory position in cemeteries or crematoria, or have, in the opinion of the Board, given significant service to cemeteries or crematoria.

Associate Fellow

Have you held an Associate Membership and want to advance to Fellow? You must have the following background:

Have held the Associate Member qualification for a period of at least five years, or
Have held a senior or executive position in cemeteries or crematoria for at least ten years, or
Possess a professional qualification and have a minimum of five years experience in a senior or executive position in cemeteries or crematoria, or have, in the opinion of the Board, given exceptional service to cemeteries or crematoria.

Affiliate Member

Interested in membership and associated with the burial, cremation or allied industry?

If you do not qualify to become an Associate Member, Associate Fellow or Corporate Member of the Association, you may apply for Affiliate Membership.

Corporate Member

For suppliers or enterprises associated with the burial or cremation industry and where one or all of their activities assist and complement the work of the Association and/or other Members.

Benefits for Members