What is a natural burial ground?
A natural burial ground is a place where human burial usually takes place in a biodegradable coffin or shroud. The bodies are not embalmed and, instead of a headstone, trees, shrubs or wildflowers are planted as a memorial. Walawaani Way provides the first, stand-alone, 100% natural burial ground in New South Wales.
How is a natural conservation burial ground different?
The burial site will be a fully protected, and nurtured, native forest with the implementation of conservation initiatives for native wildlife: for example, parrot nesting boxes. Walawaani Way will regenerate areas of agricultural farmland back to a native forest ecosystem. We will strive to achieve the highest standards in environmental stewardship.
What are the benefits of a natural burial?
Natural burials provide a dignified, environmentally sound alternative to conventional burials, not only significantly reducing the environmental impact of the end of a life, but actually enhancing the environment while providing a lasting legacy. They also result in the re-establishment of indigenous flora and native ecosystems, and provide protection for these ecosystems in perpetuity.
What conservation efforts will be undertaken at Walawaani Way Conservation Burial?
Extensive planting of native trees, shrubs and flowering plants on the site – only species endemic to a South East NSW dry sclerophyll forest. Absolutely NO use of chemicals or non-organic herbicides for weed removal – they will be removed by hand. Fencing to keep out livestock such as cows, and active protection of the new native plantings. Placement of nesting boxes to support native wildlife; for example, Black cockatoos.
How many burials can take place in each plot?
In order to allow the natural revegetation of the burial plot, and to preserve this into perpetuity, only one interment shall be permitted in each grave. This is an important characteristic of a natural burial - burying deeper than one grave limits the amount of aeration and impedes the natural breakdown of the body. Natural burials are held at the same depth as a conventional cemetery, in accordance with government health regulations which is 900mm below the top soil.
Why are ‘usual’ coffins not permitted at Walawaani Way?
Average, ‘usual’, coffins are made from chipboard (MDF) which is material of unknown (timber) origin, and contains synthetic organic compounds such as glues. The glues alone contain formaldehyde and other toxic volatile and environmentally persistent organic compounds. As the coffin breaks down, these compounds are released into the immediate environment and can travel with natural water flow, or seep to the soil surface and release as gas. Other environmentally persistent organic compounds of this wood can also bind to the surrounding soils and remain toxic for decades.
Am I obliged to use an ‘approved’ coffin?
No, coffins are not mandatory. This cemetery follows the principles of internationally recognised ‘green-burial’ or ‘natural earth’ burial. Coffins are seen as wasteful to some. You may choose to be buried wrapped simply in a shroud of biodegradable cloth. This ensures your body is in close contact with the earth and that decomposition of the body is environmentally sound.
However, if you choose to use a coffin it must be made from organic materials such as plantation timber, or woven wicker, or recycled cardboard. If you are not using a coffin, we will need to fill out a “Burial without Coffin” form for the necessary, but seamless, approval. The State Government has recently made some very welcomed changes and we are delighted that more options are now available.
Eco-Urns
You may wish to bring your own biodegradable urn. Please check first with Walawaani Way so we can ensure the urn will not release any chemicals, such as lacquers, into the soil. We are currently working with a well-known Bodalla ceramicist to design an eco-urn for Walawaani Way. We will keep you posted. ☺
Why are embalmed bodies not allowed?
Similar to the use of conventional coffins - because of the adverse effects on the environment through the toxic chemicals used - embalming is not permitted with natural burials. By keeping the body appropriately cool, it is safe to keep it for up to 5 days in your home, longer in a commercial premises, without embalming.
Shrouds
Burial shrouds may be required for religious reasons, and they also offer an ideal option for an eco-friendly funeral. You may choose a specific material for a burial shroud. For example: cotton, linen, muslin, hemp or even silk. We are working with a Bodalla clothes shop which will be able to provide appropriate, high quality shrouds made of cotton, linen and/or hemp.
Can I place floral tributes on the grave?
‘Natural’, live floral tributes can be placed on the grave provided they do not have any binding or wrapping which is not fully biodegradable. Flowers containing support wires, cables or supports, hydration bases or vases will be removed. Artificial flowers will also be removed.
How will the grave be marked for future reference?
Markers will be wooden or stone memorial plaques on the grave, which can be arranged by Walawaani Way. You may also choose to have an engraved plaque on a memorial wall, which will provide the GPS location for visitors. There will also be a QR code to access the Obituary, complete with photos, videos and music – a beautiful keepsake of memories.
Accurate survey details of the grave boundary, and the direction the grave faces, will be recorded on a cemetery map, a copy of which can be provided on request.
What maintenance will occur now and in the future?
The maintenance cost is included in the Right of Burial and Ash Gardens purchase price. A maintenance fund called “Native Regeneration Fund” will accumulate 5% of the purchase amount of the internments and this will be a pool of money to fund the ongoing maintenance of the site, continue regeneration projects and upgrade roads when needed.
The memorial trees and native landscaping will be the responsibility of Walawaani Way.
Many native tree species need around three years of maintenance and care, including manual weed removal, protection from cows and wildlife and frequent watering if minimal rain.
Families are welcome to plant the tree and tend to it if they choose.
Burying a tree on top of a grave is possible but certain soil conditions need apply.
Maintenance of the site will be primarily during the first 50 years after establishment of the conservation burial ground. During and after this time, native vegetation will be allowed to naturally seed and grow. The burial ground will be open to the Public as per government regulation and GPS locations will allow family members for generations to come to visit those buried there. The access roads will be continually maintained to a high standard. Mosaic Burns/ slow burns that allow the wildlife to move aside while reducing build up of dry leaf litter will be conducted when necessary to reduce fire danger on the site.
How will the land be managed?
The 18ha site will be managed by the Walawaani Way team in keeping with First Nations land management practices. The land will have weeds and non-endemic flora species removed manually or with steam, and will be regenerated with endemic flora in an effort to restore it back to its original state.
How can I be confident that the land will be protected in the future?
In June 2022 the Eurobodalla Shire Council (the local Council) granted a development approval for the site to be used as a Private Cemetery. As such, Walawaani Way Conservation Burial operates under a Category 3 Licence under the Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW legislation. This holds legal obligations to be open to the Public once interments take place.
Cemeteries also provide additional protection against other land use on the site, and a covenant will be issued on the land so no trees or clearing can occur in the future.
What is an interment right?
An interment right is a contract between a cemetery operator and a right holder (the consumer) permitting the right holder to a burial in a particular grave or other allotment in the cemetery. The holder of the interment right can determine who can be buried in the grave or other allotment. An interment right is an ‘interest’ in land, but the right holder does not become the owner of the land.
Interment rights apply to burials of both cremated and non-cremated remains. Non-cremated remains can be buried in the earth at Walawaani Way.
What is a perpetual interment right?
A perpetual interment right allows the right holder to have human remains buried in a particular grave or other allotment in a cemetery, and for those remains to be left undisturbed forever (in perpetuity).
What is a renewable interment right?
A renewable interment right is optional and allows the right holder to have human remains buried in a particular grave or other allotment in a cemetery, and for those remains to be left undisturbed for a limited period. The initial period of a renewable right is between 25 and 99 years. A renewable interment right can be renewed for a minimum of 5 years at a time. The total duration of a renewable right cannot be greater than 99 years.
Any human remains in the grave must remain undisturbed until the renewable right expires. If a right holder does not renew the renewable interment right, the grave may be reused, subject to certain conditions.
We do not officially offer this at Walawaani Way – although we do believe this a very sustainable use of land. Around the world this is very common practice. We would be happy to offer it, at a reduced fee, if requested. Please contact Fiona to discuss this option.
Joint Holders and Family Graves
An interment right can be held equally by two more joint holders, allowing them to be interred at the same time or adjoining sites. Walawaani Way offers joint interments to be side-by-side to adhere to a natural burial guidelines. When one joint holder dies, the remaining right holder/s becomes the holder/s of the right.
Multiple interments are widely used in NSW, with many sites containing numerous members of the same family. One of the advantages of a family grave is that it removes the new for new grave sites, making maintenance easier. Current technologies and practices allow up to four burials in some sites depending on a range of factors including soil type, depth of bedrock, drainage, style of monument, access and workplace health and safety considerations. Walawaani Way can advise on the particular requirements that apply.
There are a number of techniques that make multiple interments possible. One is the ‘lift-and-deepen’ method where the gravesite is excavated to its greatest depth. All the remains are placed in a suitable vessel and reburied at a lower depth so that additional burials can take place in the upper levels of the grave. This process is only allowed after a minimum time has passed since the last burial, usually about 10 to 15 years.
When purchasing an interment right to be used for two or more interments, the right holder should be specific and name who can be interred in the site. A second interment cannot be on-sold by individuals or operators.
What consumer protections are provided in the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013?
There are a range of measures provided in the Cemeteries and Crematoria (C&C) Act to protect consumers. For example, when granting an interment right to a person, the operator must provide:
information about the cost, process and choices available
a certificate of interment right, and
record information in a cemetery operator’s register.
Access to information (such as the information recorded in the cemetery operator’s register) is permitted under the Cemertries & Crematoria Act. There is also a process for compensation for situations where an interment right is revoked by a cemetery operator. There are robust notification processes for cemetery operators to follow before a renewable interment right expires.
How do I arrange for a natural burial at Walawaani Way?
If you wish to purchase a right of burial in preparation for your own or a loved one’s burial, please fill out an application form here and send it to: fiona@walawaaniway.com. We can also send you our brochure in the POST which includes the application form, pricing and all other information you require. Tours of the burial ground will also happen weekly and all welcome – we would be delighted to show you the site for educational purposes as well.
If you have any questions or wish to speak to one of our team, call Fiona on 0402892759 during business hours (or leave a message and she’ll call you back as soon as possible)
We are here to work with you and your budget. We can facilitate bespoke ceremonies, or organise a simple but beautiful end of life celebration. Our ethos includes ensuring that everyone who wants to be buried at Walawaani Way is able to do so and costs can remain in line with budgets.
How will I find my loved one in years to come when the site has regenerated?
A GPS location will be supplied on the Certificate supplied by Walawaani Way. There is also an option to have the person’s name inscribed in the memorial wall with the GPS location recorded – so grandchildren can arrive at the burial and can easily find their relatives!
Can I be buried at Walawaani Way if I don’t live in the local area, such as in Sydney or Canberra or Interstate?
Yes you can. There are specialist transport companies that can work with us to organise a safe transport and storage of the body.
Does the body have to be buried straight away after death?
No, you can choose to bury the body at a time that suits you. Morgues will keep the body cool until the burial time is chosen. The choices of most matters are up to you – burials and ceremonies can happen simultaneously or separately. We are here to work with what you prefer.
What paperwork do I need signed before the body arrives at the Burial?
A form signed by the applicant and the funeral director certifying that:
1. the bodily remains have not been partially or fully embalmed
2. the coffin is constructed of renewable or recycled materials such as wicker, reeds, bamboo, plantation softwood, recycled paper, recycled cardboard or recycled softwood
3. the coffin has at least four strong and securely fixed handles capable of bearing the required weight
4. a name plate is affixed to the outside of the lid, engraved with the name of the deceased and the date of death
5. the body of the deceased is dressed only in fully biodegradable materials; such as cotton or linen
6. all bodily remains being transported within the cemetery comply with r.13 of the Regulations, that is, bodily remains must be enclosed in a coffin or other receptacle that is clean and hygienic and constructed of substantial material that prevents any offensive or noxious emissions or matter escaping, and
7. all interments comply with the requirements as described in ss.113-120 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003.
What are the government levy costs, and do they attract GST?
The Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 states that a service levy/tax is to be paid on all interments. This levy applies to administration of the Act and does not attract GST.
Can I transfer or bequest an interment right?
Interment rights can be transferred to another person. Only the holder can apply for the transfer. If the interment right is held by joint holders, the application must be made by all right holders.
A transfer application compliant with cemetery rules and the law must be made to the cemetery operator. The operator has the right to refuse the transfer if (in the operator’s opinion) it would tend to create a monopoly or encourage dealing in interment rights. Check with the cemetery operator whether they charge a transfer fee, so it is important to check with the cemetery operator.
When an interment right is transferred, the cemetery operator must update its register with the details of the new holder. The operator must issue a new certificate of interment right to the new holder.
Bequests An unused interment right can be bequeathed as part of a personal estate. If the holder dies and has not used or bequeathed the interment right, it forms part of the estate.
In these cases, the new holder should contact the cemetery operator so that their register can be amended. The operator must provide the new holder with a new certificate of interment right.
If the holder of an interment right dies and has not used or bequeathed the interment right, it is dealt with as the personal property of an intestate estate (that is a deceased estate with no legal will).
Do I get a Certificate of interment right?
Yes, when a person buys or receives an interment right, we will provide a certificate of the interment right to the holder. The certificate must include:
whether the right is perpetual or renewable
the name of the person granted the right
the location of the interment site
the number of persons whose remains can be interred
the names of the people who can be interred, or the name of a person that can nominate whose remains can be interred.
Cemetery operators are required to keep a public register of all interment rights.
What does an “interment of persons without means?”
When a person is without means, they do not have sufficient money or assets to pay for a burial or cremation (this was previously referred to as ‘destitute’ and can also be referred to as ‘indigent’).
Some communities or faiths will make interment arrangements for persons without means. In these cases, advice can be sought from the relevant community group or religious/faith leader.
In other cases, the interment arrangement for a person without means is the responsibility of a funeral director contracted by the government. If the deceased is buried, the remains will be interred in an unmarked common grave. If the deceased is cremated, the ashes will be placed in an urn and stored (if not claimed by next of kin). NSW Health can direct a cremation if:
there is no objection to cremation in the deceased’s will
any relatives or friends agree, in writing, to the cremation
there are no contrary directions by the State Coroner
all necessary cremation certificates are completed.
The next of kin (if known) are obliged to advise the funeral director of the deceased’s personal details so the death can be registered. If no next of kin are found, any available person with knowledge of the deceased can provide this information.
More information on cremation or burial for a person without means is available from NSW Health (visit: health.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘destitute persons’).
What are the advantages in a pre-paid interment?
Pre-paid interment is available. There are some advantages to paying for a final resting place and associated services in advance, including:
protecting against future price increases
protecting surviving family members from financial burdens
having the opportunity to secure a specific location
being able to inter family members together (subject to limitations).
When considering pre-payment for interment, it is important to know exactly what you are purchasing, including the terms of sale and the cancellation policy. Matters to note include:
the terms may differ if you die interstate or overseas
generally costs are not one-off, and additional fees might be payable depending on the circumstances
not all agreements include the cost for a memorial, headstone or plaque.
Will the purchase of a Right of Burial affect my pension payments?
If you are on a pension, it does not impact pension payments as they are not are not counted as assets.
Do you need to engage a funeral director or service provider?
No, not for the purchase of an interment right of burial at Walawaani Way. Some arrangements can be also be made by the family of the deceased. However, there are certain procedures required by law that are more easily carried out by appropriately experienced service providers; funeral directors, funeral celebrants, and religious or faith leaders in conjunction with cemetery and/or crematoria operators. Even a simple funeral will have some basic requirements. It is important to understand what services are provided by a funeral director.
A funeral service is a ceremony that is held before a burial or cremation—it is optional and not required by law.
Lauren from Tree of Life Service and Shanna Provost are independent can talk you through their services.
What do the Burial Cost comprise of?
There are generally three main components to burial costs:
Interment right fee—this is a sale fee for the right. As discussed above, interment rights can be perpetual or renewable. This fee covers the operator's costs of preparing the site as well as maintaining the site and surrounding area. Some cemetery operators offer ongoing maintenance for an annual fee.
Burial fee—this is a fee for the burial process. This covers the operator's costs of opening and closing a grave and landscaping after the burial. After-hours fees may apply for burials outside of normal business hours, for example burial fees are often higher on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Memorialisation fee—this is a sale fee for a memorial (for example a headstone, plaque or other monument or memorial) and generally includes having it inscribed and erected at the site.
There can be a range of additional fees on top of the basic costs, for example:
the cost of using a casket-lifting device
the cost of bottom sand-filling
administrative charges
the cost of grave digging
the cost for processing an application for memorialisation
installation of a memorial
engraving a plaque
a one-off maintenance fee
late payment fees
surcharge for individuals who reside outside the local government area.
Additional fees may apply for burials outside of normal business hours, for example burial fees are often higher on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Does the burial have to be at a cemetery or can it be on private land?
The overwhelming majority of burials in NSW occur in cemeteries. Burial on private land can be approved by the relevant local council, subject to certain legal requirements. If you wish to arrange a burial on private land you should contact your local council.
Can I donate my organs?
Yes. Please contact The Australian Organ Donation Register. www.register.donatelife.gov.au
Ash Interments
What areas are available for placing ashes?
Ash Amongst the Trees – Scattering of ash interment
Ash interment Beneath the Trees (buried 40cm below subsoil)
Ash interment in the Memorial Garden of the ceremony building
Can you inter ashes into an existing burial?
Yes, ashes can be placed into a burial. The interment holder will need to sign and authorise this request. There is no limit as to how many ash interments can be interred in a burial.
Do you need to be there when the ashes are being interred?
No, it is at the discretion of family and friends.
Photography Use
Can I use a drone in the cemetery?
The following activities are prohibited within Walawaani Way unless the prior written approval of the Administrator is obtained:
Operating any photographic or video device for commercial purposes
Flying of drones or similar
Any person who carries out these activities is committing an offence and will be penalised.
Our ethos is to keep things simple, natural and beautiful. The burial ground is a place of escape; away from the everyday; somewhere to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature: an absence of the trappings of a conventional cemetery.
Please do not put anything on the graves other than cut flowers or petals (ideally from the garden) – no rocks, stones, artificial flowers, Oasis foam, plastic trays, wireframes, tying wires, flower vases, glass or plastic. Wilted flowers will be removed and recycled as compost.
Other than cut flowers (ideally from the garden), nothing should be placed or planted anywhere in the burial ground. We will remove (and dispose of) anything placed or left without permission and may seek to recover the costs involved.
Cremated remains may not be scattered or strewn in the burial ground without prior written application and approval.
The Company cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss or desecration caused to any plant or memorial.
Unless you have received our express permission to do so, no firewood is to be removed or harvested.
Hunting, shooting or fishing, camping, barbecues or fires, off-road driving, motorcycling or cycling are all prohibited.
Can I bring my Dog?
Dogs are welcome on a lead, but for the protection of the resident wildlife, they are NOT be allowed to roam freely.
Terms and conditions of purchase also apply.
If in doubt, please contact Fiona from Walawaani Way via
phone: 0402 892 759.