13/6/02
Local Government Minister Tom Stephens has welcomed the establishment of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of Western Australia as a positive step toward more consistent cemetery and funeral service standards around the State.
The new association was formed during a meeting of local and non-Government authorities and funeral directors at the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board's new Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park Crematorium and Chapel Complex. It will become a peak body for training, information sharing, mentoring and networking for all shires with cemetery facilities to manage.
The founding chair is Mr Pieter Den Boer, general manager of the Bunbury Cemetery Board.
Mr Den Boer has 10 years' experience in cemetery management at Bunbury and is on the board of directors of the national Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA).
"I encourage all other local governments with cemetery management responsibilities and cemetery boards to join the new organisation," Mr Stephens said.
The association will shortly extend an invitation to all local governments to take up membership for a nominal $100 a year.
The association has already received expressions of interest for training services from Moora and Geraldton and will survey all new members to identify their needs and priorities.
The move to create a Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of WA began in September 2001 during a seminar arranged by the Department and the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board.
"State-wide cemetery and crematoria associations are common and active in Eastern Australia, and the establishment of a similar body in WA is appropriate and timely," Mr Stephens said.
"The new association is of the view that the public and the funeral director industry will benefit from consistent procedures, administration and adherence to legislative requirements and by-laws in all local government jurisdictions in WA."
Minister's office: 9213 6500
