Australia's First Natural Burial Site

Aussie Death News: Australia's First Natural Burial Site & More!

Introduction

The Australian death care landscape has seen some exciting developments over the past few months, and it’s nice to share some good news for once. While these updates are post-death related, they bring positive changes to the industry. Before we dive in, remember we post death and dying-related videos every Friday. If that sounds interesting, consider subscribing to our channel. Now, let's talk about the latest Aussie death updates.

Australia’s First Complete Natural Burial Ground

You might be thinking, “Didn’t you show us a natural burial area before?” Well, yes, but this is Australia’s first complete cemetery dedicated solely to natural burials. The new cemetery, Walawaani Way, is located in Bodalla, New South Wales, about 2.5 hours from Canberra and 4.5 hours from Sydney. This 18-hectare site will be open for natural burials or interment of cremains at the start of next year.

At Walawaani Way, native trees will replace headstones, and the management of the site’s transformation will be done in collaboration with the traditional owners to regenerate the area back to endemic forest. Mosaic burns will be used to prepare the land when necessary. If you’re interested in making this your final resting place, they are transparent about their pricing, which you can find on their website (linked below). This is a significant development for Australia.

New Aquamation Facility in Tasmania

Tasmania has just opened its first aquamation facility, called Alluvium Water Cremations. Some claim this is the first Australian facility with government, water authority, and council permissions to return water to the cycle, but since water cremation facilities have been around since 2010, including Aquamation and Environmentally Friendly Cremations under Bio-Response Solutions, this claim is uncertain.

Nonetheless, this facility is a big deal for Tassie, an island where body transfers are more complicated and time-consuming. Larger population areas have typically received such facilities first, leaving Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory behind. A direct water cremation at Alluvium Water Cremations costs $4,400. We wish them all the best and expect them to do well. Check out their website in the description.

Salvos Funerals

Australia does have a few non-profit funeral homes, as mentioned in our body disposal options video some time ago. Most were in high population areas, usually on the east coast, leaving WA where I am without. That’s why this is important: The Salvation Army, affectionately known as the Salvos, has officially opened branches of non-profit funeral homes across the country. Their website (linked below) outlines all their costs and services.

This addition is welcome in the funeral industry, especially as the cost of living rises across Australia. You’ll receive the same care, consideration, and services as at any other funeral home, just at a lower cost. So go check them out; the link is in the description.

Watch The Full Video

I’m quite excited about these updates: a complete natural burial ground, more aquamation facilities, and more non-profit funeral homes. We are making progress! It’s good to remember that while we may not be where we want to be, we are still moving in the right direction. And with that, go talk death.

For more information, visit the links below:

• Walawaani Way Natural Burial Ground

• Alluvium Water Cremations

• Salvos Funerals

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