Brisbane City Council Cemeteries And Crematoria

Brisbane City Council manages a network of cemeteries and crematoria across the city, providing essential services for residents and their families. These facilities offer a range of burial and cremation options, memorial services, and support during times of loss. Understanding the services available can assist individuals in making informed decisions during challenging times.

Overview of Brisbane City Council Cemeteries and Crematoria

The Brisbane City Council oversees 12 cemeteries and crematoria, each offering unique services to cater to the diverse needs of the community. These facilities are designed to honor the lives of residents and provide a peaceful resting place for loved ones. The cemeteries are spread across various locations in Brisbane, ensuring accessibility for families throughout the city.

Active Cemeteries and Crematoria

Among the 12 facilities, three are considered active,” meaning they offer new burial options and cremation services. These are

• Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium– Located at 620 Mains Road, Nathan, this cemetery opened in 1918, with the crematorium established in 1999. It offers a variety of burial options and serves as a significant site for Brisbane’s ethnic communities.
• Hemmant Cemetery and Crematorium– Situated at 500 Hemmant Tingalpa Road, Hemmant, this facility is nestled among native trees and a bush reserve, providing a serene environment for reflection and remembrance.
• Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery and Crematorium– Found at Graham Road, Bridgeman Downs, this cemetery opened in 1962, with the crematorium, chapel, and function room added in 2002. It offers lawn and lawn beam memorials, as well as options for interring ashes in gardens or niches.

Historic Cemeteries

The remaining nine cemeteries are designated as “historic,” established in the 1800s. While these sites have limited or no space available for new burials, they may offer the re-use of existing family graves. These historic cemeteries include

• Toowong Cemetery– Established in 1866, it is Queensland’s largest cemetery, located on 44 hectares at the corner of Frederick Street and Mt Coot-tha Road.
• Lutwyche Cemetery– Opened in 1878, situated at the corner of Gympie and Kitchener Roads, approximately ten kilometers north of Brisbane.
• Nundah Cemetery– Built from the 1840s to 1963, located at 88 Hedley Avenue, Nundah.
• God’s Acre Cemetery– Established in 1859, located in front of Archerfield Airport along Beatty Road, between Kerry & Mortimer Roads, Archerfield.
• Bald Hills Cemetery– A historic cemetery with limited burial options.
• Balmoral Cemetery– Established in the 19th century, offering limited burial spaces.
• Brookfield Cemetery– A heritage-listed cemetery with restricted burial availability.
• Cedar Creek Cemetery– Located in a rural setting, offering limited burial options.
• Moggill Cemetery– A historic cemetery with limited space for new burials.

Services Offered

Each cemetery and crematorium provides a range of services to assist families during their time of need

• Burial Options– Including traditional graves, lawn beam memorials, and vaults, with some sites offering the interment of ashes.
• Cremation Services– Available at active crematoria, with options for memorializing ashes in gardens, walls, or niches.
• Memorial Services– Facilities equipped with chapels and reception areas to host funeral services, accommodating various religious and cultural practices.
• Grave and Memorial Search– Online tools to locate graves or memorials, assisting in family history research or visitation planning.
• Funeral Planning Assistance– Guidance on arranging services, understanding fees, and selecting appropriate memorial options.

Visiting Hours and Contact Information

Each facility has specific visiting hours and contact details

• Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium– Visiting hours are from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Contact 07 3403 8888.
• Hemmant Cemetery and Crematorium– Visiting hours are from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Contact 07 3403 8888.
• Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery and Crematorium– Visiting hours are from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Contact 07 3403 8888.

For historic cemeteries, visiting hours may vary, and it’s advisable to contact the specific site for information.

Planning a Funeral

Planning a funeral involves several steps, and Brisbane City Council provides resources to assist families

• Choosing a Cemetery– Consider proximity, available services, and cultural or religious requirements.
• Arranging Services– Coordinate with funeral directors, clergy, and other professionals to plan the ceremony.
• Understanding Fees– Review the costs associated with burial, cremation, and memorial services.
• Legal and Documentation– Ensure all necessary paperwork, such as death certificates and permits, are completed.

Additional support is available through local funeral homes and community organizations, which can provide guidance and assistance during the planning process.

Brisbane City Council’s cemeteries and crematoria offer comprehensive services to honor and remember loved ones. With a combination of active and historic sites, families have access to a variety of options to suit their needs. Whether seeking burial, cremation, or memorial services, the council’s facilities provide respectful and dignified environments for reflection and remembrance.