Shrouded Cremation is a YES in NSW!
It is with great delight and satisfaction that we can finally offer our Greater Sydney and NSW based clients the ability to choose a shrouded cremation. Whilst this is legal and available in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, it has just become so in NSW.
After years of building trust, professional relationships and shared knowledge within the Funeral Industry, the regulatory bodies and the coffin manufacturers, Metropolitan Memorial Parks are offering shrouded cremation in their Woronora Crematorium before allowing this at all their Memorial Parks.
A passion project and a deep commitment to cultural change…..
At Life Rites, this has been a passion project of Victoria’s. Working with other cultural change advocates, as part of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Community Advisory Group, since 2020. Initially with Jenny Briscoe- Hough from Tender Funerals, Zenith Virago from The Natural Death Centre, so too Mariam Ardati, A Muslim Death Doula and staff and team members from Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW, all the required steps were taken and the slow and painstaking work of change began. Libby Moloney from Natural Grace generously provided all their in practice wisdoms, the operating procedures that they followed to be able to offer this in Victoria. We thank them for their support to make this choice available.
What is a Shroud?
A shroud is a specially designed and made cloth that envelops and covers the body of the deceased person. It can be made from the simplest to the most elegant of fabrics. The body is fully covered and secure. At Life Rites we have a range of hand dyed, hand made shrouds that envelop your person in a beautiful and elegant way. You can see our range here
What is a Shroud Bearer
A shroud bearer is a flat wooden base that is designed to accommodate a standard sized deceased body. It has a slightly raised head and foot and sides that can hold the body securely with fabric ties. ACC Higgins currently make the only compliant shroud bearer for NSW. We can assist you with this purchase.
What is Shrouded Cremation?
Shrouded cremation, or out of coffin cremation, is the cremation of a deceased body, wrapped in a specially designed fabric shroud, on a flat wooden base. The shroud must be secured in place and so to, the body must be safe and stable and attached to the shroud bearer with fabric ties.
Does my person still receive mortuary care?
Yes. The body of your human is cared for as always, by us at Life Rites, with the same reverence and dignity we care for all our people.. They can be dressed and then shrouded. Or go in their birthday suit to the soft touch of our fabric shrouds.
Who is eligible for a shroud cremation?
For now, contact your funeral director to discuss the eligibility for shrouded cremation.
What can I do? get excited and spread the word!
Know that simple, sustainable and ethical choices are available and that the landscape of change in the death care and funeral service industry is upon us. So use and trust your voice for ongoing options of how our bodies transform after they are done on this one and precious life.