From sea scatterings to tattoos and jewellery keepsakes – when considering a memorial with Ashes the possibilities are near endless in Sydney and New South Wales.
After a cremation, you want to remember your loved one into the future in a way that keeps their uniqueness alive with you. So we’ve put together this list of 10 ways you can use their cremated remains as a memorial in New South Wales that reflects their personality. Some are traditional and others are more out of the box. Just follow the guidelines below in your choice of location.
1. Cemeteries and memorial parks.
New South Wales memorial parks offer a number of options for cremated remains. You may choose to purchase a cremation memorial, which could be a niche in a wall or in a garden bed.
Each cemetery will have various options available and you will need to contact the cemetery involved for their options and pricing.
Scattering of Ashes can be done in cemetery gardens. Once again please contact the cemetery you are considering for their options and pricing.
People may opt for this option if their loved ones are also buried at the cemetery and they want to be reunited in death.
2. Scattering remains.
You may choose a scatter your loved ones remains. Your loved one may have a favourite place, holiday destination, or somewhere special that holds a significant memory. Any such places would be ideal for a scattering memorial, and this is often a lovely idea.
This memorial can take place on private land, at the beach, in a river, in public parks, at sea or at a place that was significant to the deceased and families. It also depends on the personal wishes of the deceased and yourself. The most important step to remember is to get permission. It is vital to get permission from:
- Owner of the private land
- The Trust of Parks and Reserves, or
- Local council for parks, beaches and playing fields
Scattering of ashes may contravene the provisions of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 in terms of air or water pollution. Councils and other Government Authorities will set a time and place when these activities can be undertaken and can impose other conditions.
Disposal of ashes without consent from appropriate authorities could result in legal action being taken against the person disposing of the ashes, but this can be avoided by asking permission, which is more than likely granted. As always, follow the guideline – better to be safe than sorry.
For more detailed information about specific requirements for specific places please contact NSW Public Health on 1300 066 055, or your local council.
3. Scattering at sea and other bodies of water in New South Wales.
Drone scattering.
If your loved one wished to be scattered and you have been considering how best to accomplish this but haven’t been able to find the right method or location, drone scattering service Blue Horizon Memorials could be what you have been looking for.
Blue Horizon Memorials uses a customised drone to fly above almost any location (pending flight approvals) for a professional ash scattering service. You might like to consider flying over a beach, ocean, farmland – or any other location of significance – to release your loved one’s ashes in a special send-off.
If you’re scattering in water yourself, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- If you are scattering from a vessel you must get permission from the boat owner to scatter. See this article from Cruise Critic about scattering from a cruise ship.
- If you are at the beach or on a pier be mindful of other members of the public when scattering.
- Often it is quite windy by the water, so be mindful of the direction of the wind when scattering. You don’t want to have remains scatter back to land or into anyone.
- Never just throw the ashes container overboard as it will float. Always empty the container into the sea.
NSW memorial charters.
There are a number of charter companies that offer memorial charters in New South Wales, to honour the memory and last wishes of your loved one.
The iconic Sydney Harbour could be your chosen place for scattering, so Sydney Harbour Escapes has a range of luxury boats for a memorable sea ceremony. For bookings, call: 02 9328 4748 or 0433 904 185.
My Harbour also provides families a way to lay their loved one’s ashes to rest at sea. You can take up to six people aboard the boat and sail up to 15nm offshore. For bookings, call: 0448 146 880.
All Points Boating hire charters can take you down the beautiful the Hawkesbury River System, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for a tranquil scattering of ashes ceremony. For bookings, call Pen on 0411 802 959.
An alternative to scattering in water is to use a specifically designed urn for dispersing remains directly into a body of water. You simply place the urn into a body of water and the urn will float away with the natural tide. Over time the urn dissolves and the remains are dispersed into the water. The Eco Water Urn from The Living Urn is a beautiful example.
General tips on ashes scattering.
If scattering remains be mindful of the following thoughts, which will help make the memorial experience a little easier and more pleasant for everyone.
- Consider the container the remains are in. Containers from the crematorium are difficult to open (often with a plug that needs a flat screwdriver to lift it off) and often not easy to scatter from. Ensure you know how to open the receptacle before the moment comes to scatter.
- Alternatively consider transferring the remains into a receptacle specifically designed for easily scattering remains, such as the Eco Scattering Urn.
- Be aware of the direction of the wind when scattering remains. Have guests stand upwind to avoid any airborne remains blowing into family or friends.
- Consider other people. If scattering in a public place remember other people have every right to be there also. Be respectful and if needed, discreet. Choose a time and a place that avoids large numbers of members of the public.
Alternative memorials with Ashes.
If you are after something a little outside the box, there are endless ways to create keepsakes or memorialise your loved ones through cremated remains. Here’s just a few ideas:
4. Plant a memorial tree.
Did your loved one enjoy the garden, or have a special place in their garden. If so why not plant a memorial tree.
The Living Urn, enables you to plant a tree, plant or flower easily with your loved ones remains, to create a special long lasting memorial.
5. Memorial jewellery from ashes.
You can have a piece of your loved one with you at all times by having some of their remains made into personal jewellery pieces. Memorial jewellery makers Keepsake Jewellery can help with that. They have a range of pendants that open via a small screw to hold a pinch of ashes. Some can even be engraved with your loved one’s photo.
Diamonds are forever, so why not have some of your loved one’s remains turned into diamonds for an everlasting personal keepsake. Heart in Diamond creates beautiful diamonds from your loved one’s hair or ashes so you can hold on to your special memories of them always.
6. Memorial tattoos with Ashes.
Thinking of getting your loved one’s name or a special image tattooed onto your body? Well, now special ink can be made up with some of their remains for that special tattoo you are considering. Cremation Ink is one place that can professionally infuse cremated remains into tattoo ink for a permanent memorial you can wear.
7. Ashes pressed into vinyl records.
Did your loved one have a special love of music? If so, consider having their remains pressed into a special vinyl record with a business called And Vinyly. Based in the UK, And Vinyly deliver internationally.
8. Glass keepsakes made from Ashes.
Of course, you can always choose to keep your loved one’s remains at home with you. As we all know – there’s no place like home!
Having a beautiful glass piece created by glassblowers which include remains might be more fitting. Victorian-based glassblower Memorial Glass, in Healesville, creates some stunning pieces and services New South Wales and Australia.
9. Fireworks with Ashes.
Go out with a bang? NSW-based Ashes to Ashes creates fireworks with your loved one’s ashes.
Ashes To Ashes offers a unique yet personal way to commemorate the loss of a loved one by scattering their cremated ashes high into the sky by way of a beautiful and spectacular fireworks display. Loved ones can experience an unforgettable moment of reflection, wonderment and celebration, as the journey towards closure begins.
Please do remember that it is illegal for anyone to release fireworks in New South Wales and a special permit is required if you are intending to do this. The fireworks commemoration can however be performed at almost any site Australia wide, provided approval is obtained from the relevant council, religious bodies or landowner.
Final thoughts on memorials with Ashes.
Take your time in making the right decision as it needs to be right for you now and also in the future.
Deciding what to do with your loved one's ashes is a big decision, so please take all the time you need to consider your options. If your loved one left instructions before their passing, follow them to the best of your ability.
Things to consider:
- Did my loved one express their wishes in what they would like done with their remains?
- Do I want a permanent memorial place where I and other family members can visit?
- Did other family members want to keep some of the remains. There is no obligation for remains to be kept together. They can be divided for different people and purposes.
Remember just a few small rules and then your options are boundless. You will know what is the right way to scatter or memorialise your loved one’s remains in a way that reflects their personality.
For more ideas on ways to personalise a memorial, read our articles on 10 Alternatives to a Traditional Funeral Service and How to plan a memorial with a cremation.
If you have any further questions or to would like an instant quote for cremation services, head here or call our friendly team at any time on 1800 071 176.
A Bare Memorial can be as traditional or as unique as you'd like it to be.
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