FAQS

HOME
FAQS

At Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, we understand that planning a memorial or resting place for a loved one can come with many questions.

Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is designed to provide clear and helpful information about our services, memorial options, and the processes involved in choosing a resting place.

From understanding the different types of memorials, we offer to learn about visitation policies and garden maintenance, we aim to answer all of your queries with care and compassion.

If you need further assistance, our dedicated team is always available to help guide you through this important time.

When are you open?

The grounds are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Office hours are 8.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Friday

Funerals are available for booking

9.00 am – 3.00 pm Monday to Friday on the hour

9.00 am – 12 pm Saturday (Surcharge applies)

What do I do when someone dies?

The first thing to do is contact the person’s doctor, so a Death Certificate can be issued. If the person dies in the hospital, then the medical staff there will organise the Death Certificate. You will also need to contact a funeral director and arrange for the transfer of the body into their care and to organise the funeral service. A decision on burial or cremation needs to be made and after the funeral the style and location of a suitable memorial.

Are there rules about funerals?

You can choose to commemorate your friend or relative in any way you like within reason. At MGLMG we encourage families to have the service that they want, not having to follow conventions or unnecessary rules. Please discuss any ideas you have with your funeral director to ensure the smooth conduct of the funeral. The Team at MGLMG can also assist with special requirements for a funeral or memorial service.

What is the importance of a funeral service?

There have been changes to funerals since time began and there will continue to be an evolution of what a funeral is in the future. A funeral is a ceremony that provides closure to those who remain following the loss of a family member, friend or colleague. The grieving process is different for each person and the ability to attend a funeral and say goodbye provides an important part of the journey of grief. This was highlighted during covid 19 when we could not have funerals with large attendances people suffered from the loss of the ability to say farewell.

What is the importance of a memorial?

Memorials pay respect to the departed, but they are really for the living. They contribute positively to the grieving process by providing a sense of place and leaving a tangible record of life for family, friends and future generations. Memorials are steppingstones to the past and the future generations.

How do I know I am getting my loved one’s ashes?

MGLMG has a computer system that ensures traceability from the time of booking a cremation through to the issue of the ashes to a family or internment. The NSW Government has regulations under the Health Act that we must ensure compliance with before receiving a body for cremation or burial.

The paperwork is checked on receipt of the body into our care and checks against the coffin ID plate are carried out and signed into our system. The ID plate is removed before insertion of the coffin into the cremator and this plate follows the ashes until they are placed in an urn. Checks are carried out at every stage of the process.

Are coffins reused?

No, they are not. Everything inside and the embellishments such as handles, and crucifix are placed in the cremator.

Do I need to pay any maintenance fees for a memorial?

All memorials are sold in perpetuity. In other words, once you purchase a memorial, we are responsible for the upkeep of the grounds and the surrounding gardens. Under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act of NSW, MGLMG cannot carry out maintenance of the headstone or plaque with the direction of the right holder or family. The Headstone or Plaque remains the responsibility of the owner or family to maintain.

How do I maintain the headstone or Plaque?

The only maintenance that families need to look after is the cleaning of the plaques from time to time. We suggest soapy water and a soft scrubbing brush for general care and occasionally for more stubborn marks a weak bleach solution followed by a soft brush scrub and rinse with clean fresh water.

If you have a headstone in the Monumental Lawn section and the inscription needs updating, you would need to employ the services of a qualified monumental mason to carry out any restoration works.

Can I scatter ashes?

Did you know that you can place a memorial plaque at MGLMG even though the ashes may have been scattered? We can scatter the ashes in a special area, but we find that families are far better provided with the traditional internment of ashes and a memorial where they may tend and visit. It also provides a stepping stone between the generations.

What can I place on the memorials?

We provide vases for the placement of fresh flowers. We have a policy for the placement of 2 trinkets or adornments only. (Insert policy link here) Document found in information section.