Griffith City Council response to questions about grave ornament removals

1. Families have complained that the Council provided-vases are flimsy/breakable and holes not deep enough,  for this reason they've had to bring their own items and glue them. Does Council acknowledge that equipment provided is not satisfactory? 

Council provides two vases which can be inserted into the beam. These are replaced as necessary. The aim of Council provided equipment is to achieve consistency of embellishments across the lawn section

2. The board outlining cemetery rules states it prohibits glass and ceramic items, and items on the lawn. Therefore, why have cement and other types on the actual grave (and not on the lawn) been removed? 

Council is following the Crown Land (General Reserves) By-Law 2006, which does refer to objects on or near a grave, monument, crypt or vault in a reserve. 

3. Families have asked why only the lawn section of the cemetery was targeted for removals. Will council be removing items from the Roman catholic/baby sections and other parts of the cemetery? 

The bylaws apply to all of the Cemetery. Staff are working through the cemetery section by section

4. Why didn't council phone family members to inform them of items being removed, rather than leaving notes on the grave that may have blown away or not seen by those who don't visit regularly? 

There are a lot of graves and it is difficult to determine who should be the contact person for each internment

5. How long will items be held before they are destroyed or given away to charity? 

Council has advised items will be held for six weeks.

6. Does council apologize to families hurt by this removal of items? 

Council is sympathetic to distress that may have been caused, however, as stated last week, Council had previously extended some leniency in the embellishment of graves and over time, this has led to more and more unsuitable items being placed on graves. Council is now having to be proactively consistent with what is placed on all graves especially in the Lawn Cemetery.