For months, Griffith has been confused over a set of by-laws which are currently posted up at the Cemetery office, and have been acting as guidelines for placing flowers, ornaments, and other adornments. This confusion has only added further grief for those already in mourning.

The 2006 date on the by-laws is perhaps the most perplexing part for residents – at 12 years old, the commonly asked question is, ‘Are they up to date?’

Earlier this month Griffith City Council (GCC), in an effort to rectify this problem, posted on their Facebook page clarification on the rules in the form of a list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

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Speaking with Councillor Doug Curran on the matter, The Area News learned the by-laws as presented at the Cemetery office should not be posted up.

While, Cr Curran had not been aware the by-laws sign was still up, upon seeing them, he said they should be taken down.

“My advice was that they had been removed,” Cr Curran said.

When asked if all the signs at the Cemetery office (including the official rules and the by-laws) would be amended to coincide with Council’s latest post, Cr Curran said “they should have been already”.

“[The by-laws] should be the new FAQs.

“That actually shouldn’t be the by-laws anymore.”

He said Council has been working to meet with the community’s needs and those of the Cemetery Management Plan.

“At the end of the day, Council has to do the best they can with suiting the whole community.”

“Some people want the holes down lower, some want to see them bigger, some actually don’t want their loved ones’ place touched at all.”

He said he would like to see Council’s FAQs in place of the by-laws at the office.

“It’s the least we can do – the by-laws are only adding to the confusion,” he said.

Meanwhile, Community Working Group member Michael Crump still has questions about the FAQs.

Despite a general satisfaction over Council’s clarification on the rules, he is uncertain about a note added to the question regarding embellishments. It reads as follows:

“Note: If you require a more extensive monument, you should consider the MONUMENT LAWN SECTION or one of the traditional sections of the cemeteries. Please talk to one of our staff for more information.”

Mr Crump would like to see further elaboration to what and where the “monument lawn section” refers.

“Where is the monument lawn section?” Mr Crump said.

He also said the vases provided by Council are in direct conflict with their own rules. The rule states “the embellishments are not to exceed 150mm (millimetres) in height”, however Mr Crump believes the “approved vases provided by Council” exceed the 150mm (or six inch) limit.

Another concern for residents, as Mr Crump has raised in the past, is the availability of the Cemetery office staff member.

Mr Crump has noted residents who cannot not find the Cemetery staff member are often lost as to what to do.

Cr Curran has advised however that those who cannot reach the Cemetery staff, are encouraged to visit the Council Administration building.