Cemeteries
Cemeteries and Memorial Sites on the Fraser Coast
Council proudly manages a number of cemeteries across the region, providing peaceful resting places for our community members and their loved ones. Each site has its own unique character, reflecting the diverse history and stories of our local area.
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Maryborough Cemetery
Walker Street, Maryborough
Comprises the historic Monumental Cemetery, established in 1873, the Columbarium, Garden of Rest, and Children's Memorial Garden. -
Polson Cemetery
Corser Street, Point Vernon
Includes the South Sea Islander Memorial and Cemetery and the Garden of Serenity -
Howard Cemetery
Cemetery Road, Howard
Including Columbarium and Lawn Sections, this historic cemetery has offered a place of quiet remembrance since 1876. -
Tiaro Cemetery
Bruce Highway, Tiaro
Includes traditional lawn and monumnetal sections and columbarium. -
Nikenbah Natural Cemetery
Chapel Road, Nikenbah
Nikenbah Natural Cemetery is a dedicated natural burial ground, designed for those who wish to return to the earth gently and sustainably. -
Munna Creek Cemetery
Bauple-Woolooga Road, Munna Creek
Historic rural cemetery including monumental section and columbarium. -
Nikenbah (Aalborg Danish) Cemetery
Aalborg Road, Nikenbah
Historic monumental ceremony (Interments under special circumstances only) -
Deborah Cemetery
Deborah Road, Netherby
Historic rural cemetery established in 1901 (Interments under special circumstances only).
General Cemetery Information
Across our cemeteries, we honour those resting here by providing a respectful and peaceful environment. Whether you’re visiting, planning, or managing a burial site, we ask that everyone follow these guidelines to maintain the dignity of these sacred grounds.
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All cemetery interments include a purchase or reservation cost, depending on the type of site:
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Grave sites – Purchase or reserve a burial plot
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Niches – Purchase or reserve a space in a garden or columbarium wall for ashes
There is also an application fee for the erection of a monument, structure, or the installation of a plaque.
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When you purchase a plot or niche, you do not own the land. Instead, you become the burial rights holder, giving you exclusive authority over who can be buried or have ashes interred at the site. Burial rights form part of your estate, and after your passing, your executor or legal heirs must provide proof of authority to manage or transfer these rights.
Plots and niches can be transferred or bequeathed, but cannot be sold privately. An application form and fee are required for all transfers, and Council must approve them.
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Before installing a monument, headstone, or plaque, Council approval is required. Only the burial rights holder or their nominated representative can apply, with a fee applicable. If someone else applies, they must submit a statutory declaration explaining their authority.
Council has guidelines regarding the size, type, and placement of monuments or plaques depending on the cemetery section. For ashes interments in columbarium walls and garden niches, a standard plaque is included, and Council will arrange its installation.
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Many grave sites can accommodate more than one burial or ashes interment, depending on site layout and condition. Burial plots typically allow two burials; columbarium wall niches allow only single ashes interments, while some garden niches may accommodate two ashes interments.
Each site must be assessed for suitability, and all interments require approval from the burial rights holder.
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To keep cemeteries safe, respectful, and accessible, please observe these guidelines:
Allowed in lawn and beam sections:
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Fresh flowers
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Up to three standard plastic vases per grave
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Free plastic vases are available at dispensing points, which should be returned after use
Not allowed:
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Trees, shrubs, or other plantings
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Wooden crosses, large ornaments, glass or ceramic items
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Items placed on the grassed area of a grave (items must remain on the concrete beam)
For new graves, non-approved items may remain for up to six months after burial. After that, only permitted vases may stay.
Council inspects cemeteries fortnightly to remove old or weathered flowers and return vases to stands for reuse.
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You can pre-purchase or reserve plots and niches at selected cemeteries, subject to availability. This helps secure your preferred location and provides peace of mind.
If you want side-by-side plots for yourself and a partner, it’s best to buy them at the same time, as availability changes over time.
Please note, the purchase fee covers the right to use the site but does not include burial or plaque costs.
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Council provides a range of cemetery-related services including:
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Burial and ashes placement bookings
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Searches to locate graves and family burial records
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Plaques for ashes interments in columbarium walls and garden niches
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Council approval is required for the installation of new plaques or monuments.
For new plaques, please submit an application form new plaque or monument along with the prescribed fee. Once you have received the approval, a notice of intent form must be completed and sent to the Cemetery Office at least 48 hours prior to the proposed construction commencement date. -
Council has developed a Cemeteries Council Policy to provide a framework for the operation of local government cemeteries operated by Fraser Coast Regional Council.
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Looking after your loved one’s memorial is a meaningful way to show respect. At the same time, these monuments are delicate and need careful handling to stay beautiful for years to come.
Before you begin any cleaning or maintenance, please keep in mind:
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Always wait until cemetery staff have clearly marked the site before starting any work.
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Weekend work on monuments isn’t allowed unless you’ve got prior approval from the cemetery team.
Cleaning a grave helps maintain its dignity and keeps it looking respectful for years to come. Using harsh methods can unintentionally damage the stone, so a gentle approach helps preserve the memorial’s beauty and character without causing harm.
General cleaning tips
Use water-based solutions only.
Only use soft bristle brushes.
Pre-wet the surface before cleaning. This helps draw out any hidden substances as the stone dries.
Clean from the bottom up and rinse constantly to avoid streaking.
Avoid soaps, organic detergents, and general-purpose cleaners. These can encourage algae, moss, and lichen growth.Do not use strong bleach (or products like Exit Mould).
Do not scrape or scrub the stone. Allow stains to fade naturally over time.Recommended cleaning products
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Quaternary ammonium compounds
(Available from swimming pool suppliers)
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Use a maximum of 0.5mL per litre of water
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Let it sit (or “dwell”) until almost dry before rinsing
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Organic mould control solutions
(For heavy mould or stains from trees)
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Products like Zero Moss & Algae Gun or Wet & Forget Moss and Mould Remover
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Non-ionic detergents
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Example: Kodak Photo-Flo, 1mL per litre of water
A few important reminders
After treatment, stains will gradually fade. A gentle brush with water a few weeks later may help.
Graves should stay clean for at least 12 months—please avoid over-cleaning.
If needed, repeat the process after a week, but never exceed recommended product concentrations.Always test your cleaning method in a small, hidden area and check results after a week.
Avoid getting cleaning products on nearby graves.If you have any questions about grave cleaning, please contact the Cemeteries Supervisor – cemeteries@frasercoast.qld.gov.au
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Funeral Directors
Funeral Directors are responsible for booking a funeral with Council.
For more information on booking a funeral please read the information for funeral directors provided.
An interment booking form is available only for Funeral directors.
Friends of the Cemetery
Friends of the Cemetery volunteers work together to preserve our local cemeteries’ heritage values.
Participants are involved in monument cleaning, top dressing, weeding, plot numbering graves and assisting with garden maintenance. The Friends of the Cemetery group aim to meet once a month on a Wednesday and Saturday.
Volunteers are provided with tools and materials to undergo the work.
If you would like to become a volunteer please complete a volunteer registration form or for further information contact Margaret Wroe on 0429967078 or Cemeteries Coordinator on (07) 4190 5822.
Contact us
Cemetery Administration - Maryborough Garden of Rest Cemetery, Walker Street, Maryborough
Phone - 1300 79 49 29
Email - cemeteries@frasercoast.qld.gov.au
Fact Sheets, Forms & Maps
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