It may be quite tough to go through the rituals of losing a loved one. Getting caught up in making sure all the minor details of their end-of-life plan can be followed places a lot of pressure on a family.
This page intends to provide you with guidance and support about ash-spreading customs. First and foremost: if the deceased hasn’t left any instructions, considering your loved one’s hobbies, favourite places, and interests will help you decide where to scatter ashes. There are many options. The best course of action is to choose a place to scatter cremated remains that best honours a unique aspect of the deceased person’s life.
Here are some ideas for where to scatter ashes:
- At water: sea, lake, river, ocean, beach, or a favourite fishing spot
- Among nature: a special park, bushlands, outback, lookout or a favourite hiking spot
- A family member’s backyard or garden; or planted with a tree or seedlings
- Somewhere of significance in their hometown
- A favourite family holiday spot
- Cemetery/memorial park: a deceased family member’s resting place (burial plot or garden)
As cremation continues to become the choice in many end-of-life plans in Australia, there are now more options to take scatterings to the next level. You can let your imagination go and really do something unique and personal to celebrate your loved one. You might also consider these methods of scattering cremated ashes:
- From a private or charter boat
- Dropped from a drone
- Skydiving from a plane
- Dropped from a hot air balloon
- Shot into the sky with firework
Do I need permission to scatter ashes?
Local municipalities will have different policies about whether you require permission to scatter human remains. The terms of air or water pollution in your state’s or your local government area’s environmental regulations may be broken by scattering ashes.
Councils and other government agencies may even specify a location and time for these activities as well as add other restrictions. Without permission from the proper authorities, it’s illegal to scatter human remains. Therefore, we advise checking with the local authorities to see if there are any limitations on scattering ashes and if you require permission.
Do I need permission to scatter ashes at sea?
Maybe your loved one enjoyed the ocean or the beach or was an avid angler? Most Australian beaches and coastlines allow the scattering of cremated remains without a permit. However, you must adhere to the regulations set forth by your local environmental protection authorities. You must first obtain permission from the boat’s captain if you want to scatter cremated remains from it. For the purpose of scattering ashes, boats can be rented.
- Here are some additional tips for scattering ashes at sea, a lake, beach, or ocean:
- Pre-loosen the lid of the container or pre-drill large holes to make it easier to remove the lid when you’re ready to scatter;
- Be aware of the wind direction and scatter close to the water if possible; and
- Always empty the container’s contents into the sea – never just throw the full container overboard.
Need more advice about scattering ashes?
Do you have any further questions about where or how to spread ashes? Perhaps you continue to question whether the proposed location for your loved one is entirely feasible, both practically or legally? Call the Dignified Cremation staff, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions the best we can and offer you advice wherever possible.
