Services and planning
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Chapel hire Services available
When a loved one passes, it can be hard to know where to begin. Families can select from a range of options and services designed to meet cultural and personal preferences. These are arranged either by a funeral director or directly with the cemetery.
What to do when someone passes away
These resources offer simple, step-by-step guidance to help you during a very difficult time.
Each checklist provides practical support – from what to do immediately after a loved one passes, to planning a funeral and preparing for end-of-life arrangements.
Burial or cremation – what is right for me?
When someone dies there are 2 options to choose from, burial or cremation – in the Tweed, 20% of families opt for burial, 80% of families opt for cremation.
When the family have decided (or the Will stipulates) which option to take, the next steps are detailed on the pages below.
Chapel hire for funeral and memorial services
An historic, non-denominational chapel at Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium is perfect for funeral services, wakes and gatherings of family and friends.
The Chapel is booked through your funeral director at the time the cremation or burial booking is made. If a memorial service occurs after the cremation or burial has taken place direct bookings can be taken.
Chapel features include:
- seating for up to 130 guests
- state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment (speakers and screens)
- webcasting or live streaming available on request
- kitchen facilities for catering
- additional standing room on the veranda, with speakers and monitors so guests can hear the service and view slideshow outside.
Bookings are for up to 3 hours (including kitchen if hired). Afternoon sessions must be concluded by 4 pm unless specifically organised to go outside of office hours (additional fees apply). Saturday bookings are limited, if approved an additional weekend hire fee is payable.
Services available at Tweed Shire Council Cemeteries
Ash interment
Ash interment (the permanent placement of ashes) sites are available at Tweed Valley, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah Lawn and Murwillumbah General Cemeteries. Ashes placement into an existing grave is available at all lawn and some general cemeteries.
Cremation
Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium is home to a modern crematorium. Our 3 active cemeteries offer a range of choices for ash interment (the permanent placement of ashes), offering families a place of remembrance for generations.
Cremations can be reserved along with ash interment sites. Your funeral director will arrange and manage the cremation process on your behalf.
Cemeteries with ash interment available:
Crematorium viewing room
Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery crematorium features a private and tranquil viewing room, providing families and loved ones with a respectful and private space for final farewells.
Live streaming services
Family and friends who can’t attend a service in person can live-stream the event online or watch it later using a private link supplied by your funeral director that can be shared with guests.
Things to note:
- all requests for a link to a service must be made directly to the family or funeral director
- the recorded service is available for 30 days after the service
- recordings can be purchased by the family directly from the One Room streaming service.
Kitchen facilities
The kitchen can be hired with a service and is located at the end of the chapel verandah. The kitchen is equipped with:
- urn
- full-size fridge
- oven
- sink
- microwave
- cups
- plates
- cutlery.
Catering must be organised by the family. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied.
Cleaning of the kitchen is the responsibility of the hirer. Use of the kitchen and cleaning must be completed within the 3-hour hire period. Food or drinks are not permitted inside the chapel.
Outdoor Stump Memorial Service
The outdoor stump or ‘Stumpy’ as it’s commonly known, is a memorial service for outdoor lovers under the trees. The picturesque and tranquil setting is located at the Tweed Valley Lawn Cemetery & Crematorium (on the opposite side of the pond to the chapel).
A small portable gazebo to shelter the coffin and up to 40 chairs are included in the hire, upon request by your funeral director.
Bookings are made by the funeral director at the time of the cremation or burial booking.
Family history and historical searches
Due to the high volume and urgent nature of running the cemeteries and associated services, we aim to prioritise these requests accordingly.
As old records were not kept up to date and are not electronic, several types of records need to be researched to find information relating to a deceased person and their location. Not all research yields results, and it can be time-consuming.
To help you find out more about your family members interred at Tweed Shire cemeteries, complete the research request form where we can undertake the research as soon as possible (allow at least 5 business days). Large quantity searches may incur a fee.
Cemetery research application form
For queries or to book an appointment contact us on 02 6670 2400 or send your completed application form to cemeteries@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
Other family research websites include:
For a recent burial record request, please email cemeteries@tweed.nsw.gov.au.
For information on early burial records, contact the Murwillumbah Historical Society or call 02 6670 2273.
Tweed historical burial records