Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

7 Things You Need to Know Before Scattering Ashes

  • Written by NewsServices.com

As more and more Australians are choosing cremation services over a traditional burial, it’s become very common practice to take that urn of cremation ashes and to scatter them someplace special, rather than simply keeping the urn at home, perhaps displayed in a cabinet, on a shelf or on a side table.

While scattering the ashes of a loved one is widely accepted practice and something that’s done all the time, there are some things to consider before performing an ashes scattering ceremony. Let’s look at some of the things you need to know.

#1 - Seek Permission Before Scattering Ashes On Private Property

Perhaps Uncle Joe recently passed on, but he was a huge fan of the Brisbane Broncos. His desire was to have his cremation ashes scattered on the Broncos home turf. This is all well and good, but that stadium is private property and permission needs to be sought first before letting Uncle Joe’s remains be blown all around the stadium.

It’s the same for any private property situation. You must first get permission from the owner or their representative before doing so.

#2 - Will the Area Remain Untouched?

For example, perhaps the loved one who has passed enjoyed a particular spot in the park or bush and you decide to scatter their ashes in that location. What you want to know is whether that area is going to remain untouched, or is there the possibility that it’ll be developed for another purpose.

The last thing you want to do is lay a person to rest in a beautiful and quiet spot, only to see the location spoiled a few years down the track.

#3 - Does Your Local Council Place Limitations On the Scattering of Cremation Ashes?

In many locations around Australia, people are free to scatter the cremation ashes of a loved one. However, some local councils may have specific bylaws that either limit or prohibit the scattering of ashes in specific locations, such as the beach, for example. Other times it may be allowed, so long as you apply for a permit. Before scattering the ashes in the desired location, make a call to your local council to ensure you’re allowed to do so.

#4 - Will the Cremation Ashes Be Split Between Family Members?

Before venturing off and dispersing all of the ashes across the sea or the local park, you’ll want to ensure that there wasn’t some existing promise or agreement for portions of the cremation ashes to be split up among family members. If Aunt Joan was promised a portion of her brother’s ashes to keep and you’ve already scattered them, she’s going to be devastated.

#5 - Refrain From Scattering Ashes In the Backyard

The main reason you may decide not to scatter them in the yard of your home is the possibility that you may sell up and move one day. You can’t collect the scattered ashes and take them with you. If you’re sure you’re never going to move, then by all means you can scatter them in the yard or garden.

#6 - Always Keep Some of the Ashes In the Urn

It’s a good idea to always maintain a portion of the ashes in the urn. This way, if something does happen to the area where you scattered the majority of the ashes, you still have some ashes remaining as a keepsake and memorial to your loved one.

#7 - Immortalise Your Loved One With a Cremation Tree

A cremation tree, also known as a Legacy Tree, is where you have a loved one buried as a tree in a memorial park. This is a professional service, where the cremation ashes are first treated to detoxify them before they are buried beneath a Legacy Tree in a special memorial park.

This is something you’ll want to consider if you want your loved one immortalised in a sense. Simply burying cremation ashes in their raw state will be far too toxic to promote tree growth.

The Takeaway

Scattering cremation ashes certainly can have special meaning in particular locations. Just keep in mind the things mentioned in this post before going ahead with the scattering ceremony.

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australiaâ...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...