Funeral Services >> Burials

Each cemetery managed by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board offers a variety of grave locations and a range of options for headstones and monuments.

How do I secure a gravesite?

Members of the public can purchase the rights to a gravesite at any of our cemeteries. On doing so, the purchaser is issued a "Grant of Right of Burial" for 25 years. The Grant confers on the holder (also known as the "grantee") the right to arrange burials, place cremated remains and erect monumental work in and upon the grave. It is issued in the name of one person only.

What happens when the grant expires?

The grantee has the right of renewal for a further 25 years, as established in the Cemeteries Act 1986. After that, if the Board and the grantee agree, further terms of renewal for periods of no more than 25 years may be arranged. Upon expiration of a grant, the control of the gravesite reverts to the Board.

How many deceased can be interred in a grave? At Karrakatta, Midland and Guildford Cemeteries generally three burials are possible in each grave, as well as placement of ashes. At the family's request, previously interred remains can be relocated to a lower depth to enable further burials to be undertaken in the family grave. It is possible to arrange up to four interments (including ashes) at Pinnaroo burial sites, and up to three interments in the monumental areas at Fremantle Cemetery. Whether you are purchasing rights to a new burial site, or requiring an additional interment in an existing one, the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board will be pleased to advise of the status of the grave in question.

What is cemetery renewal?

The term, "cemetery renewal", practiced at Karrakatta Cemetery, describes the practice of redeveloping existing cemetery burial areas to accommodate new gravesites and memorial locations.

What is the MCB's Flower and Ornament Policy?

The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board is committed to maintaining our cemeteries and memorial gardens to a high standard. Our Flower and Ornament Policy has been developed in conjunction with community groups and has been in operation since 1986. Consideration has been given to safety issues for cemetery visitors, staff and to the overall landscape.

We thank our visitors for observing the conditions described in our Policy.

How can I obtain more information about burials?

For more information about burials, please speak to your Funeral Director, or alternatively, contact our Client Services staff directly.

Our staff will handle your enquiry with sensitivity and understanding. Call 1300 793 109 or email: mcb@mcb.wa.gov.au (please allow 4 working days for a reply).