News from Bega this morning that a review conducted by the Bega Valley Shire Council has resulted in several recommendations which will lead to an overhaul of how the shire’s cemeteries are run.

One of the key recommendations is to employ a part-time cemetery officer who will co-ordinate with grave diggers and funeral directors to make everything run smoothly at a time when families are grieving for loved ones.

According to council’s group manager community and relationships Leanne Barnes, the review has been ongoing for

several years.

“Council identified a few issues of concern with cemeteries some time ago,” she said.

“There were some financial, record keeping and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues which resulted in council contracting out its grave digging and from that time there were a few more issues which were shown up.”

Ms Barnes said an independent peer assessment had been conducted by Pierre du Parte, bereavement services manager for Shoalhaven City Council.

Read the rest at Bega District News