General News
12 February, 2026
Grave decision
BREAKABLE items in Cassowary Coast cemeteries are allowed – but only if they are installed permanently on graves and memorials, fixed against headstones or permanently fitted at the heads of graves.
It’s part of Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s new cemetery policy adopted late last year.
The policy was previously deferred after strong debate about its original wording, which centred on whether to allow vases made of glass and other breakable items on graves.
Council had been considering a ban altogether on glass, ceramic and other breakable items, because of possible safety hazards to the public and to staff or contractors when cleaning in the cemeteries.
But after deciding the draft policy was touching on sensitivities, council decided to review the wording and rules within the document.
Mayor Teresa Millwood and other councillors, including Trudy Tschui, visited Innisfail Cemetery before the November council meeting to get a better understanding of the various items used for decorations and adornments on graves and memorials. “We had a lot of discussion within the team, we visited Innisfail Cemetery, and it’s not an easy subject to touch because we are dealing with people’s families and memories and emotions, so I take my hat off to the team for the work that they’ve done,” Cr Tschui told the meeting.
“Hopefully we can move forward to make these cemeteries special places and safe places for everyone, so thank you.”
Other rules of the policy include that adornments must be placed within a council-approved receptacle
Not permitted:
Items deemed offensive
Draped or flying flags as adornments
Lights (including solar or battery powered)
Alcohol or alcohol containers (full or empty)
Clothing
Balloons
Photo frames
Candles or naked flames
Windchimes
Furniture, statues or other ornaments
Sharp edged items including hooks and spikes
The permanent planting of trees, bushes, flowers or installation of any garden edging or fencing within the cemetery.
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