The results of an investigation into lost ashes at the privately operated Norwood Park Crematorium have been published by the Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) Directorate.
The report says that three cases of missing ashes were investigated as part of the process.
It said the cases related to a Children’s Niche Wall that was relocated in 1992 to the current Children’s Court Wall.
TCSS said the investigation looked into what had occurred between affected families and Norwood Park, the process used to search for missing ashes and Norwood Park’s processes and procedures.
“Ashes belonging to one family have been confirmed as being correctly located, another family has had ashes returned to them and, sadly, the ashes belonging to one family have not yet been located,” TCCS said.
“The investigation made a number of recommendations for Norwood Park related to processes and record keeping to ensure this does not occur again. Norwood Park is cooperating with Transport Canberra and City Services to address the recommendations.”
Regulator and Deputy Director‑General of City Services, Jim Corrigan said recommendations from the investigation focused on documenting processes and procedures and record keeping.
“The investigation recommends that Norwood Park check their records and close out any discrepancies in the records by contacting families,” Mr Corrigan said.
“Some families have requested they remain anonymous, and to protect their privacy we will not be discussing cases of specific families.”
He said the Government would look to bring forward changes to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 later in the year to make sure that this did not happen again at a cemetery or crematorium in the ACT.
