Simple farewell: Grandfather pioneers easy cremations in NSW.
A 92-year-old named John Lines expressed his final wish for a straightforward send-off, ushering in a new era of end-of-life choices across New South Wales. Lines, a forward-thinking individual, desired a “no fuss” farewell, which had a significant impact on the options now available in the state. Recently, Lines became one of the first people in NSW to undergo a coffin-less cremation, opting for a simple shroud instead.
This unconventional act of shrouded cremation became possible due to the introduction of changes to public health regulations in June that permitted NSW Health to greenlight shrouded cremations. While shrouded burials have been common in Islamic and Muslim communities in the state since 2022, NSW now joins Victoria and Tasmania in allowing shrouded cremations. Metropolitan Memorial Parks, a Sydney cemetery, achieved the authorization to carry out these novel cremations, conducting Lines’ ceremony just last Tuesday at Woronora Memorial Park.
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Victoria Spence, a holistic funeral provider, orchestrated Lines’ unique cremation and played a crucial role in advocating for this evolution in the funeral industry. She emphasized that this development represented a significant advancement towards offering sustainable choices to families. Spence expressed pride in collaborating with NSW Health and Metropolitan Memorial Parks to bring about this vital progression.
Lines’ daughter, Debby Lines, attested that the shrouded cremation fell perfectly in line with her father’s values. Prior to his passing, John Lines had suggested donating his body to science but ultimately settled on the “no fuss” approach. According to Debby, he was always steadfast in his belief against costly funerals. Debby highlighted that her father would perceive a coffin as an unnecessary extravagance, aligning well with his simplistic nature.
John Lines, a father and grandfather, boasted a diverse career that included stints in the military, police force, and anti-terrorism activities. Described as a vibrant and inquisitive spirit even in his final days, Lines maintained an active lifestyle that included working out to his favorite tunes on his treadmill. Debby clarified that while their decision to opt for a shrouded cremation was not influenced by financial constraints, bypassing a coffin could potentially make funeral arrangements more budget-friendly for mourning families.
Simon Officer, the CEO of Metropolitan Memorial Parks, revealed that although shrouded cremations are currently only offered at Woronora Memorial Park, they plan to extend this service to other facilities that provide cremation, such as Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, Macquarie Park Cemetery, and Rookwood Cemetery. Debby’s story about her father John Lines signifies a departure from traditional funeral practices in an increasingly eco-conscious and cost-effective direction.