Living in a multicultural and multi-faith society we have different attitudes and beliefs about death and the disposal of the dead. Currently, a cremation tends to be more popular (55% versus 45% for a burial). In areas where cremation facilities are common this percentage can be as high as 75%. Irrespective of what others might choose, you need to feel comfortable with your decision.

A traditional choice: Burial has been a favoured choice for thousands of years in almost every culture.
The key reasons why burial is chosen:

• Preference of the deceased
• Preference by next-of-kin
• Existing Family plot 
• Faith / religious belief

A modern choice: Cremation has been the choice of the current generation. It offers flexibility with the final resting place. You may decide to bury the ashes, scatter them in an area important to the deceased, or to keep them with you at home.
The key reasons why cremation is chosen:

• Preference of the deceased 
• Preference by next-of-kin
• Environmental consideration
• Convenience/efficient arrangement/simpler
• Lower cost

Cremation Information
Choices of what can be done with a loved one’s ashes
The person who lodges an application for a cremation, often a relative or the executor of the estate, arranges to pick up the ashes. Once the applicant collects the ashes, they can be: 

• Buried in a cemetery in a small plot or placement in a columbarium or niche wall
• Preserved in a decorative urn and kept at home or some other favourite spot 
• Scattered on private land, beach, river, public parks, sea or at a place that was significant to the deceased and family. 
• It also depends on the personal wishes of the deceased.

Do you need any special permission to scatter the ashes?
It is important to get permission from the owners of private land or the Trust of Parks and reserves, or from local council for parks, beaches and playing fields as scattering of ashes may contravene the provisions of the Clean Air Act, or they may constitute water pollution. Councils and other Government Authorities will set time and place when these activities can be undertaken and can impose other conditions.
Disposal of ashes without consent from appropriate authorities may result in legal proceedings to be initiated against the person disposing the ashes.

Things you need to consider when you scatter the ashes
It is important to carefully choose the place where you scatter the ashes of your loved ones. For example, when the ashes are scattered or placed in parks or public place, access to the area may be restricted for some reason in the future, undeveloped land may be developed, or many other conditions may arise that could make it difficult for you to visit the site to remember the deceased. Even if ashes are scattered in the backyard, what happens if you sell sometime in the future? Once scattered, the ashes cannot be collected.

Scattering at sea by boat
You must get permission from the master of the vessel or boat before scattering the ashes. Vessels can be chartered specifically to scatter ashes. Some precautions should be observed: 

• Pre loosen the lid of the ashes container or pre-drill large holes to make it easier to remove the lid or scatter the ashes when on board. 
• Be aware of the wind direction and scatter close to the water 
• Never just throw the ashes container overboard as it will float. Always empty the container into the sea.
  For further information about burial and cremation please contact:
  Office Fair Trading http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/
  NSW Department of Health http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
  Source: www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/ehb/general/funeral/pdf/factsheet_ashes.pdf