Thorak cemetery

As of 1 July 2008 the Thorak Regional cemetery on Deloraine Road is operated solely by Litchfield Council. It is open from 7.00am - 6.00pm seven days a week.  It has the only crematorium facilities in the Northern Territory.

About the Cemetery

Situated in the rural area of Berrimah on Deloraine Road, the Cemetery can be accessed easily via McMillans Road when approaching from the Darwin Suburban area from the Stuart Highway.

The Thorak Regional Cemetery is largely a non-denominational cemetery facility, but provision for burial in denominational areas exists for those of the Orthodox, Muslim and Bahai' faith.

The non-denominational areas consists of lawn interments, restricted memorial interments and unrestricted memorial interments.

The Cemetery has a crematorium and Chapel for those choosing to be cremated, and also a Memorial Garden for the interment of cremated remains.

The Gardens of Angels section has been provided for the burial/interment of ashes of infants up to two years of age.

History

The Thorak Regional Cemetery was named after Klaus Thorak, a distinguished veterinarian with the Primary Industries Branch who, together with his wife and son, was killed in an aeroplane accident whilst on his way to Timor. The road so named leads to the forestry area known as Thorak Reserve and passes in the vicinity of the cemetery.

The Thorak Regional Cemetery opened in 1988 and in 1990, the crematorium facility was added to the site.

Today, Thorak Cemetery is the only cemetery for the greater Darwin area and will provide a burial facility for the residents of Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Shire well into the twenty second century.

Opening Hours

Cemetery visits are welcome from sunrise to sunset each day.

Normal hours for interment and cremation services are restricted to 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours will incur a surcharge. No services are permitted between sunset and sunrise on any day.

The cemetery is open for limited vehicular entry. Parking areas are provided adjacent to the chapel, near Section 1, 2 and 3, the Memorial Garden and Orthodox areas. No vehicles are permitted within the sections and parking should be restricted to dedicated parking areas.

Interments

Thorak Regional Cemetery provides residents with interment facilities in a range of locations:

Section 1 Lawn area (Plaque memorials only permitted)
Section 1 Muslim Lawn Cemetery for Muslim Faith
Section 1 Bahai' Lawn Cemetery for Bahai' Faith
Section 2 Limited Memorial size area
Section 3 Unrestricted memorial area
Section 4 Orthodox Area - family interment
Section 5 Gardens of Angels, Children's Section - Up to Age 2

Section 5A Gardens of Angels, Children's Section - Up to Age 10

Crematorium

The crematorium facility at the Thorak Regional Cemetery is the only facility in the Northern Territory. Arrangements for cremations can be made through the Funeral Director.

Arrangement for collection of interment of ashes can also be made with the Funeral Director. Cremated remains may be forwarded to any destination within Australia, on arrangement with your Funeral Director.

Additionally, a Memorial Garden for the interment of cremated remains is available.

Families have six months from cremation to make arrangement for the burial of ashes within the cemetery. Ashes not claimed within this time may be scattered in unspecified areas within the cemetery grounds.

Chapel

The Chapel facility within the cemetery is available for cremation, burial and memorial ceremonies. The chapel provides seating for approximately 100 people with further standing room within the surrounding verandah area. The facility is airconditioned and a sound system is available for use during services.

Chapel bookings may be made through the funeral director or with the Cemetery contractor. A booking fee is included in the cost of cremation and/or interment.

Other Information

Burial Ages - The Cemetery charges vary accordingly for the interment or cremation of adults or children. Fees are structured to define children as deceased from the prenatal stage to the age of 10 years. An adult interment/cremation applies above that age. The age for Garden of Angels is for infants up to two years of age.

Disabled Access - Please contact the Cemetery Contractor for advice on access for people with disabilities. A disabled toilet facility is available within the Chapel building.

Exclusive Rights to grave sites / Memorial Garden - The reservation of a select grave site is possible subject to availability. An Exclusive Right Fee is charged and a certificate issued for this reservation.

Litter - Grave sites should be kept clean and free of debris and litter. The Cemetery contractor will routinely remove spent flowers and other litter which may be considered unsightly from grave sites. Please liaise with the contractor before placing any objects on grave sites within the lawn areas.

Re-Instatement of Grave Sites After Interment - Following interment, the cemetery staff will remove debris and litter from the grave site after a reasonable time. This will be followed by the reinstatement of lawn cover and on-going maintenance such as irrigation and mowing.

Second Interment - Subject to access, select grave sites may be reopened for later interment. This will be costed at the relevant interment cost and may incur excess costs subject to accessibility to the site for excavation plant. Second interment is only possible when the first interment was excavated to a depth of 2.10 metres and an exclusive Right of Burial has been issued.

Inquiries

Records for Thorak Regional Cemetery can be obtained by calling the cemetery direct on 8947 0903.
A memorial permit is required to place or alter a memorial.
An application form for Thorak Regional Cemetery can be obtained by calling Litchfield Council on 8983 1912.

Contact Details

Cemetery Manager - Mr Glen Roberts, ph (08) 8983 1912

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