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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Julia Kanapathippillai

Canberra opens first publicly-operated crematorium

City Services Minister Chris Steel with former Yerrabi MLA Deepak-Raj Gupta at the sod turning for the crematorium in 2020. Picture: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Canberra's second crematorium opened on Monday at Gungahlin Cemetery, Mitchell.

The ACT government announced plans for the crematorium in October 2019, with construction commencing in June 2020.

The crematorium is the second in the ACT, with only one other privately-owned crematorium in the territory.

The new facility features a cremator and viewing rooms for family members.

Transport and City Services Minister Chris Steel said the facilities would meet many Canberrans' cultural and religious needs.

"We have engaged closely with stakeholders to ensure the design of the crematorium meets not only its operational objectives but also the religious and cultural needs of our Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain communities," Mr Steel said.

A 2018 survey conducted by the ACT government found that 1 in 10 people didn't have religious or cultural burial and cremation needs met in Canberra with existing services.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tara Cheyne said the new crematorium would allow people to access funeral services they need without travelling interstate.

"During trying times, I'm pleased that people will have access to the services they need here at home, rather than having to travel interstate," Ms Cheyne said.

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