A group of Naracoorte residents gathered at the Town Square last Friday to express their disappointment at the Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s decision not to waive burial fees for children under the age of 10.

The community demonstration reflected growing frustration over the council’s stance, which many believe lacked compassion for grieving families.

Member for Adelaide and member of the South Australian Select Committee into Stillbirths, Lucy Hood, and Naracoorte Lucindale councillor Monique Crossling were also part of the gathering.

Ms Hood voiced her dismay at the council’s decision, stating, “to be honest, both committee chair Oliver Savvas and I were a bit surprised.”

She emphasised the importance of supporting families during such deeply traumatic experiences.

“A couple of weeks ago I did post about the Robe District Council getting back to us (committee), saying that they would undertake this important measure (fee waiver),” Ms Hood said.

She said she also heard from a Naracoorte woman asking if the committee had written to the local council asking to take on board the committee’s recommendations.

“I actually heard from a local Naracoorte woman who had asked me if I had written to the Naracoorte Council to put forward this request.

“I said absolutely we have. We haven’t heard back yet, and so to be honest, we were a bit surprised when we heard that Monique (Cr Monique Crossling) contacted us during the week—myself and our chairperson, Olivia Savvas—we were disappointed.

“Waiving of burial fees for babies and children up to 10 years of age is just a small measure that councils can take that would have an enormous impact for families and lessen the burden for those that are going through the absolute tragic circumstances of losing either their baby, infant, or child.

“We do think it is relatively a small impact for the council, but a huge impact in terms of lessening that burden for families going through that.”

Cr Crossing said the community was “very disappointed” at the council’s decision.

“I think it is a very small gesture the council could do to waive the burial fee for children under the age of 10, and I think our community thought better of our elected members,” she said.

Cr Crossling said she would be bringing the issue back to the chamber.

“I will definitely be bringing it back to the chamber. Whether it is to amend or revoke the resolution from Tuesday (last week) night.

“But yes, I will bring it back. As it stands, everyone in the community is really upset by this.

“I think some of us have compassion and empathy.

“We are talking about a very small amount of funds—that’s about $5000 over 15 years.

“If it is something that we could do to just help with the tragedy, help a family during a tough time—I think it is something that we should definitely do.”

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 4 June 2025.
Related story: Burial fee debate