In September, Recreation Aotearoa’s Kieran Smith attended the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA) Conference on the Gold Coast, joining cemetery and crematoria professionals from across Australia and New Zealand. This year’s conference was particularly significant, marking ACCA’s 40th year as an industry body and its 37th conference.There was a real buzz throughout the event. While the Gold Coast location may have contributed, the atmosphere reflected something deeper. Bringing people together to share experiences, challenges and ideas often brings out the very best in a profession. Conferences remain valuable not only for professional development, but also for the connections formed and the opportunities to discover new perspectives and possibilities.
Park-first cemeteries
One of the standout presentations came from urban strategist Andrew Hoyne, whose work focuses on creating vibrant and connected communities. Speaking through a cemetery lens, Hoyne challenged delegates to reconsider how memorial spaces are planned and perceived. Historically, cemeteries have often been viewed as necessary but undesirable land uses. Communities recognise the need for them, yet “not in my backyard” thinking can still influence decision-making.
Hoyne encouraged planners and decision-makers to think differently by developing cemeteries as parks first and cemeteries second. It is a simple concept with significant implications. These large parcels of land can provide opportunities for passive recreation, biodiversity enhancement, open green space and places of calm within increasingly dense urban environments. They can support the needs of the living while continuing to honour the dead.
He also highlighted examples from around the world where memorial spaces, through thoughtful design and architecture, have become destinations in their own right. From the iconic mausoleum at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles to the striking Shinjuku Ruriko-in Byakurengedo columbarium in Tokyo, these examples demonstrated how memorialisation, community use and innovative design can successfully coexist.
Preserving memories with an app
Another memorable presentation came from Geelong Cemeteries Trust and Arrow Bronze, who showcased the development of the Remembered App. Developed in partnership with the local Historical Society, the app helps preserve and share stories that might otherwise be lost over time.
What stood out was not the technology itself, but the purpose behind it. Cemeteries contain far more than names and dates. They hold the stories of communities, families and individuals who have shaped the places we live today. The Remembered App demonstrated how digital tools can strengthen connections between communities and their heritage, ensuring these stories remain accessible for future generations.
Remembrance, conflict and disaster response
The second day of the conference welcomed leading academics whose research explored the broader themes of remembrance, conflict and disaster response.
Dr Kate Ariotti delivered a fascinating presentation examining military repatriation practices from World War I through to the Vietnam War. Her research highlighted the logistical, health and financial challenges that historically prevented the return of deceased service personnel to Australia. The presentation explored how approaches to military remembrance have evolved over time, including the complexities associated with locating and identifying graves long after conflicts had ended.
Particularly compelling was her discussion of the Thailand-Burma Railway and the ongoing challenges associated with locating, identifying and commemorating those who lost their lives during its construction.
Dr Kirsty Wright then provided an insightful look into the operational realities following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Her presentation highlighted the enormous effort required to identify victims following a disaster of that scale and explored how advances in DNA forensic science have transformed disaster victim identification practices.
Beyond the technical aspects, the presentation reinforced the importance of providing certainty and answers for families during times of profound loss. It served as a powerful reminder that behind every identification process is a person, a family and a community seeking connection, understanding and closure.
The role of cemeteries today
Reflecting on the conference, a common theme emerged. While cemeteries and crematoria will always be places of remembrance, they are increasingly being recognised as important community assets. They contribute to environmental outcomes, preserve local heritage, support social connection and provide valuable open space within growing urban environments.
For Kieran, the conference reinforced the value of bringing people together, challenged traditional thinking and highlighted the many ways memorial spaces can continue to evolve, while remaining grounded in their core purpose of caring for people, memory and place.
As communities continue to grow and evolve, so too will expectations of the spaces that serve them. ACCA 2026 demonstrated that the future of memorialisation is about much more than remembrance. It is about creating places that support connection, tell stories, preserve heritage and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of future generations.