Council waives burial fees for children and babies

CONTENT WARNING: this relates to pregnancy loss, newborn loss, and child loss which some readers may find distressing.

The Town of Gawler will waive the grave digging fees for babies and children in a commitment to supporting families during a difficult time.

During deliberations of the 2025-2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget, Council supported the burial fee being waived for children up to the age of 10 at the Willaston Cemetery.

Grief is never easy at any stage of life, but the death of a child is impossible to comprehend.

While this is only a small gesture, I think it is the right thing for councils to do as a small gesture to families in their most difficult time.

The initiative comes after similar proposals were passed in other South Australian councils, including Berri Barmera Council and the City of Salisbury. It also comes after a recommendation from the Parliament of South Australia’s ongoing Select Committee into Stillbirths.

Previously, the fees for burials of a stillborn was $237.00 and for children under 10 years of age $702.50.  While it is difficult to estimate the total cost to council, it will be a relatively small cost to Council’s budget each year.