Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one, planning for your own future, or searching for historical family records, this form is the required first step.

As part of the Sydney Anglican Diocese, our care for these grounds reflects our Christian faith and our belief in the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We view looking after this site as an important duty, caring for families while preserving the resting places in our trust. As custodians of a colonial burial ground established in 1810, where new earth plots were closed in 1970, we also follow strict National Trust heritage requirements.

Understanding This Form

We recognise that this form asks for a lot of detail and requires careful attention. We know that dealing with paperwork can be tough, especially when you are grieving or organising an estate.

However, every plot, niche reservation, and historical record search at St Matthew’s must follow the laws of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW). Completing these preliminary questions accurately allows us to handle your request correctly, protect our historic site, and confirm your legal rights.

By filling out this form, you are starting a formal administrative process. We ask that you provide accurate information so we can help you efficiently. In return, our Parish Administration promises to process your request clearly, fairly, and with care. Once we review your enquiry, we will explain the next steps, provide clear details on costs, and send you a secure link to upload your certified identity documents.

Governance and Triage Process

The Parish Council and Wardens oversee the historic cemetery and columbarium, ensuring we follow the rules set by Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW (CCNSW) and the National Trust. Day-to-day administration and record-keeping are handled by our Parish Administration on behalf of the Sydney Anglican Diocese.

Because St Matthew’s is a historic site with high public interest, we review all enquiries based on urgency and legal requirements.

Please note that the review times listed below are target estimates, not fixed legal deadlines. While we aim to process every submission as quickly as possible, heritage record checks can sometimes take extra time. These timeframes cover the review of this initial enquiry form only. After this review, our team will send you a secure link to upload your certified documents, which starts your official application.

Estimated Response Times

  • Immediate Need for Ashes and In-ground Burials (At-Need): Within 3 business days.

  • Future Planning (Pre-Need) & Updating Existing Niche Details (Post-1970): Within 14 business days.

  • Verifying Historic Columbarium Niches (Reserved Prior to 1970): Within 21 business days.

  • Verifying Historic Graveyard Plots (Reserved Prior to 1970) & General Register Searches: Within 1 month.

Document Certification Requirements

To keep our Cemetery Register accurate and meet NSW laws, St Matthew’s requires certified true copies of all supporting records, deeds, and identity documents. NSW rules state that cemetery operators must verify the identity and authority of everyone applying for or updating a Perpetual Interment Right.

To meet these standards and protect your family's rights, we only accept documents certified by:

  • In Australia: A registered Justice of the Peace (JP) or an authorised witness under the Oaths Act 1900 (NSW).

  • Overseas: A registered Notary Public with an official legal seal.

Every certified page must clearly state that it is a "true and accurate copy of the original", signed and dated by the certifier with their registration number and official stamp. We cannot accept plain photocopies, uncertified scans, or standard photos.

Privacy and Personal Information

St Matthew’s Anglican Church Windsor (ABN 38 838 687 145) collects your personal information to meet cemetery laws under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW). We use this information to process your request, issue or check Perpetual Interment Rights, maintain our official register, offer pastoral care, and complete standard reporting.

Providing personal details for regular church activities is optional, but providing accurate details for cemetery matters is mandatory under NSW law. Without this information, we cannot legally process your application, confirm historical claims, or record your rights.

Your personal information is kept safe on Australian servers using our Elvanto management software. We may send you church updates, but you can opt out or unsubscribe at any time. We do not share your information with outside parties unless required by law, such as official record audits by Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW (CCNSW).

You can contact us anytime to ask questions, request access to your records, or ask for corrections to your information using our online personal information request form.

Primary Contact Details for this Enquiry

Please provide your personal contact details below so our Parish administration can communicate with you directly regarding this enquiry. You do not need to be the legally designated Interment Right holder or the formally authorised applicant to initiate this request on behalf of a family. We will use this information exclusively to correspond with you and guide you through the required statutory processes.

Navigating interment rights can be complex. If you have any questions about our historic cemetery, require more details, or just wish to speak with someone from St Matthew's, submit an enquiry and we will gladly guide you through the process.

If multiple deceased / subjects exist for this enquiry, please state all details for all people relevant to the enquiry. 

Existing Interment Right Holders: Verification Process for Historical Monumental Burial Plot Reservations Made Prior to 1970

Under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), historical burial licences for our heritage-listed 1810 graveyard are recognised as perpetual interment rights, provided they can be properly validated. Before any memorialisation or interment can take place, St Matthew's must verify these legacy claims against our official Cemetery Register. Submitting a formal application with original receipts or deeds allows us to confirm your perpetual tenure, faithfully preserve this National Trust site, and ensure our records strictly comply with state law.

Instructions for Verifying a Legacy Monumental Burial Plot Reservation (Made Prior to 1970)

We value the long-standing, faithful connection of families to the historic graveyard at St Matthew's, where the sale of new monumental burial plots formally ceased in 1970 due to physical capacity and National Trust heritage preservation requirements. Under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), historical burial licences for our 1810 graveyard are recognised as perpetual interment rights, provided they can be properly validated.

Because all cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, we must verify these legacy claims against our official Cemetery Register before any memorialisation or earth interment can lawfully take place. To help us facilitate this correctly and preserve our shared colonial heritage, this specific type of verification must be captured through our dedicated application process.

Action Required:

  • Please gather any original receipts, deeds, or official Parish correspondence relating to this historic graveyard plot before proceeding. Ensure all supporting historical documents, original receipts, and deeds are clearly legible before submission. Digital copies of these documents must be securely uploaded directly to to the Parish administration at the secure portal provided by the Parish administration upon receipt of this form being submitted. All documents must be submitted as a PDF and any supporting historical receipts or identification as individual high-resolution .jpg images or PDFs. To assist our administration in maintaining accurate official Cemetery Register records, please use the following file naming convention when uploading these document files: 
    • File Naming Convention Structure: Doc-Date-(DD-MM-YYYY)_Application-Type_Applicant-Name_Identifier-No-(123456)

      Examples of Correct File Names:

    • For a historic receipt: Receipt-Date-(14-08-1965)_Legacy-Plot-Verification_Mary-Smith_Receipt-No-(874).pdf

    • For a new application form: App-Date-(23-09-2026)_Pre-Need-Niche-Application_John-Citizen.pdf

    • For proof of identity: ID-Date-(23-09-2026)_Register-Enquiry_Jane-Doe_Drivers-Licence.jpg

  • If required, complete the forms below to allow our administration to confirm your perpetual rights, memeralisation details and the contractual terms. 

Application for Placement of Ashes and Order For Interment (Page 3 to be completed after interment/burial has occurred)

CONTRACT FOR SALE OF INTERMENT

If applicable, Application for Relinquishment of Reservation

Existing Interment Right Holders: Verification Process for Historical Columbarium Niche Reservations Made Prior to 1970

Legacy licences for columbarium niches issued by the Parish before 1970 are recognised as perpetual interment rights under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), subject to official verification. Right holders must submit a formal application accompanied by original receipts or official correspondence to confirm their historical agreement. Completing this mandatory verification ensures your legal authority is accurately recorded on the Parish register ahead of any future ash placement.

Instructions for Verifying Legacy Columbarium Niche Reservation (Made Prior to 1970)

We value the long-standing, faithful connection of families to the St Matthew's columbarium. Legacy licences for columbarium niches issued by the Parish before 1970 are recognised as perpetual interment rights under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), subject to official verification.

Because all cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, we must ensure these historical agreements are properly validated. To help us facilitate this correctly, you must complete this dedicated application to verify your legacy agreement and accurately update the official Parish Cemetery Register ahead of any future ash placement.

Action Required:

  • Please gather any original receipts, certificates, or Parish correspondence relating to this historic columbarium reservation before proceeding. Ensure all supporting historical documents, original receipts, and deeds are clearly legible before submission. Digital copies of these documents must be securely uploaded directly to to the Parish administration at the secure portal provided by the Parish administration upon receipt of this form being submitted. All documents must be submitted as a PDF and any supporting historical receipts or identification as individual high-resolution .jpg images or PDFs. To assist our administration in maintaining accurate official Cemetery Register records, please use the following file naming convention when uploading these document files: 
    • File Naming Convention Structure: Doc-Date-(DD-MM-YYYY)_Application-Type_Applicant-Name_Identifier-No-(123456)

      Examples of Correct File Names:

    • For a historic receipt: Receipt-Date-(14-08-1965)_Legacy-Plot-Verification_Mary-Smith_Receipt-No-(874).pdf

    • For a new application form/contract: App-Date-(23-09-2026)_Pre-Need-Niche-Application_John-Citizen.pdf

    • For proof of identity: ID-Date-(23-09-2026)_Register-Enquiry_Jane-Doe_Drivers-Licence.jpg

  • If required, complete the forms below to allow our administration to confirm your perpetual rights, memoralisation details and the contractual terms. 

Application for Placement of Ashes and Order For Interment (Page 3 to be completed after interment has occurred)

CONTRACT FOR SALE OF INTERMENT

If applicable, Application for Relinquishment of Reservation

Existing Interment Right Holders: Application Process to Verify Perpetual Columbarium Niche Reservations Made After 1970

To ensure strict compliance with the record-keeping requirements of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), existing niche reservations established after 1970 must be accurately maintained on the Parish register. You are required to submit a formal application, along with proof of your original reservation receipt, to verify your current contact details as the lawful right holder. Updating this information guarantees your legal authority to authorise future ash interments is seamlessly recognised when the time of need arises.

Instructions for Verifying a Perpetual Columbarium Niche Reservation (Made After 1970)

Thank you for maintaining your family's resting place within the active St Matthew's columbarium. To ensure orderly and lawful administration, existing niche reservations established after 1970 must be accurately maintained on the Parish register to comply with the record-keeping requirements of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW).

Because all cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, we require right holders to verify their details. Updating this information guarantees that your legal authority to authorise future ash interments remains seamlessly recognised when the time of need arises.

Action Required:

  • Please locate your original reservation receipt or proof of purchase for the columbarium niche before proceeding. Ensure all supporting historical documents, original receipts, and deeds are clearly legible before submission. Digital copies of these documents must be securely uploaded directly to to the Parish administration at the secure portal provided by the Parish administration upon receipt of this form being submitted. All documents must be submitted as a PDF and any supporting historical receipts or identification as individual high-resolution .jpg images or PDFs. To assist our administration in maintaining accurate official Cemetery Register records, please use the following file naming convention when uploading these document files: 
    • File Naming Convention Structure: Doc-Date-(DD-MM-YYYY)_Application-Type_Applicant-Name_Identifier-No-(123456)

      Examples of Correct File Names:

    • For a historic receipt: Receipt-Date-(14-08-1965)_Legacy-Plot-Verification_Mary-Smith_Receipt-No-(874).pdf

    • For a new application form/contract: App-Date-(23-09-2026)_Pre-Need-Niche-Application_John-Citizen.pdf

    • For proof of identity: ID-Date-(23-09-2026)_Register-Enquiry_Jane-Doe_Drivers-Licence.jpg

  • Complete the forms below to allow our administration to confirm your perpetual rights, memeralisation details and the contractual terms. 

Application for Placement of Ashes and Order For Interment (Page 3 to be completed after interment has occurred)

CONTRACT FOR SALE OF INTERMENT

If applicable, Application for Relinquishment of Reservation

Prospective Interment Right Holders: Pre-Need Application Process to Secure a New Perpetual Interment Right for Future Estate Planning

Securing a pre-need columbarium niche at St Matthew's requires completing a formal application to establish a legally binding consumer contract in strict accordance with the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW). This statutory agreement guarantees pricing transparency under current state regulations and clearly defines your perpetual interment rights for future ash placement. Upon successful application and the issuance of an official receipt, your estate planning wishes are lawfully protected and fully transferrable.

Instructions for Securing a New Perpetual Interment Right (Pre-Need)

We appreciate your careful consideration in planning ahead for your estate within the St Matthew's columbarium. Securing a new pre-need niche requires establishing a legally binding consumer contract in strict accordance with the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW).

Because all cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, completing this application ensures transparent fee disclosure. To help us facilitate this correctly, your estate planning wishes must be formally recorded to guarantee the designated perpetual interment rights are lawfully protected and fully transferrable.

Action Required:

  • Please review our transparent fee schedule and statutory consumer information (Contract for sale of Interment) before continuing. 
  • Please locate your original reservation receipt or proof of purchase for the columbarium niche before proceeding. Ensure all supporting historical documents, original receipts, and deeds are clearly legible before submission. Digital copies of these documents must be securely uploaded directly to to the Parish administration at the secure portal provided by the Parish administration upon receipt of this form being submitted. All documents must be submitted as a PDF and any supporting historical receipts or identification as individual high-resolution .jpg images or PDFs. To assist our administration in maintaining accurate official Cemetery Register records, please use the following file naming convention when uploading these document files: 
    • File Naming Convention Structure: Doc-Date-(DD-MM-YYYY)_Application-Type_Applicant-Name_Identifier-No-(123456)

      Examples of Correct File Names:

    • For a historic receipt: Receipt-Date-(14-08-1965)_Legacy-Plot-Verification_Mary-Smith_Receipt-No-(874).pdf

    • For a new application form/contract: App-Date-(23-09-2026)_Pre-Need-Niche-Application_John-Citizen.pdf

    • For proof of identity: ID-Date-(23-09-2026)_Register-Enquiry_Jane-Doe_Drivers-Licence.jpg

  • Provide accurate applicant details to ensure the legal contract is drafted correctly.
  • Complete the forms below to allow our administration to confirm your perpetual rights, memeralisation details and the contractual terms. 
  • Upon approval, payment, and issuance of an official receipt, your legal contract will be stored securely on the Parish register.

Application for Placement of Ashes and Order For Interment (Page 3 to be completed after interment has occurred)

CONTRACT FOR SALE OF INTERMENT

If applicable, Application for Relinquishment of Reservation

Authorised Applicants: At-Need Application Process to Secure a New Perpetual Interment Right for an Immediate Niche Interment

For immediate ash interments without prior arrangements, an authorised applicant must submit a proper application to secure a new, at-need perpetual interment right. The Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW) mandates the execution of a compliant consumer contract and the issuance of an official receipt before any columbarium placement can lawfully proceed. This statutory process ensures transparent fee disclosure and establishes exclusive, legally protected site management rights for the family.

Instructions for Securing a New Perpetual Interment Right (At-Need)

We extend our deepest sympathies during this difficult time and are committed to assisting you with the faithful and dignified interment of your loved one's ashes. For immediate interments without prior arrangements, an authorised applicant must secure a new, at-need perpetual interment right before any ash placement can lawfully proceed.

Because all cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, this statutory process mandates the execution of a compliant consumer contract. Completing this dedicated application swiftly ensures transparent fee disclosure and establishes exclusive, legally protected columbarium site management rights for your family.

Action Required:

  • Please ensure you are the formally authorised applicant before entering details on this form.
  • Complete the At-Need application form (Contract for sale of Interment) below to secure a new Perpetual Interment Right for the deceased's niche before continuing. 
  • Please locate your original reservation receipt or proof of purchase for the columbarium niche before proceeding. Ensure all supporting historical documents, original receipts, and deeds are clearly legible before submission. Digital copies of these documents must be securely uploaded directly to to the Parish administration at the secure portal provided by the Parish administration upon receipt of this form being submitted. All documents must be submitted as a PDF and any supporting historical receipts or identification as individual high-resolution .jpg images or PDFs. To assist our administration in maintaining accurate official Cemetery Register records, please use the following file naming convention when uploading these document files: 
    • File Naming Convention Structure: Doc-Date-(DD-MM-YYYY)_Application-Type_Applicant-Name_Identifier-No-(123456)

      Examples of Correct File Names:

    • For a historic receipt: Receipt-Date-(14-08-1965)_Legacy-Plot-Verification_Mary-Smith_Receipt-No-(874).pdf

    • For a new application form/contract: App-Date-(23-09-2026)_Pre-Need-Niche-Application_John-Citizen.pdf

    • For proof of identity: ID-Date-(23-09-2026)_Register-Enquiry_Jane-Doe_Drivers-Licence.jpg

  • Provide accurate applicant details to ensure the legal contract is completed correctly.
  • Complete the forms below to allow our administration to confirm your perpetual rights, memeralisation details and the contractual terms. 
  • Upon approval, payment, and issuance of an official receipt, your legal contract will be stored securely on the Parish register.
  • Upon receiving your initial enquiry, the Parish administration team will carefully review your details to determine the specific statutory requirements applicable to your scenario. Should your request require a formal application or the verification of historical records, we will contact you directly with a secure, encrypted upload link. This dedicated portal ensures that all subsequently required materials, including your completed application forms, certified proof of identity, and any supporting historical documentation, can be formally submitted to the Parish with the highest standard of privacy and data security.

Application for Placement of Ashes and Order For Interment (Page 3 to be completed after interment has occurred)

CONTRACT FOR SALE OF INTERMENT

If applicable, Application for Relinquishment of Reservation

Unsure of Your Right Holder Status: Requesting a Cemetery Register Enquiry to Verify an Unknown or Uncertain Interment Right

All perpetual interment rights are strictly governed by the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013 (NSW), requiring any historical claims for graveyard plots or columbarium niches to be validated against the official Parish register. If you suspect an existing family reservation but lack documentation, you must submit a formal register enquiry application to allow our administration to search for valid historical records. Clarifying your reservation status ensures any future memorialisation or interment complies completely with modern statutory requirements and Parish ordinances.

Instructions for Requesting a Cemetery Register Enquiry

We understand that family records regarding columbarium niches or historic graveyard plots can sometimes be lost or unclear over generations. St Matthew’s is committed to comprehensively reviewing our official Parish registers to determine if a legally valid interment right already exists for your family.

Because all cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, we must ensure any historical claims are properly validated against official records. To help us facilitate this correctly, a formal search must be requested so we can advise you on the necessary statutory steps to clarify and verify your lawful status.

Action Required:

  • Please do not assume a legally binding reservation exists for a niche or plot until it has been formally verified in writing by the Parish.
  • Instead, complete the cemetery register enquiry form below to request a formal archival search.
  • Provide as much specific detail as possible, such as full names, dates of death, or approximate years of the suspected reservation.
  • Your enquiry will be securely routed to our administration team, who will treat the search with diligence and contact you with the results.
SADPT
All cemetery operations are strictly governed by the statutory regulations and oversight of

Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW

SADPT
Administered by the Parish Council and Wardens of St Matthew’s Windsor,

upon property held in trust by the Sydney Anglican Diocese Property Trust.

All fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are mandatory statutory or administrative requirements. The Parish Administration cannot process your enquiry unless these required fields are completed in full.