NSW Man’s No-Coffin Farewell Spurs Cremation Law Shift

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A 92-year-old man’s request for a simple and low-cost farewell has helped usher in a new option for cremation in New South Wales. John Lines, a former military and police officer, was recently cremated without a coffin, wrapped only in a shroud, following updated public health regulations introduced in June 2025.

The cremation took place at Woronora Memorial Park in Sydney’s south and was conducted by Metropolitan Memorial Parks. The organisation is the first in the state to receive approval to carry out shrouded cremations under the revised guidelines from NSW Health. While shrouded burials have been permitted in the state since 2022, cremation without a coffin had not been allowed until now.

According to NSW Health, shrouded cremations must follow specific safety and procedural standards. The body must be enclosed in a flame-retardant and biodegradable shroud and placed on a solid baseboard for transport and cremation. The deceased’s name must be marked throughout the process. Each cremation must be authorised by the local public health unit on a case-by-case basis.

Victoria Spence, a Sydney-based independent funeral celebrant who coordinated Lines’ service, described the change as an important step forward for offering more sustainable and culturally inclusive end-of-life options. She said the ability to conduct a cremation without a coffin allows families to honour their loved ones’ values, especially those seeking environmentally conscious alternatives.

John Lines’ daughter, Debby Lines, said her father lived with clarity and simplicity. He had initially intended to donate his body to science, but when that was no longer possible, he had asked for a minimal and affordable arrangement.

“He didn’t believe in extravagant funerals,” Debby said. “He remained active until shortly before his death. He exercised, listened to music, and maintained a quiet but full life. This farewell reflected that.”

Lines had five children and three grandchildren. After retiring from his police and military service, he worked in senior public service roles, including in anti-terrorism planning.

Simon Officer, CEO of Metropolitan Memorial Parks, confirmed that Lines’ cremation was the first of its kind at Woronora Memorial Park. He said the organisation plans to introduce similar services at Macquarie Park Cemetery, Rookwood Cemetery, and Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in the coming months.

Shrouded cremations are already allowed in other states such as Victoria and Tasmania. A 2024 report by Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW, developed in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney, found growing interest in low-cost and environmentally sustainable funeral options.

Although affordability was not the main driver for the Lines family, the exclusion of a coffin can reduce funeral costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The shift may help make dignified farewells more accessible for families across the state.

NSW’s regulatory change reflects broader public interest in flexible, culturally appropriate, and sustainable funeral options. The state’s move is expected to influence national conversation around cremation practices and how best to meet evolving community needs.