History
The genesis of the association was at the instigation of Mr John Hocknull, the then Manager of the Payneham and Dudley Park Cemeteries Trust. John called a meeting of the interested parties from the industry in December 1977 and this meeting resulted in the formation of the Cemeteries Association of South Australia Incorporated.
The inaugural meeting of the Association was held on May 5, 1978 with 19 persons present and at that meeting, a subcommittee was appointed to draft a constitution and bylaws. The purpose of the association was to provide a forum to share ideas and as a group be able to represent the industry.
With the establishment of the association, it was now possible to deal with Government, Funeral Directors, Monumental Masons and other associated industry bodies as a group. Through seminars, meetings and training sessions, the association could also assist small cemetery operators with day to day procedures and or interpretation of regulations.
It is significant that CASA was the first state association formed.
During the years since its formations, the association in addition to providing assistance and training has negotiated on behalf of the industry changes which has benefited aspects of operations of cemeteries and thereby, assisted operators to provide a better service to the public.
In 1979 the association commenced discussions with the State Department of Health seeking a review of the General Cemetery Regulations which had not been reviewed for many years. In 1994 the Minister responsible for this Act and regulations established a working party to review the regulations and members of the association executive, were invited to be part of this working party which resulted in the new General Cemetery Regulations being proclaimed on the 1st of September 1995.
The association over its history has lobbied various governments to review the Local Government Act 1934 Cemetery Provisions. A number of Government inquires including 2 select committees, have tabled reports with the last Select Committee report being tabled in Parliament on November 24, 2003. During these deliberations the executive has on behalf of the membership, provided evidence to the various committees and spoken to Ministers responsible for the operation of the Act.
In 1996 in conjunction with the Master Monumental Mason Association, a standard application to erect memorials in cemeteries was developed for use by the industry. As many members of the association operate in country areas, day seminars and training sessions have been held in regional areas: 1987 Kadina, 1992 Port Pirie, 1994 Barossa Valley, 1995 Victor Harbour and 1996 Joint Meeting with the Victorian Association at Coonawarra South East.
To assist operators with Occupational Health and Safety matters, a manual covering grave digging was developed and was launched at a special seminar conducted at Gawler in early 1998. Each year the association conducts meetings with emphasis on education and training. Speakers over the years have included the Register of Births Deaths and Marriages, President of the Funeral Directors Association and the President of the Monumental Masons Association.
These meetings have been held at various cemetery venues, which provides an opportunity for members to share ideas which will assist with the operations of their cemeteries.