MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: 15 May 2025
Robe Council Expands Burial Fee Waiver to Include Children up to 10 Years Old
At its meeting last night, while setting fees and charges for the 2025–2026 financial year, the District Council of Robe formally resolved to waive all burial fees for children up to 10 years of age, including neonatal and infant burials.
This compassionate decision ensures that families facing the loss of a child will not encounter additional financial stress during an unfathomable time of grief.
The move follows recommendations from the South Australian Parliament’s Select Committee into Stillbirths, established in October 2024, which has highlighted the often-unexpected costs associated with infant and child loss and called on councils across the state to consider fee relief.
“This is a simple but meaningful way we can support families in their darkest moments,” said Mayor Ruffell. “By waiving these fees, we’re offering compassion and care when it matters most.”
The District Council of Robe joins a growing number of local governments — including the Berri Barmera and the City of Salisbury — that have introduced similar policies to support bereaved families.
Council encourages other local governments to consider similar measures to ensure that all families are treated with care and respect during the most difficult times in their lives.
- ENDS -
Council Contact:
Mayor Lisa Ruffell, mayorruffell@robe.sa.gov.au 0474 581 595
Nat Traeger, Chief Executive Officer, ceo@robe.sa.gov.au 0429 799 526