Common Questions
How is my loved one cared for whilst at the centre?
What clothing should be worn by the deceased?
Is a viewing necessary?
What is embalming and when should a body be embalmed?
What should I do if a family member dies interstate or overseas?
What is the difference between a public and private funeral?
Should children go to funerals?
What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?
Should I wear black to the funeral?
Should I send flowers?
What happens with a cremation?
Are the handles removed for cremation?
Can the ashes be separated into more than one container?
Can ashes be scattered anywhere?
How do I organise a memorial for my loved one?
What are the costs of a funeral?
When should the funeral account be paid?
What is the advantage of pre-arranging my funeral while i’m still alive?
Can I invest money toward my funeral?
How is my loved one cared for whilst at the centre?
The care and respect begins with the transfer from the place of death to our funeral centre. All our transfer staff are fully trained in conducting the transer in a dignified and caring manner whether this occurs in a private home, hospital or more public place.
This standard of care continues right through the entire process of the funeral preperations to the final resting place. Each person is handled as if the family members are present in the mortuary at any time. We attach a great deal of significance to the preperation for a viewing, and the dressing and grooming of the deceased person is part of this process. A recent photograph helps with details of hairstyles and makeup applications. A favourite perfume can also add a special touch.
What clothing should be worn by the deceased?
This is entirely personal. Your loved one may have had a favourite outfit, whether casual or formal. Some like to dress their loved one in pyjamas, symbolical of their sleeping, others feel that a suit is more appropriate. The family can provide clothing for our staff to prepare and dress the deceased.
Is a viewing necessary?
A viewing can assist in the grieving process as it allows people to begin to accept the reality of the death of the loved one. This special time is an opportunity to say "goodbye", and begin to bring some closure to the relationship. Nobody, however, should feel pressured to attend a viewing.
What is embalming and when should a body be embalmed?
Embalming is performed to preserve the body, maintain natural colouring. Embalming enables the family to prolong their final farewell. If a body is to be transfered interstate or overseas, embalming is a legal requirement.
What should I do if a family member dies interstate or overseas?
If death occurs unexpectedly in another state or country, we can arrange for the body to be returned home. Similarly, if a burial or cremation is requested in your native state or country, we will make the necessary arrangements for you.
What is the difference between a public and private funeral?
A public funeral is announced in the newspaper and is open for anyone to express their support to the family and pay their last respects to the deceased.
When a private funeral is requested the death notice will appear in the newspaper after the event and only invited people attend the funeral. Some choose a private funeral because they don’t want any "fuss". But sometimes we forget that the purpose of a funeral is to allow those left behind a chance to say goodbye and accept that the person they care about is gone. Difficulties can occur when people feel "excluded" from the right to acknowledge their feelings towards the deceased, and they may feel uncomfortable approaching family members at a later date. It can also be difficult deciding who should be invited to a private funeral. Ultimately, however, it is the choice of the family in having a private or public service. Private funerals can be very beautiful.
Should children go to funerals?
Children also need to accept the death and feel their grief. Children need to say goodbye too. They may benefit from being included in the preparation of the funeral. This can assist in their grieving process.
What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?
The basic difference between a coffin and a casket is their shape. Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are widest at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular and more rounded at the edges and generally larger. We construct many of our own coffins, and coffins for other funeral firms throughout the State, enabling special requests to be fulfilled.
Should I wear black to the funeral?
Mourning symbols have almost disappeared from our society including the wearing of black. Some still feel the need to dress in black as this is an extension of their expression of grief.
Should I send flowers?
Flowers are a meaningful way to express your love or sympathy on the death of a relative or friend. Some families request a donation to a special organisation to be made in lieu of flowers. Many charities are greatly appreciative of this act.
What happens with a cremation?
Following the funeral service, once the mourners have left, the coffin is removed from the chapel and taken to the crematorium. Family members may witness the cremation if they wish. The ashes are collected by our staff at the conclusion of the cremation and placed in a special box for collection or decanting into another vessel as instructed by the family.
Are the handles removed for cremation?
These days coffin and casket handles are made of plastic and only appear to be metal. These melt during the cremation process so are not removed.
Can the ashes be separated into more than one container?
Yes. There may have been several places of special meaning to the deceased. Separated ashes could be scattered at each site. Various family members may each wish to retain a portion of the ashes of their loved one.
Can ashes be scattered anywhere?
Yes, provided it is done discretely and is not seen as a public nuisance.
How do I organise a memorial for my loved one?
Our staff can offer professional advice on a wide selection of styles of headstones and bronze plaques. These can be as individual or as personal as you wish them to be. We can also assist you with the wording to be incorporated on the memorial.
What are the costs of a funeral?
The cost of a funeral varies greatly with the choices family members make. The expenses may be made up of:
- the coffin or casket
- the cost of burial or cremation
- hiring a venue, other than our chapel
- newspaper notices
- catering
- minister / celebrant
- hiring of musician / organist
- flowers
- copy of death certificate (if required)
- mourning cars (if requested)
- audio / video tape service
- professional services (which include the services provided by your Funeral Director)
When should the funeral account be paid?
The funeral account is sent out within 5 days of the funeral, with up to 60 days settlement. If paid within 30 days a discount of $200 is given. The person who signs the authorisation for the funeral to be conducted is the person legally responsible for the payment of the funeral account.
What is the advantage of pre-arranging my funeral while I am still alive?
Death is part of life, yet the fear and dread that surrounds the thought of death is such that people choose not to think about it. There are good reasons for pre-arranging your funeral. You will have peace of mind knowing that your wishes are recorded. This can lift much of the burden from your family at a very emotional time. Pre-arranging your funeral allows you the time to consider all the alternatives available to you, and create a very personal funeral service. You may wish to set aside funds for your funeral through us. Your funds will be invested and earn interest on your behalf. You are assured of professional guidance and strict confidentiality.
Can I invest money toward my funeral?
The Government allows each individual to invest $10,000 into their funeral without the payment interfering with their pension. We can invest this money on your behalf into “Funeral Bonds”. The bonds are independent of our firm, making the money easily transferable to another funeral firm, should you move interstate. Your bond investment earns interest that generally covers any increases in funeral costs. If there are funds left over after the funeral, these are returned to the estate. Similarly if the funds are insufficient to cover the funeral costs the shortfall will come from the deceased's estate.
- Understanding Funerals
- Common Questions
- Arranging a Funeral
- Funeral Options
- After the Funeral
- Planning Ahead:
My Life / My Funeral