Frequently Asked Questions

Here is the process that we follow to ensure the best possible care for your loved one and funeral experience for the family and friends.

Step 1
Receive death notice.

Step 2
Collect loved one. Transport to mortuary.

Step 3
Meet with family to plan funeral.

Step 4
Family prepare personalised elements for funeral.

Step 5
Memorial service.

Step 6
Burial or cremation service.

Step 7
Farewell gathering.

Step 8
After funeral follow-up.

This is where the funeral details are planned by a person before their death, usually including what they would like in their memorial service and whether they wish to be buried or cremated. It’s a great way to ensure your loved-one’s life is celebrated in the way they desire and also relieves family members of the burden of arranging the whole funeral.

If the death occurs at home, the doctor is the first person who should be contacted. They can confirm the cause of death and issue a Death Certificate. Once this has been issued, you can contact your funeral provider to take the deceased into their care.

If the death is sudden or accidental, or cause cannot be confirmed, it is the Doctor’s responsibility to notify the police. In these cases, it is important the deceased is not moved or disturbed in any way without the authorisation of the Coroner. The police will contact a government appointed funeral contractor to transfer the deceased from the place of death to the Coroner’s mortuary.

The Coroner will then investigate and determine the cause of death, which may involve a post mortem examination. This may delay the funeral arrangements until the necessary clearance is obtained. You can still contact your funeral director so they can liaise with the Coroner’s Court and make arrangements to take your loved one into their care as soon as they are able to.

The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber where the temperature reaches between 1400 to 1800 degrees. All organic materials are consumed by the heat and bone fragments are left behind. These are known as the cremation remains, which are removed carefully from the chamber and processed into thin particles to be placed into an urn for the family.

Embalming sanitises and preserves the body. It slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a body damaged by illness or traumatic death. Embalming gives the family of the deceased the chance to arrange a service and is recommended if the family wish to have an open casket.

‘Coffin’ is used to describe a container for the deceased that is similar to a body shape, that is, broad at the shoulders and narrow at the feet. Coffins normally have a removable lid and are made of wood. ‘Caskets’ describes a rectangular container with a hinged lid and may be made from wood, metal or wicker.

Viewing the deceased person is a very personal decision. It can be very emotional but also be beneficial. A viewing helps the bereaved to face the reality of death and allows for a quiet time of reflection and final good-bye. Most viewings can be held a few minutes prior to the funeral service, or an extended viewing can be coordinated prior to, or on the day of the service for a small additional fee.

A funeral is typically held around one or two weeks after the death, though it may be longer if there is an inquest into the death. The length of time can vary depending on the family’s instructions and the circumstances of the death. Importantly, it should take as long as the family requires and there is no need to feel rushed.

Funeral Directors work closely with the family of the deceased to arrange the whole funeral from the beginning to the end. They can help you make all the decisions, big or small, and provide you with as much support or guidance as you need.

They will also help you personalise the ceremony, as a funeral is a celebration of a unique life that has been lived. Your funeral director will work with you to make sure the service is a fitting reflection of your loved one’s life. They will ask you questions about your loved one’s interests, hobbies and passions, then help you weave these into a beautiful ceremony. It could be a quiet, traditional funeral held at a local church; or a bright and colourful event where everyone wears their sports team’s colours. Nearly anything is possible and your funeral director can help you make it happen.

Finally, they will take care of all the logistics on your behalf so you don’t need to worry about it. It’s up to you how much your funeral director takes on but here are some standard services that every funeral director will take care of:

• Transfer of the deceased to the funeral home
• Registration of death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
• Collection of medical certificates and registration of death       
• Liaising with cemeteries or crematoria of your choice
• Arrangements with church, chapel or a venue you choose
• Consulting with clergy or celebrant
• Advice on wording and placement of death notices
• Help writing a eulogy
• Arranging and preparing a viewing of the deceased
• Supply of hearse and other funeral vehicles
• Organising floral arrangements
• Organising music
• Embalming by qualified personnel (if required)
• Mourning stationery such as thank-you cards and orders of service
• Video recording or live streaming for those unable to attend
• Referral to grief support