Our statement
COVID-19 Precaution. In the interest of public health and our staff, for all new appointments and confirmation of existing bookings please contact us via phone on 02 9954 6655 or email.
If you are attending one of our chapel services, for the health and safety of everyone you must adhere to Australian Government Department of Health for guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19.
How is social distancing being implemented at funerals?
Is live streaming available?
Are condolences still allowed?
What if I am feeling unwell?
Why do I need to give you my personal details when attending a funeral?
First steps - Private Residence
When a person dies in a private residence, a death certificate will usually be signed by the family doctor (providing the doctor has attended the patient during the preceding six months and has seen the patient within the last 3 weeks). We highly recommend especially for families choosing to cremate, that the attending doctor is your normal GP (General Practitioner or Doctor). This will avoid the decease having to be transferred again the following day to be viewed by the normal GP and save on additional costs. All forms can be requested by calling our staff on (02) 99546655.
Sometimes there is a need for Police involvement, especially for accidental, unexplained or unexpected death. The Police will notify the Coroner, who acts on behalf of the deceased to determine the cause of their death. An autopsy many be required.
First steps – Nursing Home
When a person dies in a nursing home, a medical certificate cause of death is issued by the normal nursing home GP. Sadly though, most nursing homes push the families to have the deceased transferred immediately and have an afterhours GP or Registered Nurse sign an interim certificate. This certificate is fine for burial requirements as your chosen funeral director can chase up the official medical certificate cause of death afterwards. If you are deciding on a cremation, the normal GP must see the body after death as stated on the attending practitioner’s cremation certificate. You as the next of kin have every right to demand the normal GP attends and issues the certificate before you call a funeral director, or the body is transferred. We have this form available and are more than happy to forward to you so the GP can complete the form. Most GP’s charge for this form as it isn’t covered under the Medicare scheme. An estimate cost is $110. If this is paid by the family to the doctor, we are happy to refund or deduct the amount from the funeral cost. All forms can be requested by calling our staff on (02) 99546655.
First steps – Hospital
When a person dies in a private hospital or public hospital the hospital doctor will usually sign the certificate. Once a death has been verified, the family is able to contact a funeral director of their choice to request transfer of the deceased.
It is now mandatory in NSW, that all hospital transfers require written permission from the next of kin.
What is the role of the Funeral Director?
At some time in life, everyone will experience the loss of someone close. The absolute grief, confusion and numbness that accompany the news of a death can sometimes make decisions, regarding funeral arrangements, difficult and stressful. We understand that this is a deeply personal and private time, when sensitivity to the memory of a loved one and the feelings of families are paramount. Our role is to answer the many questions that will arise and guide families through arrangements to create a loving and final tribute to best honour the life of their loved one.
What options are there for venues?
Most funeral services are held in a church, funeral home chapel or at a cemetery chapel.
The choice belongs to the family making the arrangements and there is now an increasing trend towards alternative locations that best reflects the deceased person and places that were dear to them. Providing permission is gained from the appropriate local authority (if needed) a funeral service can be held at almost any location.
Who leads or conducts the funeral service?
Any person is able to lead a funeral service. Most often, families choose a minister of religion or a civil celebrant. Your funeral director is usually able to nominate the best person to suit your family’s needs. A close friend or family member can certainly fulfil this role if they are comfortable in doing so.
The Eulogy
Tips for delivering a Eulogy. Delivering the eulogy might bring on some unexpected emotions. Speak slowly, quite loudly, use high and low pitches, don’t be afraid to pause and most importantly, breathe. Remember, it is ok if you find yourself unable to continue. We are always able to assist when needed. It is ok to be nervous, just relax and take your time.
Brainstorming. Obtain stories from family and friends. Funny stories always help enlighten the mood. Read other eulogies to give yourself examples on what to write. Think about how the deceased would like to be remembered. Write the Introduction and acknowledge why everyone has gathered today. Remember to introduce yourself and your relationship with the deceased and thank family, friends and guests for attending
Write a short bio on their life. Remember to include the place and date of birth, family members, and special events. Talk about their spouse/partner, and any children and/or grandchildren. Highlight special memories and stories such as life achievements, talents, passions and/or hobbies, and unique qualities. Using gentle humour always eases tension.
Finale. Close with comforting words and your goodbye. Use topics of lessons they taught you and the impact they had on your life and/or the lives of others. Finish by saying a final goodbye. This could be a special poem, a phrase, a quote or a very personal goodbye spoken from the heart.
Ask for someone to proofread, especially confirm details such as names and dates. Read it to someone else prior so they can hear your overall tone and how you have captured the person you are honouring?
Viewings
Children
How do we obtain the Death Certificate?
Flowers
Transport
Can the funeral service be personalised?
Selection of much loved music, recorded or live, can add atmosphere and invoke special memories, the choice of a video tribute or floral presentation, the placement of personal memorabilia, lighting of candles or placement of a national flag or service medals (if appropriate) all help create a moving and lasting memory that is both personal and meaningful and honours your loved one. We encourage families to be involved where possible. A family member may have graphic design skills or be able to compile a video tribute. Your nominated funeral consultant will be able to offer added suggestions and provide assistance where and when needed.
Multicultural, Themed or Personalised Funeral Services
Can we release balloons?
Personalised Coffin
Newspaper Notices
Social Media
How much does a funeral cost?
Insurance Funds
What is the difference between a burial, entombment and cremation?
The choice of funeral can be an emotional issue, often reflecting religious and ethnic beliefs.
Burial, in a recognised burial place with new grave (or a reopened, existing grave).
A grave is normally able to contain more than one coffin (2-3, subject to approval). Most cemeteries have lawn sections where smaller headstones can be erected and monumental sections where approved monuments can be erected over the grave. If the grave used is to be reopened from a previous burial the existing headstone may need to be fully or partially removed to allow access for this burial. Some Lawn cemeteries only permit a plaque in the grass, nothing above ground. Natural burial areas are available at selected cemeteries. With a burial the deceased and their coffin/casket is laid to rest in the ground in a cemetery, usually with a headstone or monument to mark the location.
Entombment, in a mausoleum is the preferred resting place in some cultures. The mausoleum is constructed above ground and allows the coffin to be placed into a crypt which is then sealed. The mausoleum is a unique type of interment, often within a courtyard-style area at a Cemetery. Entombment takes place in a mausoleum, an above ground structure that contains concrete or stone crypts in which the deceased and their coffin/casket is placed.
Cremation, the cremation procedure can only take place where a crematorium exists. The act of cremation takes place once the coffin is committed and only one coffin is cremated at a time. Individual ashes are then available to the applicant for memorialisation or scattering. A cremation takes place in a crematorium with the deceased and their coffin/casket placed into a cremator, reducing to ashes. The ashes are then returned to the applicant who authorised the cremation.
What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?
A coffin is tapered in shape, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the head and foot. It is usually made from MDF or solid timber. A casket is rectangular in shape, comes mostly with a hinged lid and can be supplied in MDF, solid timber or metal. For those who are environmentally conscious, there are wicker and banana leaf caskets available. Whatever your choice, coffin or casket, special design, personalised with your own photographs or artwork, rest assured it will be hand crafted by specialists using premium grade materials.
Embalming
Embalming is an important option we recommend to families. The process involves a range of hygienic and cosmetic procedures, the purpose of which are to slow down the deterioration of the body, facilitate the body for viewing and protect from infection those who come into contact with the body. In all these matters it is important to respect the individual’s right to choose. There are certain circumstances (which will be advised by the funeral director) where this procedure must be carried out. The industry has normally 4 types of body preparations, these are the basic preparation, temporary preservation, full embalm, and repatriation/entombment embalm.
Family owned versus large organisations.
At Funera, we are a family owned service provider. We are devoted to providing the best possible service to satisfy the needs of our families without the distraction of corporate mandates. We take personal pride because this is our business. As a long-term commitment, Sydney is where we live and where we plan to stay. We are here when you need us, 24/7. We answer to you, not shareholders. We do what we need to deliver the service without all the boardroom red tape. Whenever possible, we choose to do business with other locally owned and operated businesses. Living in the local community we have developed personal relationships with many families and local groups.
What are the benefits of a prepaid funeral?
A Prepaid Funeral Plan not only enables you to ease the financial burden on loved ones, but it also allows you to plan your goodbye the way you would like it to be, choosing everything from your choice of coffin, flowers and music. Unlike funeral insurance, a prepaid funeral is a one-off cost and there are no ongoing premiums to worry about.
How much does a prepaid funeral cost?
The cost of a prepaid funeral will vary depending on the type of funeral service that you choose. Our arrangers will discuss with you the different types of funeral services, including burial, cremation and other options. Many people now pre-pay for their funeral earlier in life because the cost is more affordable, the price is protected against inflation and they can become involved in the decisions made on the funeral.
Who should I tell about my prepaid plans?
Some people may feel comfortable discussing their funeral plans with a spouse, adult children or another member of the family. Others, however, may prefer to make arrangements directly in complete confidence. We would strongly advise that if your immediate family is not informed, a trusted friend, solicitor or executor should be notified when a plan is purchased.
How secure are my funds? What if you go out of business?
The administration of the funds is handled by a well-respected independent public company and have government security. If we were to go out of business, your funds are held by the trust, and the trust would appoint another suitable funeral director to take care of your prepaid plans.
What happens if my circumstances change?
You have the right, at any time during your lifetime, to cancel the agreement and withdraw from the plan. With the exception of administration expenses, all money paid by you would be refunded.