The first 24 hours
If you have just lost someone, there are only two things that must happen today: the death needs to be certified by a doctor, and someone needs to be told. Everything else can wait until you have had a glass of water and a sit down. Ring us when you are ready, day or night.
Questions families ask us
Someone has died at home. What do I do right now?
If the death was expected, call the doctor or palliative care team who was treating them, they will certify the death. If it was sudden or unexpected, call 000. Once the death has been certified, ring us and we will bring your loved one into our care whenever you are ready. There is no rush from our side.
How soon do I have to decide anything?
Only the transfer into our care is time-sensitive. Everything else, burial or cremation, the type of service, who speaks, can be decided over the following days. Some faiths require a burial within a set time, and we will manage that timeline for you.
What does a funeral actually cost?
Our packages start at the figure shown on our pricing page and rise with the coffin, the vehicles and the ceremony. On top of our fee sit third-party costs set by others: cemetery or crematorium fees, doctor's certificates and any notices. You will see every line in writing before you commit to anything.
Can we hold the service somewhere other than a chapel?
Yes. Churches, temples, mosques, gurdwaras, function rooms, sports clubs, gardens, beaches and family homes are all possible. We handle permissions, seating, sound and timing.
Do we have to have a viewing?
Not at all. Some families find it deeply important, others prefer to remember their loved one as they were. Both are right. If you do wish to view, we will prepare the room and give you as much private time as you need.
Can children come to the funeral?
Yes, and they often should if they want to. We can suggest small roles that help them feel included, and we will always tell you honestly what a child is likely to see beforehand.
What happens to the ashes after a cremation?
They are returned to your family in person, usually within a week. You can keep them, divide them between family members, inter them, scatter them at a place that mattered, or have a portion set into jewellery or glass. We will explain the rules for scattering in Victoria.
How many death certificates will I need?
We register the death and the official certificate is issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, usually within a couple of weeks. Most families need several certified copies for banks, superannuation funds and insurers, we will tell you how many to order.
Is there financial help available?
There may be. Some families are eligible for a bereavement payment through Services Australia, assistance from the deceased's superannuation fund or employer, or state assistance where there are no funds in the estate. Tell us your situation and we will point you to what applies and build a package that fits.
Can we plan a funeral in advance?
Yes, and it is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. Pre-arranging your wishes costs nothing. Pre-paying holds today's price in a regulated trust so nothing is owing later.
Do you serve families outside Melbourne's south-east?
We do. Keysborough is our home, but we regularly travel across greater Melbourne and country Victoria, and we arrange interstate and overseas transfers.
What if we cannot afford a traditional funeral?
Say so, plainly and without embarrassment. Our simplest package exists exactly for this, and it is carried out with the same care as our most expensive one. We will never make a family feel small about a budget.
What to bring to the arrangement meeting
None of this is urgent, bring what you can find and we will work with the rest.
- Full name, address and date of birth of the person who has died
- Their parents' names, including mother's maiden name
- Marriage details, and names of any children with their ages
- Their occupation, and where they were born
- Medicare or pension details if handy
- A recent photograph, and clothing if you wish them dressed
- Any pre-paid funeral or cemetery documents
- Names of anyone who should be asked to speak
Support beyond us
Grief does not end when the funeral does. These Australian services are free and confidential.
Griefline
1300 845 745, free grief counselling and support, every day.
Lifeline
13 11 14, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636, 24-hour support for anxiety, depression and loss.
Still have a question?
Ask it, however small it feels. We would rather answer it now than have you wondering.