Frequently Asked Questions & Links
How long between death and the funeral service?
How do I get a Death Certificate?
Can funeral services be held anywhere?
What is embalming?
Is embalming always required?
Should we have a viewing?
Does having a cremation mean there will be no funeral service?
Should children attend the funeral?
Is it appropriate for a child to attend a family gathering or 'wake'?
What should I include when writing a eulogy?
Details of historical significance Preferences, likes and dislikes Details of activities e.g. music, theatre etc. Any special stories, sayings, qualities that are significant to others Special readings, music or poetry to be included if you wish. Try and keep the eulogy to around 5-10 minutes in length so this allows enough time for others to speak.
What is the difference between a cemetery and a memorial park?
In Memorial parks, visitors can experience a park-like, tranquil setting while remembering their loved ones. In many memorial parks, benches, pergolas and other garden features have been positioned to provide seating and shade.
Who should I notify?
Of course there are always the family and friends of the deceased to notify. It can help to have a trusted family member or friend act as the point of contact for all these people.But there are others who also need to know, though not necessarily straight away. This list might be of help in taking care of this important detail.
- The Executor nominated by the deceased
- Centrelink
- Department of Veteran’s Affairs
- Superannuation companies
- Solicitor and/or public trustee
- Accountant
- Banks, building societies, credit unions, financial institutions, credit card providers and loan companies
- Employer/former employer
- Trade unions or professional associations
- Australian Tax Office
- Australian Electoral Office
- Medicare
- Insurance companies including life, accident, home and contents, vehicle Friendly Societies
- Doctor, dentist, specialists, hospitals, chemist, health benefits fund
- Main roads – car registration Clubs, organisations and associations
- Church or religious organisation
- Household help, gardening services or Meals on Wheels
- Home nursing service
- Home delivery services – e.g. newspapers and milk
- Home appliance rental, medical aids rental company
- Post Office for mail delivery
- Local Government for Rates, fire levy, etc.
- Ambulance Service
- Telephone company, electricity company
- School or college
- Companies – e.g. for directorships
- Chamber of Commerce
- Service organisations – e.g. Rotary, Lions, Apex, Red Cross, Blood bank
Relevant Links
We hope you might also find the following links useful when considering a donation to your loved ones favourite cause :
- Cancer Council: www.cancer.org.au
- Breast Cancer: www.nbcf.org.au
- Prostate Cancer: www.prostate.org.au
- Diabetes Australia: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au
- Dr Chris O’Brien Lifehouse at RPA: www.lifehouserpa.org.au
- Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets: www.youthoffthestreets.com.au
- Beyond Blue: www.beyondblue.org.au
- Hawkesbury Animal Shelter: www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/services/animal-shelter
- Guide Dogs of Australia: www.guidedogs.com.au
- Heart foundation: www.heartfoundation.org.au
- Bear cottage www.bearcottage.chw.edu.au
- St johns ambulance www.stjohnnsw.com.au
- Motor neuron www.mndnsw.asn.au
- Alzheimers www.alz.org.au
- Kidney disease www.kidney.org.au
Please let Ian, David or Chris know if you would like your cause uploaded on our website.