Frequently Asked Questions

Prepaid funerals or Pre – Arranged funerals?

Please refer to our web page entitled “Prepaid / Pre-arranged”

Should I be buried or cremated?

This is a question that we cannot answer as it is very much a personal choice. In arriving at your decision we would suggest that you consider the following: Do other family members (spouse, children, parents) wish to be buried beside you?

If you are cremated and the ashes scattered there is no physical place forfamily members to come back to. What are the intentions of your spouse? If both of you are to be cremateddo you wish the ashes to be spread / placed together?

Who do I notify when someone dies?

If the death occurs in a hospital or nursing home the staff of that facility will direct you as to who to contact. Generally they will notify the family doctor and will make initial contact with the funeral director. You are more than welcome to also make contact with the funeral director to commence the organizing of funerals etc.

If the death occurs at a residence or in a public place, your initial call should always be to your local doctor and /or ambulance. They will then advise you as to the next steps to take. Such steps will include contacting the funeral director and if the death was unexpected, the police.

What do I have to organize?

When confronted with the need to make funeral arrangements it may appear all too overwhelming. It is our role as funeral directors to lead you through the decisions that need to be made in order that your loved one may receive a farewell which is both personalized and tasteful.

Upon notification of the passing away of a loved one we will contact the family and arrange a mutually convenient time when decisions can start to be made. At this meeting we will lead you through decisions such as, the type of service you desire, booking venues and liaising with crematoriums, cemeteries, churches and ministers. We will arrange the placing of ads in the necessary media outlets and the ordering of flowers.

Should children come to the service?

There is no rules as to whether children should be present at a funeral as it largely depends on the age and maturity of the child as well as the relationship they had with the deceased. If the parents think that it would be beneficial for the child to be present , they are more than welcome.

Our only advice is that it should be considered whether the conduct of the child will take away from other members of the congregation the ability to both concentrate and grief.. If this is likely to occur, out of consideration for other mourners, it would be recommended that alternate arrangements are made for the children.

What is a memorial service?

A memorial service is one which occurs after the body has either been buried or cremated. There is no set time gap between the disposal of the body and the service, and times can range from immediately following to a period of weeks. It is also not necessary for the memorial service to be held in the same town as the funeral, with access for mourners being the deciding factor.

What refreshment options do I have?

There are usually three options which are available.
1.   Where the funeral service has taken place.– If the service has been at a church it is common for ladies of the church to supply finger food accompanied by tea and coffee. If the service has been at the crematorium at Taree catering facilities are available on site.

In relation to the options which they provide we would recommend that you contact the crematorium directly on 02)65500755 or www.mglmg.com.au. In relations to either of these we will formally book the catering on your behalf.
2.   At a private residence.—this is usually the family home however it is not unusual for family friends to offer their residences. Catering is done by the family although there would be no reason why professional caterers could not be engaged. For this option the family organizes caterers etc.
3.   At a professional venue.– this option takes in facilities such as Club Forster, the bowling clubs, restaurants etc. For this option also the family deals directly with the venue and /or caterers.

Is more than one body cremated at once?

No. The only exceptions permitted to this rule are in the case of a mother and a baby or twin children when some crematoria will accept both in the same coffin if the next of kin request that the two be cremated together.

Does the coffin get cremated as well?

Yes. The whole coffin is cremated including the handles, ornaments etc.

What is not permitted in a coffin when cremated?

Anything which either contains a battery, will either explode or give off toxic gas when exposed to heat. Such things as mobile phones (with battery), pace makers, battery powered toys, and clocks are examples of battery powered items not permitted. In the case of a pace maker, we will remove this item prior to the funeral taking place. Items prohibited on the grounds of exposure to heat include cans, bottles, items containing excessive rubber (gum boots).

When is the D/C issued and how do I get it?

The formal death certificate is issued by the NSW registrar of Births Deaths & marriages and will forwarded by registered post to the nominated residential address usually within 14 working days of when the information is forwarded from our office.