Frequently Asked Questions About Funerals

In most instances, the next of kin are responsible for arranging a funeral (ie spouse, child, parent, legal partner or sibling). In the instance of dispute - where it's known that a Will exists - the arbiter of funeral arrangements is deemed to be the nominated Executor. The Executor may (at his or her discretion) appoint a person to make necessary arrangements with a Funeral Director. Such occasions, however, are uncommon. In some cases where a person may not have any known relatives, then authorities in institutions may need to make the necessary arrangements. This is usually done by the Social Worker or another authorised officer.

The number of people choosing to be cremated in Australia today is steadily increasing. While there's some variance between states, cremations now outnumber burials. Cremations are also much higher in areas where crematory facilities are available. But burials still tend to predominate in rural and remote areas. People have the choice of either burial or cremation. In certain cultures cremation isn't favoured or may be prohibited by certain faiths. But in other cultures the opposite may occur and cremation may be the custom (eg: the Hindu tradition). In the future, it seems likely that the overall numbers of cremations may rise due to increasing limits on cemetery space within or convenient to large population centres.

The family has absolute choice with only a few rare exceptions (eg: in the case of Coronial Investigation in some murder cases where permission may be given for a funeral by burial only). A funeral director can volunteer options to a family but it's the family's right to choose whatever they wish providing the necessary legal requirements are met (eg: in most instances the Health Department requires the deceased to be placed in a coffin or casket for burial or cremation. And in the case of cremation the coffin/casket must be combustible). Funerals may be Government-assisted in the event of insufficient funds and such funerals naturally have some limitations on choice. Advice about what these may be can be given by the funeral director, by a social worker or by the relevant Government Office.

This is an obvious and perfectly understandable question and the answer is the same as if you asked "how much will it cost to build a house?" - that is to say, it's impossible to provide an accurate estimate until we've had the opportunity to sit and talk with you to work out your requirements, and then jointly examine the different options that are available. However, here are some broad guidelines that might help: There are certain necessary inclusions and certifications required in any funeral. Some of these are fixed costs and some are negotiable. Gympie Funerals will be happy to explain which are which and then help guide you to the choices you're most comfortable with. The idea that cremation has a lower cost than burials may not always be the case if the family already has a licence or lease for a grave which has allowed provision for further interments (though in such a case re-opening and digging fees would apply). Again, in these instances we'll be happy to help you work out the best way to proceed. In general, the costs of any funeral fall into three broad categories: Professional service fees Disbursements (the funeral company's out-of-pocket expenses) and... Coffin or casket choice Gympie Funerals are very happy to try to work within your budget and we'll explain what options are open to you in each of these three main cost categories very simply and clearly. You can get some idea of what types of expenses are usually involved with a funeral on this page of our site.

A "viewing" is an opportunity to see and spend time with the person who's died prior to the actual funeral (in some cultures this may also occur during the funeral). An identification viewing is necessary in Coronial matters but this occurs at the Coroner's facility prior to funeral arrangements. In some states it's also obligatory for a person who knew the deceased to view and sign an official identification form which must be sighted and retained by the Crematorium authority prior to cremation. In a general sense, though, there's no obligation to view the deceased. However the therapeutic benefits of a viewing to the grief process are well regarded and recommended. All the same, it's really a matter of personal choice and it requires sensitivity in approach, the physical environment and setting. And yes: providing explanations are given to children in language that they can understand there's no reason why they shouldn't have the opportunity to be involved. But allow them to decide for themselves. Viewings can offer these chances we wish we had...."if only" to: Finish off unfinished business Confirm the reality of death, and... To say the "I love you", "I'm sorry", and any other "If only" words we may want to say.