If the death occurs in a hospital or aged care facility, the staff will direct you as to whom to contact. Generally they will notify the family doctor and make initial contact with the funeral director. If the death occurs in the residence or a public place, you should contact a doctor or ambulance service. They will then advise you of the next steps, which will include contacting the funeral director and possibly the police if the death was unexpected.

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 their attendance would be beneficial then they are more than welcome to attend.

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

There are usually three options available. If the service is at a church, it is common for the ladies of the church to supply finger food and tea and coffee. If the service is at the crematorium at Taree, catering facilities are available on site. If it is at a private residence, catering is offered by the family or professional caterers are engaged. At a professional venue such as Club Forster, the bowling club or a restaurant, the venue will provide catering.

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

Anything that contains a battery, may explode or give off toxic gas when exposed to heat. Items such as mobile phones, pacemakers, toys with batteries and clocks. In the case of a pacemaker, this will be removed prior to the funeral taking place. Items prohibited on the grounds of exposure to heat include cans, bottles and items with excessive rubber (gumboots).

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