Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions, Answered

We know that reaching out during this time can feel overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, please don't hesitate to call us on 1800 367 000 — we are always here to help.

First, take a breath — you don't need to have everything figured out straight away. If the death occurred at home and was expected, contact the person's doctor or a medical professional to obtain a death certificate. If the death was unexpected or unattended, you will need to contact the police. Once those steps are in place, reach out to us and we will guide you through everything from there. We are here to carry the process for you so you can focus on your family.

The doctor or medical professional always comes first, as a death certificate or medical confirmation is required before a funeral director can take care of your loved one. Once that is in place, call us and we will take it from there. If you are unsure of the right steps in your situation, you are welcome to call us at any time — we are happy to talk you through it.

You can reach us any time by calling 1800 367 000. Death doesn't keep business hours, and neither do we. We are available around the clock to provide guidance, answer your questions, and arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care.

There is no need to rush. While some practical steps need to happen within the first day or two — such as bringing your loved one into our care — you do not need to make decisions about the service, coffin, or any other details immediately. We will take care of your loved one while you take the time you need to grieve and gather your family. We will gently guide you through each decision at a pace that feels right for you.

Yes. We always offer families the opportunity to view their loved one prior to any service taking place. However, depending on the circumstances of the death, it may not always be advisable to do so. We will be honest and compassionate in guiding you through this decision, and we will always act in your best interests and those of your loved one.

Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes through heat, after which the ashes are returned to the family. Burial involves the body being placed in a coffin or casket and interred in a cemetery or chosen location. Both options can include a formal ceremony or service beforehand, and both are carried out with the same care and dignity. The right choice is simply the one that feels right for your loved one and your family.

A private cremation — sometimes called a no-service cremation — is a simple, respectful option where your loved one is cremated without a formal public ceremony beforehand. It is often chosen by families who prefer a quiet, low-key approach, or who plan to hold a separate memorial at a later time. It is also our most affordable option. The cremation itself is carried out with exactly the same care and respect as any other service we provide.

Yes. For nearly all cremations in NSW, it is actually a legal requirement that your loved one is cremated within the coffin or casket. This is one of the reasons we offer a range of cremation coffins at different price points, as there is no need for the same level of timber or finish as you might choose for a burial. We are happy to walk you through all options so you can make a choice that feels right for your family.

A shrouded cremation is an option where your loved one is wrapped in a fabric shroud rather than placed in a coffin or casket before cremation. Following legislative changes in NSW in 2025, this is now a legally recognised option, though it is currently only available at a small number of approved crematoria across the state. Availability is growing as more crematoria adopt the process. It appeals to families seeking a simpler, more natural, or environmentally conscious approach, and is also deeply aligned with certain cultural and religious traditions. If this is something your family wishes to explore, please speak with us directly and we will advise you on what is currently available and how we can help.

The price of any funeral service is influenced by a number of factors, including transport, coffin selection, preparation of your loved one, and the coordination of the ceremony itself. A private cremation is our most affordable option — just a dignified cremation with no formal service or attendees. A traditional cremation service adds a ceremony beforehand, which involves additional coordination, preparation and logistics. A memorial service sits in between because the cremation takes place privately first, reducing some of those upfront costs, with the ceremony following at a later time and location chosen by the family. You still get a meaningful gathering to honour your loved one — it simply happens in a different order.

Absolutely. We believe every life is unique, and the farewell should reflect that. Services can be personalised with music, readings, eulogies, floral arrangements, a chosen hearse, order of service booklets, and more. We accommodate all faiths and cultural traditions, and whether you want something formal or something that truly reflects your loved one's personality and passions, we will work with you to create something meaningful.

A natural burial is an increasingly popular option for those who wish to return their loved one to the earth with as little environmental impact as possible. Only fully biodegradable materials are used — such as caskets made from cardboard, bamboo, wicker, linen or hemp — there are no embalming chemicals, no permanent headstones, and the surrounding bushland is preserved and left to grow naturally. One of the most well known locations for natural burial in Sydney is the Nyarawan area at Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery, set within 22 hectares of native bushland in Davidson. We provide the complete funeral service for natural burials, guiding you through eco-friendly product options and advising on all site requirements. Please speak with us and we will walk you through everything you need to know.

The ashes are returned to the family in a secure container or urn of your choosing. From there, what happens is entirely up to you. Many families choose to keep the ashes at home, scatter them at a meaningful location, inter them in a cemetery, or incorporate them into a memorial piece. Please be aware that some locations in NSW do require a permit for scattering ashes, so we recommend checking the specific requirements for your chosen location before proceeding.

The cost of a funeral varies depending on the type of service, coffin or casket selection, and any additional personalisation. Our private cremation is the most affordable option, and we offer a range of services to suit different needs and budgets. We believe in complete transparency — there are no hidden surprises. We encourage you to contact us for a detailed quote, and we will take the time to explain every item clearly so you can make decisions that feel right for your family.

No. We are committed to full transparency in everything we do. When we provide you with a quote, it will clearly outline all costs involved. If anything changes or if there are additional options you wish to add, we will always discuss that with you first. You will never receive an unexpected bill from us.

Yes. We service families across Sydney and the surrounding regions, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Wollongong. If you are unsure whether we can assist in your location, please give us a call and we will do our best to help.

We will guide you through everything you need to provide, but generally this includes the full legal name of your loved one, their date and place of birth, and some basic personal information for the death registration process. If your loved one had pre-arranged their funeral or left any written wishes, it is helpful to have those available. Don't worry if you don't have everything to hand straight away — we will work through it together, step by step.

The official death certificate is issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and processing times can vary. As a general guide, families can expect to wait several weeks from the date of registration, though this can be longer during busy periods or if there are any complications with the documentation. We understand this can be frustrating, particularly when you need the certificate to manage estate or financial matters. We will register the death promptly on your behalf and keep you informed, but the issuing of the certificate itself is in the hands of the Registry. If you need to follow up on progress, we can advise you on how to contact them directly.

Some families may be eligible for financial assistance through government organisations such as Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs. This is arranged directly between the family and the relevant organisation, and we encourage you to enquire with them as early as possible if you believe you may be eligible. We are happy to provide any documentation you may need to support your application.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Please don't hesitate to get in touch — we're always happy to help.

For more information, contact us. We're here to help.