Being a 6th generation Funeral Director, Ian Allison has grown up with funerals his whole life, with a wealth of knowledge passed down from one generation to the next.

Here are the 10 questions he is asked the most:

• 1
  

  “What’s important in choosing a funeral home?”

  In choosing a funeral provider, you should consider that levels of service, quality and value vary greatly among the industry. People commonly choose us for our experience, professional standards, service and value. We support you the way you want the funeral.

• 2
  

  “Why should I pre-arrange my funeral?”

  • Relieve the burden of your loved ones having to arrange and finance your funeral.

  • Ensure your funeral will be carried out according to your wishes.

  • Save money in the long-run. By taking out a pre-paid funeral your funeral costs are fixed at today’s value which allows you to save significant money in the long-term. Ask us to calculate how much you can save.

  • Enjoy the protection of a capital guarantee. Your original and any subsequent net investments, plus declared bonuses, are guaranteed upon your death.

  • Flexible contribution options allows you to save for the cost of your funeral expenses progressively or with a simple lump sum.

• 3
  

  “Why have a funeral?”

  Psychologists cite a number of reasons for holding funeral rituals. They make the dead “safely dead,” dispatched with proper ceremony to rest in peace. They confirm the deceased and their survivors matter, and that the community will continue. They provide structure in the midst of chaos and disorder, and ensure communal support for survivors during a stressful time.

• 4
  

  “Should I choose burial or cremation?”

  People will often choose burial for cultural or religious reasons or if there is an existing family grave. While burial allows for a service at a chapel or church followed by a graveside service, cremation is commonly undertaken privately, whereby there is no attendance at the crematorium. Therefore, with cremation funerals, the funeral is usually all completed in one location.

• 5
  

  “Who should you notify after a death?”

  There are a number of people to contact after someone dies. A helpful list has been provided by the Department of Human Services which you can download here.

• 6
  

  “How can I personalise my loved one’s funeral?”

  With personalised elements of the deceased tastes and values, those left behind can recreate an intimate connection with the deceased while honouring their life. To personalise your loved one’s funeral, you may choose:

  • Readings or poems recalling the life of the deceased.

  • Music and songs that contribute to the funeral.

  • Symbols and gestures that help honour the deceased such as the placing of flowers on the coffin, a memory table of the deceased favourite items or the creation of a service booklet.

• 7
  

  “What should I do with the ashes after cremation?”

  There are many choices available to you in relation to what to do with the ashes. You may wish to keep them at home in an urn or share them between relatives and friends in several urns. Alternatively, you may wish to scatter them in a special location or memorialise the ashes in a cemetery or memorial park.

• 8
  

  “How do you announce a death?”

  Death notice

  The announcement in the death notices section of the newspaper usually includes the deceased’s surname, first name and age, even the date and place of death. Also, people often include the names of the closest relatives of the deceased such as parents names, partner’s names, in-laws, children and grand-children.

  Funeral notice

  The funeral includes information about the ceremony: date, location and time and information about the burial or cremation.

• 9
  

  “What’s involved in repatriating the body of a deceased person overseas?”

  Transport

  Transportation of your loved one into our care from their place of death.

  Consultation With Family

  We discuss with you exactly what you would like and guide you through all the available options.

  Preparation for Consulate

  Preparation and lodgment of all necessary documentation for the airline, consulate, relevant government departments and receiving funeral home.

  Departure Airport

  We transport your loved one to the airport for their flight.

  Destination Airport

  The local funeral home pick-up your loved one and takes them into their care.

• 10
  

  “How to choose a casket or coffin?”

  In selecting a casket or coffin people often look for a particular shape, colour, type of wood, fittings and interior. The shape can vary from your choice of casket or coffin and flat, tiered or domed lid. Colour choices range from light to dark shades, gloss, matt or satin finish, which are all options available in our range. Our caskets and coffin are derived from sustainable timber and include composite timber, pine, oak, blackwood or mahogany. Fittings and interiors also greatly vary depending on your needs, whether you prefer gold, silver or wooden handles and particular symbols added to the casket etc.

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