Who organizes the funeral?
Usually, the next of kin or executor of the will is responsible for signing off on the funeral, however this is not always the case and families are encouraged to share any concerns they have about this with their nominated funeral director. Whilst is helps if only one family member liaises with the funeral director, we encourage families to work together to share the load and support each other through this difficult time.
Who do I contact?
Once you have decided on a Funeral Director, they will take over the preparation side of it on your family’s behalf. Naturally you will have input into the proceedings on the day, however they will organize for the release and transfer of your love one to their funeral home, appointment of a celebrant or minister, order flowers and in some cases music, and organize the death certificate on your behalf. They will also assist you with placing a funeral notice in the local paper. Essentially, the Funeral Director is the first and only contact you should have to make to organize this day.
Who pays for the funeral?
Whenever a homicide occurs, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will approve compensation towards the cost of the funeral to the amount of $6000 (per funeral). It is important that you notify the Funeral Director of this, as any amount above this will be passed back onto the family. Consider too that the headstone is a separate item to the funeral itself, and that the DOJ will not reimburse for separately. Because of this, you might like to talk to your Funeral Director about having the headstone costed into the funeral as a package to ensure you are not hit with additional costs later.
What will happen on the day?
On the day you may have organized for a viewing to take place (see below). Otherwise you will arrive along with other guests, taking some time to speak with friends and family if you wish. Once the service begins, everyone will be seated and the celebrant or minister (this may vary depending on religious or cultural beliefs) will invite friends and family members to read their personal eulogies. Usually one or two songs are played during the ceremony, these can be your loved one’s favorite song, or a song that reflects your loved one’s life. If your loved one is being buried, pallbearers will be asked to carry your loved one either to the gravesite or to the Hurst to be driven to the gravesite, where more words or prayers will be shared, along with scattering of flowers or releasing of balloons or doves in their honor. Cremations however are usually conducted at the funeral home. It is important to stress that funerals are extremely personal moments, please speak to your Funeral Director about ideas either you or they may have to personalize this day.
Do I get to say goodbye?
Yes. If you wish, you can speak to the Funeral Director about allowing a “viewing” to take place either the day before, or on the day of the funeral. A viewing allows family members to spend time with and say goodbye to their loved one in private. You may wish to write them a letter or find their favourite toy or CD to place with them inside the casket.
What to expect from a Funeral Director
Some Funeral Directors are members of the Queensland Funeral Directors Association, meaning they subscribe to a code of ethics. Irrespective of this, it is reasonable to assume the following treatment from a Funeral Director. Remember, this is your private day, and you are the client, feel free to shop around and find a Funeral Director that you are comfortable with, and who will treat you and your family with dignity and respect:
- Compassion and empathy
- Sensitivity
- Good listener
- Justifiable charges (its advisable to get a written estimate of charges)
- Confidentiality
- Options, and consent to personalize the funeral to meet your needs
- Professional and respectful staff
- Respect for any religious or cultural considerations
For more information on funeral directors, or to view the Funeral Directors Code of Ehics, contact the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA); http://www.afda.org.au/
InvoCare is an Asia-Pacific company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
InvoCare owns and operates funeral homes, cemeteries and crematoria around Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. InvoCare is well known for its commitment to family care, community engagement and investor value.http://www.invocare.com.au/driver.asp
Metropolitan Funerals was established in 1941 by Richard Brazier and his family. A “Tradition of Excellence” was started and this changed the way people thought about a funeral service. Metropolitan Funerals offered families a quality service, with individual care and attention, backed up by a funeral company built on integrity.
Metropolitan Funerals understood the need to relieve grieving families of the details of preparing for the funeral and the attendance of many visitors. The first Metropolitan Funeral Home was established in Fortitude Valley (next door to the Valley Swimming Pool) and it would answer that need until the mid 1980’s when the building was sold.
Metropolitan Funerals was the first company to expand into the suburbs of Brisbane with the establishment of additional Funeral Homes in Mt Gravatt and Aspley in the early 1970’s in addition to the Valley. This progressive policy is reflected in the growth of the company and the increasing number of families who choose Metropolitan Funerals as their “family funeral director”.
Since then, Metropolitan Funerals has further expanded to better serve the needs of our local communities and now with 9 Funeral Homes and offices, conveniently located throughout Brisbane and suburbs, Beaudesert and the Gold Coast, Metropolitan Funerals provides more locations than any other company.
Metropolitan Funerals has been a witness to many pages in Australia’s history. Through the war years, Metropolitan Funerals saw first hand the bravery of young men and women as they fought for the freedom of our Australian lifestyle. We have had the privilege of serving many Heads of State, Members of the arts and entertainment world, and families from all walks of life that have needed our assistance.
Metropolitan Funerals has always been responsible for setting the standards and is proud to be a leader in providing the greatest flexibility in funeral services to cater for the real needs of the changing community. From an industry that once offered very few options, Metropolitan Funerals has adopted a policy of continuous improvement and offers improved facilities, vehicles and services to our client families.
Over the years, Metropolitan Funerals has seen many changes of a very old industry.
With the acceptance of cremation, the increases of multi-cultural communities, the introduction of female funeral directors into what was once a male domain (Metropolitan offer the option of male or female funeral directors), there are now many opportunities for families to personalise the funeral service in their own way within the needs and budget of each individual family.
Service styles have also varied from the most formal funeral mass to services featuring a lovely musical recital. Each service honours a unique individual who has lived life in his or her own style. We cater for all backgrounds, honouring the deceased and comforting their families.
Although Metropolitan Funerals has grown to that of Queensland’s largest funeral director, the Metropolitan Funerals’ staff has not forgotten the importance of treating each funeral with individual care and attention, taking a very close personal interest in their responsibility for their client’s welfare and personal requests.
Metropolitan Funerals (although no longer owned by the Brazier family) remain very proud that they are an Australian Owned Company still practicing the quality, the dignity, the integrity and the respect that is so important to an industry that specializes in care.http://www.metropolitanfunerals.com.au/
