Australian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association members provide a wide range of memorials including; gardens, rockeries, family estates, and walls etc. We would recommend you discuss your thoughts with the crematorium staff.

A memorial could be arranged within the crematorium grounds, some people retain the ashes, and others request that the cremated remains be scattered. To assist the grieving process the Australian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association recommend the cremated remains be placed in a memorial, either within the grounds of a crematorium, or outside. The memorial becomes a focal point to visit and pay respect to the deceased.

In most instances disposal of the cremated remains is the responsibility of the administrators of the estate. They may keep the cremated remains if they so wish or they may prefer to arrange a memorial, which provides a place where family and friends can pay their respects.

Clear instruction in writing should be given to the person who will be responsible for your funeral when you die. These instructions are not binding in law unless written in your Will, so you should ensure the person you instruct is someone who will carry out your wishes. The final decision rests with your executors.

When the cremation is complete, the remains are withdrawn from the cremator into a cooling tray. When cool, any metallic material is removed and the remains are placed into a machine which reduces them to a fine. white ash.

Yes. As explained, each coffin is identified on arrival and the identity label is placed on the outside of the cremator as soon as the coffin is placed into it. This label stays there until the remains are removed and it is then transferred to the cooling tray which then goes to the preparation room. The label stays with the remains until they are placed in a container which is also suitably identified. As each cremation chamber will only accept one coffin and the remains must be withdrawn before the cremator is used again, all remains are kept separate throughout the process.

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

The best advice is that jewellery should be removed after death. Once the coffin has entered crematorium grounds the coffin cannot be opened.

The temperature at which a modern cremator operates (approximately 660 degrees Celsius) is such that metals are fused together with other materials so that they are not recognisable and have no salvage value. Any metallic material resulting from a cremation is disposed of in accordance with the instruction of the cremation authority (usually by burial within the crematorium grounds).

Some crematoria remove the fittings because of the adverse effect their chemical composition can leave on cremation chambers and also because licenses issued by the Environment Protection Authority necessitate this. Any fittings removed are destroyed.

Yes.

Depending on state laws, cremation will take place soon after the service

It is withdrawn into a committal room where the nameplate of the coffin is checked with the cremation order to ensure correct identity. The coffin is then identified with a label giving all the relevant information. This identification then stays with the coffin until the final disposal of the cremated remains.

The coffin is brought into the chapel and placed on the catafalque (committal table) prior to the mourners entering and taking their seats. At the appropriate time during the service the coffin may be removed from view by the closing of curtains or the activating of a conveyance. At the end of the service the mourners leave the chapel and can inspect the floral arrangements before leaving.

Yes. If you are the executor or the next of kin or authorised by either to do so you will be asked to complete an application for cremation and the crematorium’s authority forms. You will also be asked by the crematorium to indicate your intention regarding disposal of the cremated remains. If you are undecided, say so, and the crematorium will retain the remains for a reasonable period (normally 3 to 6 months).

No. A civil ceremony can be conducted or there may be none at all. On occasions a memorial service is conducted away from the crematorium.

Service for burial and cremation is the same apart from the form of committal. The service may take place in ones own church or funeral directors Chapel with a short committal service at the crematorium chapel, or the whole service may be conducted at the crematorium chapel. Alternatively the whole service may be conducted elsewhere, with no service at the crematorium. You may arrange for your own clergy to conduct the service at the crematorium. The form of service should be discussed with the Clergy, Celebrant and Funeral Director.

Yes. It’s forbidden by Orthodox Jews, most Orthodox faiths, Moslems and some other religions. However, most Christian denominations including the Roman Catholic Church allow cremation. It is the normal method of Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists.

There are approximately 125,000 deaths each year in Australia and around 65,000 cremations take place. The overall average for Australia is just over 50% but in areas where cremation facilities are more readily available the rate approaches 70%.

Generally cremation is cheaper than burial. However, you should discuss the matter with a funeral director or staff at the crematorium who will be able to advise you of the precise cost.