Frequently asked questions

You can call us anytime, 24/7 on 02 4951 1166, and we can talk you through what is needed before we bring your loved one into our care.

If you are not ready to call us yet, you can view our Arranging a funeral page for more information on the sort of questions our Funeral Arranger will discuss with you.

Our chapels are an excellent option for a service, but they are not for everyone. You can also hold the service at a church, or another place of special significance to you and your loved one.

Wherever you wish to have the service, we can work with you to make sure we have everything you need to properly honour and celebrate your loved one.

At the moment, there are several restrictions in place, including reduced capacity at our facilities and masks. Please see our COVID-19 page for more information.

No, once you have paid in full for your funeral at today’s prices, there is no more to pay. The only exception would be if the funeral service as detailed on your contract is changed.

For example, you may have requested for a single rose to adorn the coffin but your family may choose a larger floral tribute, therefore they would pay the difference; or if any out of area or after hour’s expenses have been incurred.

Current legislation prevents the withdrawal of pre-paid monies deposited into funeral funds until the time of death. However, your arrangements may be transferred to another funeral director should you move away from the Newcastle area. A surcharge will apply.

Our pre-paid plans complies with the NSW Funeral Funds Act 1979. The money you pay for your pre-paid funeral plan is held independently, invested and safe-guarded until it is required.

It is not available to Pettigrew Family Funerals until the funeral service is completed.

Your pre-paid funeral plan monies are held in a capital guaranteed funeral fund managed by Foresters Friendly Society (‘Foresters’) a Victorian based Friendly Society.

Foresters is one of the largest national operators in the pre-paid funeral fund market and has a history dating back over 160 years serving the financial needs of Australians.

Pettigrew Family Funerals place their trust in Foresters Friendly Society to help our families we serve during their time of need.

This is one of the most common questions our Celebrant’s are asked. And it is a great question, as many people express they feel scared at the thought of speaking at a funeral service.

We understand how overwhelming this could feel at the time, and we understand the feelings that could come up around saying the right thing or doing your best in honouring your loved one who has passed.

We recommend, instead of getting caught up in names, dates and places, to keep it simple.

Ask yourself - Who was this person to me?

If you can sit back and imagine that you have all of these people sitting in front of you - what would you like them to know about your loved one? Know that you can’t cover a whole lifetime in a couple of minutes.

Less is always more; you are offering a little glimpse into the life of your loved one.