Arranging a funeral


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Immediate steps

We are here for you 24/7, if your loved one has passed call us on 4951 1166.

During this call we will talk you through what is needed, such as their name and dates, where they have passed and if a doctor has been notified. We will also ask a few questions such as who is the next of kin/executor, and will it be a burial or cremation.

Bringing them into our care

We will bring your loved one into our care as soon as we can. Before we can, a doctor will need to visit and fill out the necessary paperwork.

Two of our trained staff will bring them into our care, with respect and dignity. They will talk you through what will happen during this time. A time can be arranged for you to spend some time with your loved one prior to the day of the service in one of our private chapels.

Meet with us

To organise the funeral, we will need to arrange a meeting. We will call you to set up a time, either at our offices or at your home.

Organising the service

To organise the service, you may need to meet with a few or all of the below people.

The Funeral Arranger

They are the main person who will guide you through every step of the way.

They will organise the service details along with the legalities of your loved ones passing. During the meeting you will discuss:

  • Your loved one’s details, including full name
  • Where and when they were born
  • Parent’s details
  • Marriage and children’s details
  • Executor/Next of kin details
  • Burial or cremation
  • Date, time and location of the service
  • Coffin and floral arrangement choice
  • Who will be the celebrant or minister
  • If you would like a viewing

Celebrant

Your celebrant will conduct the service. You will discuss with them how you would like the service to run, who will speak, what you would like them to say, along with any poems to be read, music selection and other special items during the service.

Design Team

They will create the service sheet handout and photo tribute. Two special keepsakes and a beautiful way to celebrate your loved one.

Administration

They will welcome you when you come into the office, and will guide you and answer any questions you may have. They will also organise the following with you:

  • Clothing – If you would like your loved one dressed in something special, or if you would like to include any letters, photos or keepsakes to be with your loved one.
  • Catering – If you have arranged catering following the service, we can discuss when you are in the office, or they will call you the day or two prior to the service.
  • Deposit – This is required the day prior to the service.

After the service

We are here for you

The days, months and years following the passing of your loved one can be difficult, please know we are here to help whenever its needed. We have a range of grief literature that can help along with a counselling service. Please call or email us to receive more information.

The ashes

Your loved ones ashes are available at your chosen location and only to those who are authorised. The nominated person to collect or the executor will receive a call when they are ready for collection. On most occasions they will be ready 7 days following the service/cremation.

If you wish to choose an urn to place your loved one in, know we will look after their ashes until you are ready to make the decision. It may take up to a week to receive your urn and this may delay receiving your ashes.

If you are planning to take ashes on a plane domestically or internationally, you will require a Cremation Certificate and Death Certificate. For international flights, you will also require an Overseas Letter for Pettigrew Family Funerals. If you require this letter, please let us know.

The death certificate

We process on your behalf the registration of death with Birth, Deaths and Marriages, along with notifying Centrelink, Medicare and Veteran’s Affairs.

The death certificate is completed by Births, Deaths and Marriages and receiving it may vary in time. Once we receive it, we will pass the original onto the executor along with three certified copies. If you need any more please just let us know.

Frequently asked questions

Contact Form

You can write to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note, our website enquiries are monitored hourly Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm. If a loved one has passed, or your enquiry is urgent, please call us on 02 4951 1166.