Public health funerals

In most cases, a cremation is arranged unless there are reasons to believe the deceased person would have preferred a burial or that a cremation is against their religion or culture when known.

If a burial is necessary, it is typically in a communal grave (a grave which is not privately owned and in which there may be multiple people buried, unless it is found that the deceased had made financial provisions for a private grave.

We make reasonable efforts to respect the wishes of the deceased, including:

• ensuring that burial is arranged if the deceased had explicitly stated they did not wish to be cremated, or if their religion or culture/traditions forbids cremation
• searching the deceased’s property for any indications of their wishes, beliefs, or religious practices
• consulting with the next of kin, family members, or friends regarding the deceased’s preferences
• reviewing any instructions in the deceased’s will, where the executor has formally renounced their duties

Our contracted funeral directors provide a simple but dignified service, which includes:

• a coffin
• transport for the coffin to the crematorium or cemetery, including a hearse and pallbearers who will take responsibility to transfer the coffin to the chapel or grave
• a respectful service in accordance with the deceased’s religious beliefs and customs

Attending the public health funeral

We will inform the identified relatives, friends and other people who knew the deceased about the funeral's date, time, and location. They are welcome to attend.

Typically, a brief service will be led by a minister or celebrant at the crematorium or graveside.

If cremation is chosen, ashes can be collected by a relative or scattered in a Memorial Garden.