 |
 |
|
The first edition of Peace of Mind was a forum whereby the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) could provide readers with a greater level of information, confidence and comfort when choosing a funeral director. We are often amazed that many families believe that the funeral industry is regulated across Australia due to the important responsibility and duty of care that a funeral director must have. AFDA is in constant liaison with Federal and State governments promoting and advancing the cause for a regulated industry. We firmly believe that the funeral industry affects the lives of many and elimination of any potential avenue for incomplete service or inappropriate practices are at worst minimised and at best, eliminated. The Australian Funeral Directors Association is the only national association for funeral directors in Australia with members in every state and territory. Our purpose is to promote and insist upon compliance to professional funeral standards in order to be regarded as an accredited member. We do this by regulating AFDA members’ premises, equipment and vehicles and insisting that they comply with a number of policies and practices that go toward professional care, adherence to occupational health and safety and, just as importantly, meet community expectations. Although our jurisdiction only extends to AFDA members we believe we also have a responsibility to the greater cause and encourage non-members to join us on the road of advancement. To ensure that AFDA standards are adhered to, AFDA funeral directors are subjected to an accreditation process that is monitored on a regular basis. This element of inspection has proven to be successful and completely acceptable by our membership. Our responsibilities do not stop at funeral directors; we accept that we have a duty of care towards grieving families who may, in rare circumstances, which to express a grievance. In the first instance, we ask the primary client (ie the person who is legally responsible for the deceased’s funeral arrangements and has signed the contract with the funeral director) to discuss the matter directly with the company. Our experience is that funeral directors are careful and mindful that the funeral is the last tribute a family can make for their loved one. They too are disturbed if the funeral has not met the expectations of family and friends and would wish to assist toward a positive resolution. In the event that a satisfactory conclusion is not reached, the AFDA offers the family a dispute resolution service that is handled with sensitivity and confidentiality. Our records indicate that choosing a funeral director is usually by word-of-mouth and previous experience rather than by price. Given the individuality of our lives and the unique manner in which funerals are celebrated the costs of the funeral will vary and sometimes considerably; hence, it is very difficult to determine an average due to the variables of choice. We understand that the costs of a funeral can be perplexing particularly at a time of unexpected death. In accordance with AFDA’s requirements, AFDA funeral directors provide families with a written estimate prior to the funeral. This not only allows the family to consider options that best reflect their loved-ones life but to also ensure affordability. When discussing costs with the funeral arranger, be sure you understand the difference between the funeral directing fees and those of other providers for such items as the burial or cremation, floral arrangements, death and funeral newspaper notices and clergy or celebrancy. Because we have a proven record with various government and community agencies, AFDA’s network of support for funeral directors and families alike continues to be strong, informative and empathetic. Families can be confident that not only will their AFDA funeral directors provide the best possible service, but that AFDA as a regulating organisation is also there. The Australian Funeral Directors Association can be contacted by telephone on (03) 9859 9966, email info@afda.org.au, or to identify an AFDA member firm www.afda.org.au
TO ALL AT PEACE OF MIND, WELL DONE! The content of your magazine helps people plan, organise and cope at the most emotional time of their life: this can only be of benefit to the general public and the professionals who work within the funeral industry. The Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of NSW Mission is to serve members through leadership and representation, and to promote continuous improvement through knowledge sharing and professional services, thus benefiting members, the industry and the community. In my opinion, Peace of Mind delivers meaningful and informative knowledge of our industry in an easy to read and involving way. Cemeteries are an essential part of all communities, but what exactly is a cemetery? It is a history of people, a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today. Why do cemeteries exist? Because every life is worth loving and remembering. Always. I invite Peace of Mind readers to visit our website at www.ccansw.org.au. Yours sincerely, |
