Australian Funeral Directors Association
The Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) is Australia's only national funeral body whose members must adhere to a strict code of ethics and practices. We are proud to support ‘For Peace of Mind’ magazine as it continues to offer readers insightful and helpful information in a very accessible format. In that spirit, we hope the following information will assist readers know what to do when someone dies.
The process can be summarised as follows:
- First contacts
- Choosing a funeral director
- Where should the funeral be arranged?
- Funeral service preferences
- Why have a funeral?
First Contacts
Whether a death occurs at home, in hospital or in a public place, the first person that should be contacted is generally the doctor. Legally, a death certificate must be signed by a doctor or the coroner who will be able to explain what steps, if any, are needed to establish the cause of death. You may also want to call your Priest or Minister of Religion if that provides some comfort.
The next person to contact, besides family members and friends, is the funeral director of your choice who will arrange the transfer of the body and can begin making the desired funeral arrangements. Funeral directors are there to help and can assist you at any hour of the day or night.
Choosing a funeral director
Your choice may depend on a number of factors including the funeral directors experience, reputation or location, but sometimes we don't know anything about funeral directors and the decision can be difficult. Don't feel that you have to accept the first funeral director you meet or speak with; it's very important to be comfortable with your decision.
Very often funeral directors are chosen from experience. That is, you've attended a funeral and have been impressed by the company's presentation and comforted by the care extended to the grieving family.
Very few states have regulations for funeral directors in Australia, so it's also really important to take into account accreditation, values and a firm's ability to demonstrate that it subscribes to an industry code of ethics and professional standards - such as is the case with AFDA members. Look for the AFDA logo before choosing a funeral director or call us first to find a member near you.
Where should a funeral be arranged?
Initial interviews with the funeral director can be at their offices or in your own home, whichever you prefer, but it can be useful to meet at the funeral director's premises and feel comfortable in their consultation rooms and chapel.
Funeral service preferences
When faced with having to make funeral arrangements, most people have no prior experience in organising such an event and little idea of what to do. Reputable funeral directors can provide a wide range of services to suit your needs. They can help you to make the funeral as simple or as elaborate and personalised as you want, and the cost will be reflected accordingly. Decisions that you will need to discuss with your family and the funeral director will include:
- When and where the funeral will take place
- What type of service would suit the deceased (i.e. a civil or religious)
- The choice of burial or cremation
- Which coffin or casket and clothing you want for the deceased
- What music, readings or poetry you would like to hear
- Who should speak at the funeral
- Whether you want to have a viewing to allow you and others to spend time with the deceased before the funeral
- Who you would like to be involved in the service; and
- What floral arrangements, newspaper notices and vehicles would be appropriate.
Why have a funeral
A funeral is for those who are living. Today, funerals are intended to reflect the life of the deceased and at the same time, assist the bereaved in the grieving process.
Throughout our lives, we come in contact with many people who have touched our lives and, no doubt, we have touched theirs. We all need the chance to say goodbye and share the celebration of the life. It is not unusual for funerals to act as a reunion between families and friends, reinforce beliefs about life and death and allow us to express our love, respect and affection.
To find an AFDA member either call AFDA 1300 888 188, email info@afda.org.au or visit the website www.afda.org.au.
Yours sincerely,
Clayton Scott
National President
Contacts
Australian Funeral Directors Assocastion LimitedLevel 1, 700 High Street
(PO Box 291)
Kew East VIC 3102
ABN 33 007 331 580
Tel: (03) 9859 9966
Fax: (03) 9819 7390
nationaldirector@afda.org.au
www.afda.org.au