Innovation in Funeral Casket Design

Elegantly Designed and Environmentally Friendly

Do-It-Yourself Funerals

More and more people are looking at ways of reducing the significant costs associated with conducting a funeral. The cost of an average funeral now ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 (depending on which Australian State you're conducting the funeral).

Although Do-It-Yourself funerals are not for everyone, with a bit of planning and consultation with organisations such as your local Pensioners Association, church group etc, a DIY funeral can be a fulfilling and intimate experience for family and friends..

The following information is based on materials compiled by the Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association Of New South Wales Inc.  To download the complete “Funeral Costs Fact Sheet” developed by the CPSA , please click here.

1.      Obtain Death Certificate

When a person dies the death must be confirmed by a doctor who completes a Medical Certificate of cause of death. This has to be sent to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages within your State so that a Death Certificate can be issued.

2.      Arranging the Funeral

There is legislation that individuals must comply with in order to arrange a funeral without the services of a funeral director.

(a) Death At Home

When a death occurs at home the funeral arrangements will need to be arranged through a funeral director (because they can correctly store and prepare the body to be placed in a coffin).

(b) Death Occurs in Hospital

However, when a death occurs in hospital it may not be necessary to use a funeral director to make the necessary arrangements. If the hospital has a morgue (not just a holding room) they will prepare the body to be placed in a coffin (where possible) so relatives who provide their own coffin can collect the body.

It is advisable to be aware of what must be done prior to the time the arrangements are required to be made as the body must be removed from a hospital within 5 days of death.

3.      Purchase the Coffin or Casket

Individuals will need to purchase a coffin or casket made of natural materials which meets the relevant State Government legislations (click here for the relevant State legislations). Cardboard caskets can be used in all States and Territories in Australia. Please contact your funeral director to arrange purchase of the casket or coffin, or contact OnEarth Australia directly.

4.      Conduct of the Burial or Cremation

·     The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within your State must be notified of the death and forms will need to be completed.

·     A Death Certificate is required when dealing with certain institutions and a fee applies for having it provided.

·     An application for burial or cremation must also be completed. All arrangements for the burial or cremation will need to be made directly with the cemetery or crematoria.

·     Pall-bearers must be provided.

·     Transportation of the deceased from the hospital to the cemetery must be dignified and with due reverence.