South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Bereavement Information 18 Arranging a Funeral A funeral service can be an important and meaningful way to say goodbye. It is common to have a funeral service before burial or cremation. If funeral arrangements have not been pre-planned, the executor of the Will is legally responsible for organising the funeral. However, it is usually the closest Next of Kin who will make the practical arrangements. If there is no Will or identified Next of Kin, then a family member or friend may organise the funeral. Using a funeral director It is not compulsory to use a funeral director, but they can make things easier and simpler at a difficult time. A funeral director can help organise, and support your choices regarding: • Completion and lodgement of death registration forms • Placement of any press notices • Selecting a venue for the service (you might like to hold the service outside, or in a place that was important to the person such as a surf club or community centre) • Planning a personalised service • Liaising with clergy or funeral celebrant (or person you choose to conduct the service) • Ensuring particular cultural or religious practices you wish to follow, such as the option to embalm and view the deceased are carried out. • Cremation or burial • Flowers and order of service Members of your family or community, or a faith/spiritual leader, might also be able to give you guidance or support with this. Once you have chosen a funeral director, they will liaise with the NSW Health facility to arrange transfer of the person’s body from the place where they have died, into the care of the funeral director until the funeral is held.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1