We believe a funeral is a service before it’s a business.

That’s why families who can pay the normal fees are able to help us assist families who need support. We call this Funeral Cost Support.

It’s available to families facing financial hardship. It is also offered to parents who have experienced the death of a stillborn child, baby, child, or adolescent. In each case, families receive our usual Care for the Whole Person.

When applicable, our fees can be reduced by about $1,000, depending on the arrangement. As all other items and services are provided at cost, the total amount would need to be paid upfront.

If you need additional funds, there are various options available — learn more.

On this page:

• Timing

• How to Request Support

• If You Have No Means At All

• For Social Workers, Chaplains, and Others Who Support Families

Timing

Before we can bring a loved one into our care for Funeral Cost Support, the necessary funds need to be in place. The time they may remain in the care of a hospital, the Coroner, or an aged care home can vary — some can wait a few hours, others a few days, or even longer. Each setting is different, so it’s wise to gently ask what time may be allowed.

How to Request Support

The process is simple and informal.

If you have tragically lost a child or adolescent, please just reach out to us directly.

If your loved one was an adult, we kindly ask for a brief confirmation from someone supporting you. This could be a hospital or aged-care staff member, a chaplain, minister, social worker, a volunteer or staff member from an op-shop or community shelter, or even a friend who may have set up a GoFundMe page.

They can contact us on your behalf by phone or email with:
– Your name
– Your contact number
– The name of your loved one
– A short note confirming financial hardship

If You Have No Means At All

If you’re unable to cover any costs, you may not be eligible for Funeral Cost Support with us. However, alternatives are available. In NSW, this is normally known as a Destitute Funeral. In the ACT, a similar arrangement exists known as Funeral Assistance.

We hope this provides clarity and support during a difficult time.

For Social Workers, Chaplains, and Others Who Support Families

If you're a social worker, chaplain, or someone who provides guidance after a death, you help people in a difficult moment. Below are two brochures you’re welcome to print or share with families. Alternatively, if you would like us to post you copies, please let us know.

1. For Families with Limited Means

This flyer summarises the key points from this page.

👉 Download Black & White Version (PDF) - designed for easy photocopying

👉 Download Colour Version (PDF) - designed for emailing or digital sharing

2. For Families with Sufficient Means

The more families make arrangements with our normal fees, the more we're quietly able to assist others in hardship. You're welcome to share our general brochure:

👉 Download Black & White Version (PDF) - designed for easy photocopying

👉 Download Colour Version (PDF) - designed for emailing or digital sharing