Our Services

A Funeral Director is no different to any other professional person whom you may need to call on for a specialised service, such as a doctor, solicitor or accountant. You should carefully consider their qualifications, facilities and ability to service your needs.

The Role of the Funeral Director

Few services are as sensitive and personal as those provided by a funeral director. While we may not be grief experts, we understand the profound distress that comes with the loss of a family member or friend. In times of uncertainty, our professional staff are here to offer guidance and support as you navigate the decisions surrounding the funeral.

Expected or Natural Cause of Death

In the event of an expected or natural cause of death, a doctor must sign a certificate confirming the death before the deceased can be transferred to our funeral home. Whether the death occurs at home, in a nursing home, or in a hospital, our team will ensure that all necessary arrangements are made with care and sensitivity.

Unexpected or Accidental Death

In cases where the cause of death is unclear, involving factors such as accidents or sudden illnesses, the coroner may need to be notified. Our staff are experienced in navigating these situations and will liaise with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the necessary procedures are followed with compassion and professionalism.

How a Funeral Director Can Assist You

From the moment you contact us, our staff are dedicated to providing prompt and personalised attention to every aspect of arranging the funeral. Whether the wishes of the deceased are known or not, we will guide you through the decision-making process with empathy and expertise. Some of the major decisions that need to be made include:

• Choice of burial or cremation.
• Selection of the day, time, and venue of the service.
• Determining who will lead the service—a member of the clergy or a celebrant.
• Deciding whether a viewing is appropriate.
• Choosing a coffin and pallbearers.
• Selecting music, preparing eulogies, and arranging flowers.
• Placing notices in newspapers and organizing charitable donations.
• Personalizing the ceremony to reflect the life of your loved one.

Services Provided by Funeral Directors

Our role extends beyond the immediate arrangements to encompass a comprehensive range of services designed to support you throughout the funeral process. Some of the services we provide include:

• Prompt and personal attention at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Transfer of the deceased to the funeral home, including arrangements for deaths away from the hometown.
• Personal consultations with the family to discuss funeral arrangements and service details.
• Liaising with cemeteries, crematoriums, clergy, and other relevant parties.
• Registration of death with the appropriate authorities.
• Assistance with press notices, floral arrangements, and music selection.
• Preparation of the deceased for viewing and provision of memorial attendance books.
• Referral to grief support services if needed.

The Matter of Cost

We understand that cost is an important consideration when arranging a funeral. Our fees cover a range of services, including responding to inquiries, arranging and coordinating the funeral service, attending to administrative and legal documents, and providing care for the deceased. Additionally, we offer a selection of coffins to suit every budget, along with arrangements for burial or cremation fees. We are committed to transparency and will fully explain all costs associated with our services.

• • The following is a list of things you could do to personalize the funeral service of the one you love:
  • Place personal items inside the coffin—photos, letters, drawings, etc.
  • Organize for the deceased’s favourite music to be played.
  • Place a photo of the deceased on the coffin for the service.
  • Place personal items on the coffin for the service—from a favourite hat to a muchloved painting, it will add to the atmosphere.
  • Involve family and friends—to deliver the eulogy, read a poem or religious passages.
  • Arrange for clubs or organisations to attend perhaps forming a guard of honour.
  • Close family members could place a single flower on the coffin or into the grave as part of the service.
  • Arrange for family/friends to act as pallbearers.
  • Personalise the coffin with some hand painted designs. (A specialty of Childers Woodgate Funeral Services.)

Discuss these ideas and more with your Funeral Director.

As a helpful guide, the following may be of assistance in preparing a Eulogy:

• • When and where was the deceased born
  • Nicknames and/or names known to others
  • Parents names—where they met and married
  • Brothers and Sisters
  • Early childhood—localities and interests
  • Schools attended, awards gained
  • Academic or trade qualifications and achievements
  • Some interesting items about childhood days
  • Details of any war or military service
  • Details of marriages, divorces, children, significant relationships
  • Details of grandchildren/great grandchildren
  • Details of any club memberships, position held
  • Details of sporting achievements
  • Details of any hobbies or interests, travel, crafts, etc.
  • Details of historical significance
  • Preferences, likes and dislikes
  • Details of activities, eg. Music, theatre, etc.
  • Any special stories, sayings, qualities that are significant to others
  • Special readings, music or poetry to be included