Helpful Information
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Private Cremation or Burial
Memorial Services
Funeral Services
Who To Notify
When someone dies there are so many things to do and so many people and organisations who need to be notified. The Executor of the will or the Next of Kin is responsible for these notifications. Some organisations may require the death certificate before they will accept the notification and they will tell you your next steps. It feels overwhelming and we are here to help.
We have put together this checklist to give you a suggestion of who you may need to contact. They might not all apply but hopefully it will help you get started.
- Funeral fund/ Life insurance
- Solicitor/ Public trustee
- Centrelink
- Superannuation fund
- Banks/Financial institutions
- Credit card providers
- Minister/Church
- Home medical services
- Doctor/ Dentist
- Home delivery services
- Domestic help (Meals on Wheels, housekeeper, gardener)
- Online presence and digital accounts
- Telecommunication provider
- Utility services (electricity, gas, water)
- Post office/ mail deliveries
- Landlord
- Council (rate notices)
- Roads and Traffic Authority (Driver's License & Vehicle Registrations)
- Waterways (boat registration)
- Department of veterans affairs
- Medicare
- Health benefit fund
- Accountant
- Australian Tax Office
- Electoral Office
- Employer/ Former employer
- School or College
- Clubs and associations (RSL, Rotary, etc.)
- Strata Management
- Trade Union
- Charitable organisations
- Library
- Home appliance rentals
How to Write A Eulogy
A eulogy is written by a family member or friend to be spoken at a ceremony as a farewell tribute to the deceased. It can be delivered by the author, a celebrant or another person.
It is best to type in large font, for ease of reading, and print two copies. The second copy should be with someone who can step in should the original speaker become emotional and need to be replaced.
If this is the only reading the eulogy should run for about five to seven minutes. If this is one of multiple readings it should be kept to about three minutes.
The best eulogies often make the audience laugh and cry by blending anecdotes about the deceased that illuminate their personality. Sometimes it helps to think of a three terms that describe the person ( for example; "generous", "hard-working", and "dry humoured") then build the eulogy around memories that illustrate these qualities.
Here is a list of things to consider that may be of assistance.
- When and where they were born
- Nicknames or names known to others
- Parents, siblings
- Childhood friends
- Schooling and awards
- Work history
- War or military service
- Marriages and significant relationships
- Children, grandchildren and other relationships
- Sporting achievements
- Religious association, charity, community work
- Hobbies or interests
- Preferences, likes or dislikes
- Special or amusing stories, sayings and qualities
- Special readings, music or poetry
Support
Fulfilling a loved one’s wishes is enormously satisfying, but what about the emotional needs of those who are left behind?
Grief is a natural, personal, and entirely necessary part of your personal journey as you come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
When you are working through the feelings associated grief, it is important to remember you are not alone.
The cycle of grief:
Shock and denial – You may feel stunned and feel as though you are struggling to keep up with your spinning thoughts.
Remember that feeling overwhelmed is natural and doesn't mean you are failing. Talk with someone that you trust to assist you to organise what you need to do. Try to make notes as reminders and don't rely on your memory alone.
Disorientation – You may feel confused in relation to time, place and person.
Don’t rush things, remember that fine details don't matter right now. Reach out for help and remember that in time, you will start to feel yourself again.
Anger – You may experience anger or frustration with yourself, the deceased, those who cared for your loved one, doctors, nurses, even God.
It is important to understand that some anger is a natural part of survival. If this becomes destructive to yourself or to others reach out to friends or a professional to assist with these feelings.
Depression and loneliness – When the numbness and confusion wear off, and the awareness of the permanence of this loss sinks in, you may struggle returning to your usual life.
Take each day at a time, and permit yourself the time you need to heal. Try to ensure you keep in touch with your friends, children, siblings, parents and others who may also be grieving and support each other. Though the energy required might feel enormous make a dedicated effort to stay in touch with people and to not let yourself hide away.
Try not to compare yourself with others. Every journey is individual and you might feel that others have moved on more easily, or perhaps less so. Your feelings are valid and legitimate. Everyone is entitled to follow their own path.
Be kind to yourself and others as you are all going through a difficult time.
Useful links you may consider using:
- Grief hotline – www.griefline.org.au
- Australian Centre of Grief & Bereavement – www.grief.org.au
- Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
