Arranging A Funeral

What To Do When Someone Dies
When a person dies a doctor must certify that death has occurred, and will issue the Death Certificate.  Once this is done the funeral director can be called and the funeral arrangements can be made.

If the doctor cannot issue a death certificate, the Coroner becomes involved and they will investigate the circumstances for the death. Police must be called and the deceased will be taken to the coroner.

A person is taken to the coroner if they died:

  • Unexpectedly
  • From anything other than natural causes
  • From an injury or accident
  • During, or as a result of anaesthetic.
  • While held in an institution, prison or by police.

These types are called reportable deaths.  A coroner must investigate all reportable deaths.  This means the Government appointed funeral director will transfer the deceased to the coroner.  Your chosen funeral director can be contacted and funeral arrangements begin.

The role of Semmens Funerals
We make ourselves available 24 hours a day, to meet with family either at your home or at our premises to make funeral arrangements.  It is at this time we will help with the many decisions associated with funeral arrangements.  Some of the major decisions that will need to be made include:-

  • Place of Service: Church, Chapel, Cemetery, Hall, Garden, or Family Home
  • Choice of burial or cremation
  • Who will lead the service: clergy, celebrant or friend
  • The day and time.
  • What type of coffin or casket
  • Who will carry the coffin or casket
  • Should we see the deceased at a viewing?
  • Will someone prepare a eulogy?
  • Will there be Audio Visual Presentation and favourite music played?

Death Registration Information
We will also collect the following information in order to register the death with Births, Death and Marriages

  • Deceased Full Name
  • Place and Date of Birth
  • Occupation
  • Was the deceased retired and a pensioner?
  • Was the deceased Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
  • Marriage(s) details
  • Children of Marriages(s)
  • Father Name’s and Occupation
  • Mother’s Name and Occupation
  • Mothers Maiden Name

Tips on writing a Eulogy

  • Where and when was person born
  • Parents and Siblings
  • Schools attended
  • Education and qualifications
  • Marriage details
  • Working life
  • Children and Grandchildren
  • Interests – music, sports, clubs, holidays
  • Personal qualities