Choosing Cremation

Why Choose Cremation?

Swanborough Funerals provide a wide choice of cremation funeral service options when choosing cremation.

Cremation Funeral Service

This is where the coffin or casket is present at the cremation funeral service.
There is wide range of funeral venue options of where to hold a cremation when choosing cremation for a funeral service.
The most common venues to hold a cremation is at either the church or crematorium funeral chapel. Swanborough Funerals have also sourced alternative funeral venues. Click on the link below to view these cremation venue options.

Alternative Funeral Venues

• Braeside Chapel, 251 Gooding Drive, Merrimac
• Coolibah Downs, 41 Mt Nathan Rd, Nerang
• Walkabout Creek, 60 Mt Nebo Rd, The Gap
• Broadway Chapel, Woolloongabba
• Macarthur Park, 21-29 Macarthur St, Alexandra Hills

To receive an immediate and accurate cost of cremation visit our funeral cost calculator and click on your choices. This will give you an accurate cost of the cremation service.

Cremation Pricing Guide

No Service Cremation – when choosing cremation

(Also known as Direct Cremation or Non-service Cremation)
No Service Cremation is when the family of the deceased have chosen not to hold a funeral. The funeral director is contacted and transfers the deceased into their care. The appropriate documentation is organised with the next of kin or executor and cremation takes place. The ashes or cremated remains are returned to the next-of-kin after cremation.
Often times, but not always, family and friends hold a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. No Service Cremation or Attendance Cremation is also a dignified and cost effective way of caring for the deceased.
Cremated remains can be scattered according to the wishes of the deceased and the family, they can be placed in an urn or at the memorial gardens.
To view the cost of this service visit Swanborough Funerals Prices and click on your cremation options. This will give you an exact costing.
No Service Cremation

No Service Cremation with Memorial Service

A Memorial Service is where there is no coffin present at the service, although often families choose to have the cremated remains placed on the memorial table in an urn. The memorial service can also be part of the ashes scattering if this is what has been chosen.
Memorial Services can be held wherever the family chooses to celebrate and remember their loved one.
• The crematorium chapel
• At the family home or in the family garden
• The beach or park
• Twilight or dawn services
• The church, community hall or chapel venue
• The coffee shop or local pub.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the body to ashes with the source of fire in a purpose built crematory. The deceased ashes are known as “cremated remains”. The only item removed from the coffin/casket is the name plate of the deceased. This is used throughout the entire cremation process as the identification of the deceased.
Most cremations are with coffins that have metal coated plastic handles and therefore are cremated with the coffin. The crematorium operator will remove metal handles from the coffin or casket as these do not cremate well and hinder the cremation process. Also quite often the crematorium operator does not cremate the floral casket spray as florists use wire to keep flowers held in position. This also interferes with the process. We recommend that families take the flowers home or ask the funeral director put them in bunches and give them to the local hospital or nursing home.

Information on the Cremation Process

What are the benefits of choosing cremation?

Cremation is certainly more cost effective than burial. The average burial plot is $3500.00 compared to cremations only costing $810.00 including funeral chapel hire.
Cremation also gives a wider range of placement choice. The cremated remains can be placed in an urn and taken home, scattered or placed in a memorial garden or wall of the family’s choosing.
Ashes can also be divided. Family may also wish to scatter the main part of the cremated remains and keep a small amount in a keepsake urn or jewellery locket. To view our full urn a memorial product options visit.
Swanborough Funerals Urns and Keepsakes

Can ashes be sent overseas or interstate?

Cremated remains can also be taken interstate or overseas for placement. Swanborough Funerals organise the essential documentation required for this process. Some families choose to have ashes transferred via registered post to their final destination. Swanborough Funerals ensure that all documentation required is organised for this process.

What happens after the cremation?

Usually the cremated remains are available 48 business hours after cremation. There are a number of options.
Swanborough Funerals can collect the cremated remains and deliver them to the family or keep them in our care until the family are ready to receive the cremated remains.
The next of kin can collect the cremated remains from the crematorium.
The cremated remains can be placed in the memorial garden, plot or wall.
The cremated remains can be held at the crematorium for a short period of time pending advise from the next of kin.
For history of cremation and a more detailed explanation of the process visit the following website by the Australian Museum

Australian Museum

Do not hesitate to contact Swanborough Funerals if you would like to have a chat about our cremation service options.

Swanborough Funerals provide funeral services at the following crematoriums.

•  
• Albany Creek Memorial Park – Brisbane North Side
• Allambe Memorial Park – Gold Coast
• Centenary Memorial Gardens – Brisbane and Ipswich
• Eco Memorial Park – Logan, Brisbane and Gold Coast
• Great Northern Garden Of Remembrance – Brisbane North Side
• Great Southern Memorial Park – Logan South Side Brisbane
• Hemment Crematorium and Cemetery – Brisbane Bayside
• Heritage Park Crematorium – Brisbane and Ipswich
• Mt Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium Chapel – Brisbane South Side
• Mt Thompson Memorial Park – Brisbane South Side
• Pinnaroo Cemetery and Crematorium Chapel- Brisbane North Side

 

 

Funeral Flowers – their origin and meaning

The tradition of sending funeral flowers came from ancient culture where flowers and herbs were used to anoint the deceased as part of the preparation process for the funeral. Today the tradition of sending funeral flowers continues and often provides a soothing way of showing you care. Losing a loved one is heartbreaking. One way family and friends choose to show their sympathy is by sending funeral flowers. Flowers provide an opportunity to send a touching tribute.

To receive an accurate funeral quotation or to compare funeral costs visit Swanborough Funerals- Funeral cost calculator by clicking on the link below

https://swanboroughfunerals.com.au/funeral-cost-calculator/

Funeral Flowers

Lilies – Funeral Flowers

These is the most common funeral flowers associated with funeral services and is seen as a symbol of innocence that has been restored to the soul of the dearly departed. The white lily is a symbol of sympathy, majesty and purity.

Carnations – Funeral Flowers

Carnations are one of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers. Christian funeral tradition believes that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for Jesus as he carried his cross. Carnations are one of the most traditional funeral flowers.
A red carnation evokes admiration while a pink carnation stands for remembrance. White carnations stand for pure love and innocence.

Roses – Funeral Flowers

As one of the most treasured funeral flowers, roses can be a beautiful part of an arrangement of funeral flowers. Roses are befitting as a casket spray to be displayed on the funeral casket or coffin.
Red rose – expresses love
White rose – Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality, Remembrance
Yellow rose – Given by friends of the deceased to symbolise their strong friendship
Dark Crimson Roses – These types of roses are suitable funeral flowers because they show grief and sorrow. They are sent to tell the family of the deceased that they are not alone in mourning.
Single Rose- When placed in the funeral spray depicts your eternal love

Sweet Pea – Funeral Flowers

Signifying a peaceful farewell to the deceased. Their scent and beauty provide treasured funeral flowers

Gladioli-Funeral Flowers

Represents sincerity, strength of character and integrity

 

Chrysanthemum – Funeral Flowers

In Asian Culture the chrysanthemum signifies life and rebirth.
In Korea, Japan and Europe white chrysanthemums traditionally symbolise lamentation and grief. Buddhists are fond of using this funeral flower as offerings on alters. They are a traditional funeral flowers.

Daffodils – Funeral Flowers

Symbolise rebirth and new beginnings. It is the symbol used for the cancer council as a sign of remembrance and respect for those who have lost their battle with cancer.

Orchids – Funeral Flowers

Given at funerals to say “I will always love you” Pink and white orchids are the traditional funeral flower colours for sympathy and are often given to the bereaved as a plant. They are also befitting on the funeral casket or coffin.

Tulips – Funeral Flowers

Symbolise elegance and grace. The red tulip is said to symbolise perfect love. Yellow tulips depict cheerfulness. White tulips are a sign of forgiveness, and purple tulips depict majesty and royalty. They are elegant funeral flowers.

Freesia – Funeral Flowers

Innocence and friendship – Their scent as funeral flowers brings consolation to the family. They are often used in the funeral casket spray on the funeral casket or coffin.

Iris – Funeral Flowers

Faith, valour and wisdom. Their vibrant and rich color create a beautiful casket spray to sit on the casket or coffin.

Protea – Funeral Flowers

Diversity and courage – Although not traditionally Australian but from South Africa the Protea is often used in the Australian Native Casket Sprays by Florists to display on the funeral casket or coffin.

Statice – Funeral Flowers

Symbolises remembrance

Red Poppy – Funeral Flowers

The remembrance poppy (a Papaver rhoeas) has been used since 1920 to commemorate soldiers who have died in war. This funeral flower is placed on the coffin, funeral casket,grave or memorial of the fallen as a sign of remembrance and respect. Swanborough Funerals use the Poppy in our Veteran’s funeral services as a sign of respect.

Baby’s Breath – Funeral Flowers

A flower that symbolises everlasting love, pureness and innocence. It is renowned for its delicate white clusters and is often used to soften funeral floral arrangements. It is used quite often for an infant’s funeral flowers on the funeral casket or coffin of a child or baby.

 

Funeral Payment Plans

Funeral Payment Plans or pre-paying for your funeral plans.

Swanborough Funerals have a number of pre-paid funeral options.

• Fixed price funeral plan contracts
• Paying off your funeral options
• At need payment options

Australian Securities and Investments Commission ASIC have put together a very informative document on funeral payment. Detailing the difference between funeral bonds and funeral insurance, also detailing other funeral payment options through Superannuation.

https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/life-events-and-you/over-55s/paying-for-your-funeral
Do not hesitate to contact Swanborough Funerals to discuss funeral payment options in more detail

View our pricing and funeral payment options.

https://swanboroughfunerals.com.au/funeral-cost-calculator/

View our post on 6 Questions to Ask When Choosing A Funeral Director -this also has detailed funeral payment options in question 6

https://swanboroughfunerals.com.au/funeral-director/

 

Do not hesitate to contact Swanborough Funerals on 1800 100 411 to discuss funeral payment options or pre-paid funeral plan options.

 

Swanborough Funerals is a proud signatory to the Queensland Funeral Industry Code of Conduct.

Queensland Funeral Industry Code of Conduct

Planning the funeral of a loved one is a sensitive and emotional time for everyone involved. Families can be under intense pressure after the death of a loved one and may not have the capacity or time to carefully consider the range of funeral services, providers or prices which are available. When the time comes, it is important for families to make an informed decision.

Like all businesses in Australia, the funeral service industry must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Introduced in 2011, the purpose of the ACL is to give consumers the same rights and protections across Australia, reduce business compliance burdens with a single national law and create consistent enforcement powers for consumer protection agencies.

If consumer rights and obligations are not upheld within the funeral services industry, further distress can be brought to consumers who are already in an emotional situation.

In order to reduce potential distress to consumers and encourage businesses in the industry to adopt a joint benchmark of high quality, the Queensland Government and the Queensland Funeral Industry Reference Group have developed a voluntary Code of Conduct.

The voluntary Queensland Funeral Industry Code of Conduct aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• Clients make informed decisions about funeral services.
• Individuals, communities, industry and the Queensland Government have a shared understanding of funeral service best practices.
• Individuals, communities, industry and the Queensland Government have an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in relation to funeral service best practices.
• Industry provides a professional and informative environment for the delivery of funeral services.
• Harm from unethical funeral service providers to individuals and the broader community is minimised.

This business is a proud signatory to the Queensland Funeral Industry Code of Conduct. You can view the code here.

Queensland Funeral Industry Code of Conduct.

The death of a loved one has a lifelong effect on our children whether they attend the funeral of their loved one or not. Preparing your child and giving them choice at an age appropriate level is the most important key. Children are our little people with big hearts.

So many times, we as funeral director’s speak with adults who were never given permission or opportunity as children to say farewell. This creates such deep hurt that is carried throughout life.

Below are some tips for preparing your child:

• Give them clear and concise information about the funeral service
• Who will be at the funeral
• Where the funeral will take place
• Explain the “order of service” e.g. Why we are playing certain music, what is a eulogy, the beliefs of the deceased, what is a wake.
• How long the funeral service will go for
• What is expected of the child

Should your child have a viewing of the deceased? Some points to be aware of and explain to your child if you both decide on a viewing of the deceased:

• Please note that at Swanborough Funerals, we use the preservation method of embalming, therefore the deceased is not cold (the other preservation method used in many funeral homes is refrigeration at between 2ºc-4ºc )
• This may sound silly for an adult, but for a child it is important to explain – that the deceased cannot feel anything (you may like to say they are not in pain anymore), they cannot hear or talk, that breath has left the body and they cannot come back to life
• It is very important to talk about your family spiritual beliefs
• Children need to feel safe, secure and be given permission to express how they are feeling during the viewing time
• You may like to suggest they write a letter, draw a picture or place a special treasure or photo in the coffin for the departed loved one.

Depending on the relationship of the child to the deceased, you may wish to include them in some of the decisions. Below are some ideas:

• Get them to choose “grandma’s favourite jewellery, clothing or perfume to wear”
• A special song to play that reminds them of the deceased
• Include them in the choices of photos, should you have a DVD photo presentation played at the memorial service
• They may like to write something to have read, or read a tribute at the funeral service e.g. “My five favourite memories of Grandma”
• The release of a helium filled balloon at the conclusion of the funeral service is often a special memory and wonderful symbol for a child. Other options include the release of butterflies or doves.

We believe that a funeral service is an important and healing time for all family members. Funerals do not have to be seen as “scary” for a child but a way in which they can see how much all who attend the service loved the person that they also loved.

Swanborough Funerals have detailed just a few suggestions for parents and carers to assist you in preparing your child for a funeral service. If you have other suggestions that would help families during this time, we would love to hear from you on the Swanborough Funerals News page or Facebook page.

Most people are familiar with a “Legal Will”, but what about a “Spiritual Will”?
A Spiritual Legacy or Spiritual Will is a way to bequeath your values in the same way as you would bequeath your valuables in a Legal Will. Unlike a Legal Will, which divides an inheritance, a Spiritual Will multiplies a legacy.
It enables you to share your values, beliefs, dreams,visions, life lessons, hopes, wisdom, stories, love and forgiveness.
It provides that link from your life’s journey, to deliver wisdom and hope to future generations.
A Spiritual Will is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

To be confronted with having to plan a funeral, would have to be definitely one of the most difficult things one has to do. It is such an emotional time and can be a strain on the finances also. Many are not prepared and are unaware of the options available to them.

The families that choose Swanborough Funerals to care for their loved one find that our prices are substantially lower than our competitors, whilst providing the utmost care without compromise. We offer affordable options to assist in personalizing the ceremony to create a meaningful celebration of life.

Here are just a few things to consider when arranging a funeral/memorial service

1. Avoid emotional overspending – a high priced coffin/casket has nothing to do with love or respect.
2. Do not make funeral arrangements on your own – have a friend or family member present that can provide you with support. This is often helpful when decisions need to be made.
3. Funeral prices vary extensively from funeral home to funeral home. It is sensible to phone several funeral homes to get funeral service estimates.
4. Think about having an online obituary notice rather than using the newspaper. Newspapers are quite costly
5. If you are choosing burial – look at the different cemetery options. Prices can vary greatly between cemeteries. Also, ensure you have asked what the full cost of the plaque or monument will be as this is generally not included in the purchase of the burial plot. This can add unexpected thousands onto the cost of burial
6. Choose a less expensive coffin – do not be lead to believe that a more expensive coffin will look better. Rather, choose to spend a little more on printed materials and keepsakes like funeral programs that others tend to keep as a memento
7. Consider donating to a favourite charity.
8. Give family and friends opportunity to lend a helping hand – they may wish to purchase or organise a part of the service – Flowers, service programs, dove or butterfly releases, memorial keepsakes, assisting with catering, DVD presentation or music.
9. Talk about funeral options in advance. Discuss with parents what they would like for their funeral.
10. Funerals do not need to cost a fortune to capture the essence of your loved one – There are so many ways to personalise a funeral that will reflect the person.

At Swanborough funerals we are happy to answer any questions that you may have.

To use our “Planning Your Funeral” online app click on the following link
https://www.facebook.com/swanboroughfunerals/app_380248152091389