Frequently asked

questions

You can call Mareena Purslowe Funerals anytime on 1300 728 523. Our team is here 24/7 to offer guidance and support.

When you call, we’ll explain how we can help and, if you wish, arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care. We’ll also set up a time to meet in the coming days to begin planning the service together. 

Our Mareena Purslowe Funeral Directors lead the care of your loved one. For health and safety reasons, a male team member may occasionally assist with bringing your loved one into our care. If you would prefer a female-only team, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Our team will step in with calm, professional care to support you through the next steps.

Some families choose to plan ahead, so they feel prepared and able to focus on their loved one. Our caring team will explain the process, answer questions and guide you through the options. You can call Mareena Purslowe Funerals anytime, day or night, on 1300 728 523.

Funeral planning involves many decisions, and the women of Mareena Purslowe are here to guide you through each one. From the very first call, we’ll provide information and resources to help you make informed choices. We also take care of the legal requirements and paperwork, so you can focus on your family. You can learn more in our Guide to Funeral Planning, or call us anytime on 1300 728 523. 

Yes, we do our best to accommodate your wishes and personalise the farewell to reflect the life, values and traditions of your loved one. We support families from all faiths, cultures and personal backgrounds.

Yes. We know writing a eulogy can feel overwhelming. Our Eulogy Writing Guide offers helpful tips and examples, and our caring team can provide personal support if you’d like more guidance.

Every Mareena Purslowe funeral is personalised, so costs vary depending on your choices. You can find indicative costs here to help you plan. Once we understand your wishes, we can provide you with a detailed, itemised quote.

Yes, there may be additional costs for personal touches such as flowers, catering or memorial items. Your Funeral Specialist can talk you through the options that feel right for your family.

An urn is only needed if your loved one is being cremated. Some families choose to keep an urn at home, while others prefer a memorial garden where family and friends can visit. Our guide to cremation urns is a helpful resource. Our team can also explain the choices available.

Yes, every funeral service requires a coffin or casket, including cremations. We understand choosing a coffin or casket can feel overwhelming. We’ll explain the options available and help you make your decision.

Yes. Mareena Purslowe Funerals offers the option to prepay for a funeral through our trusted partner, Guardian Plan*. 

Guardian Plan is a funeral bond issued by the Over Fifty Guardian Friendly Society Limited (the Society) ABN 81 087 649 063 AFSL 524353. Proudly part of InvoCare – Australia’s leading provider of funeral, cemetery, crematoria and related services.

We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Most initial meetings take around two hours, which is usually enough to begin shaping a meaningful, personalised service. 

We’ll complete necessary paperwork, such as registering the death, and then discuss details like the type of service, date, time, venue and any personal touches you’d like to include. We’ll go at your pace, pausing if things feel overwhelming and picking back up when you’re ready.

It’s helpful if you can bring some clothing for your loved one to wear during the funeral, a recent photograph or personal details needed for the Death Certificate. If your loved one had prearrangements, such as a prepaid funeral plan or a burial site reservation, please bring those documents.

Yes. If you are unable to meet in person, we can arrange a phone or video call so you still receive the same support and guidance from your Funeral Specialist.

A viewing is a private time for family and close friends to see their loved one before the service. For many, it is an important part of the grieving process and provides a final opportunity to say goodbye.

If you or someone else is unable to attend in person due to illness, most of our chapels offer live-streaming, so you can still view the service from home.

You can choose music that reflects your loved one’s life, whether that’s favourite songs, hymns or instrumental pieces. Your Funeral Specialist can suggest options or help place music within the service.

Most services are held on weekdays, but weekend funerals can be arranged if preferred. Your Funeral Specialist will work with you to find a time that suits your family. Please note, weekend services may incur additional costs.

Yes, a Mareena Purslowe Funeral Specialist will apply for the death certificate on your behalf, using the information you provide. Once processed, the registry will send the death certificate to your nominated address.

We’ll need details such as your loved one’s full name, date and place of birth, marital status, parents’ names, children’s details and burial or cremation place. Your Funeral Specialist will guide you through exactly what is required.

A death certificate is an official document issued by the state Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, confirming a person’s death. This is different from the medical cause of death certificate given by a doctor. You’ll need the death certificate for legal and financial matters.

Death certificates are issued by the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in each state or territory. Your Funeral Specialist will lodge the application and can answer any questions you may have.

Cremation transforms your loved one’s body into ashes, which can be kept, scattered or placed in a memorial garden. Burial involves interring the body in a grave, giving family and friends a physical place to visit and reflect.

Ashes can be scattered in meaningful places, but permissions may be required. On public land, you’ll need council approval, and on private land, you’ll need the owner’s consent. On your own property, you are free to create a memorial as you wish.

In most cases, yes – ashes may be scattered at sea or on beaches with council approval. Your Funeral Specialist can guide you through the process.

Most domestic and international airlines allow ashes to be carried on flights, though requirements vary. Check with your airline before travelling to confirm what’s needed.

Yes. Many families choose to divide ashes so more than one person can keep a portion. Your Funeral Specialist can show you urns and keepsakes designed for this purpose.

In some cases, yes – though not all postal or courier services allow it. Check with your chosen provider before arranging transport.

Ashes are usually available within a few days of the service. Your Funeral Specialist will provide the details for collection.

This varies by crematorium. Ashes may be returned in a standard container or placed directly into an urn if provided. You can then choose to keep them at home, scatter them in a meaningful place or inter them in a memorial park.