Arranging a funeral Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney

At Creightons we strive to guide you every step of the way, as we have done for almost two centuries.

Nothing can prepare you for the emotional shock of losing someone close to you, even if that passing had been expected.

Our staff at Creightons are available to guide and assist you with your enquires and provide support by contacting the Care Line with support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To speak with one of our friendly representatives or to make an appointment when arranging a funeral, please call Central Coast, Hunter Region, or Sydney Region on 1300 130 955.

We will find a time that is convenient for you to either come in and see us, or for us to meet you somewhere you feel comfortable.

The initial meeting with your Creightons representative will take around 1-2 hours in duration. During this meeting, they will assist you with deciding on the many practical and celebratory aspects of the funeral, and attend to all of the official details regarding the funeral service, burial or cremation.

While we strongly recommend a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan to assist your family in avoiding these difficulties in the future, we also realise that such pre-arrangements will not always be in place.

For information regarding the funeral process including the steps to be taken, legal requirements, associated costs and answers to the most frequently asked questions, please view our brochures under Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon can a funeral be held?

If there are no concerns surrounding a sudden or accidental death, the funeral can usually be held in a few days or up to weeks, depending on the wishes of the family.

Should we have a Viewing?

Viewing the deceased is a very personal decision. This can be a very emotional time, however in our experience we have seen many benefits.

A viewing not only helps the bereaved to face the reality of death but also allows for quiet times of reflection and goodbyes. Most viewings are held in our purpose built private rooms with staff available for support.

What about clothing?

Your loved one can be dressed as you wish, whether or not you are planning a viewing.
Our representatives will discuss options with you.

Is embalming necessary?

Embalming is only necessary in the following circumstances:

Repatriation of a deceased overseas
Burial above ground in a crypt or vault
A longer than usual delay between death and the funeral
Cultural requirements eg. deceased is taken to the family home

Generally, embalming is not carried out, however, if required your representative can make the necessary arrangement with our qualified embalmer.

Is cremation less expensive than burial?

A service involving a burial includes the cost of the grave, opening/closing fees for the site and ongoing maintenance. The cost will vary depending on the cemetery chosen. This will often appear more expensive than a cremation, primarily because the cost of the final resting place (the gravesite) is included. After cremation, the family will need to decide whether to have a memorial site as a tangible recognition of their loved one’s life in order to preserve their memory. Memorials also serve to provide the ‘peace of mind’ that comes from knowing that a loved one is resting quietly in a tranquil environment.

What about Flowers?

Flowers are also a matter of personal choice. From a single rose to large floral tributes, flowers can be an important and symbolic part of a funeral. Our representatives can show you a selection and make all necessary arrangements. Samples of flower displays/coffin covers size and pricing can be viewed on our website.

You may choose to have no flowers and place personal items to decorate the coffin.

Complimentary Condolence Book

The guests at the service will have the opportunity to record their attendance in the complimentary condolence book provided. This will be presented to the Executor or in their absence the Snr NOK at the conclusion of the service, along with the personal items, photos, and memorabilia that you have provided for the service, and have instructed be returned to you. You may instruct if some items are to remain with the coffin. Discuss these options with your Funeral representative.

A certified copy of the Medical Certificate is provided and placed in the condolence book when available. We will submit the application for the official Death Certificate to Births Deaths and Marriages on your behalf. When available, this will be mailed via registered post, direct to the Executor or in their absence, the senior next of kin.

Can Creightons arrange a minister/celebrant?

We will consult and co-ordinate with your chosen clergy or celebrant or introduce you to one who can assist and support with the service.

Can we cater for different cultures and traditions? With over 180 years of operation, Creightons have developed experience and expertise incorporating the rituals and funeral customs of numerous faiths and cultures.

What religious ceremony can I have with cremation?

Services for cremation are the same as those for a burial. The service may take place in one’s own church or in a chapel.

Must there be a religious ceremony with cremation or burial?

No, a civil ceremony can be conducted or there may be none at all.

Is more than one coffin cremated at one time?

No. Cremators are designed specifically to take one coffin at a time. Identification plates are placed on each cremator to ensure the identity of the deceased throughout the process.

These identification plates remain with the ashes after placement in the final container. This system guarantees that ashes cannot be mixed up.

What happens with the ashes?

After cremation, the ashes are stored securely at the crematorium. Palmdale Memorial staff will write to you approx. 2 weeks after the service and request and update to your wishes. Should contact not be made after the following 2 weeks a phone call will be made to organise an appointment with one of our customer service representatives who can best explain the options available.

Who else should be contacted?

The following is an excerpt from Australian Government Dept of Human Resources
Executor of the Will ………………..

What people say

We would like to thank the staff at Creighton's Palmdale for helping us through this difficult time, the empathy that was shown to us by Bill Willing who helped us thru the planning stage to Thomas and staff who guided us through the actual funeral, Thank You.
I would also like to thank our Celebrant Suzanne Brodie who conducted the service for our loved one, such a wonderful professional, Thank You.

My mother's recent funeral was a good, dignified, respectful affair and I didn't feel that they were rushing it.

We engaged Creightons for my fathers funeral. Delina assisted, she gave advice along the way and never tried to oversell the many gimmicks that prevail in this industry. The service was held at Greenway Memorial Chapel, we booked a double time service which we needed as there were long tributes and a full RSL Service. All the staff on the day were very helpful, We used their suggested Celebrant who was also professional & helpful with an eye for detail.

Arranging a Funeral