Funerals Act 2006
Coming together to acknowledge and celebrate life through the rituals of what is often referred to as a ‘funeral service’ has been taking place for centuries and occurs in many different cultural ways. It provides an important occasion for families and communities to gather, share stories, pay respect and grieve. It provides an opportunity for a last goodbye and a place of connection with those in grief, to mourn and celebrate a life lived.
Funerals have evolved, and there are many different terminologies used to acknowledge the way we come together: Funeral Eucharist, Funeral Mass, Liturgy, funeral service, memorial service, celebration of life, a thanks giving service and Public and Private Funeral gatherings. They can be led by the Clergy, Celebrants, MC (Master of Ceremonies), and family and friends. We are seeing locations change, rituals evolve, and offerings expand to include a more personalised, meaningful tribute.
F. Greed & Son Funeral Services
Caring. Creative. Professional.
Arranging a funeral is a deeply personal and often complex process. At F. Greed & Son, our dedicated team is here to support you with compassion, experience, and professionalism every step of the way. Our services include:
Available 24/7 – First Call Support
We are here when you need us most – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – offering immediate advice and guidance.
Transfer Into Our Care
We ensure the respectful and dignified transfer of your loved one into our care.
Full Use of Our Funeral Home
Our fully serviced funeral home includes:
- Chapel facilities
- Hearse and funeral vehicles
- Modern equipment and products
- Private viewing spaces
Dedicated Funeral Arranger
fully serviced funeral home includes:
- Chapel facilities
- Hearse and funeral vehicles
- Modern equipment and products
- Private viewing spaces
Legal Documentation & Administration
We handle all necessary legal processes, including:
- Registration of death with Births, Deaths and Marriages
- Application for cremation and associated certificates
- Interment of ashes
- Right of Interment for burial
- Private cemetery applications
- Repatriation applications (if required)
Cremation & Cemetery Arrangements
We liaise with crematoriums and Cemetery Trusts, and manage all required bookings and fees.
Coffin Selection
We liaise with crematoriums and Cemetery Trusts, and manage all required bookings and fees.
Private Viewing
We offer the option of a private or closed-lid viewing in our chapel.
Official Death Certificate
We arrange for the official Death Certificate to be mailed directly to you for estate and legal purposes.
Memorial Products
We provide a range of options for ashes and memorial keepsakes, including:
- Urns
- Ashes jewellery
- Biodegradable urns
- Scattering tubes
Business Hours
Our office is open:
Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
(Closed on public holidays)
For immediate support outside of business hours, our team is on-call 24/7.
The Cost of a Funeral
Understanding The Cost Of A Funeral
Funeral costs can vary considerably, as each service is tailored to reflect the wishes of the individual and their family. The overall cost will depend on the selections made throughout the arrangement process.
Typically, the total cost is made up of three main parts:
- Our Professional Service Fee
- Additional items selected.
- Disbursements – ie. third party costs such as cemetery, crematorium, clergy, etc.
- GST
So How Much Does A Funeral Cost?
As you can appreciate from the many ways people come together and acknowledge life, and the different elements chosen, means a funeral can vary quite significantly.
We are experiencing these costs can range from $1,800.00 – 18,000.00.
In most cases, we see the cost range from $9,000 – $15,000.00
Burial Versus Cremation
Greed & Sons perform funeral services in Hamilton and surrounds, including –
Balmoral, Branxholme, Byaduk, Caramut, Cavendish, Coleraine, Casterton, Condah, Dartmoor, Diby, Drik Drik, Edenhope, Glenthompson, Genadenthal, Harrow, Hawkesdale, Heywood, Horsham, Hotspur, Tabor, Macarthur, Mernio, Penshurst, Sandford, Tarrayoukyan, and Nelson.
It is not unusual for us to travel outside of the above locations, indeed, anywhere within the state of Victoria, and some parts of South Australia.
We are often asked about the cost differences between burial and cremation. Burial in the above-listed locations is often less expensive than cremation. In rural areas, the cost of land and the capacity (life expectancy of the cemetery) is more manageable and cost-effective. than in capital cities. Some cemetery plots in capital cities can be 5 times the cost of cremation.
The other notable difference can be the tenancy purchase of the plot. The options are:
A perpetual interment right allows the right holder to have human remains buried in a particular grave or other allotment in a cemetery and for those remains to be left undisturbed forever (in perpetuity) for the life of the cemetery.
However, not all memorial sites are held in perpetuity.
Some will have been assigned a fixed tenure period when they were arranged, depending on when this took place. In these cases, the memorial site will eventually expire.
These details are explained in great length here.
Would you like an accurate cost proposal?
The very best way to make an informed decision about the combination of services that are right for you, and obtain a comprehensive estimate, is by meeting one of our caring and creative funeral arrangers who will listen and explore your options and explain the details without obligation.
We encourage you to make this initial contact via phone at 03 55721053, and we will walk you through this valuable advice and guidance. Alternatively, you can email us at admin@fgreed.com.au and request that our team give you a call. We find nothing works better than a conversation and a connection point to start this conversation.
Other details to consider
Centrelink Support Toward Funeral Cost
Arranging a funeral can place financial pressure on families. Services Australia provides several forms of assistance that may help ease this burden for pensioners and their loved ones.
Bereavement Assistance for Partners
If your partner was receiving a pension or income support payment, you may be entitled to a bereavement payment. This is generally paid as a lump sum and is designed to help you adjust financially after the loss of your partner.
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment
In certain circumstances, a surviving partner may be eligible for a bereavement payment linked to the Pension Bonus Scheme. This payment is intended to provide additional financial support where a bonus had not yet been claimed.
Support for Carers
If you were receiving the Carer Payment for someone who has passed away, you may continue to receive payments for a short period. In some cases, a lump sum bereavement payment may also be available to assist during the transition.
TAC Support and Benefits
Here you will find information that outlines the types of benefits that may apply to assist you at this difficult time. The benefits will depend on your family’s circumstances.
Further Information
Eligibility and payment details depend on individual circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact Services Australia or visit their website.
Funeral Bonds Advantage for Pensioners
A funeral Bond is a product set up for the sole purpose of paying funeral expenses. Funeral Bonds offer the security of knowing your funeral is paid for and not a burden left to your loved ones. Offering flexible payment options starting with as little as $100 and minimum of $50 top-up amounts. They offer tax benefits and your funeral bond will not affect your means tested pension up to the current government threshold.
For Centrelink or Veterans Affairs pension recipients, a pre-paid funeral Bond plan can enable you to maximise your pension entitlement. Funds spent on a pre-paid funeral Bond are not subject to the income and assets test or deemed as earnings, in accordance with current legislation. Find out more here.
This information is provided in accordance with the Funerals Act 2006, which offers important information regarding funeral services & pricing.
We encourage you to speak with our caring staff to ensure your arrangements meet your family’s needs. This service is complimentary and without obligation. We find that having a conversation is the best way to become informed.