Arrange a funeral
Caring and professional funeral services for north Brisbane and surrounds
We understand that every funeral is unique, just like every person is. At Compassionate Funerals, we specialise in helping you shape a unique, customised ceremony. You may choose to hold a traditional service at a church, or at our chapel in Brendale, followed by a burial or cremation. Or you might prefer to hold the service in a public venue, outdoor location or at the graveside. If you have chosen cremation, you may wish to have a private cremation, followed by a memorial service.
Whatever you choose to do – we are here to help. When you’re ready to start making plans, please give us a call. We can either meet you at our office or come to you.
Here to serve
It’s a privilege to serve this community. We’ve been helping families like yours for the past 18 years and are committed to delivering exceptional service every time.
Trusted experience
Countless local families choose us to help them create the perfect farewell for their loved ones. You can trust us to manage every detail of this important day.
Not-for-profit
We’re passionate about sharing hope and compassion with people in need. We give all our surplus funds away to help make the world a better place.
Compassion and care
We genuinely care for you and your family and are here to provide practical and emotional support – whenever you need it.
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What you can expect
When we first meet, we’ll discuss the type of service you want, including discussing viewing, flowers, types of coffins, burial vs cremation, music and notifications. We’ll also gather information for the official administrative paperwork – which we lodge on your behalf. On the day of the funeral, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, helping to ensure everything comes together the way you hoped. After the service we can provide guidance and assistance with grief support and options around cremated remains (if applicable).
How we care
Bringing your loved one into our care
Once your loved one has passed away, and a doctor has provided a death certificate, we'll organise for them to be transferred into our care until the funeral takes place.
Guidance to plan the service
Our team will guide you through the necessary steps to arrange the funeral service. We'll pay close attention to your preferences, answer any questions, and plan the perfect farewell together.
Burial or cremation
We provide both burial and cremation services, handling all logistics, including liaising with the cemetery.
Funeral service arrangements
We can conduct the official proceedings or work with a minister or clergy of your choice. We’ll also handle logistics on the day of the event, including welcoming and seating guests.
Administrative assistance
We'll coordinate all necessary documentation and legal paperwork, including registering the death with the State Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Live streaming
If your loved ones aren’t able to attend, we can help you organise for the service to be recorded and streamed online.
Frequently asked questions
Attending a funeral can help a child’s grieving process. Rather than assuming, have an open conversation with your child about the funeral. Explain what to expect and let them decide if they want to attend. Consider enlisting a trusted relative or friend for support if needed. Remember, children can offer comfort to grieving individuals in their unique way.
Coffins have a tapered shape, narrower at the foot and wider at the shoulders, often with a fully removable lid. Caskets are rectangular and usually have a hinged lid, allowing part or all of the deceased to be visible during a viewing. Coffins might be more cost-effective due to simpler interiors and fewer manufacturing components.
Cremations have been on the rise in Australia, surpassing burials. However, preferences vary by location, with urban areas favouring cremations due to crematories being easily accessible, while rural areas lean towards burials. Cultural and religious beliefs also heavily influence people’s decisions.
Embalming replaces bodily fluids with chemical solutions for preservation, infection control, and enhancing the deceased’s presentation. The extent of embalming required varies based on circumstances, family, and cultural preferences.
Following cremation, only the sturdy bones of the deceased remain. These bones are finely crushed to create ‘ashes’ or ‘cremated remains.’
The ashes come in a temporary plastic container. You can also discuss options for a decorative urn with your funeral director.
In cases of unexpected deaths, immediately dial Triple 0 (000). For expected deaths, contact the deceased person’s doctor. Funeral arrangements can only proceed after a doctor’s examination confirms the death.
In Australia, most deaths occur in healthcare or care facilities. These authorities handle necessary procedures and reach out to the next of kin.
A coroner is involved in cases of violent, accidental, unexpected or unusual deaths; deaths occurring under anaesthesia; deaths in custody; or when the cause of death is unknown. The coroner conducts post-mortem examinations to determine the cause.
Following burial or cremation, the funeral director registers the death. Once finalised, the Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages issues the death certificate.
Usually, the next of kin handles funeral arrangements, including a spouse, child, parent, legal partner, or sibling. In the absence of known relatives, a social worker or another authorised officer will step in.
Most funerals occur within 7-10 days after passing. Professional embalming may be necessary if the funeral cannot occur within this timeframe.
A viewing allows loved ones to spend time with the deceased before the funeral, offering therapeutic benefits during the grieving process.
The funeral director will collaborate with relevant authorities in that country or state to ensure the safe return of your loved one. See repatriation services for more information.
Grief varies for each person. Healing happens gradually and there is no right or wrong way to experience grief.
Offer sincere condolences and consider providing practical help with meal or chores. Simply being present to listen is also very important.
If you’re struggling to move on, and feel you need more help, seek guidance from a bereavement counsellor or grief support services. For urgent help, contact Lifeline’s 24-hour counselling service.