Arrange a funeral

A funeral is an important way to honour and celebrate the life of your loved one. We’ll help you plan a funeral that’s perfect for them and reflects the traditions, beliefs and customs of your family.

Caring and professional funeral services for Melbourne, Country Victoria, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast 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 a chapel, 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.

Springbrook

from
$ 7,345
  •  

Tamborine

from
$ 8,000
  •  

No Service Cremation

from
$ 2,600
  •  

Springwood

from
$ 6,745
  •  

Tamborine

from
$ 7,235
  •  

Daintree

from
$ 8,380
  •  

Over 150 5-star Google reviews

Kelly Conley
May 2025
From the first inquiry phone call to my Dad's funeral. Kim and the team were wonderful. Down to earth, supportive and held our hand through this difficult process. My Dad's service was special and heartfelt, and the team did an exceptional job. Thank you!
Sen McCracken
May 2025
Thank you Kim and your staff for the wonderful funeral service you provided for my mother. Your attention to detail and your caring and professional manner in which you performed your role was outstanding. I would highly recommend your company to anyone needing funeral services in a such a difficult time
Helen Carter
May 2025
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate and professional care you provided during this difficult time. Your support and attention to detail truly made a difference, and I appreciate the kindness and respect shown to family and friends. Based on our experience, I would be happy to recommend your services to others who may need assistance during a challenging time. Thank you again for your support and dedication.
Nicola Saad
April 2025
We booked Compassionate Funerals to manage our father's cremation and memorial. From my first call with Jess, through every interaction we have had with Kim, Cate and Emily, the team have been kind and professional. They have worked with us to give Dad a beautiful memorial service and the care they have shown for Mum has been a godsend. They truly live up to their name. We were also delighted to discover that they are a Not For Profit Company and that part of the fee would be donated to a charity of our choice. Thank you, ladies, for making this time so special.
Anthony & Margaret
February 2025
Not having arranged a funeral before, Kim walked us through it and made everything very simple for us. Everything went like clockwork on the day. We thank Kim and her team for making the day so easy for us. The slide show and the music had perfect timing. They had done an excellent job. The celebrant David was such a lovely man. He helped the family by talking to us and spoke beautifully on the day to guide us through. Thank you all.
Sharina Gibney
March 2025
I on behalf of my dad and brothers cannot thank Compassionate Funerals enough for the care and support they provided for my mum’s funeral. From start to finish, Kim and her team were truly amazing. This was an Indian ceremony with additional requests, and they handled everything with the utmost respect, understanding, and sensitivity. Their professionalism and organisation made an incredibly difficult time so much easier for our family. Every step was carefully managed with warmth and compassion, allowing us to focus on honouring and remembering our mum. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and exceptional service.
Briony Hickey
March 2025
This unfortunately is the 6th time we have had to utilise the services of Compassionate Funerals in the last 2 years and at every turn they have been absolutely brilliant. We have come to know Kym, Jess and Emily quite well over this period and they can never do enough for you. Losing a loved one is so very hard and emotions are raw and real but no matter what they saw or heard we received nothing but compassion and understanding. It's the little things that make all the difference and the hardcover memorial book that they create is a particularly beautiful keepsake that we can treasure forever. I cannot recommend Compassionate Funerals enough and will never consider using any other company but them in the future.

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.

We’ll help you plan the perfect goodbye.

Talk to us about arranging a funeral.

We’ll help you plan the perfect goodbye.

Talk to us about arranging a funeral.