Frequently Asked Questions

When There's a Death...

What do I do when someone dies?

The first thing to do is contact the person's doctor, so a Death Certificate can be issued. If the person dies in hospital, then the medical staff there will organise the Death Certificate. If no pre-made arrangements exist, then you would be required to do the following:

• Contact a funeral director and arrange for the transfer of the body into their care.
• Organise the funeral service.
• Decide on burial or cremation.
• Choose a style of memorial and a suitable location.

Are there any rules for funerals?

You can choose to commemorate your friend or relative in any way you like provided the following measures are taken:

• Deceased are placed in a coffin or casket for burial or cremation.
• Coffins for cremation must be combustible.

Cremation

How do I know I am getting the correct ashes?

A rigorous identification and documentation procedure is used to ensure that families receive the ashes of their loved ones. An identification tag is placed on the coffin, which indicates a surname and a unique reference number. The identification plate stays with the coffin from its arrival through to the final storage, ensuring that each cremation is kept entirely separate. If you'd like to know more about our cremation process, please click here to view a walkthrough of our crematorium.

Are the coffins reused?

No, they're not. The coffin and body are both placed in the cremator. When the coffin has metal handles or fittings, these are removed and destroyed so they can not be re-used and disposed of appropriately.

Park Procedures

Is Bunurong held accountable by any codes of practice or ethics?

Yes, as a member of the Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association, and the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria, Bunurong staff are required to uphold their stringent codes of conduct.

What types of adornments am I able to place on a memorial?

You are able to place fresh or artificial flowers in vases provided by the Park. Any items that are breakable or deemed dangerous to other visitors are not permitted. You are advised to check with cemetery staff before you place any item on a memorial, as unapproved items will be removed from the grounds. To find out more about the types of adornments permitted, please click here.

Is there any tenure on memorials in Bunurong Memorial Park?

There is no tenure on memorials in Bunurong Park provided you keep us updated of any changes of address, we can renew the 'Right of Interment' for you and your family free of charge. For further details of our tenure policies, please click here.

Can ashes be scattered in the park?

Scattering of ashes in an undisclosed location is free-of-charge in conjunction with the purchase of any memorial. To find out more about our scattering procedures, please click here.