• Address: 55 – 57 Hope Street, Geelong West
• Phone: (03) 5221 4788
• Fax: (03) 5221 5620
• Operating Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek
• Services: Burial Commital Services, Cremation, Funeral Planning, Hearses, Mortuary Transfers. For more, see below

Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service, is based in Geelong, Victoria and services the entire Geelong region. Tuckers is proudly 100 per cent locally owned and operated. They have 125 years of experience in funeral care which gives you peace of mind; knowing your loved one will be cared for in their time of need.

Their team of experienced and caring staff are available 24 hours a day to assist you in all your funeral care requirements. Tuckers cares for your entire family by providing Bereavement Care free of charge to all family members including children and friends, who choose Tuckers for their funeral or memorial service.

Funeral Options

The choice between burial and cremation is a personal one. We can provide information about the choices available and help you make the necessary arrangements – they know what to do.

Tuckers offers green burial options

People are not only wanting to live greener lives, they are now wanting funeral companies to be environmentally caring when they leave this world too.
As a result, Tuckers Funeral and Bereavement Service now offers environmentally friendly funeral options.

Finer Touches

Our staff can provide creative guidance and advice on your loved one’s celebration, and can assist with ideas on how to tailor the service to include special and personal touches, such as photographs of the deceased during their life, Symbols of their life, such as art work, sporting memorabilia, and other items reflecting their hobbies and interests.

Services can involve prayers and hymns, or civil rituals, such as the lighting of candles, the release of helium balloons, Doves of Peace or butterflies, or the playing of The Last Post.

Bereavement Support

What ever our age, grief comes to us in many forms, but the worst bereavement of all is to lose a loved one. Grief is a confusing experience for both the bereaved and those who are trying to comfort them. Grieving people are often misunderstood because their world has been literally turned upside down. The conflicting emotions that survivors feel can leave them with a sense of aloneness and helplessness.

Everyday tasks can suddenly become difficult or demanding. Tuckers Bereavement Care provide assistance by helping you manage and understand the process of grief. Our staff are trained to recognise and support those in need. Bereavement Care is provided free of charge to all family members including children and friends, who choose Tuckers for their funeral or memorial service.

To find out more about how Tuckers can tailor funeral services that meet your needs, visit Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Services

Finding eternal peace does not end with the death of a person, because those he has left behind will do their best to give the most solemn, memorable and meaningful final ceremony of remembrance. The scattering of ashes is among the most popular as opposed to the more traditional form of burial. Since ashes can be easily stored and also spread or distributed, virtually any place that has meaning to the deceased is a good place to scatter the ashes.

However, it is not always that easy to simply go on with spreading ashes. Because depending on the state or the country that you are in, there are certain laws to be followed when it comes to the disposal of the ashes. Yet there are five main methods of scattering ashes.

1. Burial

The ashes are stored in an urn, some people say that it should be biodegradable, but any urn would suffice. Make sure that it will be buried deep enough so that not even dogs can accidentally dig it out. This is important especially if the location is not a normal burial site and simply a place that had a special part in the decease’s life.

2. Trenching

This is achieved by digging a small and narrow trench on the beach, preferably along the line where the high tide waters will eventually wash everything away. The ashes are then poured into the trench and then covered with sand. When high tide comes in, the sea water will wash the trench away including the ashes.

The trench can be made into different meaningful shapes or even words. Some people shape the trench into a heart or form the name of the deceased.

3. Casting

This is when the ashes are scattered through the wind. Always make sure that you are scattering ashes down wind, so that it will be blown away from people. Release the ashes below waist height to avoid spreading it to other people.

It is ideal to have only one person to scatter the ashes, but taking turns is also acceptable. If a whole group is going to do it, consider distributing the ashes in separate smaller urns.

4. Raking

There are burial gardens specifically for this purpose. You can slowly scatter the ashes on the ground and then rake it to spread the ashes evenly. Not only will the ashes be easily dispersed, but you can cover a wider area with it.

5. Burial at sea

This is perhaps the first thing that comes to our minds when we think of spreading ashes. This can be done either at the beach or on the ocean. Consider using a specifically made scattering urn to make the process more efficient and to avoid any mishaps.

After the ashes have been scattered, it is common practice to throw flowers, petals or wreaths into the waters.

There are other ways to scatter the ashes but what remains the same are the solemnity and the memorability of the moment. Remember to check with your funeral director regarding the legality of the location where you will be spreading the ashes.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is never easy, especially when the subject of burial comes in. Whether it is the traditional burial services or cremation services, it is foremost the decision made by the deceased, and if no such decision was made, the next closest relative. Statistics have shown that there is an increase in the number of cremations performed in Australia. The figures have reached 54% of people who die each year are being cremated.

This is not to show for you to join the trend, rather to better understand the option of cremation services being offered here as part of any funeral planning.

Cremation is the disposal of a corpse by fire and has been a practice since the ancient times. There are many reasons why people from long ago had done this, one is because of their belief that the fire serves as a purifying agent. Another is what they thought as it is the only way to prevent the dead from ever coming back.

Since we are now in the modern times, people turn to cremation either for a more memorable funeral (the act of scattering the ashes) and also for practical purposes.

There are probably more options to cremation as compared to burial services. The most important is the number of ways of scattering ashes can be done. For example, if the deceased was a lover of the sea, a burial at sea can be performed. His ashes can scattered from a boat or from the beach and into the waters. Another is for the ashes to be kept in an urn and either buried in the ground, kept in a mausoleum or just inside the house.

Perhaps the only thing the family of the deceased should worry about is whether there are laws on the proper disposal of the ashes. This, of course, should be strictly followed. Such laws vary from one country to another, or simply from one city to the next.

Another reason why people are choosing cremation is because of the cremation services cost, which is often cheaper than that of traditional burial services. For one thing, there is no need to spend for the upkeep of a grave and especially for the paying for the burial lot.

There is also no pressure to conduct a memorial service just a few days after a person has died. With a cremation, the memorial service can be held even after 30 days. This gives the family enough time to grieve and prepare for the service at the best time that they are ready and comfortable with it.

And finally, with the cremated ashes of your loved one, you can keep it with you wherever you want to place it. A beautiful and ornate urn is the usual choice of a vessel for ashes, keeping it in the living room or having a special corner in the home set up for it. With cremation services, you get the feeling that your loved one is still around and guiding you through life.

There are some things in life that we do not want to do and yet we have no choice but to do it. And one of these is writing a eulogy. And if it is for a loved one, whether family or friend, we will give our all to write and deliver the best eulogy we can possibly make. You do not have to be a writer to be able to write memorable funeral speeches. You simply need a guideline to help you with every step of the way.

1. Preparation is the key to a great eulogy.

Collect as many materials or information as you can which will create the substance of your eulogy. You can interview relatives and friends or use your own experience, the great moments that you shared with the deceased. These info can be as basic as the birth place of the person, the schools he went to and the jobs he held. But dig deeper. Find out the things that are closes to his heart such as the volunteer work that he did, the acts of kindness he performed, the dreams he achieved and also those that he failed to get. Get as personal as you can with the person and writing eulogy will become a natural process for you.

2. Keep the sentences short.

Shorter sentences result to a faster reading of the eulogy. Not because you need to finish quickly, but to maintain the interest of the listeners. It will also help people to understand the important points in your speech.

3. It has to have a form.

When you are learning how to write a eulogy, keep in mind that it is just like any other type of formal writing. It needs an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Introduction is where you tell people who you are, how you are connected with the decease, and how you are feeling at that time.

The body of the eulogy is where you mention the details and the information that you have collected as well as the anecdotes that you can share with others.

The conclusion is where you close the eulogy by tying together all the themes and points you have mentioned in the body.

4. Show it to a friend.

Get someone you trust who will give a reasonable advice on your writing to read the eulogy you have just finished. Take note of his suggestions but do not readily incorporate it in your writing. Just keep your notes aside.

5. Take a break and then revise.

The first draft is always far from being the perfect one. But for you to be able to properly edit your own writing, you must have a fresh mind before you start revising it. Let a day or two pass by without reading your draft. Then after taking that much break, go back to your draft and start revising it, keeping in mind the suggestions given by your friend. This way you can approach your own writing with a clearer mind to spot the errors and any room for improvement.

Do you think you will ever be comfortable planning your own funeral services? Perhaps just a few of us can do that naturally, but those who do it surely take a great weight off the shoulders from their loved ones once the inevitable has arrived. Come to think of it, getting prepaid funeral plans is one of the most endearing ways that you can show that you care for your loved ones’ future. We certainly will not want to leave them worrying about our funeral expenses.

The keyword here is prepaid. Since everything about your funeral arrangements are prepaid, your family will never have to worry about the services because you have already planned everything yourself. From the type of the casket, whether for burial or cremation, even with the choice of the church, you can specify everything well ahead in advance. And the great thing about it is that should the funeral costs rise in the years to come, your funeral services will not be affected especially if you have already completely paid for it.

Should you be interested about doing your own funeral planning, here are a few facts that you should know about prepaid funeral plans.

1. Less worries for your funeral expenses.

The funeral home or the funeral director from which you will be buying your funeral plans will definitely make sure that they have the funds when the time comes when your funeral services are needed. Because that is one of the things that prevents some people from considering a prepaid funeral plan; whether the money will be there when they need it.

Keep in mind that the stakes are higher for the funeral director so they will do everything to ensure the funds will always be there.

2. Inclusive costs.

What constitutes a plan can vary, specifically based on your own preferences. Among the usual costs are the minister’s fees, the flower arrangements, the casket or coffin, and the burial or cremation expenses. There can be miscellaneous costs which can still be covered by your prepaid funeral plan.

3. You can change some of the choices or terms in your plan.

If after some time you have decided to change your choice of flowers or the design of the coffin or anything in particular, most funeral plans are very flexible for these requests. But remember that there might be some changes in the pricing of the plan based on your new selections.

4. Can I get a prepaid funeral plan for another person?

There is usually no problem with this just as long as you can fully pay for the funeral plan. Of course it is courtesy to first inform the person about the plan in case he would want to make his own requests.

5. What if I die in another country?

It really depends on the prepaid funeral plans if the cost of the transfer of the body is covered. If you think you will be traveling to another country, it would be best if you can arrange for any necessary costs or services to be included in your funeral plan.

A friend just lost someone close to her, a family member perhaps, and you are thinking of how you can best express your sympathy. The answer is to write a sympathy card. It is personal, short, and sweet. It can even be a better choice over a set of flowers because with sympathy cards or funeral cards, your friend can keep it.

Writing sympathy cards messages is often considered an etiquette, something you should automatically do when someone you know has just experienced a loss. However, it is not enough to just express your condolences. The message that you will write in the card must be sincerely felt by the receiver, to make it memorable and in some instances, to even help alleviate the pain your friend is feeling that very moment.

Here are a few simple tips to help you write a sympathy card that is truly worth reading.

1. Carefully choose the paper or the card.

You can buy a commercially made sympathy card and just write beside its already printed messages, but the best and most sincere type would be a home-made card. For the cover design, you can simply print out an image from your computer. Just choose the most appropriate photo.

Choose a paper or a card that is not acidic so it will last longer without quickly turning yellow as ordinary paper would do. The paper’s packaging normally states whether it is non-acidic and in case it does not says so, just ask the store supervisor or the merchandiser.

2. Use a blue or black ink.

It is more formal to write with a black ink, although blue is good second option. You certainly should not use other colors like green, purple or anything else because it will make the card less solemn or sincere.

3. Address the card to the deceased’s closest relative.

It can be the spouse, sibling or the eldest son or daughter. It is the most accepted way to address a condolence letter. But if you want to specifically address it to your friend, even if she is not the closest relative, you can still do the same.

4. Write with all your heart.

If you personally know the deceased, then write about the happiest moments you both have shared. You can write how that person was able to change your life or to make a great contribution to your life. Needless to say, everything that you will write must be positive and personal in nature.

5. Be brief and concise.

Do fill all the space in the card. Make your message short but meaningful so as to have a lasting impression on the reader. You can also quote a biblical passage or verse or an inspirational quotation. These quotations, when chosen correctly, can help the person accept her loss.

These are the important things that you should remember when you write a sympathy card. You can further add a personal touch by adding a photograph of you and the deceased smiling and having a good time. These personal attention to details will make your sympathy card sincere and more effective in sending out your message of condolences.

• Address: 733 Boronia Road, Wantirna, Victoria 3152
• Phone: (03) 9800 3000
• Website: www.heritagefunerals.com.au
• Services: At need, prepaid and pre-arranged funeral services, arranging burials and cremations.

Heritage & Heritage are proudly Australian owned and family operated.
Since 1934 over three generations of the Heritage family have upheld a continuous funeral tradition. Robbie and his son Gavan now continue this proud history of professional care.

We operate a modern and comfortable funeral home of the highest standard, and conduct the business in a caring, family-centered and understanding manner.

Whether it’s assisting you make your own arrangements, guiding you through the intricacies of arranging a funeral or helping you through the process of grief, we have the experience to make it all as easy as possible for you.

Contact us if you have a need for or are interested in:

• Pre-paid funerals
• Pre-arranged funerals
• Arranging burials or cremations
• Advice on what to do if you are bereaved
• Special funeral arrangements and ceremonies
• Information on what choices are available to you.

For more information about our services, please visit: www.heritagefunerals.com.au

• Address: 788 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056
• Phone: (03) 9383 6675
• Fax: (03) 9383 4034
• Website: www.wdrosefunerals.com.au
• Services: At need, prepaid and pre-arranged funeral services

W.D.Rose & Joseph Allison Funerals are experienced and professional funeral directors serving Brighton, Brunswick, Burwood, Cheltenham, Essendon, and Werribee.

We are dedicated to making the funeral a memorable occasion and a celebration of life. Rest assured we will know what to do in your time of grief.

Funeral Directors are professional people whose role is one of service. We are committed to offering you personal, specialist care. Professional services offered by us include:

Arranging the Funeral

We are available to assist, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year
Arrangements can be made at a time and location convenient for your family
We offer responsible, sensitive and dignified care of the deceased
All legal and medical forms are compiled for you
We can offer and explain choices suitable to the family’s needs and budget
We will carefully list and explain all costs associated with the service
We can suggest and discuss the many ways of personalising the service
Help you with selecting a coffin or casket
Assist family with decisions relating to viewing the deceased, clothing, dressing, jewellery instructions etc
Help with the decisions on clergy/celebrant, music, flowers, memorial book, personal or special needs etc.

Coordinating

Book clergy/celebrant, church, crematorium or cemetery, mourning cars (as required)
Order flowers, donation envelopes, memorial cards etc (if required)
Contact any club participating in the service and confirm their role
Place press notices
Arrange any special requirements discussed with family

Attention to detail

Attend to mourners, record names if required
Distribute orders of service, donation envelopes if required
Arrange flowers, collect cards for the family, disperse flowers as directed
Have flags, personal items, photos placed as agreed
Assist family pall bearers
Have in place all equipment for special music, audio tapes, speakers if necessary
We will carry out all wishes of the deceased and your family with care, compassion and empathy.

To learn more about our services, please visit: www.wdrosefunerals.com.au

• Address: 15-25 Bridge Street, Bendigo Victoria 3550
• Phone: (03) 5443 4455
• Fax: (03) 5442 4154
• Email: office@mulqueen.com.au
• Website: www.mulqueen.com.au
• Services: At need, prepaid and pre-arranged funeral services

From it’s earliest beginnings the Mulqueen Family funeral business has pioneered service for the Bendigo Community.

Commenced in 1853 by Mr Thomas Abell, and advertised in the Bendigo Advertiser as being located in both Bridge and High Streets Bendigo, Abell sold the business in 1854 to Mr Thomas Joseph Oakley, who operated it until his death in 1885.

His son William Henry Oakley and Mr Peter Fizelle took over the business in partnership from 1886 to 1895. On the 1st of March 1895 Peter Fizelle became the sole proprietor running the business under his own name. This was the start of continuous ownership by the Fizelle – Mulqueen family. On February 5th 1900 the firm became ‘FIZELLE & MULQUEEN’:, following the marriage of Fizelle’s daughter, Elizabeth, to Michael Mulqueen, an Irish immigrant who arrived in 1891.

In 1934, the company became ‘MULQUEEN & SONS, and was managed by Michael’s son John, until his death in 1950.

By the late 60′s a major trend toward Funeral Chapels had developed and so in 1969 Peter and John Mulqueen (4th Generation) decided to construct Bendigo’s first purpose built Funeral Home. The additional name ‘Bendigo & District Funeral Services’, was introduced at this time.

Although we are now regarded as one of the largest Funeral Companies in Regional Victoria we jealously guard our reputation for personal care and attention.

Today, we offer Bendigo’s best Funeral Home with Bendigo’s largest Funeral Chapel, considerable off street parking, newly refurbished facilities, caring and competent staff, and a tradition of family service unattainable by other local funeral organisations.

You can speak with the funeral director at their office or in your home, wherever you feel most comfortable.

Specifically the duties of the Funeral Director are:

- to meet with and discuss the many aspects of the funeral with the family, setting out the various choices available, and the costs involved.

- once the funeral arrangements are set, the funeral director liaises with various organisations which may include clergy, cemetery, hospital, doctor, and service organisations to confirm arrangements.

- arrange to collect the deceased from the place of death and prepare the body for viewing.

- place Death and Funeral notices in local and metropolitan newspapers.

- organise any family floral tributes.

- conduct the funeral on the day, and time decided.

- finalise the necessary paperwork to ensure all legal requirements are met.

To learn more about our funeral services, please visit: www.mulqueen.com.au

• Address: 232 Lennox St, Richmond VIC 3121
• Phone: (03) 9383 6770
• Website: www.delbartfunerals.com.au
• Our professional services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Services: At need, prepaid and pre-arranged funeral services

We at Delbart Funerals believe that funerals are a time when special consideration, sensitivity, concern and an eye for detail is required. Our experienced funeral directors have the skill to create the best possible outcome for client families.

Our funeral directors ensure that everything goes according to plan, freeing families and friends from any concerns so that allowing for the pain of loss, there is still a feeling of satisfaction in that they have done their absolute best. We want to feel we helped them achieve that.

When conducting a funeral service we like to be understated, invisible even, in the background quietly making sure everything is happening as it should. If we can avoid it we won’t be up the front during the service, that is not our place, that is the place of the celebrant, clergy, the eulogist, the closest of relatives and usually the coffin or casket.

The properly run established family business offers quality funeral services and economical packages. It is funeral directors who control family businesses, people experienced in dealing directly with bereaved families, who have the understanding to detect and interpret the special needs and requirements in each varying situation.

• At Need Funerals
• Prepaid Funerals
• Pre Arranged Funerals
• Repatriations – Interstate / Overseas
• Exhumation
• Preparation

We arrange for:

• All Funeral service requirements
• Transfers – local, interstate and overseas
• Mortuary care
• Viewing
• 24 hour contact service
• Liaison with the crematorium/ cemetery
• Clergy/ celebrants
• Registration with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

As required we provide:

• Mourning coach
• Stretch limousine (up to 10 Seater – if available)
• Floral tributes
• Newspaper notices
• Government medical officer approval
• Full death certificate
• Music
• Audio/ visual presentations
• Filming and providing quality DVD’s of the funeral service
• Memoriam books
• Doves  or balloons released as part of the ceremony
• Full catering services on varying budgets
• Embalming – cosmetic or overseas

To learn more about our services, please visit: www.delbartfunerals.com.au