Funeral and Helpful Information

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Grief Support

About Grief...

You have suffered a loss. When the finality "hits" you can be overwhelmed by physical and emotional stress. Some of the feelings you may be struggling with are
Guilt, Anxiety, Blame, Loneliness, Depression, Sadness, Hurt, Anger, and many others.

These are uncomfortable but normal feelings. It is normal for some of this turmoil to last for months or even years. In fact, times of sadness never leave, but the hurt does heal.

Grief and Loss Support Group

Who is the Group for?
Anyone who is grieving a loss through death, separation or any lifetime trauma

Why have a Group?
Talking about grief and loss helps the healing. It is very comfortable to talk with others who are grieving, they have a special empathy, and you realise you are not alone.

What happens in the Group?
People are invited to share their feelings in a supportive non-judgemental atmosphere. There is opportunity to grapple with issues and to learn more about the grief process.

The Salvation Army Profile

One on one conselling by professional counsellers.
Coffee Club: Social interaction with others in similar circumstances at meetings fortnightly.
Six week recovery program working through issues relating to grief and loss.
Survivors After Suicide (SAS) tailored program to deal with issues arising from suicide.

Gold Coast Temple

157 Wardoo Street,
Southport, QLD 4215

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the company Australian owned?

Because this is the most asked question the answer must be a little complicated.
Many companies were purchased in recent years by two large American Companies. Both now legally side step this question by registering a Company in Australia and selling some shares to Australians. They can now even advertise truthfully as an ‘Australian Company’. Because of their huge size and penetration of Funeral Directors Associations there is continual evidence of the influence they have to induce changes to Association policies not necessarily for the benefit of the Australian consumer.

Is this a reputable company?

Newhaven is a long established and expanding family owned company. It has therefore been judged by the public, not by industry opponents, as reputable.

How much does a Funeral cost?

There is very little difference in cost between Established reputable Funeral Companies. The only real differential in price is a reflection of the service level which can be adjusted to the requirements of families. Newhaven prices are set to reflect the level of care our family judge as would be suitable for their own personal funerals. They are reluctant to compromise the price or adjust their service level at the risk of failing to completely satisfy client families. Newhaven does however have specially designed services for those not requiring a ‘full’ funeral service.

Do we get back all the ashes

In all cases the answer is yes.

Do we get back the right ashes.

Eco Memorial Park has a rigorous procedure in place which makes it impossible to have a mistaken identity in this regard.

Do you cremate the coffin.

Always! A coffin or casket is a sacred resting place for the deceased and once sealed after should never be disturbed. In a practical sense the timber becomes an integral part of the ignition process.

Any questions not addressed here will be willingly answered by contacting our local office.

Administiring An Estate

It is the role of your Executor to make funeral arrangements, take charge of your assets, pay your debts and distribute the proceeds of your estate to your beneficiaries. It is his/her responsibility to give effect to the provisions of your Will in relation to funeral arrangements, donation of organs for medical use, etc.

Your Executor should make contact with a Solicitor as soon as possible in the event of death. It is not necessary that your Executor use the Solicitor who acted for you while you were alive but that would be preferable particularly if complex business arrangements are involved. The Solicitor will advise the Executor of the formalities with which he must comply.

Your Executor must become familiar with your assets and, as soon as possible, check the position in relation to the due dates of insurance, motor vehicle registrations, the payment of mortgage liabilities or debts and any other matters where failure to promptly act might cause any jeopardy to the estate. Your Executor should ensure that adequate provision has been made for the financial support of your dependants and the ongoing conduct of any business which you may own. Your Executor should establish what liabilities exist including any outstanding Income Tax liability and make the necessary arrangements to meet them. All credit cards should be cancelled.

If the existence of a properly executed Will cannot be confirmed, some friend or relative will need to assume the role of Executor and make Application to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration. The role of the Applicant for the Letters of Administration in the administration of a deceased estate is similar to that of an Executor appointed by a Will except that he/she must distribute the assets of the estate after payment of all liabilities in accordance with the Intestacy Rules.

What to do immediately when a death occurs...

In A Public Hospital

Most public hospitals have mortuary facilities, so the immediate situation is under control. Some have a "relative interviewing officer" who will request a meeting with the bereaved. If this is not the case a funeral director should be contacted as soon as possible. They will make contact with all the necessary legal departments and clergy including Veterans Affairs and Centrelink.

In A Private Hospital

Usually private hospitals do not provide mortuary facilities, so provision of the Funeral Directors name and telephone number to the hospital should be a priority decision to enable removal of the loved one from the hospital to a mortuary provided at the funeral home.

At a Nursing Home

Similar procedure to private hospitals, except that the funeral director will be called by the nursing staff who will require instructions prior to registration.

In a Private Home

If suddenly and unexpectedly IMMEDIATELY RING 000. The police will control events for a time.
If expected, Ring patients regular doctor and funeral director consecutively. All procedures will be handled for you.

Enquiries

For immediate funeral assistance please call Newhaven Funerals 1800 644 524

GOLD COAST NORTH:

GOLD COAST SOUTH:

International Assistance

Newhaven Funerals specialises in International transfers. We are constantly in contact with international insurance companies and Funeral companies. Newhaven Funerals has participated in the repatriation to most countries of hundreds of people who have unfortunately passed away whilst not at home.

For immediate attention please phone;
International + 61 7 3807 4444

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