PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19: Reinventing Australian Funerals
More than 2,900 Australian funerals have already been affected by new Government regulations which limit attendance to 10 people, or just six mourners allowing for up to four funeral staff. Travel restrictions are also preventing family and friends from attending funerals to pay their respects.
Mourning the loss of a loved one is a vital part of the grieving process, and while its critical to adhere to the social distancing rules, we also need to farewell our loved ones in a meaningful way.
According to Funeral Director Craig Stevens, the Funeral industry has to reinvent itself and move away from focussing on traditional models if it is to meet the needs of grieving Australians during the Covid-19 crisis and into the future.
He says an emerging style of funeral known as direct cremation – offers a unique solution.
Direct cremation means the body is cremated privately, removing the urgency of the funeral ceremony but allowing the public celebration to be held in a time and a place the loved ones chose.
“Even before the Covid-19 crisis, more and more people were choosing Direct Cremation as a better way to celebrate the life of their loved ones. Rather than rush to a funeral in a traditional chapel, families were gathering for a memorial service in Parks, gardens or places with a special meaning for the deceased”, said Stevens.
“Now, with new social distancing rules and travel restrictions in place, it’s the only way families can mourn their loved ones with the love and respect they would normally have chosen”, he said.
Stevens, who’s company Timeless Funerals has handled 3 of NSW Covid-19 Funerals urges Australian’s to push back on funeral companies which only offer the traditional service.
“Don’t feel you need to rush into a funeral with only a handful of mourners. Take the time to plan the memorial you want to have for your loved ones, where everyone can join together to mourn the passing and celebrate a life”, he concluded.
ENDS
For more information contact Craig Stevens: 0424424606 or [email protected].
About Timeless Funerals
Timeless Funerals is a family run Funeral service that specializes in No Service Direct Cremations and Memorial services. Timeless Funerals services the Sydney Metropolitan area and the Central Coast. This business was created to fill a void in the industry with the aim of providing an affordable yet dignified service to families who are looking for a simple send off without all the fuss and cost of a full funeral. Further information at www.timelessfunerals.com.au
Key funeral facts
An average of 150,000 funerals a year in Australia
Average cost is $7,449
Cremations are favoured by 66% of Australians, with 59% of Australians prefer honouring their loved ones in a relaxed/reflective tone with only 1% desiring a solemn/serious tone. The remaining 40% desire a ceremony that is dignified (12%); jubilant/celebratory (14%) or fun/irreverent (13%). (Source: McCrindle Research Summary into deaths and funerals, a statistical snapshot)
