What is the cost of a funeral?

The cost of the funeral is dependent on many things, accordingly a funeral that is more complex to plan and carry out will cost more than one that is simple in structure. The quality of the coffin or casket will also affect the overall cost. When a funeral advisor meets with your family, they will discuss many of the options available to you, giving you the freedom to select the services that are most appropriate to your needs.

It is normal for the cemetery or crematorium costs and the various disbursements (such as doctors fees, clergy or celebrant fees, registration costs , press notices, flowers and so forth) to be included in the one account, along with the funeral company fees.

We also understand client’s families appreciate value and honesty, to this we welcome a value comparison and invite you to visit us to obtain an accurate cost proposal without obligation.

For a full list of our Funeral Costs - Please Click Here

More information ->>>

Is burial more expensive than cremation?

In most locations, the cost of purchasing a lawn cemetery plot, interment fee and plaque will cost more than a cremation fee. However, we can provide detailed cost comparisons on all cemeteries and cremations options.

I have been told it can be wise to allow yourself more time prior to the funeral, why is this so?

Sometimes families see the funeral as a painful experience and feel that the sooner it’s over, the sooner life will return to normal, however if your initial desire is to put the funeral behind you as quickly as possible, we encourage you to reconsider this approach.

We must understand the loss of a loved one has caused you pain, we believe the funeral can and should be the instigator of your healing. Please speak to the funeral director and allow yourself enough time to consider and carry out all your options.

What is the difference between a coffin and a casket?

The difference between a coffin and a casket is basically one of design. Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of better quality timbers and features higher standards of workmanship.

The decision to select a coffin or a casket is made by the family according to their personal preference. Many people regard the coffin or casket as an important tribute to the deceased and therefore select it with care. However to spend so much that it would mean financial difficulties for those left behind would be misguided.

Cremation or burial?

Cremation is a respectful, dignified process that feels right for many of today’s families, however a cremation should not take place if there are written instructions from the deceased to the contrary. Please speak to the funeral director if you wish to know more about cremations.

In cremation what happens to the coffin or casket?

The coffin or casket is always cremated with the body of the deceased; fears that the coffin or casket is used again are completely unfounded.

Flowers

By arrangement with Good Samaritan Funerals.

Will we have the opportunity to say goodbyes?

An opportunity for family members to say a final goodbye can be arranged through a service call for a private viewing which is usually held at the funeral home. It is up to the immediate mourner’s whether they wish to arrange or attend a private viewing.

Viewing a loved one after death can be beneficial for the family as it allows a personal last good-bye, it also helps to establish the reality of their loss.

How should a love one be dressed?

At Good Samaritan we encourage family members to determine what is appropriate under the circumstances. We suggest that you chose clothing that reflects the taste and personality of the person who has passed, as family and friends who wish to see the deceased will find comfort in seeing them as they remember them.

If the family are unable to provide clothing, the funeral director will ensure a suitable shroud is provided.

What should we do with the wedding ring and other jewellery?

If directions have not been left in a will, then this becomes a very personal decision and there is a no right or wrong answers. Allow time to discuss this matter with your family

Should young children attend funerals?

The death of a loved one affects everyone in the family, including the funeral. With a loving explanation of what a funeral is about and what will happen, children should be encouraged (though not forced) to share the funeral experience with family and friends of the deceased.

Adults have a tendency to try and protect children from pain, but children also need to be able to accept the death and resolve their view of reality and their grief.

michael o'brienWelcome to Good Samaritan Funerals. What’s next when a loved one passes?

We understand that you have a choice of firms to care for you, your family and friends, and we are grateful you have chosen Good Samaritan Funerals.

You may not be aware that standards in funeral services are largely self-governed and therefore vary greatly between firms. Known in the industry as the funeral directors funeral director, Good Samaritan is recognised for excellent service and standard’s that you, your family and friends will appreciate at one of life’s most difficult times.

Good Samaritan Funerals are 100% family owned and operated from humble beginnings since 1963. Michael O’Brien, principal / owner of Good Samaritan Funerals, is a Master Funeral Director and a member of The World College of Funeral Directors. Admission into the college is by invitation and is offered only to individuals that excel in outstanding service to the funeral industry.

Michael O'Brien has now made his home in Moree and is looking forward to servicing Moree and the surrounding districts.

The Funeral Director

The funeral director moves us closer to God
and helps us tread where others try to lead us.

Speaking a kind word to relieve our pain,
gives us the peace of mind we need when emotionally drained.

Understanding our grief and our hurt gives us service and does no shirk.

Listening and helping us to bear our loss is strengthened by a willingness to share.

Showing so much love that shines is a heart that wants our wounds to heal.

Taking every care when embalming with a task that is right.

Helping us to honour our dead with reminders of the beauty of living.

Being many things when our heart needs help to mend but most of all,
the funeral director is our friend

Repatriation back to Sydney

Where your loved one dies overseas or interstate, you may wish to bring them home to Sydney for their final goodbye. In either case, Good Samaritan Funerals can help. We can make the necessary arrangements and ensure the deceased is returned to Sydney.

Arranging repatriation

At Good Samaritan Funerals, we have extensive experience in arranging repatriations. We can step you through the process and make all the necessary arrangements to return the deceased home for their final farewell.

The death of a loved one is always distressing, but when it happens and they are away from home that distress can be compounded by practical problems.

The practicalities of the repatriation of the body to another country or interstate can be difficult to understand and navigate. What do you do? Who do you contact? What paperwork needs to be filled out? How long will it take?

Interstate repatriation

If your loved one dies here in Sydney and you wish to return them interstate, we can make all the necessary arrangements and will liaise with the relevant state and federal government departments.

Overseas repatriation

If you wish to return your loved one to another country for their final farewell, Good Samaritan Funerals will make all the necessary repatriation arrangements and will liaise with the necessary consular representatives.

We will:

  • Prepare and translate all documents and permits
  • Prepare the deceased’s remains for transport (whether embalmed or cremated)
  • Make airline arrangements and ensure coffins, caskets, containers or urns meet airline requirements
  • Liaise with the receiving funeral home
  • Ensure any requirements of the destination country are met.

At Good Samaritan Funerals, we will always make every effort to honour cultural and religious customs, however we must work within the parameters of government and airline policies.

 

Dying at home

When a natural death occurs at home, the first thing you need to do is contact either an ambulance or the treating Doctor. Once medical assistance has been sought, you should then contact Good Samaritan Funerals on 0451 956 002 - we are available to assist 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Good Samaritan Funerals are able to transfer your loved one into our care only with the permission of someone with the authority to sign a Medical Death Certificate or Life Extinct form.

In a sudden or unexpected death or when the Doctor is unwilling to sign a Medical Death Certificate, the Police must be called and they will then notify the Coroner's office. If you're loved one is transferred to the Coroner's office, this may mean there will need to be a post mortem examination. Good Samaritan Funerals will apply for a release of your loved one on your behalf from the Coroner's office and will transfer your loved one into our care, as soon as possible.

Dying at the Hospital, Hospice or Nursing Home

The Hospital, Hospice or Nursing Home staff will arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care or into the care of their mortuary. The hospital staff will notify the Doctor to complete a Medical Death Certificate.

If the family nominated funeral director is Good Samaritan Funerals the staff will notify us of the passing and we will transfer your loved one into our care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Calling the funeral director

The death of a loved one requires a host of tasks to be co-ordinated in a short space of time and, understandably, this can be overwhelming for family and friends who are grieving the loss of some-one special.

The funeral director's role is to give practical help, support and guidance with all aspects of the funeral arrangements, and even if you are planning on having the funeral a week or more after passing, the initial call to the funeral director should not be postponed. Michael O'Brien can be contacted on 0451 956 002, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

We believe speaking to the funeral director can be a comforting experience during this difficult time. Being able to leave the formal arrangements in the hands of a trained professional can be a welcome relief for people in the initial stages of bereavement, it will also ensure that that all tasks are carried out completely and according to your wishes.

An initial meeting is held to discuss arrangements for the funeral, where your funeral director will help you plan events over the following days. In addition to answering any questions you may have, your funeral director will also listen to your suggestions and detail the available options. While your funeral director may make suggestions, decisions will only be made in line with the families' wishes or, more specifically, the wishes of the executor of the will.

It is very important that you do not advise family and friends of the funeral date/time until you have confirmed this with the funeral director.

Funeral Costs

At Good Samaritan Funerals, we will always provide you with a written estimate of costs prior to the conduct of the funeral. 
These costs will fall into two categories:

  • Funeral director’s costs
  • Disbursements (at cost and inclusive of GST)


For a full list of our Funeral Costs - Please Click Here

For more information about Funeral costs - Click here ->>>

Flowers

By arrangement with Good Samaritan Funerals.

Repatriation

Sometimes a death can happen overseas or in another state.

If this occurs please contact Good Samaritan Funerals immediately and we will make all the necessary arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased into our care.

For more information click here ->>>

Crafting a service to meet your needs

There are few services you will need that are as sensitive or as personal as those provided by a funeral director. And few people really understand the extent of a funeral director’s role. It starts from the moment they are called and doesn’t end until the wishes and needs of the family are fully met.

At Good Samaritan Funerals, our role includes (but is not limited to):

  • Providing prompt and personal attention at all times – 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, every day of the year
  • Transferring the deceased into our care, any time of the day or night
  • Consulting with the family about funeral arrangements and details for the service
  • Registering the death with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Obtaining death and cremation certificates
  • Providing certified copies of death certificates for insurance and benefit processing, and for probate
  • Preparing and submitting newspaper notices, including online notices
  • Preparing the deceased for embalming, if necessary
  • Preparing the body for viewing, including dressing and make up
  • Making arrangements with the church, chapel or venue of choice
  • Liaising with the cemetery and/or crematorium of choice
  • Consulting with clergy or celebrant
  • Organising a viewing
  • Supplying hearse and other funeral vehicles
  • Liaising with florists
  • Organising music or musicians for the service
  • Preparing and producing service booklets, memorial stationery and presentations
  • Helping with arrangements for after-service gatherings
  • Providing aftercare or grief assistance if requested.

At every stage of the process, the wishes of the family are paramount and Good Samaritan Funerals is committed to providing the service that meets the requirements of each of our client families and best honours the life of your loved one.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page Click here ->>>

Guiding you through the process

For many people, arranging a funeral is a complex and confusing task. Our team will step you through your choices, explain the decisions you need to make and ensure all the necessary arrangements are in place.

Who is responsible for arranging a funeral?

In most instances, the responsibility for arranging a funeral falls to the next of kin – the spouse, child, parent, legal partner or sibling. In those instances where there is a dispute and a Will exists, the arbiter of arrangements is deemed to be the Executor. The Executor may, in their discretion, appoint someone to make the necessary arrangements.

In those instances where the deceased does not have any known relatives, a relevant authority will be called upon to make the arrangements. This is usually done by a social worker or another authorised officer. At other times, the Public Trustee, Public Guardian or Protective Commissioner may become involved.

Who is responsible for paying for a funeral?

If you arrange a funeral you are responsible for ensuring payment of the expense, so it’s best to first check where the money will be coming from and whether there will be enough to cover the relevant expenses.

The total cost of a funeral will depend upon the type of service you choose.

For a full list of our Funeral Costs - Please Click Here

Arrangement meeting

Arranging a funeral can be daunting, so you need someone who has the knowledge, expertise and compassion to step you through the process. Our initial face-to-face meeting with you is called an ‘arrangement meeting’. This meeting can take place at our office, your home or a place of your choosing.

When we meet, one of our funeral consultants will guide you through your choices and help make decisions about both the practical and celebratory aspects of the funeral. A number of legal forms also need to be completed. This first meeting will generally last between one and two hours.

Some of the decisions that need to be made include:

At the arrangement meeting, we will record your choices and will provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs and disbursements for the funeral.

Options to suit your needs and budget

As a family owned and operated business, we understand the overwhelming burdens that confront a family when faced with the death of a loved one. For this reason, we price our services very competitively.

From the simplest service to the most extensive farewell, we are committed to a pricing structure you can trust.

  • Transparency. Our pricing structures are clear and there are no hidden charges.
  • Options. We have a wide range of options to choose from and can structure a package to suit your needs and budget.
  • Financial support. We can help you understand your options when it comes to paying for a funeral.


Just as every person is different, so too is every funeral different – and the total cost will depend on the arrangements you want to put in place.

There are certain inclusions and certifications that are necessary for all funerals – such as the disposition of the body (for burial and cremation) and obtaining the death certificate. Some are fixed costs and others will vary.

However, there are many, many more elements that differ from funeral to funeral.

The elements that comprise each funeral arrangement will inevitably vary according to the particular client family’s requirements and preferences. Equally, arrangements are often impacted by cultural and/or religious necessities.

Arranging a funeral involves a great deal of personal interaction. It relies on close collaboration between us, as funeral consultants, and you, as the client family. It’s through this close collaboration that you’ll gain a full understanding of the extent of our role and all the elements that comprise a funeral arrangement, including pricing. And, when it comes to pricing, we will fully explain all the factors impacting prices.

Only once we’ve gained an understanding of your requirements and preferences can we give you accurate pricing information.

At Good Samaritan Funerals, we will always provide you with a written estimate of costs prior to the conduct of the funeral. These costs will fall into two categories:

  • Funeral director’s costs
  • Disbursements (at cost and inclusive of GST)

For a full list of our Funeral Costs - Please Click Here

Who is responsible for paying for a funeral?

If you arrange a funeral you are responsible for ensuring payment of the expense, so it’s best to first check where the money will be coming from and whether there will be enough to cover the relevant expenses.

Where there is an estate, the funeral expenses can be paid from the deceased’s estate.

Sometimes banks will allow payment of the funeral expenses from the bank account of the deceased person before probate of the Will is granted.

Depending on individual circumstances, funeral expenses may be covered by:

  • Life insurance benefits
  • Death benefits from Centrelink or Veterans Affairs
  • Pre-paid funeral plan, bond or insurance
  • Health fund benefits
  • Superannuation payout
  • Workers compensation.

Convenient way to settle funeral account

Your funeral director is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the funeral service. An important aspect of this responsibility is arranging payments on your behalf for the purchase of all goods and services associated with the funeral. These services might typically include cemetery plots, cremation fees, floral tributes, funeral notices, catering services, clergy and musician fees.

By arranging for all expenses to be itemised on one account, billing is kept as convenient as possible. To this, our own services will be detailed on the same invoice.

Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card. If the person who has passed held a bank account with sufficient funds to cover the funeral expenses, the funeral directors’ account can be presented to the bank for direct payment. Finance options may also be discussed if required.

Although during a time of sadness it may seem awkward to talk about costs, open and honest discussion is necessary during the planning stages of the funeral. It is important to balance emotional decisions with practical common sense. When your funeral director addresses the issues of funeral expenses during the planning stage of the funeral, they are acting in your best interests.

Facilitating the registration process

When a death occurs in New South Wales, it must be registered with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages within seven days of burial or cremation. At Good Samaritan Funerals, we register the death electronically on behalf of the family or executor.

To complete the registration we need to lodge certain information about the deceased, including:

  • Surname and first names
  • Gender
  • Date and place of death
  • Date of birth
  • Place of death
  • Usual address
  • Usual occupation during working life
  • Marriage particulars (place, age, marital status and full name of spouse)
  • All children of the deceased (names, dates of birth, ages and genders)
  • Full name of both parents (including genders, occupations and mother’s maiden name)
  • Burial ore cremation details.

A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (issued by a doctor or by an order of the Coroner) stating the cause of death must also be supplied when registering the death. The law stipulates that the information above must be provided to the best of the knowledge of the informant. Of course, this information is treated as private and confidential by Good Samaritan Funerals.

Welcome to Good Samaritan Funerals. What’s next when a loved one passes?

We understand that you have a choice of firms to care for you, your family and friends, and we are grateful you have chosen Good Samaritan Funerals.

Good Samaritan is recognised for excellent service and standard’s that you, your family and friends will appreciate at one of life’s most difficult times.

Click here for Funeral Notices

 

A List of upcoming funerals is available
by clicking on the logo on the left.