Planning Ahead
Talking about your end-of-life wishes with family and friends is an act of compassion and carries immense significance. It helps your family and friends know what is important to you so they can confidently make arrangements and honour your wishes with care and respect.
These conversations are not just about your wishes - they're about deepening your relationships. They allow your family and friends to understand you better and support you in the best way possible. When the tough moments arrive, having already talked about these things can make them less scary and confusing for everyone.
Below are a collection of resources that can assist you in planning your end-of-life wishes.
"Death ends a life, but only alters a relationship, moving it from one of presence to remembrance."
Deciding between burial and cremation
One of the biggest decisions you may make in your planning is deciding between burial or cremation. Fortunately, both can offer an array of options to suit a variety of personal and cultural preferences. We understand that this is a very personal decision, but we are here to support you with any information that may assist you.
Planning ahead for complete peace of mind
Planning ahead will give you peace of mind, knowing that requests will be honoured, you'll be protected against future price increases and family members will be saved from making difficult decisions on your behalf.
Find Out More
Need help planning?
For more information on the benefits of planning ahead, please contact our experienced Customer Care Team who can arrange a no-obligation appointment to discuss the best options for you.
Find a Funeral Director
Need help finding a funeral director? Our simple online funeral director search tool can help you find a local funeral director that is registered with us and has the appropriate governance and understanding of managing a funeral service at one of our locations.
Find a Monumental Mason
A monumental mason is a stonemason who specialises in the creation, installation and repair of grave headstones or monuments. We can provide you with a list of monumental masons who are registered with us and can advise you on the most suitable materials and design based on your needs.
Please call (03) 8558 8278 to receive more information.
Community Planning Service
Our Community Planning Service helps community groups plan ahead together. Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust partners with community leaders to identify each group’s unique needs, and plan how members may rest together in the future.
