Our funeral directors have answered some of your more frequently asked questions. If you’re unable to find an answer to your particular query here, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9231 5199. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
It can be a difficult time when you have lost a friend or loved one. Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We hope this information is helpful and assists you to understand WA’s current restrictions.
The health and well-being of our client families and the community we serve, as well as our team here at Bowra & O’Dea is our highest priority. In order to ensure the safety of our communities, particularly the elderly and immunocompromised we have undertaken a number of precautions.
We are committed to providing our families with great service in the weeks and months ahead but please understand that there may be some changes to our usual practices as the situation changes. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how the situation might affect your specific funeral please contact our office so we can assist further on 08 9231 5199.
Please Note: If you are unwell with flu like symptoms or been in contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days or recently arrived from overseas we ask for your cooperation in not attending funerals or arrangements.
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the State Government has introduced a course of action for WA, we are currently in phase 4 which involves the following.
Under Phase 4 restrictions, venue capacity is governed by the 2sqm ruling and this defines the number of attendees at an indoor funeral. People who are needed to conduct the funeral, such as the funeral staff or officiant are not included in these numbers. The number of attendees in Bowra & O’Dea and MCB chapels will differ for each location based on the 2sqm ruling. Families should practise physical distancing and good hygiene by maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres between people where possible.
It can be a difficult task to limit the number of people who can attend the funeral of your loved one. However, it is important to understand that these measures have been introduced to protect your health and well-being and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.
If you are attending one of our branches to make funeral arrangements we encourage you to check with your consultant as to how many people can attend so we can ensure that we adhere to the social distancing requirements, which will differ for all branches.
Hand sanitiser will be available throughout our offices and we are undertaking additional cleaning with all high touch areas such as door handles, reception desks and common areas sanitised regularly throughout the day.
Additionally, all our chapels have bathroom facilities available, providing public access to hand washing facilities.
We know that physical touch is so important at a time of loss but to keep everyone safe we ask you to avoid handshakes, hugging and kissing and instead place your hand over your heart. We suggest you bring your own hand sanitiser or wipes and wash your hands frequently where possible.
Bowra & O’Dea understands a funeral plays an important part in the mourning process for both family and friends. There are ways we can include your loved ones in the funeral if they cannot attend in person. We will discuss options with families which may include;
If you have a request or idea to have family or friends ‘virtually present’ please speak with your Funeral Consultant to see if we can make this possible.
The funeral consultant will discuss options available to the family should they wish to live stream or record the service.
If the family chooses to go ahead with the streaming or recording of the service it will be uploaded to the Recorded Services (I’ll make this a link to the page) page where you can search for your loved one.
If the service is private you will need to receive the PIN access from the family, our staff are unable to provide you with the PIN unless the family has given us permission to do so. Please make contact with the family as the first priority. If the service is public, no PIN access is required.
A person can apply for an exemption on compassionate grounds for a person to attend a funeral in WA from an international or interstate location. Depending on your situation you may be required to complete the 2 weeks of mandatory quarantine, therefore we suggest you speak to your funeral director to discuss the rules and regulations required by those attending with an exemption. Anyone attending a funeral service on an exemption will be required to provide us with a copy of their exemption paperwork in advance, make themselves known to staff on the day, wear appropriate PPE such as a face mask and gloves and adhere to physical distancing requirements. They may not travel in our vehicles.
To apply for an exemption an applicant is required to:
As part of the Government recommended COVID Safe Business plan’s we continue to keep a register of all attendees at funeral services. This register will be held securely by Bowra & O’Dea and only released if requested by the Department of Health for contact tracing or if requested by the family so they may have a record of attendees.
When a person dies in a private residence, a nursing home or a private hospital a death certificate will usually be signed by the family doctor (providing the doctor has attended the patient during the preceding six months). If death occurs in a public or private hospital, the attending doctor will usually sign the certificate.
Once a death has been verified, the family is able to contact a funeral director of their choice to request transfer of the deceased.
At some time in life, everyone will experience the loss of someone close. The absolute grief, confusion and numbness that accompany the news of a death can sometimes make decisions, regarding funeral arrangements, difficult and stressful.
We understand that this is a deeply personal and private time, when sensitivity to the memory of a loved one and the feelings of families are paramount.
Our role is to answer the many questions that will arise and guide families through arrangements to create a loving and final tribute to best honour the life of their loved one.
At Bowra & O’Dea there are many elements involved in providing the best service possible to our families:
Sometimes there is a need for Police involvement, especially for accidental, unexplained or unexpected death. The Police will notify the Coroner, who acts on behalf of the deceased to determine the cause of their death. An autopsy many be required.
The Funeral Director will be in communication with the Coroner during this time and shall keep the family informed.
With the increased movement of people around the world it is important to know what to do in the case of a death occurring interstate or overseas. Our company specialises in this area so you can rely on our experience to make the appropriate arrangements through our network of associated funeral homes both around the country and around the world.
Similarly, some nationalities within our community prefer to return relatives to their homeland for burial. This can involve time-consuming preparation including liaison with various departments of the Australian government as well as the Consular officials of their country of origin. The funeral director can organise the arrangements and administer the documentation required by the relevant authorities.
If your loved one dies while you are away from home we are able to take them into our care until your return. Pre- Arrangements can also be made with a Funeral Consultant.
Registration of the death is the responsibility of the funeral director.
In order to complete the documentation we need to know the following:
Once the death is registered, a certified copy of the Registration of Death can usually be obtained within fourteen days. This is necessary for the completion of any legal and financial matters.
The individual choices available to families can contribute to make a unique experience that reflects and honours the life of your loved one.
Selection of much loved music, recorded or live, can add atmosphere and invoke special memories for family and friends, the choice of floral tributes, the placement of personal memorabilia, lighting of candles or a national flag and service medals (if appropriate) all help create a moving and lasting tribute that is both personal and meaningful for your family.
Our funeral consultant will be able to offer suggestions and provide assistance.
Bowra & O’Dea is conscious of the environmental challenges our community faces. We endeavour to reduce our footprint by encouraging recycling of plastic water bottles, installing solar panels on the roofs of our buildings where possible, using LCD lighting and using recycled paper products.
We are also conscious of the emotional significance releasing balloons can have at a funeral. Unfortunately these releases can also have a negative effect on the environment and to fauna especially marine life.
We therefore encourage your family to consider other symbolic gestures at funerals such as blowing bubbles, releasing doves or butterflies or perhaps giving a living gift such as flower seeds or a sapling to plant.
Static balloon displays can also add a wonderful touch of colour and can be uplifting, however we do ask that you refrain from releasing balloons at any of our funerals.
Thank you for your understanding.
Many funeral services are held in a church, funeral home chapel or at a cemetery chapel.
The choice belongs to the family making the arrangements.
There is now an increasing trend towards alternative locations that best reflects the deceased person and places that were dear to them. Providing permission is gained from the appropriate local authority, if needed, a funeral service can be held at almost any place.
Any person is able to lead a funeral service. Most often, families choose a minister of religion or a civil celebrant. The funeral director is able to assist in locating the best person to suit your family’s needs.
A close friend or family member can certainly fulfil this role if they are comfortable to do so.
People often find the task of writing and performing a eulogy quite daunting, but it can be a wonderful way to remember a loved-one and share some special memories. It can also be an important part of the healing process. It is an honour to be chosen to deliver a eulogy. It means your family or loved ones believe you are capable and know the deceased well enough to write something meaningful. With the right preparation, you can create a memorable experience for everyone present and make it less traumatic for you. Please feel free to contact us at any point if you feel you need some help, or take a look at our helpful hints.
At a time of loss, many people find it helpful to create special tributes to their loved ones, as a way of remembering and celebrating their life, and as part of the healing process. A Family Tribute DVD is a compilation of photographs carefully put together with music that is special and relevant to your loved one’s life. It can be a stirring remembrance of their life’s journey and a moving pictorial homage that involves the memories, people and places that helped shape their life. If you would like to include this in your service or would like more information about how they are created, please contact us.
As part of our service, Bowra & O’Dea will place the official Funeral Notice in the newspaper. This will provide information about the deceased and the details of where and when the funeral will take place.
It may also indicate a family’s preference for donations to a specific charity, instead of flowers and where to direct the donation.
Newspaper death notices are usually placed by family and friends of the deceased prior to the funeral service taking place. We can assist with these if you wish.
Funeral notices can also be displayed on our website.
Technology enables us to communicate with family and friends in an instant, by texting, emailing etc.
If you prefer not to have a newspaper notice, we can still provide the details of the funeral service on our website. Your consultant can also provide a link to the website via a text or an email, enabling you to share the information with friends that you may not have the time to call.
Our consultants can assist with all your floral needs for your funeral service, from casket sprays to individual reflection flowers, even rosemary. We like to support our local florists – see links below.
However, you may already have a preferred florist, in which case, please feel free to speak with them. They may need some details such as the delivery address, date and time. They are welcome to call us to discuss these details.
You may be wanting to arrange condolence flowers for family or friends. You’re welcome to call us to seek assistance with this or discuss delivery address details.
It is Bowra & O’Dea’s hope to provide every family with an opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one which is both meaningful and personal.
Our private funeral home chapel is available for those who wish to ‘view’ the deceased. We understand that people may be a little apprehensive however this can be a very positive experience, especially when family members may not have been able to say goodbye personally.
It can be comforting, after prolonged illness, to see the person is at rest and no longer suffering.
A viewing can re-affirm that the death has occurred, especially if it has been sudden or away from home.
This can also be an opportunity for family members to express their personal sentiments. It can be of special assistance to children who may be experiencing the loss of a family member for the first time.
A comfortable environment is important for the viewing to be of most benefit to everyone who attends. You may choose this opportunity to play a selected piece of music, light a candle or jot down words of farewell to express your feelings which can then be placed in with your loved one.
Choice of clothing can be also be very important. Often a favourite personal outfit is chosen.
We request that at least one person makes a formal identification of the deceased in their coffin or casket, as required under cemetery by-laws.
You may have family or friends at the funeral service that difficulty walking behind the funeral cortege along the roadways to the gravesite. We will arrange for these people to be driven through the cemetery grounds by our chauffeur bus service, to the grave, and returned to the cemetery entrance after the service has concluded.
Children are always welcome, sometimes even given a role to play as part of the funeral service. There are some families however, who may feel their children too young to understand or participate fully. Some of our branches enjoy self managed crèche facilities with a TV/Video link up for parents of children to watch the ceremony privately, should they prefer.
Our cherished pets are very much a part of our families and at times like this their presence can be very comforting and supportive to all those around them. We are happy to have your pets attend any service at our branch locations. We can also look at any request for other venues, subject to approval from the relevant parties.
Sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity is something we pride ourselves on at Bowra & O’Dea. Our experienced staff can assist families across a wide range of cultural and religious groups.
Family members living interstate or overseas who are unable to attend a service may be able to watch via a live streaming service which is available at some of our chapels (please check with your consultant). As this is online absent family and friends are able to watch live or at a later time or date. Families can also download their service from this link.
This can certainly be done. Our consultant can help with suggestions to create a coffin that is very unique and personal – something that holds special meaning for your loved one and also significance for your family and friends who knew them well and shared in their life.
You may like to have a theme – such as sailing, fishing, cycling, travelling or fun family times. A wide range of colours can be used, special meaningful words, a poem, lyrics from a song perhaps and photos especially. You may even find the time spent in planning and designing as therapeutic.
Please be mindful of the extra time that is needed to create your personalised coffin.
The cost of a funeral varies, depending on the options you and your family choose. Typically, those costs would include the funeral director’s service fee, cost of the selected coffin or casket, cemetery fees, church, celebrant or clergy, newspaper notices and florists, etc. At Bowra & O’Dea we provide a range of options that allow you and your family to tailor the funeral to suit your personal, cultural and religious requirements. If you would like a detailed explanation of costs, or have any special requirements for a funeral service, please don’t hesitate to call us.
If you are aware of a Funeral Insurance policy it is advisable to firstly speak with the provider and then discuss with our Funeral Consultant.
If you think you may be eligible for a claim under Motor Vehicle Accident, Travel, Work Place Accident or Homicide, please apply to the appropriate government department or insurance company.
Death, as a result of a motor vehicle accident may see an entitlement for a claim towards funeral expenses. Please refer to The Insurance Commission of WA 1800 643 338 or www.icwa.wa.gov.au. Claims must be registered within 14 days of death.
In the case of death by homicide, the family may be able to access funds from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Department.
The choice of funeral can be an emotional issue, often reflecting religious and ethnic beliefs.
With a burial the deceased and their coffin/casket is laid to rest in the ground in a cemetery, usually with a headstone or monument to mark the location.
A cremation takes place in a crematorium with the deceased and their coffin/casket placed into a cremator, reducing to ashes. The ashes are then returned to the applicant who authorised the cremation.
Entombment takes place in a mausoleum, an above ground structure that contains concrete or stone crypts in which the deceased and their coffin/casket is placed.
By law, there are three means of disposition:
* Burial, in a recognised burial place with new grave (or a reopened, existing grave)
A grave is normally able to contain more than one coffin (2-3, subject to approval).
Most cemeteries have lawn sections where smaller headstones can be erected and monumental sections where approved monuments can be erected over the grave. If the grave used is to be reopened from a previous burial the existing headstone may need to be fully or partially removed to allow access for this burial. Some Lawn cemeteries only permit a plaque in the grass, nothing above ground. Natural burial areas are available at selected cemeteries. Please refer to link below:
* Cremation, at a crematorium
The cremation procedure can only take place where a crematorium exists.
The act of cremation takes place once the coffin is committed and only one coffin is cremated at a time. Individual ashes are then available to the applicant for memorialisation or scattering
* Entombment, in a mausoleum
Entombment in a mausoleum is the preferred resting place in some cultures.
The mausoleum is constructed above ground and allows the coffin to be placed into a crypt which is then sealed. The mausoleum is a unique type of interment, often within a courtyard-style area at a Cemetery.
For further literature we suggest contacting the local selected cemeteries.
A coffin is tapered in shape, wider at the shoulders and narrower at the foot, and is made of custom wood or solid timber, while a casket is rectangular in shape, comes with a hinged lid and can be provided in custom wood, solid timber or metal. For those who are environmentally conscious, we also offer a choice of superbly finished and presented environmental casket or coffin. Whatever your choice, coffin or casket, special design, personalised with your own photographs or artwork, rest assured it will be hand crafted by specialists using premium grade materials. For more information or to view prices and images, please visit our website.
Our changing society sees people more aware of the impact we all have as individuals. Just as funerals are seen as a celebration of life, we can look at mortuary care as a final rite to be performed with dignity and to honour the deceased, as they were cared for in life.
Embalming is an important option we recommend to families. The process involves a range of hygienic and cosmetic procedures, the purpose of which are to slow down the deterioration of the body, facilitate the body for viewing and protect from infection those who come into contact with the body.
In all these matters it is important to respect the individual’s right to choose.
There are certain circumstances (which will be advised by the funeral director) where this procedure must be carried out.
Many people are turning to Bowra & O’Dea to arrange their own funerals plans.
A Prepaid Funeral Plan not only enables you to ease the financial burden on loved ones, but they also allow you to plan your goodbye the way you would like it to be, choosing everything from your choice of casket or coffin, right down to the flowers and music. Your decisions are documented.
Unlike funeral insurance, a pre-paid funeral is a one-off cost and there are no ongoing premiums to worry about.
You can plan your funeral online using our simple to use Funeral Estimate tool.
The cost of a Pre-paid Funeral Plan will vary, depending on the type of funeral service that you choose. A consultant will discuss with you the different types of funeral services, including burial, cremation and other options. Many people now pre-pay for their funeral earlier in life because the cost is more affordable, the price is protected against inflation and they can become involved in the decisions made on the funeral.
Some people may feel comfortable discussing their funeral plans with a spouse, adult children or another member of the family. Others, however, may prefer to make arrangements directly with Bowra & O’Dea in complete confidence. We would strongly advise that, if the immediate family is not informed, a trusted friend, solicitor or executor be notified when a plan is purchased.
The administration of the funds is handled by a well-respected independent public company. Bowra & O’Dea has a contractual obligation to perform the services specified in the contract. The complete security of the plan is assured by the reputation and experience of Bowra & O’Dea Funeral Directors, who have been serving the people of Western Australia for well over a century.
You have the right, at any time during your lifetime, to cancel the agreement and withdraw from the plan. With the exception of administration expenses, all monies paid by you would be refunded.
Our Memorial Groves are a unique and complimentary gesture from Bowra & O’Dea. In conjunction with Trillion Trees, formerly known as Men of the Trees, we plant a young tree as a lasting and loving memorial in the hope that it may assist with your grief.
Since the program’s inception in 1995 we have planted well over 500,000 trees. We also provide families with a Memorial Certificate as a keepsake.
Overall, in collaboration with Trillion Trees, we have sponsored the planting of 2.5 million trees, which have been used for environmental re-vegetation purposes in regional areas of Western Australia.
Trillion Trees, (formerly, Men of the Trees) are an international society for the planting and protection of trees. Founded in 1922, they are a non-profit, voluntary organisation that makes a huge contribution to the wellbeing of our planet through planting trees, reducing greenhouse gases and fighting salinity.
A single focus – We are devoted to providing the best service possible, to satisfy the needs of our friends and neighbours, without distraction from corporate mandates.
Personal pride – This is our business in our community.
A long-term commitment – This is where we live and where we plan to stay. When you need us, we’ll be here.
A focus on families – We answer to you, not shareholders and understand that our business will only do well if we serve you well.
Knowledge of ethnic traditions – Funeral traditions vary greatly across our community. As we are local, we know how to respond to the different local cultural groups.
An investment in the community – Whenever possible, we choose to do business with other locally owned and operated businesses.
A personal relationship – We have been operating for 130 years and have developed a personal relationship with many families and groups in the community. This is why we are able to provide a sensitive, individualised family service.
Local support – Proudly, we provide support to local charities, schools and community groups through education seminars and sponsorship. The more you know about us, the more you’ll appreciate the difference!
We can assist with requesting service records with the Australian Defence Force on your behalf. Please speak with a consultant.
Australian Government Department of Defence Estate and Infrastructure Group
Our consultants are here to answer the many questions that will arise and guide families through arrangements to create a loving and final tribute to best honour the life of their loved one. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9231 5199. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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