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On The Day Of The Cremation
On the day of the funeral, you will need to have obtained and prepared the coffin and ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork to meet the relevant State and crematorium requirements.
1. Identification Form
On the day of the funeral, you will also be required to provide an Identification Form. This form requires you to certify that the body in the coffin is in fact the deceased person named on the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, and whose name appears on the metal plate on the lid of the coffin.
This identification process is to be done prior to the coffin being sealed.
List of paperwork required at time of cremation is as follows:
- Single Funeral Permit
- Application for Cremation
- Permit to Cremate
- Identification Form
- Proof of purchase of Public Liability insurance for $5,000,000
- Proof of Payment of relevant cemetery fees
2. Ashes
The ashes are generally available for collection from the Crematorium 48 hours after cremation takes place.
You can nominate to collect the ashes by selecting that option on the Application for Cremation or you can advise the crematorium at a later date should you wish to collect on a certain day and time.
The ashes can be collected in person by the Administrator (i.e. the person whose name is provided on the relevant forms).
In the event that the Administrator is not able to personally collect the ashes, he/she may provide a letter of authority together with acceptable identification (e.g. Driver’s Licence) for an agent to collect the ashes.
If you are undecided regarding the placement of the ashes, the crematorium will generally hold the ashes for up to six months free of charge and post out brochures to the Administrator. If the ashes are not placed with a memorial or collected within six months, a storage fee per month may be charged. The crematorium may also dispose of the ashes in accordance with any laws if arrangements have not been made for them to be placed or held beyond the six-month period.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.