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Wearing black to a funeral is an age-old tradition. It started in the Victorian era when Queen Victoria donned all black as a sign of mourning for her husband, Albert. Funeral traditions have come and gone, but where are we now with clothing? The attitude towards funerals has changed significantly in the last 50 years. Instead of mourning the dead, funerals have now become a celebration of life. With that mindset, clothing trends have also been impacted. The days of [...]

The Metropolitan Cemetery Board is the governing body over the Karrakatta, Midland, Pinnaroo, Fremantle, and Rockingham cemeteries. In addition to its role as the manager of cemeteries and memorial parks within the metropolitan area, the MCB makes sure that cemetery legislation is followed. It is also responsible for the licencing of Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons operating within the metropolitan area. As the peak cemetery management authority within the State, the MCB provides assistance and advice to smaller cemetery management authorities [...]

We understand the pressure that comes with arranging a funeral, and how many decisions need to be made. It can be a struggle to handle the funeral arrangements, let alone decide what you would like to do with the ashes after the cremation. There is absolutely no pressure at all to make that decision immediately. However, there are several options you might like to consider. Firstly, you can scatter the ashes. Many people bring their loved one’s ashes to a [...]

Whilst the passing of a loved one is always sad, there are some cases that are more traumatic than others. In the event of an unexpected death, the Coroner’s Court of Western Australia will get involved. Depending on the situation, there are several options, but the standard procedure goes as follows: When someone passes away unexpectedly, the deceased will be taken to the State Mortuary. There, an autopsy will take place to determine the cause of death. When we are asked [...]

Donating your body to science is a noble way of giving to the future. Many people are willing to give their bodies to aid medical research; however, there is more to it than just notifying your family and the university. The first thing to be aware of is that even if you donate your body to science, there is no guarantee that the university will accept your body. As a result, it is a good idea to let your family [...]

Society and its demands are constantly changing, and this is as true for the funeral industry as it is for anything else. The demands and expectations associated with funerals are decreasing for numerous reasons, although the biggest factor is cost. With these changes, there is a question that is becoming more and more popular: do I need to have a funeral? The short answer is yes: everyone must be buried or cremated. However, you do not need a funeral service. [...]

Every time someone is born, gets married, or passes away, it is required by law to register the occasion with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. There are two things that need to happen before a death can be registered: Firstly, the regular doctor of the deceased will complete a Medical Cause of Death (MCD). (This is not to be confused with the Death Certificate from the Registry Office.) The MCD is a document stating the natural cause of [...]

The time of a loved one’s death is always difficult; when it is overseas or interstate it only complicates matters further. Most people find repatriation an overwhelming notion, however, it is not as difficult as one might imagine. Whether international or interstate, repatriation is almost exactly the same, with a few minor variations in regards to paperwork. To help you understand what is involved, below is a step by step guide to the process using an example: Your loved one [...]

So, how do you go about choosing a funeral director? When is the best time to do so? After all, with over 50 funeral homes to choose from in the metropolitan area, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions that need to be made. Add to that when you have lost a loved one…well, that’s probably not the thing you’re going to want to focus your attention on. This is why many people are now deciding [...]

The celebrant or minister who leads the service is a vital part of your loved one’s funeral ceremony. Just as with a wedding, they lead the service and will work with you prior to ensure you get a ceremony that reflects your loved one exactly as you wish. However, many people do not have a minister or know a celebrant. We at Hetherington Funerals have trained celebrants in our employ and also work with many celebrants with whom we can [...]