Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of our most frequently asked questions

General

  • Are you a member of any funeral related associations?

    Yes, Fred J Potter & Son is a proud member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (http://www.afda.org.au/) which holds its members to the highest standards.
  • Why use an AFDA accredited Funeral Director

    For your own peace of mind, select a Funeral Director who is an Accredited Member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA). The Australian Funeral Directors Association requires its members to honour a strict Code of Ethics and Practice. For more information or to find an Accredited Member of the AFDA, our website www.afda.org.au provides contact details for all Accredited Members or alternatively call 1300 888 188 for assistance in locating an accredited AFDA Member in your area.

  • Can you arrange a funeral supporting my religion?

    Yes, we will work with you to not only personalise your service, but adhere to any guidelines or special requests that your religion requires (as long as it is legal to do so).
  • What is Embalming?

    Basically, Embalming is the process of exchanging bodily fluids with a chemical. This is to help in: Preservation of the body. Controlling possible infections. Enhancing the presentation of the deceased. Embalming is mostly done in situations where the burial won

  • We can not afford a funeral, what can we do?

    If the deceased had a bank account with funds in it, the bank can make funds available if provided with a copy of the death certificate and an invoice. If there is not enough money in the bank account, or you are unsure how much is in the bank account, please seek legal advice prior to arranging the funeral. Further information can be found at Far West Community legal Center; Paying for funerals

Cremation

  • After a cremation, when and how will I receive the ashes?

    Normally the ashes are available within a week of the funeral. Unless alternative arrangements are made, we will hold the ashes for a period of up to 12 months until you decide whether you would like to pick them up or have them placed at the cemetery. Please note, while we do not have to place them in the cemetery for you, we can assist you in the arrangements. If you have purchased an urn, we can place the ashes inside an urn and seal it for you. If not, we will provide a decorative box with a container inside that will hold the ashes.

  • What percentage of people opt for cremation?

    56% of people currently opt for cremation with the number slowly increasing. In urban areas where crematoria are more readily available the rate approaches 70%.
  • Are cremations acceptable in all religions?

    Cremation is not acceptable within Orthodox Judaism, Islam and Eastern Orthodoxy, However most Christian denominations approve of cremation and it is the preferred method among Hindus and Buddhists.
  • How many people are cremated at the same time?

    Only one person is placed in the cremator at a time. With approval from the Health Department it may be possible to cremate a mother and baby or twin children in the same coffin.
  • How hot is the cremator?

    Generally speaking a cremator operates at around 1,000 degrees celcius and is lined with heat resistant bricks and fuelled by gas.
  • Which way is a body placed in the cremator?

    It is traditional that whenever practicable, a body is always moved feet first and subsequently the coffin is always placed feet first into the cremator.
  • What is/can be cremated with the body?

    All adornments and handles that are not metal are cremated with the coffin. Families have the option of leaving flowers on the coffin for cremation along with letters, photos or other personal items. Anything combustible can be cremated, which does exclude glass, metal and batteries.

Burial

  • Can I be buried on my own land?

    Strict regulations control burial on private property. Your choice of location must be approved by the local council and must adhere to a set of guidelines. Guidelines include, but are not limited to, possible contamination of soil, size of area, zoning requirements and access for mourners. By placing a grave on a piece of land, it can effectively change the zoning to that of a cemetery and may restrict your selling of the land in the future. The NSW Health guideline GL2013_016, Burials on private land sets out the conditions on which approvals may be granted. Clause 22 of the Public Health (Disposal of Bodies) Regulation 2002 also deals with burials on private property.