Question 1

What should I do first when someone passes away?

Accepted Answer

Call Willow Tree Funerals on 02 8776 1667 immediately. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will guide you through the immediate steps, arrange transfer of your loved one into our care, and take care of everything else so you can focus on your family.

Question 2

What if someone passes away at home?

Accepted Answer

If the death was expected (for example, after a terminal illness), call us and we will come to you. If the death was unexpected or sudden, call 000 first, then call us. We will guide you through the process and come to your home as soon as possible.

Question 3

What if someone passes away in hospital?

Accepted Answer

The hospital will contact you. Once you have been notified, call us and we will liaise with the hospital to arrange transfer of your loved one into our care. You do not need to do anything else — we take care of all the logistics.

Question 4

What if someone passes away overseas?

Accepted Answer

Call us immediately. We provide international repatriation services and will manage all consular documentation, transport, and customs clearance on your behalf. Please visit our Repatriation page for more information.

Question 5

How long does it take to arrange a funeral?

Accepted Answer

Most funerals are arranged within 3–5 days of the death. We work at your pace and will advise on timing based on your family's needs, the type of service, and cemetery or crematorium availability.

Question 6

Can we personalise the funeral service?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We encourage personalisation — music, readings, photos, videos, meaningful objects, and tributes from family and friends all make a service truly unique. We will work with you to create a farewell that genuinely reflects who your loved one was.

Question 7

Can we have a viewing before the funeral?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer viewing at our chapel, a church or at your home, allowing family and friends to spend time with your loved one before the funeral service. This is available for both burial and cremation services.

Question 8

Can we choose where the funeral service is held?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can conduct services at our chapel, a church, a community hall, a sporting club, a garden, or any meaningful location. We will work with you to make your chosen venue work beautifully.

Question 9

Can you arrange a Catholic funeral Mass at any parish in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with parishes across the Archdiocese of Sydney, including all churches in the St George, Sutherland Shire, and South West Sydney areas. We handle all church bookings and coordination with the parish priest on your behalf.

Question 10

What is a Requiem Mass?

Accepted Answer

A Requiem Mass (also called a Mass of Christian Burial or Funeral Mass) is a full Catholic liturgical celebration that includes the Eucharist. It is the Church's primary form of funeral rite and is a profound act of faith and prayer for the deceased.

Question 11

Can we have a Rosary and Vigil the evening before the funeral?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A Vigil service — often including the Rosary — the evening before the funeral is a beautiful Catholic tradition. We can arrange this at the church, our chapel, or another venue of your choosing.

Question 12

Is cremation permitted in the Catholic faith?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Catholic Church permits cremation, provided it is not chosen for reasons contrary to Christian doctrine. The Church prefers that the body be present for the funeral Mass, with cremation taking place afterwards. We are experienced in arranging Catholic cremation services in accordance with Church guidelines.

Question 13

What is the difference between cremation and burial?

Accepted Answer

Cremation involves the respectful reduction of the body to ashes, which can be kept, scattered, or interred. Burial involves placing the coffin in a cemetery plot. Both options can include a full funeral service with viewing, ceremony, and committal.

Question 14

What happens to the ashes after cremation?

Accepted Answer

The ashes (cremated remains) are returned to your family in an urn. You may choose to keep them, scatter them at a meaningful location, inter them in a cemetery niche or garden, or have them incorporated into a memorial product. We can assist with all of these options.

Question 15

Which cemeteries do you work with in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

We work with all major Sydney cemeteries including Rookwood, Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland General Cemetery, Botany Cemetery, and the new MacArthur Memorial Park at Varroville. We handle all bookings and grave preparation on your behalf. We also work with private and council owned cemeteries across Sydney and NSW.

Question 16

What is MacArthur Memorial Park?

Accepted Answer

MacArthur Memorial Park is Sydney's newest cemetery, located at Varroville in South West Sydney. It is the first new Crown cemetery to open in Sydney since the 1920s, offering beautiful landscaped grounds, a multi-denominational chapel, and burial and cremation options.

Question 17

How much does a funeral cost in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Funeral costs vary depending on the type of service. A simple direct cremation starts from approximately $3,100. A full funeral service with cremation typically ranges from $6,000–$9,000. A full funeral service with burial typically ranges from $8,000–$15,000+, depending on cemetery fees. Please visit our Pricing page for more detail.

Question 18

Are there any government funeral assistance payments?

Accepted Answer

Centrelink provides a Bereavement Payment in some circumstances. The Department of Veterans' Affairs provides funeral assistance for eligible veterans. We can advise you on eligibility and help you apply.

Question 19

What is pre-arranging a funeral?

Accepted Answer

Pre-arranging your funeral means documenting your wishes in advance — the type of service, the music, the readings, the burial or cremation, and any personal touches. This removes the burden of decision-making from your family during grief. There is no obligation to pre-pay when you pre-arrange.

Question 20

Can I pre-pay for my funeral?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pre-paying locks in today's prices and ensures the cost is fully covered. Funds are held in a regulated trust. Please visit our Pre-Arranged Funerals page or call our team to discuss.

Question 21

Do you serve areas outside Hurstville?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve all of Sydney, the North Shore, Inner West, Hornsby and the entire St George and Sutherland Shire area, as well as South and South West Sydney including Campbelltown, Liverpool, Narellan, Camden, Picton, Gregory Hills, Ingleburn, and the MacArthur Memorial Park at Varroville. We also service Wollongong and surrounding areas, as well as the Blue Mountains, Penrith, Richmond and Windsor. We also have a second location at Macquarie Links.

Question 22

Do you serve multicultural communities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have extensive experience serving Sydney's diverse communities, including Filipino, Italian, Lebanese, Greek, Indian, Vietnamese, Irish, Mauritian and Pacific Islander families. We understand and honour the cultural and religious traditions that enrich funeral rites.

Question 23

Do you provide repatriation services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We manage international and interstate repatriation — both bringing loved ones home to Sydney and arranging transport overseas. We handle all documentation, consular liaison, and transport coordination.

Your Questions, Answered Honestly

When Someone Passes Away

Arranging the Funeral

Catholic Funerals

Cremation & Burial

Costs & Pre-Planning

Service Areas

Speak to a Family Care Specialist