Arranging a Funeral
A funeral is an important celebration of your loved one’s life. We’ll help you arrange a service that honours and celebrates a life well lived.
What to Expect
First Call
Our trained staff are available to take calls 24 Hours, 7 Days.
Arrangement
You will meet with one of our arrangers to begin planning & arranging the funeral.
Personalisation
Work with us to make your loved one’s farewell both unique & memorable.
The Service
We will conduct the service and make sure everything goes according to plan.
Unfortunately at some stage in our lives we will have to face the death of a loved one. If a death occurs and if you are unsure what to do next, simply call us on (03) 5367 6733.
Make the necessary Calls
Depending on where a death occurs, different steps will need to be taken.
Death has occurred at home
If the death occurs at home with family or friends present, a family member should contact the deceased person’s doctor. If the doctor has treated them in the past and can confirm the cause of death, the doctor will usually issue a medical cause of death certificate (required by law). However, if the death occurs at home and the doctor is unable to be contacted, the police will need to be notified. They will need to come to the home before the deceased can be transferred to an appropriate facility.
If you are unsure of who to notify or what to do, we are here to help. Simply call us on (03) 5367 6733.
Death has occurred under supervised care
When a death occurs in a care facility such as a hospital or nursing home, their staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If they have been given the name of the funeral company, they will notify them at the time of death.
After the deceased person has been transferred into our care, we will contact you to help you proceed. For extra assurance, you are welcome to contact us for confirmation that everything has been taken care of according to your wishes.
Sudden or unexpected death
If a death is sudden, accidental, or the cause of death cannot be confirmed, it is the doctor’s responsibility to notify the police on 000. In these cases, it is important that the deceased person is not moved or disturbed in any way. The police will contact a government-appointed contractor to transfer the deceased person from the place of death to the Coroner’s mortuary. The Coroner will then investigate and determine the cause of death, which may involve a post-mortem examination. This may slightly delay the funeral arrangements until the necessary clearance is obtained (usually 6–9 days).
We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible, in order for us to liaise with the Coroner’s Court and arrange to care for your loved one.
Helpful Contacts:
Preliminary Information Required
When a death occurs, there is a legal obligation to register the death with the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in that state. The Registrar asks for information as part of the process of registering the death.
We can gather all this information at the arrangement or If you wish, you are welcome to complete this information in advance and bring the documents with you or email them to: info@michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au
It is very important that death records are accurate
*The information provided by family needs to be both accurate and clear at the time of completing the form. If there are errors after the registration has been submitted the amendments can be both time consuming and stressful for family. A death certificate is an important legal document used for probate and closing service accounts, amongst other things.
Contact Us To Arrange A Convenient Time To Meet
The meeting will generally take place at our Chapel & Offices at 226 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, or in the comfort of your own home.
This will be with you and any other family members to arrange the funeral.
Together, we will go through the styles of services we offer and provide guidance on how best to recognise and celebrate the life lived.
Simply call us on (03) 5367 6733. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The discussion and meeting with us is a time when many decisions will need to be made. This will generally take place at our funeral home. We recommend making the time to visit our complex, to view the different options and facilities we offer. This will be with you and any other family members to arrange the funeral. Together, we will go through the styles of services we offer and provide guidance on how best to recognise and celebrate the life lived.
Before your arrangement interview with us, please give thought to:
- Burial or cremation preference
- Venue for the ceremony – Chapel, or other possibilities
- The wording of press notice’s
- Clothing you wish your loved one to be dressed in
- Music selections for the ceremony and photographic tribute
- If you would like a viewing
- Whom you will invite to be pallbearers (if applicable)
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Planning The Funeral
We are flexible and will be guided by you
We understand that this can be a challenging time, but it’s essential to approach it with calm and thoughtful consideration. Take a moment to reflect on the points listed below, and remember, you can always reach out to us for guidance and support. Here are some key aspects to think about when planning a funeral:
- Decide between cremation or burial.
- Select a date and time that accommodates family and friends, including those who live out of state or abroad.
- Choose a minister, priest, or celebrant with our help, ensuring their availability for the service.
- Select a coffin or casket that meets your needs.
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Co-ordinating With Us
We will assist you in determining the content of the service and looking after specific details for a reception. Some of the special touches that we can co-ordinate are:
- Personalised Media
- Coffins & Caskets
- Catering
- Floral Tributes
- Audio Visual Displays
- Mourning Cars & Hearses
- Memorial Book
- Selection of Music
- Live Streaming & Recording
- Urns
- Press Notices
- Donations
- Viewings
The Funeral
On the day of the funeral, there are several things you can do to help ease the experience. Firstly, aim to arrive early. This will provide you with a moment to gather your thoughts and say your goodbyes, and rest assured, we are here to assist you in ensuring the day flows smoothly.
If you plan to deliver a eulogy, practice it in advance to ensure you can present it with confidence. If you are not giving a tribute, think about jotting down some of your cherished memories of the individual to share with others.
Lastly, be ready for the range of emotions you may encounter. It’s perfectly normal to experience sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief following a death. Allow yourself to feel these emotions and rely on your support network for comfort.
Understanding the First Steps
When a loved one passes, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. Michael Crawford Funerals provides calm, steady assistance from the first call. Whether the death occurs at home, in a hospital, or in aged care, the team will organise the necessary arrangements, coordinate transfers and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Helpful government information on immediate steps after a death can be found through Services Australia.
Managing Practical and Legal Requirements
Michael Crawford Funerals handles all required documentation, including medical certificates, registration of death and cremation or burial permits. Their team takes care of these details on your behalf so that you can focus on family, reflection and support.
The Purpose of a Funeral
Funerals help us acknowledge that someone we love has passed on. Funerals allow us to say goodbye. Funerals offer continuity and hope for the living. Funerals provide a support system for us, friends, family members and the community. When someone dies, the funeral is not for them, it’s about them. The funeral is for everyone who knew, loved and was connected to that person. For some people, the word ‘funeral’ misrepresents the fact they may want a simple farewell. You don’t have to call it a funeral; call it a gathering, a tribute, a farewell, a ceremony, a send-off, a get-together, whatever suits you best.
Flowers
Floral tributes play a meaningful role in honouring a life. From coffin and casket sheaves to condolence flowers sent by family and friends, each arrangement is individually designed with care and respect.
Urns
Elegant cremation urns, available in a variety of styles, can be ordered online and delivered with care as a lasting tribute to your loved one.
What else can we offer?
Personalised Media
Personalised media options, such as custom video tributes, printing, and music playlists, reflecting your loved one’s life and personality.
Coffins & Caskets
The Coffin or Casket chosen plays a pivotal role in the way in which we celebrate and honour the life of a loved one.
Personalised Media
Personalised media options, such as custom video tributes, printing, and music playlists, reflecting your loved one’s life and personality.
Flowers
Each funeral is unique, just like the floral tributes chosen by families. Each floral arrangement is individually created according to your specific needs and requests.
Urns
Elegant cremation urns, available in a variety of styles, can be ordered online and delivered with care as a lasting tribute to your loved one.
Coffins & Caskets
The Coffin or Casket chosen plays a pivotal role in the way in which we celebrate and honor the life of a loved one.
Family Owned & Operated
As a locally owned, family operated Funeral Home, Michael Crawford Funerals has been a trusted business in our community since 1987.
Trusted Since 1987
We have been privileged to serve and honour families and their loved ones for over 35 years within the Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Melton and surrounding areas.
Personal Care & Support
From the initial contact until after the Funeral, our staff will direct you through the process and assist with care and dignity.
Compassion & Integrity
With over 35 years of experience, our staff are well equipt with the personal skills and compassion to assist in this trying time.
Our Services
Michael Crawford Funerals provide a range of services to honour your loved one
Pre-Paid Funerals
Secure your future with our pre-paid funeral plans, comfort and clarity for you and your loved ones.
Chapel Service
We are here to assist you in planning a funeral service to celebrate and honour the life of your loved one.
Church Service
Support for families wishing to hold a service in their own church or place of worship.
Cremation
We provide dignified cremation services helping you celebrate the lives of your loved one.
Burials
A burial allows families to come together, share memories, and lay their loved one to rest in a peaceful, lasting place.
Direct Cremation
A direct cremation is a simple, dignified farewell without a formal service, providing essential care at an affordable cost.
Live Streaming
We provide a quality video streaming option (in our chapel) for family and friends who are unable to attend the service.
Memorial Store
View our range of memorial items including Personalised Media, Flowers, Urns, Coffins & Caskets.
Transportation
Get In Touch...
We’re here for you 24/7. Whether you have questions, need support, or are ready to make arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact our caring team.
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm ~ Please phone to make an appointment.
Afterhours & Weekends
For immediate attention, you can contact us on
(03) 5367 6733 ~ 24 Hours, 7 Days
