We can help you organise the celebration you choose.

A Celebration of Life

Looking for information on an upcoming service?
View notices & services

The Stages of
The Journey

The process of arranging a funeral can be a daunting and emotional one and in order to help you find the information you need during this difficult time, we have broken up The Funeral Journey into 5 key stages. Each stage is designed to provide important and relevant information when you need it most.

Remember that no matter what stage of the journey you are in, our team of dedicated and understanding professionals are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to guide and support you in any way we can.

Planning
Ahead
  • This is the time to get your affairs in order
  • Carefully select your funeral director
  • Record your wishes and any other information
  • Plan the details of your funeral service
  • Relieve the burden on your family
  • Pre-payment makes financial sense, with possible pension maximization and aged care cost minimisation
  • Protect your family and yourself from rising funeral costs
Time of
Death
  • Get the support of family and close friends
  • At the time of death, contact James Murray for immediate guidance
  • We will guide you through the transfer of your loved one into our care
  • Your Funeral Director will contact you to begin the process of arranging the funeral service
  • Your Funeral Director will be available to support and guide you through the funeral arrangement and service
The Funeral
Arrangement
  • There is no need to rush when planning a funeral
  • Most funerals take place 5 - 10 days after death
  • Carefully collect required information in advance of the arrangement
  • Consider clothing, music and photos before the arrangements are made
  • Consider where and when to meet
  • Think about whether you want a burial or cremation
  • Consider whether you would like a religious or non-religious service
  • Consider who will come to make the arrangements with you
The Funeral
Service
  • The funeral is for those who are left behind
  • Funerals honour the memory of a loved one
  • Surround yourself with family and friends
  • Inform family and friends of the service time and location
  • Communicate with your celebrant or clergy to plan the structure of the service
  • Write and practice the eulogy. If you are having a family member or friend read the eulogy, consider who would be best to do so
After The
Funeral
  • Contact us if you need immediate support
  • There are no right or wrong ways to grieve
  • The death certificate is usually received within 3 weeks after the funeral service
  • In the case of cremation, ashes are generally available 48 hours after the cremation takes place
  • Liaise with the crematorium or cemetery to organise any memorialisation, such as plaques or urns

Upcoming Services

Ilija Erak
Church Service
Saint Naum of Ohrid Serbian Orthodox Church
38 Gosford Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292
Fri
6th
Friday December 6 2024 at 10:00 am
(Australia/Sydney)
Fay Noreen Towndrow
Celebration of Life
James Murray Funeral Chapel
44 Blackall Street, Broadmeadow NSW, Australia
Thu
12th
Thursday December 12 2024 at 10:00 am
(Australia/Sydney)
Jacqueline Anne Boyd
Celebration of Life
Lake Macquarie Memorial Park
405 Cessnock Road, Ryhope NSW, Australia
Thu
19th
Thursday December 19 2024 at 10:00 am
(Australia/Sydney)

Latest News

Personalisation – Every life tells a story

“…death is the surest calculation that can be made, and the unavoidable keystone of every individual existence.” – Ludwig Büchner […]

Read More
The benefits of pre-planning

There are many benefits for preparing and pre-planning a funeral. They include a peace of mind, knowing that the important […]

Read More
5 things to know about funeral insurance

1. Do you need it? Many people mistakenly believe their family will be able to quickly access their superannuation fund […]

Read More

Serving Newcastle since 1884

We service all areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the lower Hunter and surrounds. We also have a wholly-owned funeral home in Sydney with which we can coordinate funeral services if necessary.

What do you do when someone dear to you dies? Who will help you, advise you, and assume the necessary responsibilities in arranging a funeral?

Stop worrying. Pick up the phone. Remember our name.

Here When It Matters

It is well documented by grief professionals that funerals are an essential part of the healing and recovery process. The funeral ceremony helps to publicly acknowledge the reality of the death and when shared with friends and family it encourages the expression of grief. This experience actually helps to begin a healthy mourning process.

We pride ourselves in delivering care and services that fit each family we serve. Not only do we guide you in making your decisions, we help you design a service that best expresses and celebrates the life of the one you love.  The elements that comprise each funeral arrangement will change to your requirements and preferences.

Every funeral service is different, and this means that the total cost will depend on the arrangements you put in place. Some prices, cremation or burial and legal requirements, are necessary for all funerals, although many elements differ from funeral to funeral and these costs will vary depending on the choices you make.

We welcome all enquiries about funeral costs. We’ll take the time to find out how you want to farewell your loved one. Once we’ve gained an understanding of your requirements and preferences, we’ll provide you with a written obligation-free estimate of costs.

View Our Price Guide