Burial or Cremation

The wishes of the deceased are followed, if they are known. A cremation cannot take place if there are written instructions to the contrary.

Cremation is sometimes chosen as a lower-cost option, especially in metropolitan areas, where cemetery fees are very high. In regional areas, cemetery fees tend to be less expensive, so cost is not usually the main reason families choose cremation.

Cremation is a respectful, dignified process that feels right for many of today's families. If you would like to know more about this process, your funeral director will explain it for you.

What to do with the ashes

There is no necessity in law to inter the ashes or keep them in an urn. You may wish to:

Create a memorial for your loved one in a specially designed garden or wall of remembrance
Create your own memorial at home or on a property
Have the ashes scattered at a location of significance.

This is a decision that doesn't need to be made straight away. Your funeral director will give you a range of options when you're ready to discuss this. That may be some weeks after the funeral ceremony.

If the ashes are to be placed in a columbarium wall, the niche size will need to be confirmed.

Pre-purchasing additional cemetery plots

It can be difficult at this time of sadness to discuss future family deaths. However, if it's important that other family members be buried alongside your loved one, you may need to consider pre-purchasing adjoining plots now.

Cemetery options

If you are arranging a burial, you may already know the cemetery that is to be used. Your family member may have even pre-purchased the cemetery plot.

Feel free to drive through the cemeteries in your area. You will see the different choices within them, such as:

Lawn areas where the plaque is recessed into the lawn.
Historic headstone sections.
Headstone lawn areas, where a more traditional headstone is erected on a concrete strip or within a garden area.

Choosing a Venue

If you or the person who has died attended a church or other place of worship, this may be the natural choice for the funeral ceremony. This is particularly appropriate when a family wishes to arrange a ceremony of traditional religious significance, such as a funeral mass.

Contact Us

In the event of a death in the family, contact Burstows without delay. A funeral director is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and will provide help and guidance from the first contact.

Call us now

Toowoomba Head Office
1020 Ruthven St Toowoomba, QLD 4350
Phone: (07) 4636 9600 / Fax: (07) 4636 9650