Why Pre-planning Brings Peace of Mind

Before we can come, a doctor or police officer must attend the place of death to confirm the situation.

• If the person died in care (hospital, aged care, or with nursing support), staff will assist you.
• If the death happened at home, call the person’s usual GP or after-hours service.
• If it’s a sudden, unexpected or unusual death, call 000 — police may need to be involved.

Once the doctor (or police, if required) has attended, you may then arrange for your loved one to be brought into the care of your funeral home. If the police are involved, they will arrange for the funeral director to transfer the deceased to the nearest regional hospital.

To help you prepare, these are the questions we will ask you when you call:

• Deceased’s full name and date of birth
• Your name, relationship to them, and phone number
• Place of death
• Has a doctor or police officer attended?
• A good time for us to attend
• Their approximate height and weight
• Do they have a Pre-Arranged Funeral Plan?

Once your loved one has been placed into our care, the next step is to begin planning their funeral. This can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone — William Barrett & Sons is here to guide you through every decision with care, compassion, and plenty of helpful resources. We’ll support you in creating a service that reflects your person’s life, values, and wishes.

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and everyone experiences it differently. At William Barrett & Sons, we offer support beyond the funeral — with access to grief resources, counselling referrals, and community programs to help you navigate the weeks and months ahead. You’re never alone on this journey.