http://www.polynesianfunerals.com.au/

Polynesian Funerals, P O Box 408 Lawnton, Brisbane (2026)

17/07/2026

Celebrant or Clergy - Who To Use. What's The Difference?

The main person who speaks at the funeral is known as a celebrant.
The celebrant can be: -

A Minister of Religion
A Trained Civil Celebrant
A friend of the family
Yourself

There are no legal requirements governing funeral services like there are for weddings. Anyone can celebrate a funeral. No formal qualification is necessary. All you have to do is to be confident enough to honour the person as they and their family would want.

CLERGY
A minister of religion “Celebrates the Funeral” this means that he/she will celebrate the life of the person returning to their heavenly father from where they came.
This will be done with the use of suitable scriptures and other rituals related to the particular religion.
If the person is a regular church attendee or has an affiliation with a particular religion then the best person to use is a Minister of religion or Clergy.
The minister may or may not come to your home to talk to you about your particular requirements. Most ministers are bound by the particular religious restraints of their church. Nevertheless, they are mostly kind and caring people who will do their best to assist all families. Most ministers of religion will not put a eulogy together for you. They normally request someone in the family write this and then present it on the day of the funeral.

CELEBRANT, “CIVIL”
If you decide on a Civil Celebrant, it is best to choose one who has had specific Funeral Celebrant training. Your funeral company can assist you here as they will have a range of civil celebrants to choose from.
By using a Civil celebrant, you will also have the choice of gender.
A Civil Celebrant is a person who has been trained to celebrate funerals with or without religion. They will normally come to your home or other place of your choosing and talk to you about the person. Then they go away and write a service that they feel will suit the occasion. The service is then E-mailed to the family for checking. And once everything has been checked and signed off by the family the celebrant will perform the service.
A civil celebrant can use religion if the family requests. However, most people requiring the services of a civil celebrant want either minimal or no religious content at all.

Trained Civil Celebrants will craft a ceremony to your wishes, they will act as a Master of ceremonies and just introduce speakers, or they will conduct the full service for you. They will assist you if you would like to write and speak the eulogy yourself. Or they will read what you have written. Alternately they will write everything for you and then send it to you for checking

Both celebrants regardless if they are civil or religious will assist families with the choice of music, photo presentations and most important of all. They will keep track of timing during the service. In the event that a service starts late or runs overtime it can cause incredible and unnecessary stress to the family who is next in line for their service, furthermore, in some instances crematoriums have financial penalties when a ceremony runs over time .

Family friends or a celebrant chosen by the family:
Some families will know a civil celebrant or a friend who is capable of speaking in public and request to use them for the funeral service. For the funeral company this is not a problem. Where a problem can occur is when the chosen person has not had specific funeral training. They have, however, agreed to do the funeral service and then asked advice from friends on what they should do and say. These friends or celebrants frequently, have no idea of timing, or the requirements of the different venues and chaos can and is frequently a result. It must be remembered that family members and friends have an emotional connection with the person whose funeral it is. Consequently, this can cause an emotional strain that is very noticeable during the service. And as a funeral director there have been many times when I have witnessed a disaster that have had lifelong repercussions for the family.

This blog has been written or reproduced to assist those people who hold Funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Ashley Bergh Copyright 2023

*image via Chatgpt

16/07/2026

You know that saying about how death might end a life but not a connection? Well, it turns out, there's a newer idea that suggests you can still feel linked to someone you've lost, even after they're gone.

In the past, when someone died, the typical advice was to go through a series of stages of grief until you could finally move on. But now, experts are saying it's okay to keep that bond alive in a healthy way.

Instead of trying to detach from the memory of your loved one, this new approach encourages staying connected to them emotionally, even after they've passed. It acknowledges that grief isn't something you just "get over"; it becomes a part of who you are. Over time, the pain lessens, but the love remains.

So, what does continuing love look like? Well, it's about keeping memories alive, talking to your loved one even though they're no longer here, and finding ways to cope with your grief that feel right for you.

Some common practices include visiting their gravesite, giving a cremation urn the occasional cuddle, keeping a diary, meditating, writing about your feelings, and holding onto meaningful items. (Clothing, photos, letters, cremated remains) These actions aren't signs of "pathological grief" anymore; they're seen as healthy ways to process your emotions.

This idea of continuing love isn't about replacing other grief theories; it's more like adding a new layer to our understanding of how people mourn. It's about finding ways to keep the memory of our loved ones alive while still moving forward with our lives.
And ultimately, it's about healing. By holding onto that bond, we can find comfort and meaning in our grief, allowing us to heal and grow stronger, even in the face of loss.

This blog aims to provide guidance to those organising funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

We strive to help you create a farewell that truly captures the essence of your loved one.

Ashley Bergh Copyright

15/07/2026

When it comes to funerals, every choice matters. Whether it’s selecting a coffin, casket, flowers, urns, or the numerous other things that can be used at funerals, families put their trust in us to guide them gently and honestly. That’s why we believe it’s not just about what something costs, it’s about what it means.

We know times are tough. Prices are rising, and everyone is looking for ways to stretch the budget. Online shops like Temu, Amazon, offer low-cost funeral items that, at first glance, seem like a great option. And yes, even we’ve been tempted by those deals. But when you look a little closer, those low prices often come with hidden costs and we’re not just talking about dollars we are referring to supporting families.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap
A coffin isn’t just a box. It’s a final resting place. An urn isn’t just a container. It holds someone’s whole story. These items are part of how we say goodbye, how we honour someone we love. And that means they deserve to come from trusted, respectful hands.
Some mass-produced funeral items are copied from original designs or made without proper attention to craftsmanship. In those cases, the price is low, but the impact can be high — hurting small businesses, disrespecting creators, and sometimes, disappointing grieving families who thought they were getting something special.

Doing Better for Families and for the People Behind the Products
We’ve been offering funeral services and funeral products, (Coffins, Caskets, Flowers and urns, etc) since 1998 when we first started, we’ve been careful about who we work with. We look at where things are made, how they’re made, and whether the designs are protected and original. It’s about fairness to our suppliers, to their communities, and most of all, to you the families we serve
Many of the products we use and recommend are created by small teams of skilled artisans. When you support these products, you’re not just buying an item — you’re supporting jobs and families, ethical manufacturing, and respectful design. It’s a chain of care that starts with the maker and ends with the family, and we believe that matters.

Offering Choices That Feel Right
We know that every family is different. Some people want ethically sourced products. Others are focused on affordability. Some just want something that looks beautiful. While still others want the cheapest possible. All of those are valid needs. Our job is to offer choices that are clear, honest, and thoughtful so families can pick what feels right for them.

Just because something is made in the same place doesn’t mean it’s made with the same care. And just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s the best value — especially when you’re saying goodbye to someone you love.

In Summary: It's About Trust, Not Just Price
At the end of the day, we’re here to support families not just the families who have lost a loved one but also the families who make and supply he products we offer. That means doing the homework, asking the hard questions, and standing behind everything we provide.

So next time we are helping a family choose a coffin, casket, flowers urns, or keepsakes etc. We also keep in mind the communities behind the scene that we are helping to live.

This blog aims to provide guidance to those organising funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

We strive to help you create a farewell that truly captures the essence of your loved one.

Ashley Bergh Copyright

14/07/2026

When it comes to saying goodbye in an eco-friendly way, cremation is becoming a go-to option. More and more people are choosing it because it’s lighter on the planet compared to traditional burials. If you’re looking into cremation services in Brisbane and want to honour someone while keeping it green, you’re on the right track with Polynesian Funerals.

Cremation = Less Land Use (AKA No Huge Burial Plots)
One of the coolest things about cremation? It doesn’t take up a ton of land. Traditional burials need big plots, which can eat away at natural landscapes over time. Cemeteries, while peaceful, can have a lasting impact on the environment. But with cremation, you’re saving space and protecting the earth—perfect for anyone who wants to go out in an eco-conscious way.

Save Resources, Save the Planet
Think about all the stuff that goes into a traditional burial: wood, metal, concrete—it adds up. And all that material takes loads of energy to make, which isn’t great for the environment. Cremation skips that whole process. Minimum coffin if required, no big grave plot, no headstone means less demand on natural resources, making it a much greener option for your final send-off.

Groundwater and Soil Are Safe Too
Here’s another bonus: traditional burials sometimes mess with the ground and water. Embalming fluids when they are used and other chemicals can seep into the earth over time, which isn’t exactly eco-friendly. Cremation avoids that problem. No chemicals, no contamination from a decomposing body, just a clean process that respects Mother Earth.

Modern Cremation = Energy-Efficient
Sure, cremation uses some energy, but tech has come a long way. Nowadays, crematoriums are using energy-efficient equipment that helps keep emissions down. And if you’re looking to go even greener, some places offer “green cremation” options that use renewable energy or special low-emission systems. So, if you’re in Brisbane or southeast Queensland you can definitely find a place that fits your eco-friendly vibe.

Nature-Loving Memorials
Cremation opens the door for some awesome, earth-friendly memorial ideas. Instead of a traditional headstone, why not plant a tree in their memory or create a beautiful garden tribute? It’s a great way to honour someone while giving back to the planet. Plus, it aligns perfectly with the growing trend of eco-conscious living—even in death.

Making a Sustainable Final Choice
Choosing cremation is a small but powerful way to reduce the environmental footprint of end-of-life decisions. It's a thoughtful way to make sure your last act on Earth aligns with your eco-friendly values. Plus, funeral homes are now offering more sustainable options than ever, so you can plan a farewell that’s not just meaningful but also kind to the planet.
Want to know more? Academy Funerals or Polynesian Funerals can help you plan an eco-friendly cremation that fits your vision. Reach out today and take the first step toward a greener goodbye!

This blog aims to provide guidance to those organising funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

We strive to help you create a farewell that truly captures the essence of your loved one.

Ashley Bergh Copyright

*Photo Pixabay

13/07/2026

Funeral traditions are different all around the world, shaped by culture, history, and local customs. Australia is no different. While our funerals are a bit like those in North America, we also have our own unique ways of doing things.

If you’re from overseas or attending a funeral here in Australia, this guide will help you understand what to expect, what’s normal, and how to be respectful.

How Funerals Work in Australia
In Australia, funerals are usually shaped by a person’s religion, culture, and personal wishes. If you’ve ever been to a funeral in the USA or Canada, you’ll find ours pretty similar, with a few Aussie differences.

Typical Order of Service
Every family can personalise things, but most Australian funerals follow a structure like this:

1. Prelude / Arrival – Guests arrive, soft music plays, and people take their seats. Sometimes a favourite song of the person who passed away is played.
2. Welcome – A civil celebrant or religious leader greets everyone.
3. Readings – These can be prayers, poems, stories, or meaningful words about the person who has died.
4. Eulogies – Family and friends share memories, stories, and tributes.
5. Photo or video tribute – A slideshow with music, put together by the family.
6. Closing words – A final prayer, song, or message before the service ends.
7. Graveside service (optional) – Some families continue the ceremony at the cemetery and stay to see the coffin lowered.
8. Repast / Gathering – Afterwards, most families host a small gathering with food. It’s a chance to talk, support each other, and share memories.

Different Religions in Australia
Australia is very multicultural, which means funeral customs can vary. Here’s a quick snapshot of the most common belief systems:
• Christianity
• Agnostic / atheist
• Buddhism
• Hinduism
• Judaism
• Islam

Most modern funerals, regardless of religion, still follow the general order of service above, but with personal touches.

Aboriginal Funeral Traditions
Australia’s First Nations peoples have very old and very rich cultural traditions around death and mourning. These are often quite different from Western customs.

Key traditions include:
• Smoking ceremony – Burning native leaves in the home, around the grave or other place to cleanse the area and help guide the spirit onward.
• Burial is most common, though cremation does happen in some communities.
• Sky burials in some regions – The body is placed on a raised platform to return naturally to the earth.
• Name avoidance – In many Aboriginal cultures, speaking the person’s name or showing images of them is avoided, as it can disturb their spirit.

These traditions vary between communities, but they all share deep respect for the person who has passed.

Burial, Cremation, and Green Options
In Australia, around 70% of people choose cremation, while 30% prefer burial. Both are normal and accepted.

Cremation is usually cheaper and easier to organise, which is why it’s more common.

More Aussies are also choosing green burials, where:
• The body is placed in a natural shroud or biodegradable coffin
• No chemicals are used
• The aim is to return the body to nature as simply as possible

Some funeral homes, including Academy Funerals, now offer this option.

How Australians Remember Loved Ones
Most families mark anniversaries or hold memorials later on, especially if they want a quiet time to reflect.

In Aboriginal cultures, mourning can last for days or weeks, and substitute names may be used instead of the person’s real name during this period.

Australian Funeral Etiquette
If you're attending a funeral in Australia, here’s what’s expected:

Mood
Funerals are usually quiet, respectful, and calm. Big emotional outbursts aren’t common, though it’s okay to cry. Nevertheless, if you do show a big emotional outburst you will notice that most of those attending will not be impressed and think that you are wanting to take the lime light for yourself.
Some funerals are “celebrations of life,” which can be more upbeat and relaxed.

What to Wear
Traditionally, Aussies wear black or dark clothing, especially older generations. But more modern funerals sometimes ask guests to wear bright colours or something meaningful. If you’re unsure, dress neatly and simply—something you’d wear to a formal event or a church service.

Condolences and Gifts
You don’t have to bring anything, but it’s thoughtful to send:
• Flowers
• A meal or baked goods
• A small donation to a charity
• A nice card or photo
The important thing is showing support.

Final Thoughts
Australian funerals mix traditional Western customs with the diverse cultures found across the country. Aboriginal communities have their own sacred ways of honouring the dead, while most modern funerals follow a familiar structure with personal touches.

If you’re attending a funeral here—whether in Australia or overseas for an Australian—this guide gives you a good idea of what the experience will be like. Above all, showing respect and kindness is what matters most.

This blog aims to provide guidance to those organising funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

We strive to help you create a farewell that truly captures the essence of your loved one.

Ashley Bergh Copyright

10/07/2026

With longer lives and advances in medical science, it is quite common for a loved one with a terminal diagnosis to live for an extended period of time. That means that a terminal illness death is more of a process than an occurrence. The process can encompass the entire family, including the person with the illness. In fact, grief may actually begin well before the actual death.

When the time actually comes, the feeling of helplessness that comes with being a caregiver may be replaced with one of guilt since there may also be a feeling a relief. At the same time, caregivers and families may feel empty with the daily challenges of caring for their loved ones. Remember, the person you are trying to help has been through a long and difficult process. This grief is complicated and the loved ones experiencing it need support and understanding.

Terminal Illness Death: What NOT to do…

• Don’t stay away: Be available, loving, and non-judgemental. If the person who is grieving was the primary caregiver, he or she may be feeling particularly lost since their sense of purpose and structure is gone. You can help by spending time with them and providing a listening ear.
• Don’t avoid talking about the deceased: Refer to the deceased by name, acknowledge their life, and encourage the grieving person to talk about their loved one.
• Don’t bring up other people’s losses: Let friends and family focus on their loss.
• Don’t say…
o “I know just how you feel.”
o “Stay busy to take your mind off things.”
o “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
o “At least he/she is no longer suffering.”

Terminal Illness Death: What to do…

• Encourage the person to talk about the deceased: The person may want to share stories about their loved one, talk about the circumstances surrounding the death, and their plans for the future. Don’t press for details unless the person wants to discuss it but be there to listen.
• Encourage the family to plan a memorial: If you are an appropriate person to do so, encourage the loved ones to plan a wake, funeral, or burial. By all means, assist with the arrangements if you are in a position to do so. BUT don’t force your ideas and opinions.
• Help make arrangements or do jobs: Offering assistance is good but is often declined. Instead, proactively take care of a chore such as lawn care, cooking, cleaning, or transportation. Offer assistance cleaning out nursing home accommodation and or looking after children or pets.
• Keep in touch: Many times, friends will disperse after the service and the bereaved may find themselves alone. Family, especially caregivers, will need to replace the emptiness with new activities. Be there for them when they are ready.
• Send flowers with a note or offer a donation to an appropriate charity or research organisation: Thoughtful acknowledgments are almost always appreciated. Below are samples of the types of sentiments you can include.

o “He/She was such a fine person.”
o “What you’re going through must be very difficult.”
o “I’m saddened by your loss. We care and love you deeply.”

• Find out about support groups: If you are in a position to do so, ask a support group leader to call the grieving partner or parents to talk or pass along the contact information to the family.

The most important thing you can do to help a friend or loved one who is grieving the death of a someone who had a terminal illness is to be patient, available and understanding. Let them know that you are thinking of them and that you are there for them. If they call, answer, if they need time alone, respect that. And most important of all. LISTEN don’t offer opinions.

Information supplied by “Funeralwise”

This blog has been written or reproduced to assist those people who hold Funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

09/07/2026

When someone passes away, it's important to have the opportunity to bid them farewell, remember their life, and find meaning in their passing. Traditionally, we've turned to funerals for this purpose throughout history. These ceremonies play a crucial role in helping us cope with grief.

Over time, while the need to mourn remains the same, the way we approach these ceremonies has evolved. For instance, cremation has become more common, leading to the rise of memorial services as an alternative to traditional funerals. The key distinction is that during a funeral, the body may or may not be present. Memorial services offer flexibility for our mobile society, as they are not bound to a specific time or place like a church.

However, some people find traditional funeral rituals to be too impersonal, which has led to the emergence of "The Celebration of Life."

What Is a Celebration of Life?

A Celebration of Life is a ceremony that can be held along the lines of a traditional funeral or memorial service, or it can occasionally stand on its own as a separate event. What sets it apart is its personal and uplifting nature. Unlike sombre funerals, Celebrations of Life are filled with laughter and storytelling. The focus isn't on the person's death but on the joy, they brought to others.

How to Plan a Celebration of Life

1. Choose the Type of Service.
Decide if it will be a memorial with the person present, a memorial service with cremated remains, or a standalone celebration and determine the tone you want to set.

2. Set a Budget.
Understand your financial constraints to make informed decisions about details such as food and venue.

3. Estimate Attendees.
Get a rough idea of how many people might attend to select an appropriate venue and refreshments. (The correct calculation for this if it being handled correctly will between 5 and 500 people. This is because if the service is handled correctly people that you may not know will come along, the service and the opportunity to pay their respects is just as important for them as it is for you.)

4. Select Location, Date, and Time.
Pick a meaningful location – it doesn't have to be a funeral venue. Consider unconventional options related to the person being honoured. Parks, beaches, resturants, hotels, racetracks or even the back yard.

5. Consider a Celebrant.
If planning feels overwhelming, a Celebrant can help tailor the service to your cultural and spiritual needs. They will also keep things on track which will make everything more meaningful.

6. Choose Speakers.
Decide who will speak or share anecdotes. Offer guidance on the kind of stories you'd like to hear. Remind them that rambling on and on is not acceptable, neither is talking about themselves.

7. Plan Activities.
Personalise the ceremony with activities that reflect the person's interests or passions, like a dove release, a personal note writing to be bound in a book for the family to keep.

8. Select Refreshments.
Based on your budget and venue, decide on the type of refreshments you'd like to offer, though they're not obligatory. Remember that emotions alcohol and relatives frequently don’t mix.

9. Personalise the Event.
Explore ways to make the event uniquely personal, such as tribute movies, music, and displays related to the person's life. Props like fishing gear, golf clubs, tools etc.

10. Set Order of Events.
Structure the ceremony as you see fit, considering readings, music, group activities, and a reception. A trained professional celebrant will assist with this.

11. Decorate the Venue.
Decide if decorations are necessary, depending on the venue. Outdoor locations may not require them.

12. Spread the Word.
If the Celebration of Life is part of a traditional service, include it in the free memorial page offered by Academy Funerals and use social media. You can also personally invite people or ask others to inform those who may want to attend.

13. Live streaming.
Now days most services are live streamed for those who want to be there but for many and varied reasons can’t. IE overseas Interstate or sick. The live stream will allow them to take part and assist with their grief. Remember your loved one knew many more people that you don’t know even existed. Don’t shut them out from a celebration inadvertently.

Remember, Celebrations of Life don't have to follow rigid rules or be held in specific places. They can be as unique as the person you're honouring. Take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to seek help. In no time, you'll create a memorable event to celebrate an extraordinary life.

This blog has been written or reproduced to assist those people who hold Funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Ashley Bergh Copyright 2023

08/07/2026

From actor Bela Lugosi being buried in his Dracula cape to being buried with your bike or car, funerals can be unique to your needs.

You might wonder how to plan a funeral service. While it might seem overwhelming, there’s hope.

This article will go over how to plan the perfect funeral service. Read on to explore these tips, and have the right funeral service to remember your loved one.

1. Making Arrangements
First, you’ll need to decide between cremation and burial. Most Australians are now choosing cremation over burial, since it’s more cost-effective and the effect on the environment is not as long lasting. After deciding this, you’ll want to choose a funeral provider for the service. Smaller family-owned companies are the best bet as there are no shareholders needing dividend payouts. Nevertheless, you will need to do your research as many of the large public listed companies masquerade as being family owned. To find the best funeral services, take a look at the location, how comfortable you are with the funeral provider, and the options available. (Keep away from packages as they can be very restricting)

2. Budgeting
Who will be paying for the funeral, and are there any funeral instructions in the will? Does your loved one have savings that they want to go toward the funeral? Keep your budget in mind as you’re planning the funeral.

3. Reach Out To Others
Speak to close friends and family of your loved one to determine flowers for funeral services, order of the service, etc. They might have an idea of what your loved one may like to have at their funeral service. Consider assigning tasks to others to help you plan the day. Polynesian Funerals can arrange everything for you or if you prefer to assist you to organise the event yourself.

4. You will need to complete all necessary documents
• Documentation to register the death and apply for the death certificate.
• Cremation permit
• Grave application

5. Write an Obituary
Next, if you want to place a death notice in the local newspaper. Before printing, investigate the price of using this. Newspaper notices can be very expensive.
Online Notices: Polynesian Funerals can advertise your funeral service at no charge on their website. This is also an excellent place to make people aware of the live streaming details. Otherwise family members will be constantly be supplying the livestream details to individual family and friends.

6. The Type of Funeral Service
When planning a funeral, you’ll also need to decide whether it’s a cremation and scattering of ashes, religious funeral, civil funeral, or green funeral. This will also decide where the funeral service will be held.

Planning a Funeral Service

Now that you’ve explored how to plan a funeral service, you should have a better idea of what to expect. Are you ready to plan or arrange a funeral service albeit a cremation, burial or maybe even a repatriation to another state or country?

If so, call Polynesian Funerals on 07 3261 8222 for assistance.
This blog has been written or reproduced to assist those people who hold Funerals in Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

*Photo Pixabay

Polynesian Funerals

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