About cremation

Cremation services

We have created a list of frequently asked questions & answers on the cremation process that many people want to ask but don’t know who to talk to .

How is cremation arranged?

The best approach is to contact your local funeral director immediately when death occurs. Discuss when and where you wish the cremation to take place, whom you wish to officiate at the service, and the form of the service. The funeral director will do all that is needed to procure the necessary documentation to be completed for the cremation. It is suggested that the service be arranged at few days ahead to allow relatives and friends time to make arrangements to attend. While other non-cemetery cremations are available elsewhere, we recommend Enfield Memorial Park cremations as your first choice. This ensures that your loved one receives the dignity, respect and care that only a cemetery can provide.

What is the procedure at the crematorium on the day of the funeral?

The coffin is usually brought into the chapel and placed on to the catafalque before the mourners enter for the service. At the appropriate time, during the service, floral tributes can be placed on to the coffin and the coffin is either removed from view, by being lowered or by the closure of curtains. At the conclusion of the service, mourners are invited through to the lounge for refreshments.

Are there any documents to sign?

Yes. If you are the spouse, next of kin or executor, or a person authorised by the family, you will be asked to complete an application for cremation and the relevant authority forms. You will be asked to indicate your intention regarding disposal of the cremated remains. If you are undecided, say so, and the remains will be retained until you finalise your wishes.

Does the cremation take place immediately after the service?

The cremation will follow as soon practicable, almost always within 24 hours.

What happens to the coffin after the service, and how is the identity of the cremated remains maintained?

The coffin is withdrawn to the committal room where the name plate is checked with the cremation permit to ensure correct identity. The name plate or identity tag stays with the coffin throughout the cremation process, until the cremated remains are safely stored in a properly labelled container.

Is the coffin cremated with the body?

Yes.

Does cremation interfere with any religious rite?

No. All religious rites and ceremonies are respected. Cremation is equally available to those who follow no religious belief. The chapels are available for use whether it be a civil or religious ceremony.

How many people are cremated in South Australia each year?

There are approximately 11,400 deaths each year in South Australia, and nearly 6,300 of these are cremations. This represents an overall average for South Australia of 55%, however, in Adelaide, where cremation facilities are more readily available, the rate approaches 70%.

Are there religious groups which prohibit cremation for their members?

Yes; the Orthodox Jews, Muslims and some other religions. Most Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, allow cremations. It is the normal method for Sikhs, Hindus, Parsees and Buddhists.

Who has the authority to direct the method of disposal of the cremated remains?

Instructions regarding the disposal of cremated remains will only be accepted from the person who applied for the cremation, in the form of a signed, written instruction. The applicant can make a written transfer of this right to another person, whose written instructions can then be accepted.

How can I ensure that I am cremated when I die?

Clear instructions in writing should be given to the person who will be responsible for your funeral when you die. These instructions, however, are not binding in law unless written in your Will. You should therefore ensure that the person you instruct is someone who will carry out your wishes. Instructions expressed solely in a Will are not always sufficient to ensure cremation, as a funeral may take place before the contents of the Will are known.

Are coffins opened at the crematorium?

No.

Is more than one coffin cremated at one time?

No. the size of the cremation chamber does not permit more than one cremation at a time.

What happens at the end of the cremation?

The remains are removed from the furnace and placed in a cooling container. When cool, any metal objects, such as nails, screws, or artificial joints are removed. The remains are then placed in a processing machine that reduces the remains to the traditional “ashes”.

What happens with the handles and other fittings?

Most fittings are plastic and are cremated with the coffin. Some crematoria remove the fittings because of the effect their chemical composition can have on the control of the cremation process. Any fittings removed are destroyed.

What about gold and other precious metals?

The operating temperatures of cremators are such that the metals are not recognisable, and disappear among the residue.

What can you do with cremated remains?

A range of memorial gardens is available to create a memorial for your loved one in any of our cemeteries or, alternatively, the cremated remains can placed into a family grave or collected for personal disposal or stroage. Cremated remains can be sent interstate or overseas.

What memorials are available?

Memorial options include niche walls, rose gardens, garden borders, under trees and garden furniture. For more details of our cremation memorial options please click on the cemetery of your choice; Enfield Memorial Park, Cheltenham Cemetery, Smithfield Memorial Park or West Terrace Cemetery.

Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator?

Yes. People are permitted to attend if they prefer, however, advance notice is required as special arrangements for timing may need to be made.