COVID-19 restrictions are taking an emotional toll on grieving families but funeral directors in the Illawarra have introduced many measures to help soften the blow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
During the last two months Warwick Hansen, of Hansen and Cole Funerals in Wollongong, Kembla Grange and Bulli, has seen a number of initiatives help families.
Every step has been taken to ensure funerals remain personal and meaningful during a time which has been made even more difficult by restrictions which limit funerals to 10 mourners plus funeral associated staff.
From Friday up to 20 people will be able to attend indoor funerals and up to 30 at outdoor funerals.
But many of the measures taken in recent weeks are expected to remain.
Mr Hansen said live-streaming of funeral services remained popular because it enabled relatives and friends to watch a funeral in real time.
"We have only been able to have up to 10 mourners in the chapels, but we've had hundreds of people watching a service while it happens," Mr Hansen said.
"People have tuned into our funeral services from other countries, and family members who would have otherwise been unable to attend due to medical reasons have been able to get there virtually.
"From a grief perspective, in my personal opinion, watching a livestream won't replace being there, but it certainly allows them to be there real time".
Mr Hansen said other options being provided by funeral directors in the Illawarra were also being taken up.
Among those was recording funeral services for family members to distribute to other families members, relatives and friends.
He said conference calling was also allowing any number of family members to be involved in the planning of a funeral.
And staff at funeral homes in the Illawarra have been offering to place flowers or balloons on seats in the chapel, as a physical representation of those who would love to be there, but cannot due to restrictions.
Read more: NSW set to relax COVID-19 restrictions
Mr Hansen said some families have opted for an immediate cremation and to hold a memorial service later, when coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
"If we have a burial at a cemetery, we can have two ceremonies, where part of the family does the coffin bearing, and the other part does the lowering. Families have loved that".
Mr Hansen said some families in the Illawarra have successfully obtained exemptions to the 10-person limit.
He said Hansen & Cole Funerals was happy to help others to pursue that avenue.
"Families can apply to the New South Wales Department of Health for an exemption, it's an avenue available to larger families," he said.
"We might be able to have more than the 10 mourners, while still adhering to social distancing rules in the chapel.
"The Government has been very good at trying to meet needs of families".
Read more:
- Spring Into Corrimal still uncertain but art brings plenty of colour to Corrimal
- The Greater Bank helps sick girl live best possible life
- Wollongong expats help feed the hungry in Bali after COVID-19 decimates tourism industry
- Schools can get hand sanitiser at a low price from Flagstaff and Manildra and help provide work for people with a disability
- Silos starts journey on the new super charged PrInces Hwy destined for a more sustainable new world after COVID-19
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
