At Hansen & Cole Funerals, we want everyone in the community to feel supported when they need it most. We offer a range of multicultural funeral services to give everyone the opportunity to say goodbye in a way that reflects their beliefs, religion and heritage.
We have a diverse team with a wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding. This allows us to care for loved ones from many different cultures, including Chinese, South East Asian, Indian, Pacific Islander, European and many others. The multicultural heritage of our team also means we can often facilitate services in multiple languages or offer translation assistance throughout the planning process.
Having our own beautiful chapels and facilities gives us the flexibility to design our services around our clients' unique religious beliefs and cultural practices. Live-streaming also allows family and friends from across the globe to come together, even when they can't be together in person.
To help our community say goodbye in a place that reflects the wishes and beliefs of their loved one, Hansen & Cole Funerals can also arrange for the deceased to be moved interstate or overseas to be laid to rest. We work closely with a vast network of funeral directors around the globe to ensure a streamlined and stress-free process for everyone involved.
Types of services
Catholic
Our strong connections with local Catholic parishes and clergy mean we can conduct funeral services that reflect the culture and beliefs of Catholic families across Australia.
These relationships allow our team to arrange for a minister to conduct the service, bless the coffin with Holy water and incense, say Mass, attend the rite of committal at the burial site and conduct the Mass of Christian Burial and family vigil respectfully and traditionally.
Following the funeral, the Hansen & Cole Funerals team can help arrange the appropriate gathering for mourners to gather and celebrate the life of the deceased.
Anglican
The Anglican funeral service contains a range of elements, including:
- The welcome and gathering
- One or more eulogies
- Music and hymns
- The psalm
- Bible readings
- Prayers
- The farewell
- The committal
- The blessing
Anglican funeral services can be tailored through the choice of readings, music and hymns, and the eulogy. Many families also like to have a video or photo display and a printed booklet, while some also choose a personalised coffin from LifeArt.
Eastern Orthodox
We understand that Eastern Orthodox funerals must take place as soon as possible after the death. Before the funeral, our team will ensure the body is washed, dressed and placed in an open coffin. A viewing will usually take place at the funeral home, the family home or at a church. If more than one viewing is held, we can arrange for the family's priest to be present and offer a prayer at the first viewing.
We have extensive contacts with Orthodox Churches and clergy so that the Parastasis (Panikhida) can take place. Our funeral directors know that only burials are permitted for people of the Orthodox faith and a clergy member is required at the graveside to read a short memorial service before the body is lowered to the ground.
Arrangements can be made at Hansen & Cole Funeral homes for a Makaria to be held.
Buddhist services
In Buddhism, death is a major religious event as it marks a transition into the next life. Buddhism allows individuals to choose between a cremation or burial, and we offer the resources and support so you can come to a decision that feels right.
Our team has connections with Buddhist temples and groups to ensure the proper prayers and ritualistic offerings are made. These contacts also allow us to put our clients in touch with Buddhist monks that can conduct the service or offer additional support.
Hindu
A funeral service is sacred in Hinduism as it represents the completion of a stage in a life. Although it is a sad occasion, the funeral is seen as a celebration and a time to remember the deceased.
Cremation is often preferred in the Hindu culture, as the burning of a dead body signifies the release of the spirit and the flames represent the creator, Brahma. However, some families prefer to celebrate their loved ones with a burial. In these cases, we can arrange for an open casket and viewings.
Jewish
Jewish funeral services usually take place either the same day or the day after a death, with delays only ever under certain circumstances.
We are well connected with local Rabbis and Synagogues. Our funeral directors also work alongside culturally appropriate local cemeteries where the Kavod Ha-Met can be held and can help organise a Nichum Aveilim event during the period of Shiva.
Muslim
The burial of a Muslim occurs as soon as possible, usually within a day of the death. Cremation is usually forbidden.
The burial occurs after the following rituals:
- The bathing and shrouding of the body
- A viewing
- Salah (prayer)
- The body is laid in the grave so that the head is facing the Qibla (Mecca).
Non-religious
A non-religious funeral service is one that does not follow the funeral service style of any particular faith. It is usually led by a celebrant in a non-religious chapel but can also be held in places of personal significance such as the beach, in a park or at the family home.
The service itself will usually include:
- A welcoming
- Musical tributes
- One or more eulogies
- Readings
- Video or photo presentations
- The farewell
There are many opportunities to personalise a non-religious funeral service. Many families like to have a video or photo display and printed booklets, while some also choose to use a personalised coffin from LifeArt.