Frequently asked questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
CONCERNING CREMATION

What temperatures do the cremators reach?
Maximum 1200° Celsius

How many cremators are at Macquarie Park?
There are two in operation with provision to install one more at a future date

How do cremators operate?
Natural gas

What happens if there is a power failure?
We have a fail-safe on-site automatic generator to provide temporary power

What happens to medical apparatus e.g. pacemakers etc?
Removed by the medical practitioner prior to cremation

How long does it take to cremate a body?
On average 1.5 hours

Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?
Only in the final stages of cremation

Is a coffin required?
Yes

Are there any special cremation coffins?
No

Can I watch the insertion?
There is a room from which families can view insertion only

How soon after death can a cremation take place?
A cremation can take place once the appropriate paperwork has been completed

Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No – However if a body is embalmed the cremation process will take longer

Can I bring my own urn?
Yes

Can the family be assured they get the correct ashes?
Yes! Each coffin is identified on arrival and the identity label is placed on the outside of the cremator as soon as the coffin is placed into it. This label stays there until the remains are removed and it is then transferred to the cooling tray, which then goes to the preparation room. All cremations are done individually, and the remains are removed and identified before the next cremation takes place.

How are the remains processed?
Metals are extracted and the remains are processed after which they are sealed in an urn. The deceased name, cremation number, date of cremation and funeral director are placed on the ash container and then they are put in the fireproof room.

What do the remains consist of?
The remains are now bone ash in a state, which permits them to be scattered if desired

Where are the remains held after cremation?
In a safe locked fire-proof room on site

How long does Macquarie Park hold the remains?
After cremation, families are encouraged to choose one of the many memorial options within the park. After 12 months a registered letter will be forwarded to the families advising that if they do not memorialise or collect ashes, they will be scattered in a non-specific area of our grounds.

What type of container is given to families?
A plastic cylindrical urn

When are the Chapels available for services?
Six days a week Mon-Sat

What happens to the flowers after a service is complete?
We encourage the funeral directors to give the flowers to the family if not, they are disposed of.

When might a Coroner get involved?
If the deceased has not seen a doctor 3 months prior to their death or if for any reason a GP is not willing to sign a medical certificate stating cause of death.

Can I have the service before or after the cremation?
Either is permissible

Can I scatter the remains on private property/harbour/rivers?
You can scatter on private property. You are not permitted to scatter on public property or waterways without permission from the relevant authorities

What is a columbarium?
A memorial structure to house cremated remains

Why is it important to have a memorial to visit?
A memorial links the past, present and future, whist celebrating a person’s life

If I am cremated, can the ashes be buried with my spouse?
Cremated remains can go into a coffin before it is placed in the ground. After a coffin has been interred, your ashes can be placed in the ground beside the coffin.

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 instructions when you die. These instructions are not binding in law, unless written in your will, so you should ensure that the person you instruct is someone who will carry out your wishes. The final decision rests with your executors.

If I wanted to know more about cremation, and perhaps inspect a crematorium how should I go about it?
Contact MPCC and discuss the matter with our family consultants who will answer your queries. If you wish, an inspection can be arranged when we have one of our scheduled open days.

How many people use cremation today in Australia?
There are approximately 100,000 deaths each year in Australia and over 55,000 cremations take place

Must there be any religious ceremony with cremation?
No. A civil ceremony may be conducted or there may be none at all. On occasions a memorial service is conducted away from the crematorium.

How is cremation arranged?
Due to the finality process, specific documentation is required under the Cremation Act 2002. It is best to approach a funeral director immediately after death occurs. Discuss with the funeral directors how soon you wish the cremation to take place, whom you wish to officiate at the service and the form of service. They will then do all that is needed to procure the necessary documents to be completed for the cremation.

Do I have to sign anything at this stage?
Yes, if you are the executor or the next of kin or authorised by either to do so you will be asked to complete an application and the cremation authority forms.

What can happen to cremated remains
Many families request a Memorial in the crematorium grounds and a variety are available for selection, our consultants are available to discuss alternative arrangements.

What types of memorials are available ?
There are many options available please make an appointment with one of our family consultants or visit our website www.maccem.com.au

What happens to the coffin after the service?
It is withdrawn into a committal room where the nameplate of the coffin is checked with the cremation order to ensure correct identity. The coffin is then identified with a label giving all the relevant information. This identification then stays with the coffin until the final disposal of cremated remains.

Does the cremation take place immediately, or are the coffins stored up until a number are ready to be cremated?
The cremation will follow as soon as possible after the service.

What happens to handles and other fittings?
The coffin with its handles and fittings are placed in the cremation chamber intact.

What about precious and other metals?
The temperature at which a modern cremator operates (between 800 and 1000°C) is such that metals are fused together with other materials so that they are not recognisable and have no salvage value. Any metallic material resulting from a cremation is disposed of in accordance with the instruction of the cremation authority by burial within the crematorium grounds.

What do you recommend to people about leaving items of jewellery on a body?
The best advice is that they should be removed after death. Once the coffin has entered the crematorium grounds the coffin cannot be opened.

Is more than one coffin cremated at a time in a cremator?
No. The only exceptions permitted to this rule are in the case of a mother and baby or twin children when we will accept both in the same coffin if the next of kin request that the two be cremated together.

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