For families wishing to have donations to charities rather than floral tributes, here are links to some of the more popular organisations.

If you're undecided as to which charity to support, you may use the Give Well website to find a local organisation that is involved in projects close to your heart. http://www.givewell.com.au

Hunter Region Organisations

Make Today Count Inc
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)
Hunter SIDS and KIDS

State and Federal Organisations

Cancer Council
Heart Foundation
Breast Cancer Foundation
Alzheimers Foundation
Prostate Cancer Foundation
McGrath Foundation
Leukaemia Foundation
Diabetes Australia
Asthma Foundation
Vision Australia
Guide Dogs Australia
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
Beyond Blue
Australian Red Cross
Starlight Foundation
World Vision Australia
Bible Society NSW 

Our aim is to assist at this very difficult time in providing the funds for the Funeral Service you wish for your loved one.

An Interest Waiver - If the amount financed is greater than $4,000.00 and is repaid within the first six (6) months of the contract, interest charges are reversed. That is, no interest is incurred. (Maximum Waiver period 6 months). However in the event that you do not pay the loan in full in the first 6 months the loan facility will continue at the normal interest rate YOU WILL NOT INCUR ANY PENALTIES and again you will only pay interest for the time you have the loan. We understand the sensitivities during the funeral process. To further ease the burden during this difficult time a 90 day bereavement period also forms part of the Finance Solution to allow time for financial and emotional recovery before payments commence. Do not mistake this with Interest Free product, this is a genuine offer.

What is covered by this Solution?

• All Funeral costs including any shortfall on Pre Paid Funeral Plans
• Any extra cost that may exceed your current budget 
• Applications can be accepted from more than one family member to cover their individual contribution 

Amount

• $1,000 to $14,500 unsecured.
• $14,500 to $29,400 secured. 

The Finance Solution

This is a Line of Credit which operates like a credit card.

Term

There is no fixed term. The loan can be repaid as quickly as you chose without the penalties that would apply to a fixed term Personal Loan.

Some important features

You will only be charged interest for the time it takes for you to finalise this loan with no penalty fees. You can choose to clear the debt when probate is granted to reduce interest charges or if paid in the first 6 months have all the interest waived, or continue your monthly repayments until the debt is cleared.

Flexible Re-Payment Options

Minimum monthly repayments are 3.1% of the total amount financed. However you can chose at any time to pay more while still having the ability to revert to the minimum monthly repayment (this repayment can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly).

We are aware that this is a difficult time for you and your family and we will endeavour to ensure this process is as seamless as possible.

Who do I contact for Application or General Enquiries?

Phone: 02 9799 8926
Fax: 02 9968 1720

Sam Vatsaklis

• Mobile: 0410 598 154
• Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ray O’Donnell

• Mobile: 0402 010 129
• Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Interest and Fees

Interest Rate is calculated at 19.85%.
A one-off administration fee of $437 - $514 is included in the overall cost. No upfront payment is required.

For example for a Funeral costing $6,000 plus $437 Admin Fee, the minimum weekly payment would be approximately $50.27. All fees are included in your regular repayments so you will have no upfront costs.

Please note fees are subject to review and may change at any time.

How to complete the Loan Application

1. Simply fill out the one page Application Form. Click here to download.
2. Ensure all information is accurately supplied and legible and sign the Privacy Form. 
3. Two forms of identification for all applicants is required, photo copies front and back of your driver’s licence plus a copy of your credit card, Medicare card or other identification as specified to complete 100 point check. This should be supplied when faxing the application as to facilitate faster approval and settlement of your application. 
4. Three years employment details and residential status is required. If your current status does not comply with this simply list your previous details on a separate paper and fax with the application. 

Completed applications can be lodged at this Funeral Home or faxed directly to the number shown above. We will have a decision for you within 4 hours of lodgement. However If further information is required to process your application it may be necessary to contact you during this period.

Evergreen Finance has a legal obligation to approve credit in a responsible and conscientious manner. When applicants are unable to demonstrate that they can afford the repayments, it would not be in the best interest of either the Applicants or Evergreen Finance to approve the finance.

Where do I send Applications?

Applications should be faxed to CFA Finance on the numbers below or sent by Email:

Fax: 02 9968 1720
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Completed loan documents should be sent by overnight courier to:

Evergreen Finance Company Pty Ltd
PO Box 6155
North Sydney NSW 2060

Rates are current as October 1, 2011

Writing a eulogy is something that is always done under time and emotional pressures. The word "eulogy" means a "good word" and that is what you want to write about. It needs to be honest and recognisable to people who knew the deceased person whilst the deceased was alive. Keep your language simple and honest. The eulogy needs to flow like a good personal story. Bring in some of the stories others tell about the deceased.

Simple Guide to Writing a Eulogy

• Briefly describe the highlights & achievements of his or her life
• Write three nouns you would use to describe him or her. For example "William Wright lived his life full of fun, compassion & community service"
• Provide stories that typified these three elements of his or her life
• Report on his or her favourite phrases or sayings
• Talk about one cause or a movement that he or she felt strongly about & supported
• Recount what made him or her laugh or cry
• Name one value or lesson he or she wanted to teach the next generation & why he or she will be missed

To help families of the deceased to understand what happens to the body of the deceased person whilst in our care we provide you with a brief overview. The deceased is lifted from his or her place of death, placed on a stretcher and covered with a clean cloth. He or she is wheeled or carried to a custom built vehicle and transferred into our care at one of our mortuaries.

The person will be placed in a cool room until preparation is commenced. After preparation is completed a viewing can be arranged (if required) to pay your final respects, and the funeral service can proceed.

France Family Funerals staff are trained to ensure that the deceased person obtains the highest levels of respect at all times. Qualified staff wash and groom the deceased, disinfect and preserving fluids may be used to preserve the body and prevent the spread of infection. Sometimes embalming may be involved if the body is to be interred above ground (in a crypt or vault). If the body is to be cremated, surgical implants such as pacemakers and radioactive implants have to be removed. Your religious norms or personal preferences are strictly followed in all aspects in preparing the deceased.

Trained staff undertake the preparation procedure which varies in time depending upon your religious and personal preferences. To ensure that the viewing experience meets your expectations it is prudent to allow enough for the preparation process to be completed. Procedures are the same for babies and young children.

During the funeral arrangements you have the option of choosing the type of coffin or casket that meets your preferences and budgetary requirements. Sometimes the person may list their preferences prior to their death (e.g. Pre-Arranged Funerals).

The deceased needs to be transported from the place of death to a mortuary, then to the place of the funeral service, and to the cemetery or crematorium. The vehicle has to meet certain health and safety requirements, and a hearse is usually required. The deceased is usually taken from the mortuary to the cemetery or crematorium at a time that suits the family and the cemetery or crematorium. Although many families may choose not to attend at the cemetery or crematorium if the funeral service has been completed elsewhere (e.g. chapel or church).