• A maximum of 10 mourners may attend a funeral. This does not include Nelson Bros staff, the officiant (e.g. minister or celebrant) or others required to carry out the funeral, such as a videographer. All those present must follow the government’s social distancing requirements of 1 person per 4 sq m.
• The Victorian Department of Health & Human Services states the following: "From 26 March 2020, indoor and outdoor funerals can be attended by a maximum of no more than ten mourners. The maximum number of attendees excludes persons necessary for the conduct of the funeral such as funeral directors. There must be a density of no more than one person per four square metres of floor space."
• Some non-Nelson Bros venues have tighter restrictions. For example, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne stipulates that the 10 people attending the funeral at a Catholic Church includes funeral staff and the priest.
• We have changed our practices and reduced the number of our staff at the funeral to enable more family members to attend.
• At a burial, Nelson Bros will lower the casket into the grave prior to the family arriving, so that more family members may attend the burial service.
• We require all funerals to be by invitation only and not advertised, so that you can control the numbers of those attending, and can communicate to them.
• For the health & safety of all, we ask that you communicate with those planning to attend the funeral who are unwell or at high risk to COVID-19 that they should not attend. This includes those who have had close contact with a confirmed case or have recently travelled internationally. 
• These government regulations are enforceable by fines to individuals as well as to corporations. We are unable to allow a funeral service to commence where there are more than 10 mourners in attendance or waiting outside the venue. Please support us on in communicating this strongly with those who may attend the service.

• During this period of social distancing, we are providing a range of ways families can meet with us to arrange a funeral.
• At our funeral home, we are able to meet with a maximum of one family member in person for the funeral arrangement.
• Via Video Conference, we can have any number of family members join us separately via video. We use Microsoft Teams for our Video Arrangement Meetings. 
• We can also arrange the funeral with you over the phone.
• To assist you with the funeral arrangements, you can use our Online Planning Tool to provide us with the personal data in advance. This can be done here.
• This website provides a large range of information to help plan your funeral. We encourage you to spend time looking through it to understand our range of products and services, and for new ideas.

• Refreshments at our funeral homes are unavailable at this time.

• We have reduced our Service Fees during the period of the government restrictions to reflect the range of services we are able to offer at this time. 

Ceremony

• Funeral ceremonies exist across all cultures because of their power to help families with their grief. A ceremony, whether small, intimate and private, or following your religious or cultural traditions, is an important step following the death of someone close to you. Having a service that is meaningful will provide a respectful goodbye can still take place during the current restrictions, with eulogies, music, and other forms of remembrance.

• The funeral ceremony:

  • Helps us acknowledge that someone we love has died.
  • Fosters our memories of the person who died and encourages us to share those memories with others.
  • Offers a time and place for us to talk about the life and death of the person who died.
  • Provides a social support system for us and other friends and family members.
  • Allows us to search for the meaning of life and death.
  • Offers continuity and hope for the living.

Viewing

• Unfortunately, the pandemic is wreaking havoc with how families deal with a family member dying. Many can’t visit those who are dying (of COVID-10 or any cause) in the hospital, and distant family members can’t travel to be near. It’s much harder to acknowledge the reality of the death when you never see the person who died. Now, more than ever, Nelson Bros provides all families with the opportunity to spend your own private time at one of our funeral homes with the one you have lost.

Tribute Wall

• All Nelson Bros funerals have their own personal online tribute page. They are particularly helpful for posting tribute videos, photos, obituary, poems and other elements that would be typically be done at the funeral. It also enables those who cannot attend to share their support at this time.

• Funerals held at Nelson Bros chapels will all be filmed and available to watch online anywhere in the world by the next business day at no additional fee. Live streaming is also available, as is filming of any funeral at any location. A link to the webcast is posted on the Tribute Wall.
• For more information about webcasting, click here

• It’s important for families to acknowledge your loss as opposed to moving on to avoid painful emotions. Think of this display as a substitute for a memory table at a funeral. The process of gathering items and photos can be a positive way to bring a much-needed sense of healing.

• Many industries are being challenged in the current environment, none more so than florists. We hope you can support them. Our partners at Flowers Vasette have introduced extra products and services, all with direct home delivery. These include their full floral range, but also indoor plants, their own beautiful range of scented candles, and care packages including fresh fruit and other produce. Think about extended family and friends impacted by the loss who could benefit from this. Click here to purchase directly. 

• Nelson Bros is working closely with our valued staff and others involved at our funerals, including celebrants, churches and cemeteries. We are focused on ensuring their safety as well as yours.