Organise a funeral or memorial service
In most cases funeral directors will guide you through the steps of organising a funeral or memorial service. If you would like to arrange a memorial service without a funeral director, you are able to book directly with Shoalhaven Bereavement Services.
There are two facilities available at Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens and Lawn Cemetery in Worrigee for funeral and memorial services, and after service functions. Services are also able to be held outdoors in our active cemeteries beside a reserved plot.
Chapel
The Chapel is located within a peaceful bushland setting. It offers comfortable seating indoors for up to 80 adults and standing room for an additional 20. To accommodate a larger service, outdoor seating for approximately 100 people, covered pergolas and standing room in the open are also available. This additional space includes audio visual facilities and visibility to the Chapel. Live streaming of the service is available on request, for those unable to attend.
Concierge services are provided on the day to assist funeral directors, event organisers and attendees. First aid trained staff are also available whenever a service is held in the Chapel.
Bookings are for periods of 60, 90 and 120 minutes. Longer bookings can be arranged if required. The booking time includes the arrival and departure at the facility. For example, a 60 minute service could be managed as follows:
- 10 mins - Greet and enter Chapel
- 40 mins - Service
- 10 mins - Exit Chapel and farewell attendees
Please let Bereavement Services know of any special requests prior to the service.
The Chapel is equipped with audio-visual technology that allows you to share photos, music or videos.
Digital multimedia files (video and audio) as well as instructions on when they should be played, need to be with the Concierge at least one business day before the service. This allows for thorough checking to minimise mishaps on the day. A link to a Cloud upload service can be provided by contacting the Shoalhaven Bereavement Services office.
Live Streaming
Chapel services can be live streamed, subject to available signal on the day. To ensure privacy, a link is provided to the applicant for the service prior to the day, so that they can choose who to give the link to.
Recording
Chapel services are recorded and can be purchased as a USB by the applicant through the Shoalhaven Bereavement Services office. Videos are compiled from two cameras:
- one looking out over the chapel towards the lectern and catafalque area, and
- the other showing close ups of the people speaking.
If a video or slideshow was displayed during the service it will have been incorporated into the video recording. Recordings are held in archives for 12 months after the service.
Reflections Cafe
Reflections Cafe provides an opportunity for family and friends to share some time and refreshments together after a service. Located just a few metres from the Chapel, it is easily accessible along a flat walkway.
Exclusive use of the function centre is included and a selection of catering options are available, each of which include bottomless cups of tea, coffee and juice.
| Option 1 |
Assorted cakes/slices |
$20 per head |
| Option 2 |
Assorted sandwiches and cakes/slices |
$28 per head |
| Option 3 |
Assorted hot food and cakes/slices |
$34 per head |
| Option 4 |
Assorted hot finger food, sandwiches and cakes/slices |
$40 per head |
Optional extras available on request.
Shoalhaven Bereavement Services are available for advice and assistance.
The Café is available for minimum bookings of 30 people and can hold up to 80 people.
Bookings are usually made by the funeral director and then Shoalhaven Bereavement Services will contact you regarding your catering needs. Catering is to be arranged 48 hours prior to the day of service and payment must be made at least one clear working day before the service.
Cancellation or changes to catering orders must be made by 4pm the day prior to the function. Fees may apply for late notice.