There has been a significant rise in popularity for cremations in Australia with around 70 per cent of funerals now involving a cremation. As the preference for cremation services over traditional burials rises each year, it can now be safely accepted that cremation has become the preferred choice for the majority of Australians.

So why is cremation now the more popular choice for so many?

“The key driver is the cost benefit of a cremation compared to a burial – with limited land availability in urban areas placing a premium on cemetery plots,” says Salvos Funerals National Director Malcolm Pittendrigh. “Cremation services are typically less for other associated costs as requirements for open and close burial fees, headstone and other infrastructure costs are usually connected with a burial.” 

But for many, choosing a cremation service goes beyond simply weighing up the cost benefits – a cremation also aligns with their personal beliefs and values. For those who are environmentally conscious, the choice to cremate may come from a sense of responsibility to reduce their environmental footprint. With greater land scarcity and an increased awareness around land sustainability, for many people, the right choice is to avoid occupying a piece of such precious land in death.

Another reason for why cremation is gaining popularity in Australia is its changing cultural make-up. With people from all corners of the globe coming to Australia to make this country their home, they also bring with them their cultural and religious practices around death and mourning. And for many, this involves cremation.

Cremation & its process in Australia

Choosing cremation doesn’t mean less choice in service. In fact, in many ways, it gives people even more choice.

“Approximately 80 per cent of Salvos Funerals work involves some form of cremation packaged offering. This includes a mix of unattended cremations and those involving an attended gathering – such as a more traditional service – followed by a cremation,” says Malcolm.

There are essentially two types of cremation services people can choose from – direct cremation, or a traditional funeral followed by cremation.

A direct cremation is where there are no mourners present and no service. This involves transporting the deceased to the crematorium, respectfully cremating the body and then returning the remains to the family. Direct cremation can allow family members time to come together and perform a service, or scatter the ashes at a place of significance at a later date. For those who may have family interstate or overseas, direct cremation provides for an immediate service, while allowing for a meaningful ceremony in due course.

A traditional funeral service followed by cremation is the other option and may be similar to the structure and format of a traditional burial service. This involves mourners coming together for the funeral service and can include all aspects of a traditional funeral including, flowers, readings, photo tributes, etc. The cremation then happens after the service has taken place and the remains are passed on to the family.

Crematory services are traditionally located on the grounds of a cemetery and are most often owned by the cemetery operator. These services can also form part of an overall funeral package offering through a funeral service.

Malcolm says that wider trends are also emerging within the funeral service sector, including increased personalisation of funerals with funeral directors providing families with more bespoke choices when it comes to honoring their loved one.

“Salvos Funerals has been involved with leading services at army barracks, inside a local pub, through to a loved one being transported to a chapel in a ‘hot rod’ converted into a hearse,” says Malcolm.

Like other aspects of a funeral service, the decision on whether to have a cremation comes down to personal choice. And with so many ways to personalise a funeral service and honour the life of yourself or a loved one, no matter what arrangement you choose to make, there are a range of options that can help you plan something truly special.

Rest assured, whether you choose a cremation or burial, the team at Salvos Funerals will ensure your wishes are always carried out with the deepest care and respect.

Reach out to a Salvos Funerals team member in your area today to discuss.