What to do when someone dies in Mackay
Steps to take
In the first hours after a death, it's hard to think clearly. Here's a simple path — and remember, one phone call to us covers most of it.
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Take a breath
There's no rush. Your loved one is safe, and nothing needs to happen this minute. Be with family.
Call the right people
If the death was expected, call the doctor or nurse. If unexpected, call 000. In a hospital or care home, staff will guide you.
Call Mackay Gentle Way Funerals
Call us any time on (07) 4881 0491. We'll arrange to bring your loved one into our care, gently and respectfully.
We meet & plan together
At a time that suits you — at our home or yours — we'll talk through options, wishes and budget, with no pressure.
We take care of the rest
Paperwork, permits, the ceremony, transport — we handle every detail so you can focus on saying goodbye.
The days and weeks after a death in Queensland
You don’t have to do all of this at once, and we look after much of it for you. Here is what usually happens after someone dies in Mackay or the Whitsundays, so you know what to expect.
If the death was expected
If your loved one was receiving palliative care at home, call their doctor or palliative care nurse — you don’t need to call 000. A doctor will complete the medical certificate of cause of death. There is no rush to call us straight away; many families spend a few quiet hours together first. In hospital or aged care, including Mackay Base Hospital, the Mater and Proserpine Hospital, staff look after the formalities and will contact us when you are ready.
If the death was sudden or unexpected
Call 000. Police will attend, and if the death is reportable — for example if it was unexpected, accidental, or a doctor is unable to certify the cause — it is referred to the Coroners Court of Queensland. Your loved one will be in the coroner’s care first. You can still choose us as your funeral director, and we will liaise with the coroner’s office and keep you informed about timing.
Registering the death
In Queensland a death must be registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days, and the funeral director usually does this for you. We lodge the registration using details you give us — such as full name, date and place of birth, parents’ names, marriage and children details and occupation. Registration itself is free; certified death certificates are ordered from the Registry for a fee, and we can order them on your behalf. Our guide explains how to get a death certificate in Queensland.
Who to let know
Close family and friends come first. Once you have the death certificate, you will usually need to tell Services Australia (Centrelink and Medicare), banks, superannuation funds, insurers, the ATO, Queensland Transport and Main Roads for a driver licence or vehicle registration, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if they were a veteran. The free Australian Death Notification Service lets you notify many banks, utilities and other organisations in one go.
The will and the estate
Look for the will and find out who the executor is — it may be at home, with a solicitor, or held by the Public Trustee of Queensland. The executor looks after the estate, including the funeral account. Many banks will pay a funeral invoice directly from the deceased person’s account if you ask. If there is no will, or the estate is complicated, a solicitor or the Public Trustee can help.
Help with costs
If the person who died received a pension or allowance, or you were their partner or carer, Services Australia may be able to help with a bereavement payment. If cost is a worry, please talk to us early — our prices are published, our Simple Farewell water cremation starts from $2,640, and payment plans are available.
Looking after yourself
Grief is exhausting. Eat when you can, rest, and let people help. Your GP can connect you with counselling, and if things ever feel overwhelming, Lifeline is available any hour on 13 11 14. We are always happy to talk, too — long after the funeral.
Questions are welcome
However small it may seem, please ask. We've gathered the questions families ask most in one place.
Read our FAQ →