Terms of Service

Last updated: December 2024

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of funeral and memorial services provided by Sunshine Coast Funeral Services ("we", "us", or "our"). By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia.

2. Our Services

We provide funeral and memorial services including but not limited to:

• Direct cremations
• Burial services
• Funeral director services
• Memorial services and celebrations of life
• Prepaid funeral arrangements

All services are provided in accordance with the Funeral Industry Award and relevant Queensland and Australian legislation, including the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003 (Qld) and the Australian Consumer Law.

3. Service Agreement

When you engage our services, you will be provided with a written quote and service agreement detailing the services to be provided and associated costs. This agreement becomes binding upon your acceptance. We recommend reviewing all documentation carefully before signing.

4. Authority to Arrange

By engaging our services, you confirm that you have the legal authority to make funeral arrangements for the deceased person. This is typically the executor of the estate, next of kin, or a person authorised by the family. You agree to indemnify us against any claims arising from disputes over authority to arrange.

5. Pricing and Payment

Our pricing is transparent and will be clearly communicated before services are provided:

• All prices quoted include GST unless otherwise stated
• A deposit may be required before services commence
• Full payment is due within 14 days of the funeral service (unless otherwise agreed)
• We accept payment by bank transfer, credit card, or other methods as agreed
• Third-party disbursements (cemetery fees, crematorium fees, etc.) are charged at cost

If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to charge interest at the rate prescribed under the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983 (Vic) or equivalent Queensland legislation.

6. Prepaid Funerals

Prepaid funeral contracts are governed by the Funeral Benefit Business Act 1982 (Qld) and associated regulations. Funds from prepaid funeral contracts are held in trust in accordance with legislative requirements. You may be entitled to cancel a prepaid funeral contract, subject to any applicable fees as detailed in your contract.

7. Cancellation and Changes

We understand that circumstances may change:

• Changes to service arrangements should be communicated as soon as possible
• Additional charges may apply for changes made after the service agreement is signed
• Cancellation fees may apply depending on services already rendered or arranged
• Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of approved cancellation

8. Care of the Deceased

We will treat the deceased with dignity and respect at all times. We maintain appropriate facilities for the care and storage of human remains in accordance with Queensland Health requirements. Embalming and other preservation services are available upon request.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount paid for those services. We are not liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, industrial action, or government restrictions. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any liability that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.

10. Complaints and Disputes

We are committed to resolving complaints promptly and fairly. If you have a complaint, please contact us first to allow us to address your concerns. If we are unable to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you may contact Fair Trading Queensland or other relevant regulatory bodies. For detailed information on our complaints process, please visit our Complaints page.

11. Website Use

Use of our website is subject to the following conditions:

• Content is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon as professional advice
• We make no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of website content
• You must not use our website for any unlawful purpose
• We reserve the right to modify or discontinue our website at any time

12. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and designs, is owned by us or licensed to us. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use our content without our written permission.

13. Privacy

Your personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

14. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

16. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.