We recently gathered with the Bassendean 55+ community for a workshop titled Your Values, Your Farewell. Together, we explored how our everyday priorities connect to the legacy we leave and the way we wish to be remembered.

Each guest used a personal mapping booklet to reflect on what matters most, imagining how a farewell can truly honor the unique story of a life. The conversations were thoughtful, honest, and deeply moving. During our time together, several practical questions arose regarding funerals, decision-making, and Western Australian law.

We’ve compiled those answers below to support you and your family in navigating these important choices with clarity and confidence.

Living with Intention

What stayed with us after our time in Bassendean was the sheer honesty in the room. These questions came from lived experience, from quiet grief, from enduring love, and from a genuine desire to make things easier for those left behind.

Talking about farewells isn’t just about preparing for the end; it’s about creating clarity and connection now. When we share our wishes, we give our families the gift of certainty. At Closing Circles, we see every day how grounding these conversations can be. We are here to ensure every farewell is guided by the values that matter most to you.

Questions straight from the community…

Legalities & Decision Making

Can more than one person be responsible for making funeral decisions? While you can involve many people in the discussion, under WA law, only one person legally signs the funeral paperwork. This person becomes responsible for authorising the cremation or burial, signing cemetery documents, and receiving the death certificate.

Can we have more than one Administrator or Executor? Yes. You can appoint multiple executors in your Will, but they must act jointly. Many people choose one or two trusted individuals who clearly understand their requests.

I lost my spouse and had to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) to be the Administrator. Why? This typically happens if a person dies without a valid Will or if the Will doesn’t name an executor. Even as a spouse, the law requires formal appointment to manage the estate. It is a protective process, though we understand it can feel heavy during a time of grief.

Do we legally need a funeral director? No, WA law does not require you to use a funeral director. However, hospitals, crematoriums, and cemeteries have strict documentation and transportation requirements. Most families choose a director because the process is highly regulated and time sensitive.

Ashes & Resting Places

Can we scatter ashes anywhere? In WA, ashes can be scattered in many places, provided it is done respectfully:

• Public land: Generally allowed, though some local councils require permits.
• Private property: Requires the owner’s permission.
• National Parks: Permission is recommended.
• Cemeteries: Must follow the specific Cemetery Board rules.

Can we take ashes to another country? Yes, this is very achievable. You will generally need a death certificate, a cremation certificate, and a sealed container. Always check with your airline and the destination country’s specific customs rules.

Can ashes be placed in an existing family grave? Yes. Most WA cemeteries allow this if there is space, the “Right of Burial” holder gives permission, and the required fees are paid. Many find great comfort in this physical reunion.

Traditions & Personal Wishes

Who liaises with the Church for a Catholic funeral? Your funeral director can contact the parish and priest for you, or your family can do this directly. Since Catholic funerals follow specific liturgical guidelines, early communication helps ensure your faith is honored correctly.

What if a loved one wants a funeral that is beyond my financial means? You can honor the spirit of a wish without the financial strain. Consider:

• A simple service with personal, low-cost touches.
• A “Living Party” while they are still here, which can be more informal and joyful.
• Focusing on the heart of the request, meaning comes from intention.

What if a friend didn’t want a funeral, but we still want to say goodbye? Families are not required to hold a service. If there is no funeral, you can still honor your friend in your own way, a quiet gathering, a shared story, or a private moment of reflection in a place that was special to them.

Are there options in WA besides burial or cremation? Currently, WA only permits burial and cremation. While “natural burials” (an eco-friendly option) are available at some cemeteries, alternatives like human composting or alkaline hydrolysis are not yet legal in Western Australia.