Dear Stephanie,

It is with pleasure that I would like to broadcast what a great service you are running. Nobody feels good about having to organise funeral arrangements for their loved ones however it is a necessary arrangement that has to be made following the passing of your loved ones. It was made so easy for me in December 2018 by the passing of a family member by contacting Affordable Funerals in Wollongong. We are pensioners and not in a position to pay the exorbitant amounts that are asked by funeral homes these days and in my opinion for a great deal of unnecessary paraphernalia. I have always had a very unpleasant phobia about the amount of money that is charged by funeral homes and when people are at their most vulnerable stage, not thinking clearly, extremely emotional, weakened and on many occasions do not realise that this service can be sourced by checking more than one provider. It has always appeared to me that there is a great deal of providers that "rip off the ill advised" and take advantage of palpable people.

I recently was putting my papers in order in case of my passing and made a couple of phone calls to various funeral homes. I did not want a service rather have my body cremated, ashes passed back to my family and for my friends and family to have a party and perhaps celebrate my life instead of morn my death. I was given misinformation by all but one provider and that provider was Stephanie at Affordable Funerals at Wollongong. In round figures most of the basic funerals were quoted at between $5,500 and $7 000. When I advised that I did not want a full funeral advising of my wishes I was informed I would probably only save about $1,000. I was shocked even horrified.

Then someone from the heavens directed me to Affordable Funerals. Our family member passed in December 2018 and it was necessary for us to organise the arrangements. Firstly, how intelligent it is to call your agency Affordable Funerals it makes you take notice and someone is smart enough to make it public that perhaps by contacting this company you are actually getting people that understand what Affordable really means. When I contacted this company I was advised that the manager Stephanie would get back to me within the hour as she was dealing with other clients at that time and I confess I was a bit sceptical however sure enough within 1 hour my call was returned. I asked
what the costs would be for a removal of the body from the premises, cremation following all the necessary procedures i.e. doctor's certificates etc. and return of the ashes to me without any service. I was advised $2250. Everything was emailed to me giving the breakdown of costs even service fee $750 which I assumed covered the funeral home's profit margin. I was really impressed. Nothing hidden, nothing made look like something that it wasn't. I mentioned that I did not want a coffin. I felt it an expense that is not necessary and it was just burnt and a waste of money and resources. I was advised that this is not a waste it is a health protection and stipulated by the Health Department. Then I thought about it and realised that each person that dies very much be contagious with something and I then understood why this was a necessity. I have always felt this a "rip off" but how wrong I was. For once someone told me the truth about every detail included in a funeral.

I cant recommend enough and compliment enough the brilliant service that is offered by Affordable Funerals of Wollongong. I wanted a very simple arrangement which I got and every step of the way was handled brilliantly by this firm with decorum and kindness. They also handle all sorts of "normal" funerals and I am sure that these would also be just as brilliantly handled.

Unfortunately I have attended many funerals being a retirement village manager. I have been witness to many different service providers. I always thought that if I could afford it I would choose White Lady Funerals as they were very much superior to all the others however, since my recent event I would not go past Affordable Funerals. This certainly does not mean Cheap Funerals. Conversely I believe Affordable Funerals to be equal or even better than White Lady although I probably should not say this but as a member of the public and someone with a serious concern for the funeral industry as a hole as is with many members of the public, I feel that I can speak my mind and say exactly with I think.

In summary, I could not speak any higher of Affordable Funerals. I would be happy to amplify my feelings in person if necessary and you can pass on your request to Affordable Funerals and they can let me know and I will return your enquiry.

Kind regards,

Rae Hay