Support Services
Support & Guidance Beyond the Funeral
When someone dies, the days and weeks that follow can feel overwhelming. Alongside the practical responsibilities, there are often emotions, questions and decisions that continue long after the funeral has taken place.
At T J Scott & Son Funeral Directors, our care for your family does not end on the day of the farewell. We are here to continue supporting you in whatever way feels helpful — whether you need guidance with memorialisation, assistance connecting with grief support services, help with practical next steps, or simply someone to talk to.
Every person grieves differently and there is no ‘right way’ to navigate loss. Some families find comfort in community support groups or counselling, while others simply value having a familiar voice they can contact when they need reassurance or guidance.
With our local community connections and professional networks, we can help direct you toward support services, organisations and resources that may assist you and your family at different stages of grief and adjustment.
Below you will find a collection of helpful contacts, grief support organisations and practical resources that many families have found valuable.
Our Christmas Service of Remembrance
Each year in early December, we hold our annual Christmas Service of Remembrance — a gentle opportunity for families to come together, reflect and acknowledge those who are deeply missed.
We understand that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time, whether it is your first Christmas without someone special or many years since their death. For many people, the season brings both treasured memories and sadness, and this gathering offers a safe and supportive space to quietly remember.
Families often tell us they find comfort simply in being surrounded by others who understand the mixed emotions that can accompany this time of year.
If you would like to receive an invitation to attend our next Service of Remembrance, please contact Kelly Scott at [email protected] to be added to our invitation list.
You may also wish to view a recording of one of our previous Services of Remembrance below.
Centrelink
For information about what to do following a death contact Centrelink on: 132 300 or go find out more online.
Centrelink also have a handy checklist for people and organisations you may also need to contact. Download the ‘who to notify checklist’
Veterans Affairs
For information about notification and bereavement assistance call Veterans Affairs on their General enquiries number
(8am-5pm, Mon-Fri)
Telephone: 133 254
Regional callers: 1800 555 254
[email protected]
Or go to their Bereavement Assistance Information on their website.
Coroners Court of Victoria
When a death occurs suddenly, unexpectedly or in traumatic circumstances it can be reported to the Coroner. The Coroners Court will answer any questions you may have to support you through this important process.
For information about the Coronial Process or what happens when a loved one is in the care of the Coroners court please
contact 1300 309 519
[email protected] or go to their website.
Dept. of Defence
For information about Bereavement Assistance for an ADF member please contact the Dept. of Defence on 1800 624 608 or go to their website.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
If someone has died as a result of a transport accident, the TAC can help by providing information, financial support and advice.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please call the TAC and ask for a support coordinator. You can call the TAC Customer Service Centre on 1300 654 329 or toll-free on 1800 332 556. Visit the website for more information
State Trustees
State Trustees can help with issues and Questions relating to Estates and Wills. They can be contacted on: (03) 9111 7066 Outside Melbourne Call 1300 138 672.
Their brochure ‘Needing Help after Someone Has Died’ is an informative resource.
When Someone Has Died Overseas
Each year around 1,000 Australians die overseas, usually through illness or accident. The death of a loved one is always distressing for family and friends and when the death occurs overseas, this can make the circumstances even more difficult. Funeral arrangements can be particularly challenging when a loved one dies overseas. The following government link explains what to do if someone dies overseas.
Grief Support
Lifeline
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone 13 11 14 (24 hour service) or go to: www.lifeline.org.au
Griefline
Griefline is Australia’s only dedicated grief helpline service that provides counselling support services free of charge to individuals and families. Contact (03) 9935 7400 Regional callers: 1300 845 745 or go to www.griefline.org.au
Mensline
Mensline Australia is a professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Phone 1300 78 99 78 or go to: www.mensline.org.au
Switchboard
Switchboard – a statewide service who partner with Qlife to provide peer-peer support for the LGBTIQA+ community 3pm – midnight 7/week – 1800 184 527 or via webchat.
Switchboard also offers a service called Rainbow Door connecting LGBTIQA+ Victorians to the services they require (1800 729 367).
We also offer counselling at Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (5422 2161) and all of our practitioners receive inclusive practice training as we are a rainbow ticked organisation.
Connect With Us
KYNETON
5 Piper St
Kyneton
03 5422 6455
GISBORNE
6/50 Aitken St
Gisborne
03 5428 4155
KILMORE
23 Sydney St
Kilmore
03 5782 1112
