Family-owned funeral home
Caring for your family, with dignity and calm.
We guide you gently through every decision, from the first phone call to the final farewell — so you can spend these days with the people who matter.
When a death has just occurred
You don’t have to know what to do next
01
Call us, day or night
A real person answers, always. We’ll listen first, then explain the few things that need to happen now.
02
We come to you
Whether at home, in hospital or a care facility, we bring your loved one into our care with respect.
03
We guide what’s next
When you’re ready, we sit down together — at our home or yours — to plan a farewell that feels right.
Need us now? Call (02) 5550 0199 — answered by a person, 24 hours a day.
Call now
Our services
Every farewell is as individual as the life it honours
Traditional or simple, religious or not — we’ll help you shape a service that truly reflects the person you love.
Traditional funerals
A service in our chapel or your place of worship, with viewing, procession and burial or cremation.
Cremation services
From a simple direct cremation to a full service beforehand, with urns and keepsakes to choose from.
Celebrations of life
Relaxed, personal gatherings — at a garden, a hall, the beach or a favourite place — full of stories and music.
Pre-planning
Record your wishes and lock in today’s prices, so your family is spared difficult decisions later.
Natural burial
Eco-conscious options with biodegradable caskets and burial in protected native woodland.
Grief support
Free bereavement groups, one-on-one counselling referrals and an annual service of remembrance.
About Ashgrove
Three generations of quiet, steady care
Founded by Margaret and Thomas Hale in 1962, Ashgrove is still run by their family today. We know many of the families we serve by name — and we treat every one as our own.
1962
Family-owned since
24/7
Always answered
3
Generations of care
Recent obituaries
Remembering those we’ve cared for
All obituaries
Arthur James Whitfield
1936 – 2026
Beloved husband of Joan, father of three and grandfather of seven. A lifelong carpenter who built half the porches on Kerr Street.
Rosa Maria Delgado
1941 – 2026
Teacher, gardener and the heart of every family table. Rosa never met a stranger and never let anyone leave hungry.
Evelyn Grace Porter
1932 – 2026
Nurse for forty years, devoted mother and tireless volunteer at St Luke’s. She will be remembered for her laugh.
Funeral packages
Clear prices, with nothing hidden
Every package can be tailored. We’ll give you a written, itemised quote before anything is arranged.
Direct cremation
$2,450
Simple, dignified, no service
Collection & care of your loved one
All paperwork & permits
Standard urn returned to family
Cremation with service
$4,950
Our most chosen package
Everything in direct cremation
Chapel service for up to 120 guests
Printed order of service & flowers
Traditional burial
$7,800
Excludes cemetery fees
Viewing & chapel or church service
Hearse & procession
Graveside committal
Kind words
From the families we’ve served
“From the first call at 3 am to the last hymn, they carried us. Nothing was ever too much trouble.”
— The Whitfield family
“They helped us plan a celebration Mum would have loved — music, stories and her garden roses everywhere.”
— Daniel & Priya, Hillcrest
Questions
Things families often ask us
What should I do first when someone dies?
If the death was expected and at home, call their doctor, then call us. In hospital or a care home, staff will guide you. We can take it from there, at any hour.
How quickly does a funeral need to happen?
There’s no rush. Most services take place within one to two weeks, which gives family time to travel and plan.
Can we personalise the service?
Absolutely. Music, readings, photos, a favourite place, even the family dog — we’ll help bring the details together.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer interest-free payment plans and can help you check for government or insurance funeral benefits.
We’re here for you
Whenever you need us, day or night.
Call to speak with a funeral director, or visit us to talk through your options in person. There’s never any obligation.
24/7 line
(02) 5550 0199
Visit
48 Elm Grove Road, Hillcrest
Office hours
Mon–Fri 9–5 · Sat 10–2