Australia’s funeral industry is in the midst of a quiet revolution – one shaped by shifting cultural values, evolving family dynamics, and a growing openness to discussing death. What was once seen as a solemn, religiously anchored ritual is now transforming into a deeply personal experience that reflects the stories, beliefs, and identities of the deceased.
To reflect the shift in the way Australians want to say goodbye the peak body for the funeral industry, the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) has rebranded to Funerals Australia. The new name better represents today’s evolving values and diversity of choices Australians make when it comes to farewells. 
New research commissioned by Funerals Australia and conducted by McCrindle Research in 2025 shows the depth of change in how Australians view funerals today. Australians now see the most valued elements of a funeral as reflecting the life and personality of the person who has died, bringing people together to share memories and creating a sense of closure and support. 
While farewells have changed, the role of the funeral director remains essential. The research conducted by McCrindle, also found that Australians care most about funeral staff upholding ethical standards (88%), being professionally trained (85%) and being regulated professionals (73%).

Evolving funeral practices

This year marked a significant milestone for Australia’s peak funeral body as it celebrated 90-years of service to the profession and the community. Over nine decades it has witnessed firsthand several key changes in the Australian funeral landscape from religious formality to personal storytelling, from traditional burials to innovative, eco-conscious alternatives.
Cremation is now the most common choice for Australian families. The Funeral Sector Services Report (2023) endorsed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission confirmed that cremations have steadily overtaken burials, driven by affordability, flexibility, and changing spiritual beliefs. Many families now choose to scatter ashes in meaningful places, preserve remains in custom urns, or transform them into jewellery or keepsakes, giving new expression to remembrance.
At the same time, green burials and sustainable funerals are gaining momentum. Australians are increasingly seeking biodegradable coffins, natural cemeteries, and water cremation, reflecting a desire to align end-of-life choices with environmental values.
The rise of technology has also redefined how Australians gather and grieve. Livestreaming is now a standard part of many services, connecting loved ones across states and continents. More experimental innovations such as virtual reality memorials and AI-enhanced photo stories are giving families new ways to share and preserve memories.
Beyond the logistics of funerals, the emotional experience has evolved. Many Australians now prefer celebrations of life events filled with music, storytelling, and humour over solemn ceremonies. These personalised farewells capture the essence of the individual rather than conforming to rigid traditions.

Australians and funeral planning

The 2025 McCrindle research also revealed only one in three Australians (31%) feel confident planning a funeral and more than half (54%) are unaware of resources available to help navigate end-of-life planning, funerals or grief.
Encouragingly, however, 77% of Australians say they can comfortably talk about death, particularly among those who have recently attended a funeral. This marks a notable cultural shift towards openness, awareness, and pre-planning. Yet, many still feel unprepared when the time comes. Clarity, guidance, and experience are the three most sought-after qualities in a funeral professional, with Australians seeking trusted expertise to help navigate emotional and practical decisions.

The role of Funerals Australia

Amid these changes, Funerals Australia stands as the national authority on funeral standards leading the sector with compassion, professionalism, and innovation.
The rebrand to Funerals Australia is more than just a name change. It signifies a shift from an inward-facing industry body to a forward thinking, public-facing organisation and a renewed commitment to serve both the profession and the community with transparency, inclusivity, and care. 
As National President Asha Dooley explained: “For 90 years, we have been trusted to guide Australians through loss with care and professionalism. As Funerals Australia, we remain dedicated to setting high standards across the sector, while ensuring funerals reflect the changing ways Australians wish to say goodbye.”

>> Discover the full story in THANOS Magazine 4/2025 — see page 10.