What does Life Rites do?
Life Rites is a team of independent funeral directors, end of life doulas, counsellors and celebrants based in Sydney. Our focused and personalised end-of-life services guide you and your family through end-of-life and after-death care. At our funeral home in Hurstville we have our own, safe on-site mortuary. We also hold an intimate ceremonial space for you to create the experiences that best suit you and your person.
From the diagnosis of life-changing illness to a funeral that truly reflects your person and your values, we offer a full range of creative and practical services to support you. These include:
Serving Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Illawarra, including…
Frequently Asked Questions
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An end-of-life or death doula is someone who gives practical and emotional support to people who are living with a terminal illness or end-stage disease. At Life Rites our focus is on a continuity of care, from diagnosis and living with the illness, through to treatment, dying, the death process and ongoing bereavement support. Our end-of-life doulas provide support to individuals, couples, families and communities.
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It is never too early to call us. Our care and time is available to you 24/7. You can call us if you, or someone you love, receives a life-changing diagnosis. You can engage our care anytime during your, or your loved ones’ treatment, illness or dying journey.
Principles and Origin
Born of the tragedy of the AIDS era in 1980s Sydney, an emerging awareness of climate change and proudly founded in artistic practice, Life Rites believes that how we care for our dead reveals where we are at as a society.
We aim to bridge the gaps of a disjointed and industrialised funeral industry through a continuity of ceremony and story.
Read more about the origins of Life Rites, and founder Victoria Spence…
We stand for:
Self-Determination and Equity
Collaboration and Innovation
Transparency and Sustainability
Looking for a specific service?
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End-of-Life Doula Services
We give practical and emotional support to people living with a terminal illness. An end-of-life or death doula provides guidance through what is often a difficult and complex time for everyone involved.
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Guidance and Counselling
Whether it’s your own death or someone you love, navigating unfamiliar territory can be challenging and unsettling. We offer a range of services that provide sensitive guidance at all stages of the process.
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Home Vigil and Cool Plate
A Life Rites practitioner will talk you through the set up and use of the cooling beds and how best to support all involved during this time. We can deliver the bed to your home, walk through the preparation of your family member with you and be available to oversee the vigil as needed.