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Info & Events

5 creative ways to eternalise your loved ones’ ashes! Info & Events

5 creative ways to eternalise your loved ones’ ashes!

We all have our own ways of keeping the memory of our loved ones close after they pass away but deciding on exactly what to do with their ashes to honour and remember them can be a little bewildering. The staff at Alex Gow Funerals are very experienced in this area of memorialisation and always happy to discuss your options but here are a few new ideas. 1. Put their Ashes on Vinyl  Is there a song that instantly brings back memories…
Various Artists
August 31, 2022
Why livestreaming funerals is becoming normal Info & Events

Why livestreaming funerals is becoming normal

Our lives have changed in recent years; the global pandemic has driven many people to stay at home and avoid travel. Even as we return to a "new normal," not everything has gone back to how it was. Life has slowed down, but it has not ceased. People must continue to work, communicate with their families, and study. To facilitate all of these activities, technology has proven to be an excellent tool. Funerals are no exception, with many funeral homes now offering…
Various Artists
July 20, 2022
The Benefits of a Pre-paid Funeral About FuneralsInfo & Events

The Benefits of a Pre-paid Funeral

Planning a funeral can be as smooth as silk with every family member in perfect harmony as they farewell their loved-one. Or it can be chaotic and messy, with every individual having different ideas about how the funeral should be organised. Therefore more and more people are considering prepaid funeral plans as part of their end-of-life planning and getting exactly what they want. What is a Pre-paid Funeral Plan? A pre-paid funeral plan is more of a strategy than a product. It…
Various Artists
June 29, 2022
Why do people request outdoor funerals? About FuneralsInfo & Events

Why do people request outdoor funerals?

An outdoor funeral service is a fitting memorial for someone who enjoys being outside. Some of our own facilities have outdoor funeral areas within the memorial gardens but we can also do these at your favorite park, beach, farm or retreat as long as we can get permission. We may host an outdoor funeral ceremony on our grounds, weather allowing, in a natural setting. Outdoor funerals in Queensland are a dignified and respectful way to say farewell to a loved one. The…
Various Artists
May 26, 2022
What to wear to a funeral? About FuneralsCemeteriesInfo & Events

What to wear to a funeral?

According to Brett Gow, ‘Almost anything you want, as long as it is respectful’.   Brett is a 3rd generation funeral director and Managing Director of Alex Gow Funerals, Brisbane’s oldest and most respected funeral home.   “A lot has changed. 40 years ago, most funerals were held in churches officiated by clergy, and it was a very formal affair. Suits for gentlemen and black frocks for ladies, were the standard. Even children wore button-up shirts, ties and trousers or Sunday-best dresses.…
Various Artists
April 19, 2022
Understanding Funeral Planning Info & Events

Understanding Funeral Planning

  A lot of people confuse Funeral Planning and Funeral Pre-planning, but they aren’t that different, with timing being the main variant.  Funeral Planning generally relates to loss of life, usually recent, but sometimes imminent. To put it simply, if mum or dad has just passed away or the doctor has suggested that they may only have a short time left, you need to start planning for the funeral. Funeral Pre-Planning is generally done by someone who is looking to ensure they…
Various Artists
March 24, 2022
WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS WHEN YOU DIE? Info & Events

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS WHEN YOU DIE?

What happens to your social media accounts when you die? We’re often told to be careful what we post online, as it will be there forever – even when you die. In the age of social media, everyone’s digital life remains available after their deaths. However, what each social media platform does with accounts when its users pass away varies – and also depends on the wishes of the immediate family. For some people, having the option to visit a deceased person’s…
Broadcast Edit
July 9, 2020
Grief Care – Walking the Wilderness Together Info & Events

Grief Care – Walking the Wilderness Together

A new look at offering genuine grief support following a loss by Dr Alan Wolfelt THE CHALLENGE FOR MANY CAREGIVERS IS TO STAY ON THE THRESHOLD OF THE WILDERNESS WITHOUT CONSCIOUSLY OR UNCONSCIOUSLY DEMANDING OR PROJECTING A DESIRE FOR RESOLUTION. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS A TENDENCY TO BE ATTACHED TO OUTCOME, NOT OPEN TO OUTCOME. Going into the wilderness of the soul with another human being is anchored in walking with them through spiritual distress without thinking it is necessary to attain…
Broadcast Edit
July 3, 2020
Coronavirus and the Six Needs of Mourning Info & Events

Coronavirus and the Six Needs of Mourning

Coronavirus and the Six Needs of Mourning by Dr Alan Wolfelt   Alongside the physical pandemic, the novel coronavirus is causing a pandemic of grief. That’s what we’re all feeling right now—grief. It’s important to recognize that. Grief is everything we think and feel inside of us whenever our attachments are threatened, harmed, or severed. We experience shock and disbelief. We are anxious, which is a form of fear. We become sad and possibly lonely. We get angry. We feel guilty or…
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April 20, 2020
COVID-19 – Changed Guidelines for Funeral Services and Refreshments Info & Events

COVID-19 – Changed Guidelines for Funeral Services and Refreshments

Alex Gow Funerals takes our responsibility seriously when it comes to caring for our clients, staff and the local community. Caring for their mental health is as important as their physical health. We recognise that a funeral service is an important part of the grieving process and for as long as the Federal Government will allow, we will continue to provide high-quality meaningful funerals for families during this crisis. The Federal Government has relaxed the restrictions for attendance at funerals effective from…
Super Admin
March 30, 2020
Funerals in the time of Coronavirus: Thoughts for Families About FuneralsInfo & Events

Funerals in the time of Coronavirus: Thoughts for Families

By Dr Alan Wolfelt Needless to say, the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 is a challenging time for everyone. But if someone you love has died, it is likely that the current social distancing orders and travel restrictions are making funeral planning especially difficult for your family. Losing a loved one is hard enough. Losing a loved one at a time of unprecedented upheaval and limitations may seem overwhelming. I am sorry you have been put in this position, and I hope this…
Super Admin
March 27, 2020
Alex Gow Funerals sponsors Cleveland Bowls Christmas Event Info & Events

Alex Gow Funerals sponsors Cleveland Bowls Christmas Event

Angela Hall, Manager of the Alex Gow Funerals Cleveland office, enjoyed a wonderful prize-giving day at the Cleveland Bowls Club. The 2019 Christmas event was attended by over 130 people from around the Redlands area. Here are some photos of the winners including the overall Christmas dress-up winners. The players said they were so grateful that Alex Gow Funerals sponsors events like these and they sent their many thanks. Our pleasure Cleveland Bowls Club.  
Super Admin
November 18, 2019
Alex Gow partners with St John Qld to help seniors at home Info & Events

Alex Gow partners with St John Qld to help seniors at home

Most people know of our commitment to helping the seniors members of our community through our various aged care centre programmes and of course, our popular puzzle books that encourage participation and brain activity, especially in your later years. These books are delivered free every quarter to nursing homes, aged care facilities and retirement villages. Well, we are happy to announce that in partnership with St John Qld our puzzle books will now be delivered to an additional 4,000 seniors in SE Qld…
Broadcast Edit
October 30, 2019
Nourishing Meals, Supporting Independence Info & Events

Nourishing Meals, Supporting Independence

Good nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health and well-being, especially during times of change. Whether you're recovering from illness, adjusting to life without a loved one, or simply finding it harder to prepare meals, Meals on Wheels is here to help. Our dedicated teams deliver more than just a meal—we provide essential nourishment, a friendly visit, and a connection to the community. We understand how important it is to feel supported in your own home, and we are here to…
Broadcast Edit
September 24, 2019
Loss & Grief Bursary for those who work with the bereaved Info & Events

Loss & Grief Bursary for those who work with the bereaved

Do you know someone who works with the bereaved? You may want to let them know about this great opportunity to win a $3000 education bursary. Alex Gow Funerals is committed to supporting those who care for the bereaved, particularly those who work in aged care. Alex Gow has now created this bursary specifically to assist those wanting to pursue further studies in loss and grief. This bursary is offered to chaplains and social workers and those working with the bereaved who…
Broadcast Edit
August 22, 2019
Remembering a loved one with a celebratory wake Info & Events

Remembering a loved one with a celebratory wake

Refreshments Lounge A simple Devonshire tea is always popular We can fully cater your wake Wakes: From Past to Present Holding a wake for a loved one who’s passed on is an old and beloved tradition, but today’s wakes bear little resemblance to the wakes of our ancestors. While, historically, wakes were solemn vigils intended to watch over and protect a loved one from the time they passed until their final burial, today’s wakes are more of a celebration of the loved…
Broadcast Edit
August 20, 2019
How to Help a Friend Through Grief Info & Events

How to Help a Friend Through Grief

Grief is awkward and difficult; it’s something we tend to shy away from if we can help it. If you have never experienced grief, you may be at a loss to know what to say or do. Here are some hints from someone who has been there and come out the other side stronger. You Don’t Need to Say the Right Thing In fact, you don’t need to say anything at all. You just need to be there. It may not feel…
Broadcast Edit
July 26, 2019
Alex Gow helps in the community Info & Events

Alex Gow helps in the community

Alex Gow services the community in many different ways. Apart from our traditional funeral and cremation services, the business also provides many free activities to assist seniors. These include: End of Life Planning Grief & Bereavement Support Family Support Event sponsorship Art workshops, and Community Education These programmes are run by our own wonderful staff, including Mark Lowry our Community Educator.  Mark’s services are called upon most days of the week with visits to nursing homes and retirement villages.  He delivers expert…
Broadcast Edit
July 16, 2019
Win $100 Coles Voucher with Alex Gow Puzzle Books Info & Events

Win $100 Coles Voucher with Alex Gow Puzzle Books

As part of our community service programme, Alex Gow Funerals produces an exciting range of FREE puzzle books for senior citizens to help keep the brain active and alert. Our puzzle books are published quarterly and each month one lucky reader has a chance to win a $100 Coles Voucher. It is so easy, just complete the puzzles, then go online to get the answers & solutions and you will be invited to enter the prize draw. A recent winner was the…
Broadcast Edit
July 11, 2019
The power of music at funerals About FuneralsInfo & Events

The power of music at funerals

In all societies, music is collective and communal. Music brings and binds us together and although we generally think of music as entertainment, we often overlook its power to evoke emotions. When it comes to funeral ceremonies, music plays a vital role. It is an important part of celebrating the life of a lost loved one. Music is embedded in our souls and can stir up long-forgotten memories that can only be brought to the surface with music. Playing cherished songs enjoyed…
Broadcast Edit
June 13, 2019
Having ‘that talk’ with your parents Info & Events

Having ‘that talk’ with your parents

For most of your life, your parents have been there to help and nurture you, to love and support you, but as they get older these roles tend to reverse. This is when you have the opportunity to help and steer them in the right direction when it comes to ensuring that their final years are comfortable and well planned out. One of the first planning choices you can help with would be to assist your parents in documenting all their funeral…
Broadcast Edit
April 4, 2019
Alex Gow Funerals kicks off Bowls sponsorship with some shenanigans at Sandgate Info & Events

Alex Gow Funerals kicks off Bowls sponsorship with some shenanigans at Sandgate

Last week Alex Gow kicked off our 2019 Bowls Sponsorship season with a great day at Sandgate Bowls Club. It was a real privilege to sponsor the Ladies Saint Patricks Day Bowls Event which was a whole lot of fun with everyone getting into the Irish festive mood. The Club hosted teams from Sandgate, Pine Rivers Bowls Club, Aspley Memorial Bowls Club, Chermside Bowls Club, Brighton Bowls Club, Kallangur Memorial Bowls Club Inc., Scarborough Bowls Club and Toombul Bowls Club. Pictured are Sandgate Ladies President Angela Baker, Alex Gow's Deception Bay…
Broadcast Edit
March 18, 2019
New $3000 Bursary from Alex Gow to help nurses studying Aged & Palliative Care Info & Events

New $3000 Bursary from Alex Gow to help nurses studying Aged & Palliative Care

Aged & Palliative Care Nursing Bursary a big opportunity As an organisation, Alex Gow Funerals has become increasingly aware that those who have now reached the twilight of their lives deserve the best of care so they can spend their final years with the dignity that a life well-lived warrants. With this in mind, and to assist those who work with our aged, Alex Gow Funerals has now created the Aged & Palliative Care Nursing Bursary. This bursary is offered to Registered…
Broadcast Edit
January 25, 2019
Owning our own crematoriums offers greater flexibility Info & EventsUncategorized

Owning our own crematoriums offers greater flexibility

Since 1840, Alex Gow Funerals has been recognised as an industry leader, taking the funeral business in South East Queensland to all new levels of care and quality. A big part of our growth and market strength has been the acquisition of 2 major crematoria and memorial gardens. With Great Northern Garden of Remembrance in the North and Centenary Memorial Gardens in the West, Alex Gow offers the very best funeral and cremation services, not only to our Alex Gow Funerals customers but also other…
Broadcast Edit
January 21, 2019
Customer feedback is always so valuable Info & Events

Customer feedback is always so valuable

"Sometimes it is the customer feedback you get that reassures you that you are doing things right" - Brett Gow, Managing Director We wanted to share this as an example of the positive feedback we get from customers. It highlights the extent our staff go to, to ensure the families we help, get through the whole funeral process with the least stress possible. Fiona Edmunds - 'The most amazing, respectful service you could imagine'. From the moment I made contact with Alex Gow’s…
Broadcast Edit
January 13, 2019
Be sure your preplanning is complete Info & Events

Be sure your preplanning is complete

We plan for every aspect of life. Weddings, having a family, schooling, holidays, and even our retirement are all planned out perfectly. We even plan and prepare for what might happen such as fires, accidents or storms by taking out insurance but because most of us do not like to think about death – we seem to avoid making important funeral decisions in advance. Now more than ever, it is important to plan ahead. Just think for a moment; if you died tomorrow would your family know what to do or even…
Broadcast Edit
January 10, 2019
Healing your holiday grief Info & Events

Healing your holiday grief

Practical Ideas for Blending Mourning and Celebration by Alex Gow Funerals consultant Dr Alan D. Wolfelt. If you could go back in time and relive a special holiday, which one would you choose? Close your eyes for a moment and think about this holiday. Now, slowly, walk through this memory in your mind. What made it so special? What were the surroundings like? Who inhabits this memory with you? Holidays have such rich associations for us because humankind created them as a way…
Broadcast Edit
December 18, 2018
Bursary for Aged and Palliative Care Nurses Info & Events

Bursary for Aged and Palliative Care Nurses

Being part of a community means that we care for one another regardless of age, race or creed. At Alex Gow Funerals supporting our community is paramount and is shown in the way we provide service to and care for our families. For over 170 years our mission has remained unchanged, to care for the families of South East Queensland. We pride ourselves in being a leader in our industry but more importantly, we pride ourselves on the high professional standard of…
Broadcast Edit
November 26, 2018
Christmas cakes for elderly Info & Events

Christmas cakes for elderly

230 Lions Christmas cakes ready for distribution by Alex Gow Funerals staff This Christmas Alex Gow Funerals will again donate and distribute over 200 Lions Christmas cakes to Aged Care Facilities and Community Groups throughout Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Logan and the Ipswich regions. The Lions Christmas Cake program has been a major fundraising project of Lions Australia since 1965 and has raised more than $56mill. The proceeds from this project are donated back into the community for great causes including Blindness…
Broadcast Edit
November 20, 2018
Grieving Vs Mourning Info & Events

Grieving Vs Mourning

GRIEVING VS. MOURNING Understanding the differences between grief and mourning By Alex Gow Funerals consultant & specialist author Alan Wolfelt. I often remind myself that there is no love without loss. And there is no integration of loss without the experience of mourning. Your capacity to love requires the necessity to mourn. To deny the significance of mourning would be to believe that there is something wrong about loving. Yet I truly believe our greatest gift from God is our capacity to…
Broadcast Edit
October 29, 2018