NEW research shows 63% of Australians are surprised funeral services remain unregulated, prompting the Australian Funeral Directors Association to rebrand as Funerals Australia and call for uniform standards. Australians prioritise ethics (88%), professional training (85%) and regulation (73%), but confidence in organising funerals is low (31%). Modern funerals are shifting from religious traditions to personalised celebrations, with trends including green burials, VR memorials and living funerals. The rebrand marks AFDA’s 90th year, reflecting evolving values and expectations.
04September2025