Funerals in Murgon and Cherbourg: a local guide for families

Killick Family Funerals acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands across the South Burnett, and pays respect to Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article talks about death, dying and Sorry Business.

The short answer: Killick Family Funerals cares for families in Murgon, Cherbourg and the surrounding district from our family-run funeral home in Kingaroy, about 35 minutes from Murgon and 30 minutes from Cherbourg. We answer the phone ourselves, day or night, and there's no travel fee within the South Burnett. Murgon Cemetery is run by South Burnett Regional Council, and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council is the contact for Cherbourg Cemetery. A direct cremation costs $2,950, and a burial service starts from $6,540 plus cemetery costs.

This guide covers the local things Murgon and Cherbourg families ask us about. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, the most important thing we can say is this: your family leads, and we follow.

Who can help with a funeral in Murgon or Cherbourg?

We're the Killicks, a family-run funeral home at 44 Alford Street, Kingaroy. When you call 1800 607 880, you'll speak with one of our family, never a call centre. We can usually be with you within an hour anywhere in the South Burnett, and we're happy to meet you at home, at a family member's place, or wherever feels right.

You'll find our local details on our Murgon and Cherbourg pages. We also care for families in nearby Wondai, Proston and Goomeri.

What should we do first when someone dies?

• If the death was expected and at home, there's no rush to call anyone. Within 48 hours, let their doctor or palliative care team know, so a cause of death certificate can be arranged. (qld.gov.au)
• If the death was sudden or unexpected, call 000.
• If they died at Murgon Hospital, the Cherbourg Health Service or in aged care, staff will guide the first steps. Both health services are run by Darling Downs Health. Let staff know which funeral director your family would like.

When you're ready, call us. In Queensland, the funeral director usually registers the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages, and it must be registered within 14 days. (qld.gov.au – Register a death) Our full guide on what to do when someone dies in Queensland has a step-by-step checklist.

If a death is sudden or traumatic and the coroner is involved, the Coroners Court of Queensland lists free support, including Forensic Pathology and Coronial Family Services on 1800 449 171, and the National Indigenous Postvention Service, which offers 24/7 culturally responsive support after a suicide or other traumatic loss. (Coroners Court of Queensland)

How do you support Sorry Business?

Sorry Business is the time of mourning, ceremony and cultural responsibility that follows a death in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. It belongs to the family and community, not to us. Our part is to listen, to give it the time it needs, and to make sure the practical side never gets in the way.

Queensland Health's Sad News, Sorry Business guidelines make some important points that guide how we work:

• Practices vary. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are two distinct and diverse cultures, and customs differ between and within groups. Some practices are sacred and not discussed openly.
• Names and images. In some Aboriginal communities, the name of the person who has died isn't spoken (or written) for a long time, from several months to years. Photos, film or recordings of their voice may also be against protocol.
• Smoking ceremonies. A smoking ceremony may be held, including for the person's belongings and home.
• Time and privacy. Families should be given appropriate time and privacy, and practices shouldn't be dismissed or rushed.

(Queensland Health, Sad News, Sorry Business, v2.1)

So we won't assume. We'll talk with your family about:

• how you'd like your loved one to be named or referred to
• whether photos should be used on orders of service or notices
• whether a smoking ceremony is part of your plans, and how we can help make space for it
• the timing that suits your family, including time for relatives to travel
• who in the family, or which community members, you'd like us to work with

Then we'll do our best to work around what your family tells us.

Where are burials held in Murgon and Cherbourg?

Murgon Cemetery is one of 11 cemeteries managed by South Burnett Regional Council. Council's fact sheet lists a lawn section, monumental graves and an ashes garden or columbarium at Murgon. For a burial in a council cemetery:

• a Burial Application must be approved by Council first
• burials must be carried out by a licensed funeral director (ashes can be placed by a private citizen)
• Council fees must be paid in full before approval. Fees are reviewed each year, and Council doesn't offer payment plans.

(South Burnett Regional Council cemeteries fact sheet) Council's cemetery enquiries line is (07) 4189 9100.

Cherbourg Cemetery isn't one of the South Burnett Regional Council cemeteries. Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council publishes funeral notices for interments at Cherbourg Cemetery as a courtesy to the community on its funeral notices page. For cemetery enquiries, contact Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council at 22 Barambah Avenue, Cherbourg, on (07) 4168 1866.

Cemetery fees and processes vary, so please ask us. For South Burnett Regional Council cemeteries, we look after the Burial Application and booking for you, and cemetery fees are passed on at cost as a disbursement on your written quote. For Cherbourg Cemetery, we'll talk you through the steps and what to ask the council.

Where can we hold a service in Murgon or Cherbourg?

Families choose many places to say goodbye, including:

• a graveside service at Murgon Cemetery or Cherbourg Cemetery
• a local church
• a community hall or venue
• outdoors, at home or on a place that mattered to your loved one
• our chapel at 44 Alford Street, Kingaroy

If your family has a particular church, hall or place in mind, tell us and we'll help coordinate it.

On our price list, external venues start from $300.

How much does a funeral cost in Murgon and Cherbourg?

Families in Murgon and Cherbourg pay the same prices as families in Kingaroy, with no travel fee within the South Burnett. All prices include GST:

Service	Price
Direct cremation	$2,950, all-inclusive
The Gentle Way (water cremation)	From $3,200
Burial service	From $6,540 plus cemetery cost
Memorial service	From $6,900
Cremation service	$7,640
Repatriation	On request

Weekend services have a surcharge ($1,760 Saturday, $1,980 Sunday). Every quote is itemised in writing before anything begins. See our pricing page or our 2026 funeral costs guide.

If the cost is a worry, please talk to us. We offer payment plans, and we've never turned a family away for financial reasons. You may also be able to get help from:

• Services Australia, which may pay a bereavement payment to a surviving partner or carer, depending on circumstances (Services Australia)
• the CCQ Funeral Assistance Scheme, which may arrange a simple burial or cremation when the estate and family can't pay. You must apply before signing any funeral contract. (Coroners Court of Queensland)

What if family need to travel home, or someone died away from Country?

Sorry Business often brings family together from far away, and we'll talk with you about timing that works for your family. If your loved one died elsewhere in Australia or overseas and you'd like them brought home to Murgon or Cherbourg, our repatriation service can help. Pricing is on request.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a funeral director that services Murgon and Cherbourg?

Yes. Killick Family Funerals cares for Murgon and Cherbourg families from our Kingaroy funeral home. We answer the phone ourselves, 24/7, and there's no travel fee within the South Burnett.

Who manages Murgon Cemetery?

Murgon Cemetery is managed by South Burnett Regional Council. A Burial Application must be approved by Council, and burials must be carried out by a licensed funeral director.

Who should I contact about Cherbourg Cemetery?

For Cherbourg Cemetery, contact Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council at 22 Barambah Avenue, Cherbourg, phone (07) 4168 1866. We're also happy to talk you through the steps.

Can our family hold Sorry Business in our own way?

Yes. Sorry Business belongs to your family and community. We'll talk with your family about how you'd like your loved one to be named, whether photos should be used, and what time and space your family needs, and do our best to work around it.

How much does a funeral cost in Murgon?

At Killick Family Funerals, a direct cremation is $2,950, a cremation service is $7,640, and a burial service starts from $6,540 plus cemetery costs. All prices include GST.

We're here for Murgon and Cherbourg, whenever you need us

Call the Killick family on 1800 607 880 or (07) 4162 5290, any hour. We'll come to you and take the time your family needs. You can also request a free written quote.

If you need someone to talk to, Griefline offers free grief support.

General information only, current as of November 2026. Cemetery rules and fees can change. Please check with the relevant council.

Sources

• Queensland Health, Sad News, Sorry Business guidelines (v2.1, Dec 2022)
• South Burnett Regional Council, Cemeteries fact sheet
• Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, Funeral notices
• Queensland Government, What to do after someone dies and Register a death
• Coroners Court of Queensland, For families and Funeral Assistance Scheme
• Services Australia, What help there is when an adult dies