17/9/02
The State Government's leadership in the delivery of online services is highlighted once again with the introduction of an innovative funeral webcasting service.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens said the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board's new service would enable funerals to be webcast from chapels at Karrakatta Cemetery and Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park.
"Perth is an isolated city in a vast State, and distance is often a barrier to people wishing to attend a funeral held here. The new service will assist many families in the bereavement process," Mr Stephens said.
"Funeral webcasting will allow people around Australia and the world to view and hear funeral services conducted at the board's two chapels, whether in real time or for a period of time after the funeral."
From today families can arrange a funeral webcast, either through their funeral director or directly through the board, for as little as $50.
Several video cameras are used to cover the ceremony from a number of vantage points, such as the arrival of the hearse, the service and eulogy, committal of the casket and condolence lounge reception afterward.
Funeral service webcasts will be password-protected and limited to a maximum of 50 nominated visitors.
The board is using the Government of WA's secure ServiceNet infrastructure and is hosting the funeral webcasting service from its website at http://www.mcb.wa.gov.au
"Western Australia has a diverse population and a high percentage of migrants," Mr Stephens said.
"Funeral webcasting is a cost-effective and contemporary way to unite geographically separated families and friends during a sad and difficult time."
Minister's Office - 9213 6500
