What is Sorry Business in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities?
Sorry Business is a broad term for mourning practices after a death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It can include family gatherings, ceremonies, funeral arrangements, community obligations, cultural restrictions, travel, time away from work or school, and responsibilities to Country.
There is no single national practice. Customs differ by Nation, language group, family, island, community and location. The correct guide is the family and community, not a generic checklist.
What should the funeral director know early?
The funeral director should ask who has authority to make decisions and who should be consulted. This may include next of kin, Elders, senior family members, community representatives or a local Aboriginal health worker.
Ask whether the person's name or image can be used in notices, slideshows, livestreams, social media, printed orders of service and online memorial pages. Do not publish names or photos without permission.
Also ask about transport to Country, burial location, viewing, smoking or cleansing ceremonies, music, flags, community attendance, and whether the service needs extra time.
Why timing can be different
Sorry Business may require relatives to travel long distances, sometimes from remote communities or interstate. The family may need time to consult Elders, decide where the person should be buried, and arrange travel to Country.
A funeral may therefore happen later than a standard metropolitan funeral. This should not be treated as delay or indecision. It may be part of making sure the right people are present and the right obligations are met.
Names, images and warnings
In some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the name, image or voice of a person who has passed away may not be used for a period after death. The length and detail of that restriction vary.
For websites, funeral notices and slideshows, ask the family what wording is acceptable. Some organisations use cultural warnings before showing images, voices or names of deceased persons. AIATSIS explains that seeing images, hearing voices or seeing names of deceased persons may cause distress or breach cultural prohibitions in some communities.
Funeral and burial arrangements
The service may be held at a church, community hall, cemetery, outdoor place, family property or another meaningful location. Christian elements may be included, especially where the family has a church connection. Cultural practices may also be included before, during or after the funeral.
Connection to Country can be central. Some families may want the person returned to Country for burial. This can involve long distance transport, cemetery permissions and coordination with community.
Flowers, photographs, music, flags, smoking ceremonies, eulogies and community tributes may all be part of the day, depending on family direction.
What guests should know
Follow the family's instructions. Do not photograph, film, post or share images unless permission has been given. Dress respectfully. Large gatherings are common, and people may travel far to attend.
If you are an employer, school, health service or funeral provider, understand that Sorry Business can require more than a standard short absence. The obligation may involve travel, ceremony, family support and community responsibilities.
Further reading
- AIATSIS: cultural sensitivity
- Queensland Health: Sad news, sorry business
- Common Ground: Death and Sorry Business
- Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet: grief and bereavement
Frequently asked questions
Is Sorry Business the same everywhere?
Can you say the person's name?
Can photos be used in the order of service or livestream?
Why might the funeral take longer to arrange?
Who should a funeral director speak with?
When you are ready
This guide is general information to help Australian families, editorially reviewed by the Funerals Direct team from publicly available sources. It is not legal or financial advice. Funeral prices change and vary by provider and region, so always ask for an itemised written quote. For prepaid funerals, bonds, or insurance, consider speaking with an independent financial adviser or a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007.
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