JCU have a Human Bequest Program for the purposes of science, examination, study and teaching about the human body. Most of the bodies donated at JCU in Far North Queensland are used for training students of the medicine, dentistry and other human sciences. To qualify to donate your body you must live within 400km of Townsville, be free from specific contagious diseases, not be obese or emaciated and have formally registered to donate your body to the program prior to your death.
At the time of death the university will assess your situation to determine if your body is suitable. Body donations are generally accepted only if JCU are notified within 24 hours of the time of death, the body is received by JCU in less than 48 hours, your family does not object and no post-mortem or coroner’s examination is necessary. If your body is accepted, the university will embalm the body, use for teaching and study purposes then cremate the body individually. The ashes can be spread in a memorial garden by the university or returned to your next of kin. There is no cost to donate your body.
Note that due to the quick timelines it would not be possible for a typical style funeral where the body is present. Your family and friends would need to hold a memorial instead. JCU honours those that have donated their bodies with an annual memorial service also.
