Alexa Heckmann
Supporting Families with Compassion & Care
Founded by a former ballet dancer, Private Cremation Services offers families a transparent, respectful, and affordable alternative to traditional funerals.
Transitioning from Ballet Dancer to Compassionate Care
Alexa Heckmann, a former ballet dancer with the Sydney Dance Company, established Private Cremation Services to enhance transparency, affordability, and respect within the funeral industry.
As an independent Australian provider, she offers families a straightforward and cost-effective alternative to traditional funeral services.
A Vision for Change in the Funeral Industry
Alexa Heckmann founded Private Cremation Services to provide affordable cremation options for families across NSW and ACT, catering to those seeking a dignified alternative to traditional funerals. With more than ten years of experience in the funeral industry, Alexa recognised a rising demand for more personalised and flexible farewell arrangements—especially in the aftermath of COVID-19.
“I felt that the sector had become obsessed with itself: the shiny hearses, the expensive coffins, the funeral directors parading about in their suits with inflexible judgements about what a funeral ‘should’ be. Many families are seeking alternatives that still honour their traditions but offer more flexibility and personalisation. There is a place for traditional practices, but there is also capacity for change and growth within the structure of the standard portfolio we have historically offered families.”
- Alexa Heckmann
At Private Cremation Services, we’re guided by our core values of empathy, transparency, and integrity. We prioritise people over profit. We provide thoughtful cremation services, including compassionate transfers, diligent paperwork handling, respectful cremation, and the seamless return of ashes. Our friendly support line is available 24/7, enabling families to create a farewell that beautifully honours their loved ones.
'Unlike large corporate funeral providers driven by shareholder interests, we are committed to delivering deeply compassionate and personalized support. Our focus is on truly understanding and meeting the needs of each family,'
- Alexa Heckmann
Alexa Heckmann: An Inspiring Journey of Transformation
Alexa’s transition from a professional ballet career to the funeral industry was deeply personal and driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Although her peers were initially sceptical, her dedication was strengthened when, just a year into her new role, she managed the farewell of a close friend and former dance colleague—an experience that solidified her sense of purpose.
A Commitment to Making a Difference
With the launch of Private Cremation Services, Alexa is committed to driving meaningful change in the funeral industry while empowering families to create personal farewell experiences. For us, each farewell is handled with dignity, respect, and careful attention to detail, allowing families to honour their loved ones in a way that reflects their wishes.
“I want families to feel truly supported, knowing that our services are built on trust, care, and a deep understanding of their needs.”
- Alexa Heckmann
A Holistic Approach to Supporting Grief
Alexa Heckmann’s dedication to supporting families extends beyond the logistical aspects of funeral services. Acknowledging that grief is a deeply personal and often isolating journey, Alexa has incorporated holistic support into the offerings of Private Cremation Services. This includes access to grief counselling resources, community support groups, and personalised guidance to assist families in navigating their emotions and crafting meaningful tributes.
“We are not a faceless corporation driven by investor expectations. I want families to feel deeply cared for and listened to, not push a narrative on them driven by profit.”
- Alexa Heckmann
