EMBALMERS deal with death every day, allowing mourners to view the bodies of loved ones as they looked in life. They make bodies presentable for viewing and preserve them for movement across state and international borders or for interment in a mausoleum.

But the profession might be suffering an image problem. Overseas specialists are being brought in to fill the gaps as a growing number of older workers retire and viewings at funerals increase. ''At the moment we have a nationwide shortage of embalmers,'' Australian Funeral Directors Association president John Scott said.

‘‘Peaceful profession’’ ... Monika Mohr, an embalmer at Olsen Funerals, likes to help grieving families. Credit:Lee Besford

Steven Kellaway, managing director of Olsens Funerals in Sutherland, said: ''Of the funerals we hold, 30 per cent have viewings.

''This has increased by 30 per cent in the last five years due to more Italian, Greek and Chinese families wanting to view the body of the deceased or if the person has passed away suddenly,'' he said.