Australian Funeral Director - September 2022

Contents

THE AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Official Journal of the Australian Funeral Directors Association

NATIONAL OFFICE

Suite 6, 27-31 Duerdin Street

Notting Hill VIC 3168

PO Box 1048

Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Tel: 03 9859 9966

Fax: 03 9819 7390

Toll Free: 1300 888 188

www.afda.org.au

NATIONAL COUNCIL

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Adrian Barrett

Senior Vice President: Kelly Scott

Junior Vice President: Asha Dooley Treasurer: James MacLeod

DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVES

ON NATIONAL COUNCIL

NSW/ACT

Nick Maurer, Simon Law, Asha Dooley

QUEENSLAND

Laurel Shanley, Matt Hansen, Don Burstow

SOUTH AUSTRALIA/NORTHERN TERRITORY

Sharyn Moll, Sarah Gardiner

TASMANIA

Mark Graham, Travis Tann

VICTORIA

Kelly Scott, James MacLeod, Andrew Pinder

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Adrian Barrett, Deanne McLeod

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

DALE GILSON

Chief Executive Officer Email: ceo@afda.org.au

KATE CHAPLEY Partnership Manager Executive Officer (SA/NT & WA)

Email: kate.chapley@afda.org.au

ANDREW WHITE

Membership Manager Executive Officer (QLD & NSW/ACT) AIE Executive Assistant Email: andrew.white@afda.org.au

THERESA BERNSTEIN Finance Manager Email: accounts@afda.org.au

SHERIDA GOOD Events Coordinator (VIC, SA/NT & WA) Executive Officer (VIC) Email: sherida.good@afda.org.au

DEANNE BROWN Events Coordinator (NSW/ACT, QLD & TAS) National Convention Coordinator Email: deanne.brown@afda.org.au

LUCINDA CATE Communications & Marketing Coordinator Executive Officer (TAS) Email: lucinda.cate@afda.org.au

Regulars

President’s

Features

Funeral Trends – New Report Shows Value of Staff

AFDA Strategic – 2022-2025 – Planning for the Future

State Funerals – Planning and Conducting

Role of Funeral Staff in Suicide Postvention

Funeral Home Comfort Dogs

Industry News

Service

Guide to Managing Tax for a Deceased Estate

Industry Spotlight – Community and Sustainability at Adelaide Cemeteries

Profile Glenn Bouchier

The Australian Funeral

material

deadline

All material

Copyright © 2022: Items in this publication are protected by copyright law. The Australian Funeral Director has been produced by the Australian Funeral Directors Association Ltd. as a service to its Members. No part may be reproduced by any process without written authorisation by the Association. Printed by: Neo. 5 Dunlop Road, Mulgrave, Vic. 3170

Editor: Lucinda Cate, PO Box

Mount Waverley, VICTORIA 3149 Email: admin@afda.org.au

Registered Office: Suite 6, 27-31 Duerdin Street, Notting Hill, VICTORIA 3168 Telephone:

ACN

Graphic Design: Neo. 5 Dunlop Road, Mulgrave, Vic. 3170 Images sourced on www.shutterstock.com

Opinions expressed in this Journal are not those of the AFDA. The AFDA does not accept responsibility for the content of advertisements or articles appearing which may be held to be contrary to law.

Mission Statement

PROMOTING PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL STANDARDS

Code of Ethics

Members of the Australian Funeral Directors Association agree to honour the spirit and provisions of the Code and as subscribers to the Code to hereby affirm and accept willingly the responsibilities and privileges that are implied by membership of the Association.

1. To maintain in all matters the highest standards of business, professional and personal conduct.

2. To respect in all circumstances the confidentiality and trust placed in us by our clients and members of the public.

3. To ensure that staff are qualified and competent.

4. To ensure that facilities are adequate for all services rendered to the community.

5. To provide information concerning the range of services available, the prices of these services, and the functions and responsibilities accepted on behalf of our clients.

6. To give a written estimate of all funeral charges and disbursements to be made on a client’s behalf at the time of taking instructions, or as soon as is practicable.

7. To respect the personal choice of clients and have regard for their diversity of beliefs in religious and cultural practices.

To ensure that all advertising is in good taste and directed to informing the public.

To be thoroughly conversant with the laws of the land as they apply to funeral service and allied industries and professions.

10. To provide access to a client advisory service with conciliation and arbitration arrangements available to help resolve any disputes which arise between members and their clients.

What’s Happening

September

5 SA/NT Journalist Seminar – Adelaide

WA Council Meeting – Perth

WA Annual General Meeting Weekend – Perth

QLD Mortuary Training – Buderim

VIC Council Meeting – Torquay

TAS Council Meeting – Torquay

VIC & TAS Joint Annual General Meeting Weekend – Torquay

October

VIC Mortuary Training Weekend – Melbourne

National Executive Meeting – via Zoom

AIE Board Meeting – Sunshine Coast

AIE Conference – Sunshine Coast

ACCA Conference – Canberra

NSW/ACT Mortuary Training – Canberra

National AGM – via Zoom

National Council Meeting – via Zoom

NSW/ACT Mortuary Training – Sydney

QLD Funeral Arranger Training – Brisbane

November

SA/NT Council Meeting and Christmas Function – Adelaide

NSW/ACT Funeral Arranger Training – Sydney

VIC Council Meeting and Christmas Function – Melbourne

TAS Mortuary Training – Hobart

ACC Higgins Australian Funeral Expo – Gold Coast

WA Council Meeting and Christmas Function – Perth

December

TAS Council Meeting – via Zoom

NSW/ACT General Meeting Weekend – Wagga Wagga

National President’s Message

Together we are stronger. This is an important mantra as we move forward and remain Australia’s leading industry organisation.

While we all operate our own businesses individually, with unique points of difference, our surveys show, we have much in common. If we combine our voice, funds, focus and ideas we will become far more prominent and equipped to handle the challenges we are faced with. This has been made clear during the recent, busy few months that followed the AFDA Strategic Planning Day in June and ensuing Divisional AGMs.

The value of the Association in advocating for the industry on many fronts has been evident in recent years with representations made regarding the ACCC, IPART Review and State Government Pricing Legislation, to name a few, along with current advocacy on the Australian Tax Office (ATO) draft ruling on GST and its application to burial rights in public cemeteries with many meetings held with key politicians on the issue.

As we know, advocacy is just one of several valued services the

AFDA offers on behalf of its members. Prior to the Strategic Planning Day, we reached out to all members through a survey and one-onone meetings to discover the specific goals that members wanted to see delivered by the Association. The most interesting outcome was that all members were telling us the same story – big and small, metro and regional, private and public companies – our members overwhelmingly want:

• Advocacy,

• Training,

• Public relations services, and

• Community education on the importance of funeral services.

I was pleased to see these results because, as a funeral home operator myself, these are in line with my own thoughts. This gave us confidence at the Strategic Planning Day on where to direct our resources to deliver the greatest benefit to all members.

Subsequently, in August, Dale and I attended the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) conference which was also attended by FDANSW Board members. In meetings with these associations, the vast majority had the same desire as our members, from their own Association.

I believe that membership of a particular association should no longer be seen as a competitive advantage and that the industry would benefit from one association. The real value of being a member of AFDA is that we have the resources to be the best placed association to deliver the things that members want.

Growth of our membership is the key to industry success overall – which is good for all of us. It means we are swimming in the same direction. The AFDA has always prided itself on our higher standards of premises,

equipment and vehicles, and more recently our continuing professional development requirements. Funeral homes which meet these standards of professionalism should be welcomed into the fold to continue to strengthen the ability of the Association to act for the industry. QFDA members joining the AFDA has been a welcome, recent example of what can be done on both a National and State level thanks to an increase in members.

Going forward, the members of FDANSW should be encouraged to join our national Association to increase the ability of NSW funeral directors to achieve positive outcomes within their State and nationally. The current situation with AFDA, FDANSW and NFDA is untenable from an industry perspective. The industry’s resources are diluted between associations, messages to government and the media can be mixed, and the media and government understandably don’t know who they should be contacting or listening to. Various strategies have been discussed at the National Council level to address this issue and some fantastic initiatives will be rolled out over the coming months.

While the next few months leading in to the National Convention in February will be extremely busy once again for the Association, it is heartening to see a crystallisation of many ideas. I am hopeful this will continue and strengthen the AFDA moving forward for the benefit of the funeral industry and ultimately, the families we serve.

Warm Regards, Adrian Barrett

Growth of our membership is the key to industry success overall

Membership News

Welcome to New Affiliate Member

When CEO of Memories, Tom Ainsworth, lost his father suddenly in 2013, he decided to build an online tribute to his dad on a small website called Skymorials. Why? Building the tribute “reminded me that through all our imperfections, our lives mean something,” Tom says.

When a close friend died in 2015 at the age of 36, he built another memorial because, “I knew his children would ask me about their dad. And in the online memorial, I attempted to flesh out, as best I could, a picture of my friend that would do him justice.”

What Tom didn’t realise was that in 2019, he would be approached to take the reins as CEO of a reinvigorated Skymorials, rebranded as Memories. Today, Memories is Australia’s leading provider of online memorials, the modern companion to traditional funerals, burials and cremations.

One in four deaths in Australia is memorialised through the business and its partnerships. Memories now hosts more than 500,000 beautiful online memorials, automatically arranged into Timelines that show important moments across each individual’s entire life.

Ad-free and secure, Memories allows a memorial owner to invite selected family and friends to contribute to the memorial, or open it to the public if they wish. This way, family and friends can share condolence messages before the funeral, via our digital guest book, and add memories, photos and videos of their loved one forever after.

Like a traditional memorial, an online memorial is a lasting tribute, but with enormous benefit for future generations — as Tom realised upon the death of his friend. Children, grandchildren and others can visit as often as they like, when and where it suits them. Include the physical location of their loved one’s last resting place, and the online memorial becomes invaluable to all those who want to remember — and physically visit — their late family member or friend.

Memories provides reseller offerings designed to grow their partners' market potential and profits in a sensitive, sustainable way as 250+ Australian funeral services businesses have already discovered.

The business provides full training on the product and its administration, plus a complete library of customer support materials. For more information, visit memories.com.au/memorial-partner.

Membership Applications

Applications are accepted subject to advertising. Members have 21 days in which to make comment to national office.

Membership Movements Membership Applications Approved

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP

Memories Group Limited Holly O’Connor

Level 2.2 435 Malvern Road South Yarra VIC 3123

NEW NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVE

Ivan Butler Family Funeral Directors

New Nominated Representative is Thomas Butler

NEW ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Premier Funerals

New Additional Representative is Donovan Forbes

InvoCare Australia

New Additional Representative is Craig Renshaw

From the CEO

Not since 2019 when I first joined AFDA have I been able to provide the National Report in-person at Divisional AGMs, and not via Zoom.

It has been terrific to once again see our members, our corporate partners, see and hear some wonderful and very educational speakers, and visit some great locations in our members’ States.

After a very solid couple of financial years, the impact of COVID-19, cancelling of events such as the AFDA National Convention for a second year, and the need for ongoing professional assistance from industry specialists to assist in AFDA’s lobbying efforts, the impact can be seen on the bottom line. An interim consolidated deficit of $94k is anticipated.

On a positive note, in 2022/2023 AFDA should benefit from the savings gained by no longer leasing our office space, the Convention will be conducted in February 2023, and there should be a significant reduction in the immediate requirements for external consultants to assist with AFDA’s lobbying requirements (touch wood).

Our most recent conversations with a number of Ministers reinforces the ATO’s position that they are of the view that while the ATO must “in law” determine that the GST was wrongly collected and should be refunded, “the industry does not have to make the refunds if it chooses not to”. We are told once again it is up to individual funeral directors to make the refunds or not. This view continues to leave the industry with reputational risk if the industry declines to make the refunds. It continues to be AFDA's position that the refunds should be prospective, not retrospective and that the ATO should take responsibility for the administrative burden this decision will place on the funeral industry. We have been informed an outcome may now only be a few weeks away.

The second Funeral Trends Report – The valuable contribution of the Australian funeral industry and its staff has been released by McCrindle Research. There are some very informative findings about staff experiences in the funeral industry particularly during the height of COVID-19 and the restrictions that staff had to implement. These can be seen on page 11 of this edition. Already findings from the latest report have been quoted by the media, reinforcing the importance of these reports to drive the media and government to AFDA as the leading voice for the industry.

Seven webinars have now been conducted in the new education series with the most recent by Relationships Australia Victoria on Conflict and Dispute Resolution in the Funeral Industry. This is an incredibly important area of our member’s business to continually improve upon. Even though the number of complaints continues to be very low, there are few industries where the complainant is grieving, and this often heightens the nature of the complaint. If you were not able to watch this webinar live, I encourage you to go to the members section of the AFDA website

and view the webinar to gain some valuable tips on how to help client families through this challenging time, particularly if something does not quite go to plan before, during or after the service.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our new Strategic Plan. Member surveys, in-person and Zoom meeting interviews were conducted as well as the National Council coming together under the guidance of professional facilitator John Mero who assisted with the final strategic plan. While there is plenty of operational work to still be completed, areas of focus will relate to AFDA brand awareness, promoting the value of a funeral, increased online education and training, increasing resources and continuing to grow AFDA’s scale and influence. You can read more on AFDA’s Strategic Plan for 2022 –2025 on page 12 of this edition.

Thank you for your understanding with another date change to the AFDA National Convention, now scheduled for 24-26 February 2023 at Hotel Realm in Canberra. This change provides greater confidence that the Convention will go ahead with concerns around COVID-19 cases likely to abate in the coming months, as well as the new date aligning with the traditional Presidential changeover period.

We have a busy few months ahead with the AIE and ACCA Conferences, the ACC Higgins Funeral Expo at which AFDA will have a stand, as well as many State based events. I look forward to seeing you all at these events leading into the end of another incredibly busy year for all.

Dale

In the News QLD Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation

From 1 July 2022 funeral directors in Queensland are required to display an itemised price list on their business websites and in-store to comply with the Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022.

The price of your least expensive package for consumers wanting a simple funeral also needs to be displayed. The regulation aims to introduce greater price transparency for consumers, as well as create a level playing field and a more competitive market for businesses.

What do funeral directors need to do?

From 1 July 2022, all QLD funeral directors must display information on the price of goods and services they offer for burials and cremations. This information is called funeral information and it must be displayed at each place of business and on any public website maintained by the funeral director.

Funeral information includes:

• The price of each of the following: the transport of the body before burial or cremation the storage of the body at a mortuary or holding room the hire of a refrigeration plate each type of coffin, casket or shroud, or the price range for all coffins, caskets, or shrouds supplied by the funeral director

the care and preparation of the body before burial or cremation

a viewing of the body before burial or cremation

the arrangement and conduct of a funeral service, including the hire of a venue

the burial or cremation of the body.

• The location of the mortuary or crematorium used by the funeral director.

• If the funeral director uses a mortuary or crematorium that is not owned or managed by the funeral director, the name of the owner or manager.

• A reasonable estimate of the following: the cost of obtaining a death certificate from the registrar under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 2003

the costs of getting any certificates or permits needed under an Act in relation to the body including, for example, a permission to cremate the body under the Cremations Act 2003 any fee charged by a cemetery or crematorium for the burial or cremation of a body supplied by the funeral director.

• The price of the least expensive combination, or least expensive package, of goods and services offered by the funeral director. This is in addition to the itemised price list of goods and services.

• How a body is transported before burial or cremation.

Requirement to display and give information

Under the regulation, there is a requirement to prominently display funeral information at each place of business and on the business website. This may include (but not be limited to):

• A brochure of funeral information displayed on the reception counter of each place of business.

• A link on the homepage of the funeral director’s website in larger and/or contrasting font linking to the funeral information.

If a customer requests a cost-itemised quote before entering an agreement to carry out a funeral, the funeral director will have to provide the quote within 48 hours (or longer if agreed), or before the agreement is signed, whichever happens first.

A funeral director must not enter into an agreement with a customer for the supply of goods and services for burial or cremation unless the funeral director has given the following information:

• An itemised price list of each good or service that will be supplied under the agreement.

• The cost of all disbursements.

• The total amount payable by the customer.

To help QLD funeral directors meet their obligations the QLD Office of Fair Trading has published information on its website along with an industry compliance checklist, a sample price list and some frequently asked questions and answers. Please note that Fair Trading will be checking the websites of all QLD funeral directors and may also make spot visits to premises to ensure that there is compliance with the new regulation. For a copy of the regulation visit www.legislation.qld.gov.au

Funeral industry price transparency checklist

David Clarke

Development Manager

Plan

Funeral Trends New Report Shows Value of Funeral Staff

AFDA has released the second Funeral Industry Trends Report, part of an ongoing research project commissioned by AFDA and conducted by McCrindle Research, to understand the trends shaping the funeral industry.

Unique to this report, in addition to key trends, is an exploration of the valuable contribution of the Australian funeral industry and its staff based largely on data gathered by McCrindle Research through a monthly online survey of AFDA Members.

The online survey garnered information about 7,069 funerals conducted between August 2021 and January 2022. Additional insights were gathered through a separate survey of 133 staff members of AFDA Member organisations.

Social researcher Mark McCrindle says the report has an important story to tell. The funeral industry and its staff play an essential role in helping people through what is often one of the most difficult times of their lives.

Funeral Industry Trends Report

The report found 91% of funeral industry staff in Australia find working in the funeral industry extremely or very rewarding. Further key findings of the report were:

• 87% of funeral industry staff enjoy helping families and loved ones during a difficult time

• 84% of funeral industry staff feel like they are making a positive difference for people

• Providing comfort to grieving families accounts for a sizeable portion of their day-to-day work life (56%)

• 80% of funeral industry staff believe they are making an extremely or very positive impact in their local community.

Significant impacts of COVID-19 COVID-19 and its associated restrictions were also included, providing crucial insights into the ways in which the pandemic affected the funeral industry and its staff. The need to impose restrictions on grieving families was the biggest challenge for funeral industry staff, in contrast to the pre-

pandemic approach to caring for loved ones of the deceased. Research data included in the report points to funeral restrictions contributing to the ‘silent pandemic of grief’.

Key challenges experienced by the funeral industry and its staff because of COVID-19 were:

• 81% of funeral industry staff found imposing restrictions on funeral attendees the biggest challenge

• Dealing with families who are under high levels of stress and anxiety (65%)

• Cancelling and rescheduling funerals due to lockdowns and restrictions (56%).

AFDA CEO, Dale Gilson said the funeral industry continues to play an essential role in guiding Australians through grief and loss, perhaps now more than ever.

“Funeral industry workers are frontline. Every person who dies needs to be transferred, and even with depleted staffing levels, everyone has a funeral of some kind. Those staff who remain, and are not in isolation, or have COVID-19 themselves, are absorbing additional workloads above the norm.”

The report also explores changes and trends in how people farewell their loved ones. 44% of funerals were livestreamed in August 2021 to January 2022, compared to 36% in February 2021 to July 2021, indicating that even as restrictions ease, the pandemic has accelerated trends in the funeral industry.

Copies of the report were mailed to all AFDA Members in July. If you missed your copy or would like additional copies please email admin@afda.org.au or contact AFDA National Office.

84% of funeral industry staff feel they are making a positive difference

AFDA Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 Planning for the Future

AFDA has launched a new Strategic Plan to help shape the future of the Association for the next three years. In June this year AFDA National Councillors and professional facilitator John Mero met to develop a three-year strategic plan covering the period 2022-2025.

The new Strategic Plan for 2022 – 2025 helps to ensure AFDA is well equipped to assist members with the myriad of issues facing the industry now and for the future including industry disruptors, increased scrutiny, costs and perceived diminished value of a funeral.

AFDA is the national peak body for the funeral industry with Member firms in every State and Territory. AFDA’s key objective continues to be to optimise the funeral experience and ensure quality delivery of service to the wider community by enhancing and promoting professional funeral standards.

Members and stakeholders had the opportunity to contribute to the new Strategic Plan via a Member survey, Zoom and in-person meetings. Thank you to those that contributed as the feedback, vision and insight has been incredibly important

to guide the direction of what AFDA will look like for the future. The Strategic Plan is underpinned by our Mission, Purpose, Vision and Values for 2022-2025:

• Mission – Promoting the benefit of funerals and professional standards

• Purpose – To assist members in supporting their communities

• Vision – To be the voice of the funeral industry

• Values – Standards, Transparency, Accountability, Professionalism, Leadership, Ethics and Support.

To achieve these objectives the following strategic goals have been adopted for 2022-2025:

• Membership Retention and Growth

• Dynamic Representation and Advocacy

• Commercial Viability through Diversity and Expansion

• Continuing Professional Development

• Promoting the Value of Funerals to the Community.

MEMBERSHIP RETENTION AND GROWTH

AFDA continues to focus on our strategic goal of membership retention and growth. The number of funerals conducted by our members has increased year on year from 53,600 funerals conducted by members in 2019 to 99,275 funerals conducted by members in 2022 strengthening AFDA’s scale and relevance. As part of the three-year plan AFDA will evaluate:

• the need for differing member categories,

• increase promotion of our offerings to nonmembers; and

• launch a targeted growth campaign.

As part of AFDA’s commitment to members to deliver unrivalled support we will be undertaking a review and assessment of AFDA’s member benefits by looking to feedback garnered in the member survey, ways to offer more value adds and continue to explore how we can best support the needs of a diverse funeral industry.

Key areas of focus include:

• AFDA App – work will commence on a refresh of the AFDA App to not only provide up-todate information on AFDA events but valuable on the go information for our members. An Android version of the App will also be developed for the first time.

• Members website – in conjunction with an extensive review and update of AFDA manuals and policy guidelines work will commence on updating the content, tools and information available in the members only area of the website to assist members in their day to day businesses.

DYNAMIC REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY

The AFDA has an important role in building awareness and leading a national conversation to help increase understanding of the work of funeral professionals and their role in caring for the deceased of loved ones. As part of the three-year plan AFDA will be working to proactively engage with the industry, government, community and media by developing a stronger narrative on the industry and the role of funerals to people and the community supported by:

• Ongoing research commissioned by AFDA and conducted by McCrindle Research. The third part of this research will explore

The new Strategic Plan helps to ensure AFDA is well equipped to assist members

the contribution of members to the community and will gather evidence of the positive work of members and the industry with the aim of generating positive media activity.

• Continuing to advocate and shape policy on behalf of members by proactively engaging with Government on issues such as ATO GST Right of Interment and Price Transparency.

• Updating the AFDA promotional handbook and sending to the industry to promote who AFDA is, the benefits of membership, our advocacy work, sponsorship and advertising opportunities, and to recognise those who have contributed so much to our Association since its inception.

• Promoting the important contribution of the funeral industry and its staff to not only grieving families but also their communities as well as attracting new participants to the funeral industry to ensure a viable industry for AFDA Members.

COMMERICAL VIABILITY THROUGH DIVERSITY AND EXPANSION

As part of the three-year plan AFDA will identify methods to

increase commercial viability including further opportunities to license the Your Goodbye campaign, investigating new membership categories and different avenues to attract non-members. An extensive review and update of the AFDA Constitution will assist in evaluating membership categories and foundational matters such as size and role of Councils.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AFDA has distinguished itself as a leader in the delivery of training for its members. With the advent of COVID-19 and the disruption of in-person training AFDA is working to future proof training as part of its three-year plan including:

• Developing an online learning hub for members and their staff which will contain an array of online courses suitable for all industry participants.

• Developing a training needs matrix to not only determine the skills and attributes of members but also to identity any gaps in training requirements to further enrich the funeral sector.

• Continuing the AFDA webinar series with relevant and inspiring speakers in conjunction with face-to-face learning to round out AFDA’s offering of continuing professional development.

• Governance and media training for AFDA National Councillors and Executives as required to ensure a competent and efficient Board who are also best prepared to promote the important and positive work of our industry.

PROMOTING THE VALUE OF FUNERALS TO THE COMMUNITY

Another focus of the three-year plan is looking to partnerships that increase awareness of AFDA, the difference in choosing an AFDA Member over a non-member and that promote the work of our members to their communities. This includes a focus on:

• Brand awareness – AFDA will be embarking on an extensive project with Palliative Care Australia, work closely with MyTributes to build AFDA brand awareness online and highlight AFDA Members over nonmembers to the public as well as increasing our presence at industry events such as Dying to Know Day.

• Media – During the height of COVID-19 the media turned to AFDA for comment and this has continued beyond the pandemic. AFDA aims to leverage its position as the key contact for media and proactively lead communications by pitching positive news stories about the funeral industry. AFDA will also work to increase its presence on social media channels and further promote the work of our members and the industry.

• Marketing – The Your Goodbye campaign will be further developed for members to utilise and educate their communities in the value and benefits of a funeral ceremony. The Your Goodbye campaign encourages families and friends to start the conversation about funeral choices and why funerals are so important to those left behind.

For assistance at any time or for further information on how AFDA tools and resources can help in your business contact National Office on 03 9859 9966 or admin@afda.org.au

State Funerals Planning and Conducting

A State Funeral (with the casket present) or a State Memorial are offered by State governments to honour prominent people who have given long and/or outstanding service to the State or Nation.

A State Funeral is a mark of respect for public officials, prominent sports people or significant cultural figures and entertainers who have made an exceptional contribution to their community. These events provide the family, governments, institutions and general public with the opportunity to honour these people, and to mourn their loss. However, they can create a challenge for funeral directors wishing to support public grieving at the same time as honoring the wishes of the deceased, and their family.

In Australia the honour of a State Funeral has been historically reserved for senior political leaders, governors and chief justices. Senior politicians (both current and former) and people holding positions such as Governor and Chief Justice automatically qualify for a State Funeral, but since the slaying in 1992 of Dr Victor Chang and the subsequent public grief, State Funerals have been used increasingly to honour

a wider variety of distinguished people.

Frank J Siebert Funeral Directors in South Australia are not alone in conducting their fair share of State Funerals and Memorials.

Like several South Australian funeral directors, they have worked with the South Australian Premier’s Department on funerals for several notable South Australians, such as Dame Roma Mitchell (Australia’s first female State Governor), Des Corcoran (Former State Premier) and Vili Milisits (businessman and philanthropist).

Liaising with Government Departments to create an experience that meets the needs of the public while not compromising the family’s experience of intimate grieving can prove challenging. Vilmos Milisits was a larger than life character in Adelaide.

A Hungarian refugee, he established a baking icon ‘Vili’s Bakery’ that South

Australians came to love. His love for his home in Australia, and the community that embraced him and his family bakery, enabled him to use his prominence and passion to offer unwavering support to the disadvantaged people within the community.

For his significant support and donations to South Australian sporting clubs and charities, and service to the food industry, Vili was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

State Funerals and Memorials can be huge and complex events

Sadly, he died interstate and was transferred back to Adelaide while his wife, Rosemary, was left to pack up their temporary home and return to South Australia with her family.

Rosemary was faced with the decision of whether to accept an offer of a State Funeral / Memorial or to opt for a private funeral service. Discussing this decision with her family, and with Natasha Siebert, Rosemary was divided in making a choice.

Knowing Vili was much loved by the public and deserved such an honour, she wanted to accept the opportunity. However, her family sought privacy in their grief and farewell.

Rosemary also knew that the Catholic Cathedral, with a COVID capacity of 600 people, would barely fit those closest to Vili, let alone the dignitaries, media, community groups and general public who would attend a State Funeral. Natasha provided a listening ear and offered options for Rosemary to consider, before Rosemary decided on a private funeral and a State Memorial a week later.

As a result, Vili was farewelled at an ‘invitation only’ funeral, however struggling to restrict the guest list to 600 proved a tough task for Rosemary and her family. The ‘Vili’s Bakery’ Production Facility could not close down for the funeral and the Cathedral couldn’t accommodate all the staff – but Vili treated his employees like family and they deserved to say goodbye personally. So, to allow his family of employees to say farewell, Frank J Siebert Funeral Directors took Vili to them.

At shift change, the hearse arrived at the front of the South Road property, giving all of his cherished staff the opportunity to say farewell (it took quite a while for all the staff to file past!) and to offer their sympathies to Rosemary. The staff all then formed a guard of honor down Manchester Street as Vili left their company for the last time. The private funeral was held the following day at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide.

A week later, the State Memorial was held in the State Theatre with thousands in attendance.

Despite the State Memorial being an event run by the Premier’s Department, Frank J Siebert Funeral Directors supported Rosemary’s wishes by introducing personal touches including a Memorial Donations stand.

These arrangements gave Vili’s family a choice – they could attend both the private funeral and State Memorial, or, for those who did not wish to grieve publicly, they could simply attend the Mass at the Cathedral.

Families are not obliged to accept the offer of a State Funeral. ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin’s family declined following his death in 2006, with his father quoted as saying he would not have wanted a State Funeral because he always thought of himself as ‘just an ordinary bloke’.

State Funerals and Memorials can be huge and complex events involving several stakeholders. Often funeral directors are dealing with multiple organisations and government departments, including the Premier's Department, City Councils, media, Church hierarchy and State Police. When faced with large extra-ordinary funeral services, Natasha Siebert has three priorities:

• Allocate two funeral directors to the funeral. The first funeral director collaborates with the Premier’s Department on event management, protocols and communication for the public event. The second funeral director works with the family to ensure that they

don’t get lost in the process.

• Prepare in advance, if possible. When it became apparent that Dame Roma Mitchell’s health was failing, Frank J Siebert Funeral Directors worked extensively with the Premier’s Department and even conducted a walk-through of the hospital to determine the most effective way of transferring Dame Roma into their care without alerting the surrounding media.

• Support the family’s wishes. Find ways to ensure that their grieving process is supported. Make sure that they don’t get lost in the process of the State event.

The challenge for funeral directors when planning and conducting a State Funeral is to provide the family with an intimate grieving experience, while providing the public with the opportunity to honour someone special.

The challenge for funeral directors is to provide the family with an intimate grieving experience

Role of Funeral Staff in Suicide Postvention

Suicide bereavement can be a complex, stigmatising and isolating experience which can have longlasting negative effects.

Australian research has shown that more than half of our population knows someone who has died by suicide. Suicide Postvention is organised support provided to those impacted by suicide. This includes formal counselling and bereavement services in addition to more informal support from friends and families, as well as frontline staff, such as funeral workers, police and paramedics.

Funeral directors are one of the first services contacted by families following a suicide, however, they have been overlooked and underacknowledged for the important role they can play in this context.

Challenge of suicide bereavement funerals Recently published research by Alison Clements (Manager, Suicide Aware) at the University of Western Australia (UWA) shows that funerals due to suicide are inherently challenging for funeral staff due to the impact of this type of loss on family and mourners.

The stigma around the cause of death, mixed feelings and strained/unpredictable

communication amongst families can make planning the funeral more complex. The preparation of the deceased person by mortuary staff can be challenging given autopsy marks, coronial delays and the nature of injuries. The family’s lack of preparedness for the funeral together with heightened emotions amongst mourners, particularly young people, can make for a difficult and unpredictable funeral service.

These funerals are experienced by staff in all roles as complex in terms of emotionality, timing and communication. Finding the right words to say and how to communicate well is of particular concern. Staff make a range of adjustments to negotiate this complexity, individually, and on the basis of their role and experience.

Working well with suicide bereavement funerals

To address these experiences and support funeral staff to work well with suicide bereavement funerals, Neami National partnered with Bowra & O’Dea, the largest family owned funeral provider in Perth, to design a training program specifically for funeral staff: Working Well with Suicide and Sudden Loss.

The Training package has been evaluated through UWA as being of substantial benefit to funeral staff. It increased knowledge, confidence and skills with managing emotionality, communication and engagement with families and mourners when working with suicide bereavement funerals.

About the Training

The Training is three hours and meets new legislative Work Health and Safety requirements for managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace. It can be conducted in person or online and is available to all funeral providers. The Training delivers information and resources including: facts and myths about suicide; impacts on families and communities; best practice language and communication; staff wellbeing – Work Health and Safety and resources for further learning and support. For more information please contact SuicideAware@neaminational.org.au.

SUICIDE AWARE

FUNERAL STAFF TRAINING

Evidenced based training developed with and for funeral staff.

University evaluated as improving staff awareness, confidence, communication and engagement when working with suicide bereavement funerals.

Meets WHS requirements for managing workplace hazards and supporting staff mental health and wellbeing.

Available online or in person

Alison Clements

Funeral Home Comfort Dogs

Kings Funerals is proud to introduce their funeral home comfort dog, Womble, bringing much needed comfort to the grieving families that Kings Funerals supports in regional Victoria.

Comfort dogs are increasingly employed by funeral homes in the USA, to console bereaved families suffering through the loss of a loved one, while comfort dogs have also been put to great use at aged care facilities and hospitals internationally.

Inspired by the unique service comfort dogs provide, the Kings Funerals family spent two years searching for their perfect comfort dog, while researching best practices from around the world. They eventually found Womble in 2019, with the assistance of a local charity.

“At Kings Funerals we understand the comfort a trained companion pet can

WOMBLE, KINGS FUNERALS

provide to people experiencing grief and loss. People love Womble, he’s got a really gentle, sweet, calm nature. If he senses that people would welcome it, he comes close to them, he might put his nose on their leg or just sit close for pats and cuddles,” says Beth King, General Manager of Kings Funerals.

Once Womble’s work vest is on, he knows what to do. Attuned to his environment, he has the ability to read people’s emotional state and approach those looking for comfort.

As a valuable member of the Kings team, Womble is there for grieving families and helps to provide the highest levels of empathy and compassion during the funeral process.

Roxanne Neylon recently experienced Womble’s comfort dog service for her father’s funeral at Kings’ Geelong venue. “Funerals can sometimes feel cold, but it broke the ice, having a dog there. We had a few small children, and if they were upset, they would go and pat and play with the dog. It builds on that empathy when you have an animal there, who understands how you’re feeling on a different level. I felt that the service he provided was priceless,” says Roxanne.

impact of the COVID pandemic was starting to affect South Australian families.

Although not intended to be a Comfort Dog, grieving families quickly became aware that a dog was on-site and asked to see him. Bailey makes what could be a confronting experience a positive one, particularly when young children are attending a viewing.

The added benefit of Bailey ‘working’ in the family business has been for the staff. Dealing with the stress of their own fear around COVID, having to deal with families face to face in the uncertainty of a pandemic, and often having to deal with grieving families’ added stress of funeral restrictions, Bailey’s sweet nature and ability to know just what attention the staff members needed – be it a lick, a cuddle or just sitting by their side – reduced the stress levels amongst the Frank J Siebert staff significantly.

BAILEY, FRANK J SIEBERT

Like Womble, two year old Cavoodle Baily has become a fixture at Frank J Siebert Funeral Directors in Adelaide. Bailey came into the Siebert family just as the full

The Sieberts could never have guessed that buying a family pet would make such a big difference to their staff and grieving families as well as their own family. As too at Kings Funerals, Womble is not only a great service to grieving clients and children, but has been a positive influence on the Kings team, providing comfort and a distraction on difficult days.

Handles

Guide to Managing Tax for a Deceased Estate

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has recently updated its guidance on how to manage deceased estates from a tax perspective with the aim to provide easy to understand tax advice for managing a deceased estate.

The ATO understands that when a person dies, the last thing the family and friends are thinking about is tax. However, after some time has passed, relatives will naturally start to turn their minds to what else needs to be done, for example:

• there may be tax returns to be lodged

• property may need to be sold – which can take time and result in additional tax returns

• income or assets may need to be transferred to the intended beneficiaries to finalise the estate.

To make things as easy as possible for your clients, the ATO has developed a checklist that outlines all the steps that might need to be taken. The checklist includes phone numbers, links to more information, and explanations for more complex scenarios. The checklist includes steps on the following information:

1. Look after yourself

This is the most important thing. This step provides phone numbers for some confidential counselling services.

2. Pause tax correspondence

The ATO can stop sending tax correspondence to the deceased person when they are advised of the death. This step explains how to advise the ATO.

3. Managing the deceased's financial affairs

This step will help your clients establish who should administer the estate. Administering an estate can take time and comes with several responsibilities. If there is an executor named in a will, they will generally manage the deceased's financial affairs. If there is no executor, the next of kin may choose to take on the responsibility.

4. Get help if you need it

This step provides information about who can assist with both tax and non-tax aspects of administering a deceased estate.

5. Grant of probate or letters of administration

This step will help your clients determine if they need one of these court-issued documents, required to be considered the authorised legal personal representative (LPR) by the ATO. The LPR has:

• full authority to manage the deceased's tax affairs

• unrestricted access to ATO-held information and assets of the estate.

Clients managing a small estate may not need to apply for a grant of probate or letters of administration. However, there will be some legal limitations on what information the ATO can provide or what assets can be released without them.

6. Notify the ATO

The ATO can be notified who will manage the deceased estate's tax affairs unofficially

by phone, or officially by submitting an official notification of death. This step links to information on how to submit an official notification of death.

7. Manage any business tax obligations

This step includes information to help identify whether the deceased person's tax affairs included carrying on a business. There may be outstanding business activity statements to lodge and tax to pay. Further advice from a legal practitioner or registered tax agent may be required.

8. Lodge a final tax return for the deceased A final 'date of death' tax return for the deceased person may need to be lodged. This covers the income earned in the financial year in which the person died, up to their date of death. This step links to how to obtain a deceased person’s tax information from the ATO and how to lodge the tax return.

9. Lodge tax returns for the deceased estate

When someone dies, their assets are held in trust by their estate until they can be distributed. The deceased estate is a separate entity to the deceased individual. The estate may receive income from these assets such as rental income from a property, or dividends from shares. In this case trust tax returns may need to be lodged and tax paid from the estate. This step links to further information on lodging trust tax returns.

10. Finalise tax affairs

Before the final distribution of the deceased's property to the beneficiaries is made all tax obligations need to be completed. This step links to information about finalising the estate, and the obligations of the legal personal representative.

Share this information with your client families by directing them to the ATO’s checklist, available at ato.gov.au/ IndividualsDeceasedEstateChecklist.

Industry Spotlight Emerging Communities and Sustainability at Adelaide Cemeteries

The growth of new and emerging community groups in the suburbs of metro Adelaide has spearheaded the evolution of how Adelaide’s leading cemetery provider does business.

Adelaide Cemeteries operates four cemeteries across Adelaide, with their flagship Enfield Memorial Park located just 10km from the CBD, as well as the heritagelisted West Terrace dating back to the earliest days of Adelaide. Smithfield Memorial Park, the youngest of the four cemeteries has recently become South Australia’s largest cemetery, with capacity to grow and supply the community of South Australia for many generations to come.

In recent years, the local area has seen rapid growth of new housing developments, with uptake from new Australians, young families and in particular migrant communities. With ample space for expansion and personalisation, Adelaide Cemeteries have been actively working with local community groups to provide bespoke spaces and gardens that embody the traditions and spirit of these community groups.

Adelaide Cemeteries newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Michael Robertson will continue the work of outgoing

Chief Executive Officer, Robert Pitt who redefined how Adelaide Cemeteries are used and perceived in the community by working collaboratively with local communities which Michael says is essential for the longevity of cemeteries within South Australia; “While they may be relatively unknown in South Australia, each of these vibrant community groups represent unique traditions and beliefs that date back for thousands of years. Taking these traditions and history into consideration when planning and developing new gardens and offerings means that these communities have a truly unique and fitting place to inter their loved ones, while creating new traditions and familiarity with Adelaide Cemeteries for generations to come.”

The Adelaide Chin Community, which has experienced more than 900% growth since 2006, is one of these communities that Adelaide Cemeteries have worked collaboratively with – with the Adelaide Chin Community Memorial Garden opening in May this year. This new garden at Smithfield Memorial Park allows room for 150 burials in its first stage, as well as private areas of reflection and unique theming to reflect the vibrant and intricate fabric patterns that are produced by the community. The opening was attended by MPs, Local Government Officials and a large proportion of the Chin Community, cementing how important providing these dedicated areas are.

Late in 2021, Adelaide Cemeteries was also part of a pilot program to provide a memorial park dedicated to reburial of Kaurna ancestral remains. Supported by the Premier of South Australia’s pilot grant and working closely with the South Australian Museum, the Kaurna community successfully created Wangayarta, a new type of burial place that is uniquely Kaurna. With soil brought from the furthest reaches of Kaurna land in the North, East, South and West, the memorial garden includes over 5,000 shrubs, trees and ground-covers with the traditional food and medicine and the colours, sounds and smells that the ancestors grew up with shading and surrounding them.

The focus of community is not only being implemented at Smithfield Memorial Park but across each of Adelaide Cemeteries sites. Enfield Memorial Park is part-way through the largest expansion since its inception, with a new $25 million Multi-Function Community Precinct due for completion in early 2023. This community precinct will include a public café, florist, nature play space and room for up to 500 guests in a single space. This facility, spearheaded by Michael’s vision for environmental sustainability will also provide capacity for up to five cremators with European standard Full-Filtration Systems, reducing emissions by more than 90% – the first in the Southern Hemisphere to do so.

Glenn BouchierMember Profile VIC Division Treasurer

Growing up at a funeral home seemed very normal for me, as it was for many children in the past.

At the age of 14, I started going to work with Dad on my school holidays and helping in different areas, assisting on funerals, transfers, washing cars, trimming coffins, and at that time, I wanted nothing else for a career.

The minute I finished school and had my drivers licence I was away. I worked for a short period with Nelson Bros as a coordinator before returning to the Heritage family with Gavan and Rob Heritage at Heritage Harper Funerals.

This role was a role I absolutely loved, Gavan became my greatest mentor, mate, and supporter. I began arranging and directing funerals at the age of 20, was the branch manager by 22, and I was hooked. I undertook the FIDA Embalming course to become what I believe is a more rounded funeral director.

become great mentors to me as well. Emma and I started working on ways we could make incremental improvements to the way we deliver our own style of funeral service. We created our own in-house training program and changed the way we deliver our service options to client families to create a more meaningful, individual funeral experience.

In 2016 we began a large building and renovation program at our existing funeral home and on Christmas Eve 2016 we reopened our refurbished Mason Park Chapel and brand-new Memories Room Function Centre to better serve our changing community. In the financial year 2021/2022 we conducted more than 230 funeral services.

Our more than 15-year journey at Mason Park has been extremely rewarding

As a child I would wander around all areas of the funeral home, helping/ hindering staff to hammer in escutcheon nails and staple up drapery in coffins. Life at the funeral home was interesting and nothing was ever hidden from me.

My earliest memory of funeral service was at around three years of age, looking out of the front window of our home/residence above Frank Heritage and Sons Funeral Services in Croydon, Victoria and seeing my Dad walking in front of the hearse as it left the Chapel.

In 2007, an opportunity arose for my wife Emma and I to purchase what was Garlick Family Funerals in Wangaratta, Victoria. At the ripe old age of 26, we jumped at the opportunity. We started with just the two of us full-time and an array of casual staff to help us on our journey. In our first year we conducted 130 funerals and loved it.

Since then I have become involved with AFDA as a Victorian Divisional Councillor and I am enjoying my time as the current Victorian Divisional Treasurer. I have a passion for training and have really enjoyed my time collaborating with so many different people. The beauty of AFDA is that all input is valued, whether from a single branch funeral home, or a muti-national brand. We can all learn from each other.

In 2015 I attended the Edge Leadership Training program run by Martin Tobin and Don Burstow. Martin and Don have since

Our more than 15-year journey at Mason Park has been extremely rewarding and successful. We understand that “Failure we can do alone, but success is a team effort”.

In our 15 years we have been incredibly lucky to employ fantastic, dedicated staff who continue to exceed the expectations of our client families.

By Glenn Bouchier Mason Park Funerals

E: glenn@masonpark.com.au W: www.masonpark.com.au

Association

NSW / ACT Division

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

After two cancellations due to the pandemic, the Division was finally able to meet in person again at the Peppers Salt Resort, Kingscliff, NSW on 12-14 August 2022 for the NSW/ACT & QLD Joint Annual General Meeting. The NSW/ACT Division has had an extremely challenging few years with drought, followed by bushfires and lately the northern NSW floods so this opportunity to meet in-person was very much welcomed by our members and sponsors.

The weekend started with a casual dinner at the Salt bar and restaurant. After the AGM and joint Open Forum the first of the education sessions was presented by Michelle Bowden from Michelle Bowden Enterprises. In this practical session delegates discovered how being persuasive is a skill set that can be developed like any other skill. The second speaker was Ashley Fell from McCrindle

Research. In this session, demographer and futurist Ashley navigated attendees through the megatrends transforming Australia and delivered a snapshot of the coming years ahead.

DIVISIONAL AWARDS

During the AGM weekend a number of presentations and certificates were awarded to four very worthy recipients. Jane Domjahn was awarded a Recognition of Service Certificate for the contribution Funeral Transfer Services Australia has made to AFDA and the Australian funeral industry. Nick Maurer was awarded his Divisional President term of office certificate as this was the first opportunity to present this to him since he stepped down as President last year.

Dale Maroney and Ken Maurer were both honoured with the AFDA Distinguished Service Award which recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the work of the AFDA at a Divisional level and to the common good of the profession.

EVENTS AND TRAINING

The Division has recently introduced Town Hall style quarterly Zoom meetings so that more NSW/ACT regional members can attend to discuss local concerns and issues. The Division currently has a total of 31 members with a total of 169 premises across NSW and ACT.

The Division will hold two Mortuary Training days in October. The first will be on 22 October at William Cole Funerals in Canberra and the second training day will be on 29 October at Guardian Funerals in Lidcombe. Both training sessions will be conducted by Jan Field. We are also pleased to inform members that an Arranger Training day has been scheduled on Saturday 5 November in Sydney which will be presented by Don Burstow and Martin Tobin.

END OF YEAR DINNER

An End of Year Dinner and General Meeting will be held at The Pavilion Mantra, Wagga Wagga on 2-4 December. A casual dinner will be held on the Friday night followed by educations sessions and a more formal dinner at Mecanico wine bar and restaurant on the Saturday.

Queensland Division

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The NSW/ACT & QLD Joint Annual General Meeting Weekend was held at the Peppers Salt Resort, Kingscliff, NSW and was a great success with over 80 members and sponsors in attendance. The weekend commenced with a casual dinner on Friday night which was followed by the Annual General Meetings and education sessions on Saturday morning. The first speaker was Michelle Bowden who presented ‘Welcome to the Birdcage – How Persuasion Smart are YOU?’ Michelle is a renowned presenter known for achieving results through a highly interactive approach to her presentations that ensures behavioural change every time. In short – she’s Australia’s authority on how to communicate persuasively for results. The second speaker was Ashley Fell, Director of Advisory at the internationally recognised McCrindle Research who presented a very informative talk on ‘The Top Trends of 2021/2022’.

STATE CHALLENGE

As with tradition, the NSW/ACT and QLD Divisions held their biannual State Challenge activity after the education program which was a trivia contest this

year. After a close and hard-fought number of trivia rounds which included some physically challenging tests the QLD Division were once again victorious and admirably defended their current crown. The next biannual challenge will be chosen by the NSW/ACT Division so no doubt they will make it very difficult for the reigning cup holders to win!

DIVISIONAL TRAINING

Due to the recent increase in COVID cases, the Mortuary Training and Arranger Training sessions in QLD were put on hold, however as the isolation rules for close contacts has now been changed the Mortuary Training and Arranger Training program has once again been scheduled with the next Mortuary Training session scheduled for 10-11 September at Gregson & Weight. Another session of the popular Arranger Training day presented by Martin Tobin and Don Burstow has been planned for Saturday 29 October at a hotel close to the Brisbane airport. Members have been sent a program and registration form.

END OF YEAR DINNER

Please note that the Queensland End of Year Dinner scheduled for 18-19 November on the Gold Coast has been cancelled to allow members more time to visit the ACC Higgins Trade Expo on the Gold Coast.

QLD FAIR TRADING

The Division engaged Clifford Lawyers to advise on several issues in regard to the new Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022. As a result of this legal advice, the Division wrote to the Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman MP to request an explanation of the issues. The Office of Fair Trading contacted AFDA to thank the Division for our letter and to advise that they had taken on board the

comments made in the letter that was sent to them. They have amended the FAQ sheet and clarified that a funeral director who does not wish to do business with a family does not need to provide pricing information. It was very pleasing to hear that they thought our comments and concerns were of value and have taken the time to correct the FAQ sheet and also clarify and provide advice as to our queries.

Members are reminded that the new Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022 commenced on 1 July and were advised that the Department of Fair Trading is already making inspections of funeral directors’ premises to check if they comply with the new Fair Trading (Funeral Pricing) Regulation 2022 which came into effect on 1 July 2022.

BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES (BDM)

BDM is developing new death registration and disposal systems to replace the current eDeaths and eDisposals systems. The new system will provide a more streamlined experience when lodging death registrations and disposal notices. Members will have the opportunity to transition to the new systems on the SPP in September 2022 when the first stage is released. The first release of the new system will be for single-form submissions only. If you use the batch upload function you will need to continue to use the old system at this stage.

Victorian Division

ZONE MEETINGS

The final Zone Meeting for 2022 took place in Wangaratta on 8 June where over 40 guests heard from Deputy Operations Manager, Jason Lyle from Geelong Cemeteries Trust (GCT) who shed light on the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and how GCT overcame the myriad of challenges encountered in the Cemetery sector.

SMCT

The Division had their first meeting with SMCT in May as part of the new regular meetings agreed to by SMCT earlier in the year. Pleasingly SMCT advised there have been no burial booking delays for some time now and that capping burial numbers again during winter is an absolute last resort. A number of other matters were addressed such as delays to the collection of cremated remains, winter health and safety guidelines to

Tasmanian Division

DIVISIONAL TRAINING

Tasmanian and Victorian Members gathered together inperson in Melbourne on 29 July for the first time since before the pandemic for a joint Members Networking Function. Over 55 members enjoyed re-connecting with one another over a cocktail style function.

The following day saw 50 staff participate in a sold-out Funeral Arranging Training Day facilitated by Martin Tobin and Don Burstow which focused on the why, not how of funeral arranging, highlighting and reenforcing the value of funerals and what continues to make them so important in a post

better protect funeral staff, and pleasingly SMCT indicated they are open to considering feedback from members with regards to using mechanical lowering devices for monumental burials and what funeral directors find most important during grave checks.

CORONERS COURT OF VICTORIA (CCOV)

The Division has received a response from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) regarding the letter submitted by AFDA which raised concerns regarding the condition of a number of deceased bodies released from the CCOV that is impacting the preparation of deceased bodies. The Division will be consulting with the Australian Institute of Embalming to corroborate information outlined within the letter before replying.

The Division has also received a long-awaited response from CCOV regarding repatriation delays to regional Victoria with St John Ambulance (SJA). Instead of agreeing to meet with AFDA and SJA, CCOV have conducted a review into SJA’s performance which did not find any instances of repatriation delays exceeding 2 business days despite a number of members reporting otherwise. The Division will be working on liaising with members to compile more detailed reports of delays in order to draft a response.

EVENTS AND TRAINING

The Victorian and Tasmanian Divisions held a joint networking function and Funeral Arranging Training Day in Melbourne on 29-30 July. The sold-out Funeral Arranging Training Day facilitated by Martin Tobin and Don Burstow was attended by 50 participants from both Divisions.

A Mortuary Training session specially facilitated by Funeral Industry Development Australia (FIDA) took place in Coburg on 16-17 July. The training is nationally accredited, providing participants with the opportunity to receive a Statement of Attainment should they chose to complete the post workshop assessments. A second session will be taking place on 1-2 October also facilitated by FIDA.

The VIC & TAS Joint AGM Weekend was held on 16-18 September at RACV Torquay Resort and attended by over 80 members.

COVID-19 era. Feedback received so far has been very positive and the Division will look to hold further joint training sessions with the Victorian Division. The Division will hold a Mortuary Training session on Saturday 12 November in Hobart. A program and registration flyer will be sent to members in the coming weeks.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Divisional Annual General Meeting Weekend was held as a joint meeting with

the Victorian Division on 16-18 September 2022 at RACV Torquay. Following the Annual General Meetings on Saturday morning there was a keynote presentation from Winter Olympian Jacqui Cooper on thriving during challenging times; a workshop from Relationships Australia Victoria on managing challenging behaviours in the funeral industry and a presentation from Karl Morris of Goop Digital on how members can increase and enhance the online presence of their funeral home.

Western Australian Division

METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES BOARD (MCB)

Divisional President Deanne McLeod recently met with Kathlene Oliver who has commenced as CEO of the MCB. We are looking forward to continuing to strengthen this very important relationship to continue to improve the service experience for our families. The Division has also requested graveside training to ensure that funeral directors and MCB are compliant with the new Work Health and Safety Act that came into effect in March 2022.

Correction: In the June edition of the Australian Funeral Director (Vol 43) it was incorrectly stated that “The Division has raised concerns about an application for a private crematorium with the MCB. The MCB is considering this feedback in its assessment

South Australian / NT Division

Divisional Councillors continue to work with the Hon Frank Pangallo MP on the Funeral Industry Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament on 21 September 2022. The feedback provided by members is greatly appreciated.

Divisional President David Lawlor has been included in the Rainbow Horizons Project Consultation Circle, a project initiated by the Council of the Aging (COTA) to address issues surrounding end of life care and dying for the LGBTI community.

of the application.” This should have read “The Division has raised concerns about an application for a private crematorium with the Department of Health, who are considering the feedback in its assessment of the application.” We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

PRICING CODE OF CONDUCT

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is refining the draft Pricing Code of Conduct based on WA member feedback. These include revision to the timeframe for provision of a quote, the items to be included in the quote and monitoring of compliance. WA members will be provided the opportunity to review prior to DMIRS making a recommendation to the Minister.

DIVISIONAL TRAINING

A Divisional Training Day was held on 2 July at Fraser Suites, East Perth. In light of the recently introduced Work Health and Safety legislation, training focused on safe work practices. Matt Butterworth, Senior Workplace Health and Safety Practitioner, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Western Australia outlined the obligations of organisations, executives and workers. Risk assessment protocols at cemeteries was covered off by Cameron Miller and Tim Halls of MCB. Finally, Alison Clements from Neami National focused on the metal health of employees as a fundamental part of work health and safety. A Mortuary Training session was held on 13 August and was well attended. Thank you to InvoCare for hosting the training at their Malaga site.

EVENTS AND TRAINING

Several members attended the Divisional Regional Meeting at the Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge on 28 May. A number of interstate sponsors joined the Division for the first time since the pandemic, along with local sponsors. Ben Siegmann, Senior Lawyer, Australian Unity, presented ‘Who owns a body?’ – an informative session on cadaver law and funeral feuds. Arun Ramchand from Adelaide Cemeteries provided some valuable insights into trends within the funeral industry, particularly in relation to migrant communities.

The Divisional AGM weekend was held at the Marion Hotel on 19-21 August and the End of Year Christmas celebration dinner is scheduled for 4 November at the Edinburgh Hotel, Mitcham. Mortuary Training, provided by Mazwell Group, was held on 6 July and was well attended. Thank you to Ivan Butler Funerals for hosting.

JOURNALISM SEMINAR

The Journalism Seminar for third year University of South Australia journalism students was recently held at West Terrace Cemetery. Students heard about the varied roles in the funeral industry and the impact and influence of the media on each. Presenters included a funeral director, cemetery representative, grief counsellor, Coroners, journalist and a victim of crime.

Supplier News

Foresters Financial offer a range of market-linked investment options as part of our Funeral Bond and Prepaid Funeral Plans including Sustainable, Growth and High Growth.

In an environment of rising inflation how your funds are invested becomes even more critical to your business in managing cost over the years ahead.

Last year Foresters Financial introduced alternatives to our capital guaranteed investment options to assist funeral directors who were seeking diversification and the potential for better long-term returns, in the low cash rate environment. We did this by introducing marketlinked investments that are also responsibly invested.

A market-linked investment is a product where the value of the investment depends on the movements of a particular market. The value of a marketlinked investment represents that of an underlying group of assets and may include assets listed on the ASX (Australian Stock Exchange).

Market-linked investments have greater potential of higher returns over the long-term compared to non-market-linked investments (such as capital guaranteed) and provide for diversification opportunities that would otherwise not be available to individual investors.

Market-Linked Investments Explained

There are many benefits of market-linked investment options, below are just some:

• Market access and simplicity

Providing investors exposure to a wide array of industries, sectors, and companies via one investment.

• Choice of risk profile

Allowing investors to select investments subject to their risk appetite.

• Diversification

Market-linked products spread risk through using a range of asset allocations.

• Return

Over the long term, ASX listed investments have outperformed other asset classes.

• Long-term investment

Combined with the attributes above, a long-term investment strategy provides an opportunity to maximise investment returns.

Market-linked investments provide an alternative to lower returning asset classes such as fixed income or capital guaranteed products. The lower returns of these asset classes may result in an erosion of capital as inflation reduces the real value of investment returns.

Foresters Financial offer a range of marketlinked investment options as part of our Funeral Bond and Prepaid Funeral Plans including Sustainable, Growth and High Growth.

There has been a steady uptake of our market-linked investment options by our funeral director clients and members since launching, with approximately 15% of all new policies being a market-linked investment option.

Policy. As such, market-linked products are invested in an Ethical and Sustainable manner.

Market-linked investments may offer an effective and simple investment vehicle for you and your business to diversify your investments and lessen the impact of rising costs over the long-term.

If you would like to find out more about our market-linked investment options, please contact Tina Gacovski by calling 0439 028 290 or emailing tinag@forestersfinancial.com.au.

Please consider the information contained in the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination before deciding to acquire the products. Please obtain independent professional advice before making any decisions.

Financial services are provided by Foresters Financial Limited (ABN 27 087 648 842, AFS Licence No. 241421). Past performance information is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Market-linked investments have greater potential of higher returns over the longer-term compared to non-market-linked investments

In keeping with our responsible investor ethos, you can be assured that all Foresters Financial products are made in accordance with our Responsible Investment

AIE Report ACCA Update Industry News

AIE Report

2022 AIE Conference

On behalf of the AIE Board of Directors, we would like to extend a warm invitation to AIE and AFDA Members, staff and industry colleagues to attend the 2022 Australian Institute of Embalming Conference at the Ramada By Wyndham Marcoola Beach, QLD from Thursday 13 October to Sunday 16 October 2022.

During the two days of the Conference, you will hear best practices of highly experienced speakers, recommendations for tackling your daily challenges and be proactively involved in all the education sessions. Guest speakers include Liz Crowe –Burnout in Critical Care and What the Pandemic has Taught Us; Ian Warren – If it Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It; Shawnee Barker – Restorative Art; Robert Ridi – Embalming of COVID-19 Bodies, Dr Morris –Viral Infections and Transmission; Craig Caldwell – Update on the World-Wide Review of Formeldehyde; and Jan Field –A Pandemic Update by Blake Emergency. The social program includes an opening night dinner, a very special mystery dinner and of course on the last night there will be the traditional Chairman’s Gala Dinner.

This year we will again be using an online booking system through Australia Wide Conferences for both registration and accommodation. The online system is the preferred booking method, however

you can also download forms from this site as well. Please use the following link www. australiawideconferences.com.au/aie

Full Registration includes:

• Attendance at all Conference sessions

• Daytime catering, as specified in the program

• Return transport to off-site functions (as indicated).

2022 AIE Scholarship

The winner of the 2022 AIE Scholarship was Lily-Mae Browne from Kims Mortuary Service, Adelaide, South Australia. The prize includes complimentary registration for attendance at the 2022 AIE Conference plus return economy airfare from Adelaide to the Sunshine Coast plus three night's accommodation and a cheque for $1,000.

Our thanks to Bowra & O’Dea for sponsoring the scholarship and to all those who entered. We hope that more members will consider entering next year. The scholarship is open to all members including students and mortuary assistants.

John Tidman AIE Chairman

ACCA Update

The 2022 Annual ACCA Conference and Trade Exhibition has taken 3 years to come around but it is finally here and is taking place at the QT Hotel in Canberra from 16-19 October 2022 and we would like to extend a warm invitation to all AFDA Members to join us in Canberra.

Our line-up of conference speakers includes leaders from the cemetery and crematoria sector from within Australia and also internationally. We will also have presentations from professional speakers in business, technology and communications. Each of them will provide you with insight and education that we hope will promote much discussion and growth for us as individuals and for the industry as a whole.

This year’s Conference and Trade Exhibition theme is Reflect, Respect, and Renew. With so much having happened since we last came together it is time for us to Reflect on the events that have shaped our industry and our world. Believe it or not, it’s not all about COVID! So many other events have happened in Australia, such as the devastating fires and floods across many parts of our wild yet wonderful country. We will also get a window into how other parts of the world have been affected over the last three years when we connect with our colleagues from Canada, The United Kingdom, New Zealand and China.

We will also pay Respect to those who have supported our industry over the past few very difficult years, as well as some retiring industry stalwarts. Having our annual conference and trade exhibition in the nation’s capital is the perfect place to show our respects, and we will visit the Australian War Memorial on the Monday night of the conference for our official conference dinner and Presidential changeover ceremony. This ceremony will be particularly special and mark a new era for ACCA.

It is also time for us to Renew. The world is now slowly getting back on its feet and so we must also prepare ourselves, our teams and our organisations to provide the best service to our respective bereaved communities that we possibly can.

The full Conference Program and Registration Brochure will be released in the coming weeks, but for now, save the dates, book your flights, and book your accommodation at the QT with this link: www.conferencenational.com.au/ acca2022. I look forward to welcoming you to Canberra in October.

David Molloy ACCA President

Corporate Affiliate Members

DAVID CLARKE

0401 305 051 daclarke@australianunity.com.au www.fpmanagement.com.au

MARK HYDE 1800 777 744 hyqual@bigpond.com www.hyqual.com

TINA GACOVSKI

03 8580 4004 tinag@forestersfinancial.com.au www.forestersfinancial.com.au

JOHN MARINI

08 8133 5100 johnm@icfinsurancebrokers.com.au www.icfinsurancebrokers.com.au

National Corporate Partners Service Directory

ACCOUNTANTS

KELLY + PARTNERS

www.kellypartners.com.au Peter Mulqueen 03 5443 8888 peter.mulqueen@kellypartners. com.au

BURIALS/CEMETERIES & CREMATORIA

ADELAIDE CEMETERIES AUTHORITY

www.aca.sa.gov.au Michael Robertson 08 8139 7400 Michael.Robertson@aca.sa.gov.au

BALLARAT GENERAL CEMETERIES TRUST www.ballaratcemeteries.com.au Annie De Jong 03 5332 1496 annie@ballaratcemeteries.com.au

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES BOARD www.catholiccemeteries.org.au

Peter O’Meara 02 8713 5777 peter@catholiccemeteries.org.au

PETER MACLEOD

03 9689 3299 peterm@acchiggins.com.au www.acchiggins.com.au

BELINDA CROSSINGHAM

0409 512 647 belinda@firehawk.digital www.firehawk.digital

FRANK TEVERE

1300 307 713 frank@primegrafix.com.au www.primegrafix.com.au

CENTENNIAL PARK CEMETERY AUTHORITY

www.centennialpark.org

Janet Miller 08 8275 2214 janetm@centpark.org.au

GEELONG CEMETERIES TRUST www.gct.net.au Dean Matthews 03 5249 3939 dm@gct.net.au

MACQUARIE PARK CEMETERY & CREMATORIUM

www.maccem.com.au David Ham 02 9805 0499 d.ham@nmclm.com.au

METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES BOARD

www.mcb.wa.gov.au Kathlene Oliver 1300 793 109 kathlene.oliver@mcb.wa.gov.au

SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES TRUST www.smct.org.au Darren Boyd 03 8558 8278 darren.boyd@smct.org.au

ONE CROWN CEMETERIES

Tammy Templeman 02 9961 5655 tammy.templeman@onecrown. com.au

THE GREATER METROPOLITAN CEMETERIES TRUST www.gmct.com.au Robert Luscombe 1300 022 298 luscombe@gmct.com.au

COFFINS & CASKETS

ACC HIGGINS www.acchiggins.com.au Peter MacLeod 03 9689 3299 peterm@acchiggins.com.au Paul Higgins 08 9209 1833 paulh@acchiggins.com.au

ASHTON MANUFACTURING PTY LTD www.ashtonmanufacturing.com.au Rohan Kerr 1300 263 346 rohan@ashtonmanufacturing.com.au

BATESVILLE CASKET CO. INC. www.batesville.com.au

Shirly Sareyka 0437 114 333 shirly.sareyka@batesville.com

CONSULTING & TRAINING SERVICES

FUNERAL DIRECTION www.funeraldirection.com.au Martin Tobin 0419 306 271 martin@outlore.com.au

THE GRIEF CENTRE

www.griefcentre.com.au Trudie Vos 64 21 264 1158 trudie.vos@griefcentre.org.nz

KEY BUSINESS ADVISORS www.keyba.com.au Colin Wilson 03 9325 5900 colin@keyba.com.au

DIGITAL MEDIA

FIREHAWK FUNERALS www.firehawkfunerals.com Belinda Crossingham 0409 512 647 belinda@firehawk.digital

FUNERAL STREAM www.funeral.stream Richard Martin 0421 627 849 richard@funeral.stream

GOOP DIGITAL www.goop.com.au Karl Morris 0406 426 913 karl@goop.com.au

NAOCA PTY LTD www.naoca.com.au Alex Medcalf 0448 891 060 a.medcalf@naoca.com.au

OPUSXENTA www.opusxenta.com Lea-Ann McNeill 1300 994 853 lea-annm@opusxenta.com

EMERGENCY SERVICES

BLAKE EMERGENCY SERVICES www.blakeemergency.com Jan Field 1300 306 292 (24 hours) jan.field@blakeemergency.com

FUNERAL BONDS

BENDIGO FUNERAL BOND www.australianfriendlysociety.com.au Mandy Cooper 03 5485 6239 mandy.cooper@bendigoadelaide.com.au

FORESTERS FINANCIAL www.forestersfinancial.com.au Tina Gacovski 03 8580 4004 tinag@forestersfinancial.com.au

FUNERAL PLAN MANAGEMENT www.fpmanagement.com.au David Clarke 0401 305 051 daclarke@australianunity.com.au

FUNERAL HOME VALUATIONS & SALES

TOBIN MULQUEEN www.tobinmulqueen.com.au Martin Tobin 0419 306 271 martin@outlore.com.au

FUNERAL & MORTUARY SERVICE & REPAIRS

FERNO AUSTRALIA PTY LTD www.ferno.com.au Mick Cawley 07 3881 4999 mcawley@ferno.com.au

FUNERAL & MORTUARY SUPPLIES

FINAL TOUCH AUSTRALIA www.finaltouchaustralia.com.au Chantelle O’Neill 07 3889 9607 chantelle@finaltouchaustralia.com.au

HCS INDUSTRIAL www.hcsindustrial.com.au Tim Barlow 0417 137 587 tim@hcsindustrial.com.au

HICKEY & CO PTY LTD www.hickeyandco.com 02 9564 1888

Paul Castaldi 0418 470 111 Paul Martin 0418 676 806 paul@hickeyandco.com

HYQUAL AUSTRALIA www.hyqual.com Mark Hyde 1800 777 744 hyqual@bigpond.com

MAZWELL AUSTRALIA www.themazwellgroup.com.au Kiera Rae 02 8214 4655 info@themazwellgroup.com.au

ORTHOMETALS BV www.orthometals.com Gerard Robbers 0419 361 348 gerard@orthometals.com

R H MINTER PTY LTD www.themintergroup.com.au Mandee Minter 03 9568 6999 mandee@rhminter.com.au

SHOTTON PARMED www.parmed.com.au

Robert Malacarne 03 9791 6444 rob.m@parmed.com.au

TEKMED PTY LTD www.tekmed.com.au Shane van Rooy 03 9487 9999 shane@tekmed.com.au

SOVA

www.sovamotion.com.au Scott McGillivray 08 9302 4757 scott@sovamotion.com.au

HEARSES/COACH BUILDERS

AUSTRALIAN HEARSE MANUFACTURERS www.australianhearsemanufacturers.com.au Jacob Ferguson 07 3888 9244 info@mrf.net.au

HILLIER BROTHERS

Troy Hillier 02 6736 1277 hillierbydesign@gmail.com

SPECIALTY VEHICLES INTERNATIONAL www.pilato.com.au James Ware 03 9793 3666 james@dream.com.au

W. D. HADLEY PTY LTD www.hadleyconversions.com.au Gary Hadley 02 9604 4582 wdhadley@bigpond.com

INSURANCE

FUNERAL INDUSTRY INSURANCE BROKERS www.fiib.com.au

Tony Wagner 07 3370 8839 tony@steadfastnsg.com.au

ICF INSURANCE BROKERS www.icfinsurancebrokers.com.au John Marini 08 8133 5100 johnm@icfinsurancebrokers.com.au

MEDIA/FUNERAL NOTICES

NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA www.newscorpaustralia.com Ally Farmer 0417 468 974 allyson.farmer@news.com.au

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD www.smh.com.au

Daniel Maloni 02 9282 1084 dmaloni@nine.com.au

THE AGE COMPANY LTD www.theage.com.au Daniel Maloni 02 9282 1084 dmaloni@nine.com.au

THE WEST AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPER www.thewest.com.au Val Fernandez 08 9237 1435 valeria.fernandez@wanews.com.au

PRE-PAID FUNERALS

FUNERAL PLAN MANAGEMENT www.fpmanagement.com.au David Clarke 0401 305 051 daclarke@australianunity.com.au

FORESTERS FINANCIAL www.forestersfinancial.com.au Tina Gacovski 03 8580 4004 tinag@forestersfinancial.com.au

SUREPLAN FRIENDLY SOCIETY www.sureplaninsurance.com.au John Turner 07 3833 3333 john.turner@sureplan.com.au

TRANSFER SERVICES

DIRECT MORTUARY TRANSFERS www.dmtransfers.com.au Jake Sullivan 0428 204 408 admin@dmtransfers.com.au

PYM TRANSFER SERVICES Caroline Pym 0477 012 662 pymandcotransfers@gmail.com

QUEENSLAND FUNERAL TRANSFERS www.qft.com.au Richard Bertrand 1800 823 005 qft@cqnet.com.au

TRIBUTES & ONLINE MEMORIALISATION

ACME PRESTON www.acmepreston.com.au Michael Heien 02 9644 5877 michael@acmepreston.com.au

ARROW BRONZE www.arrowbronze.com.au Hymie Jechilevsky 03 9794 2922 hymie.j@arrowbronze.com.au

FUNERAL STUDIO www.funeralstudio.com.au Kerri Ward 0413 208 031 kerri@funeralstudio.com.au

IN MEMORIUM PRODUCTIONS

Neale McQuire 08 9227 0495 neale@nltrading.com

LEGACY.COM www.legacy.com

Rod Strauch 0404 473 535 rstrauch@legacy.com

MEMORIES www.memories.net

Holly O'Connor 0459 648 067 holly.oconnor@memories.net

PHOENIX FOUNDRY www.phoenixfoundry.com.au Joe Campbell 1800 806 064 joe@phoenixfoundry.com.au

PRIME GRAFIX www.primegrafix.com.au Frank Tevere 1300 307 713 frank@primegrafix.com.au

YOUR MEMORIES www.yourmemories.com.au Kylie Sambrooks 0408 320 601 kylie.sambrooks@yourmemories.com.au

WILLS & ESTATE SERVICES

COOKE & HUTCHINSON PTY LTD www.cookehutchinson.com.au Nicole Dymock 07 3284 9433 nicole@cookehutchinson.com.au

QUIRINDI

Funerals

TAMWORTH

Shaun Hamilton Funerals

MARIUS STREET, TAMWORTH

6766 19

Tamworth, Manilla, Gunnedah

surrounding areas

TAM

YOUNG 2594

SINGLETON

SYDNEY & SUBURBS

Northern Territory

ALICE SPRINGS 0870

Australian owned family

SUTHERLAND

Old

CARINGBAH ST GEORGE BANKSTOWN

Centre

Funeral Services

Kidman Street,

Serving Alice Springs & Central Australia since

DARWIN

McGrath

KADINA 5554

South Australia

SUBSCRIBE

get your own copy of The Australian Funeral Director Annual Subscription Rates

Members: AUD$55

Non Members:

including

Family Owned and Operated

Since 1922

Proudly South Australian Owned and Operated

1 Webb Street, Port Adelaide S.A. 5015 Phone: (08) 8341 2822 Fax: (08) 8341 0550 Email: tmfs@chariot.net.au office chapel lounge crematory www.tonymontefunerals.com.au

BERRI 5343

Seeley Funerals

(Compassion, Dignity, Respect)

1 Draper Street, Kadina

Serving Copper Coast incl. Kadina, Wallaroo, Bute, Kulpara, Pt Broughton, Yorke Peninsula & wider areas

Phone all hours: (08) 8825 2028

Fax: (08) 8825 2189

32 Hughes Street, BERRI 231 Twentyfirst Street, RENMARK Phone: (08) 8582 1333 Email: office@riverlandfunerals.com.au

Serving the Riverland region of South Australia including Berri, Barmera, Renmark, Paringa, Loxton, Waikerie, and surrounding districts. Owned and operated by the Sweet family for almost 40 years.

MOONTA 5558

Skinner Family Funerals (est. 1926) PTY LTD

(Compassion, Dignity, Respect)

1 Frances Terrace, Moonta

Serving Central Yorke Peninsula incl. Moonta, Maitland, Ardrossan, Pt Victoria & Price, Copper Coast & wider areas

Phone all hours: (08) 8825 2028

Fax: (08) 8825 2189

PORT LINCOLN 5606 Ralph, Jennifer, Linda and Sta

Paul, Chris & Laura

Serving all districts of Eyre Peninsula 20 London Street, Port Lincoln Telephone: (08) 8683 4000 www.williamsfunerals.com.au

PORT PIRIE 5540

NORTH

COASTS

BIRCHIP

MILDURA 3502

MOE 3825

Overseas Repatriation Specialists

Contact Andrew Pinder

Bruce & Mary Streets Preston, 3072.

Phone: (03) 9480 1477 Fax: (03) 9416 9152 preston@jensenfunerals.com.au

2 Arthur Street, St. Albans, 3021 Phone: (03) 9364 3466 Fax: (03) 9364 0988 stalbans@jensenfunerals.com.au

www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MORWELL 3840 437a Princes Drive www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

NATHALIA 3638

ASHBURTON

BALLARAT

BERWICK BRIGHTON

CHELTENHAM COROWA

CRANBOURNE

DIAMOND CREEK

DONCASTER

EAST BURWOOD

MALVERN

MOONEE PONDS

MOUNT MARTHA

NOBLE PARK

NTH MELBOURNE RINGWOOD ROSEBUD

STH MORANG ST ALBANS SUNBURY SUNSHINE

Phone: 1300 858 333

Fax: (03) 5862 1932 Email: admin@coxfunerals.com.au Web: www.petercoxfunerals.com.au

NORTH-EASTERN REGION

Incorporating Bamford's Murrindindi

Alexandra, Eildon, Euroa, Mansfield, Marysville, Seymour & Yea

PHILLIP ISLAND 3922

WODONGA

NUMURKAH 3636 (Peter and Jenny Cox)

Tel: (03) 5862 3047 Fax: (03) 5862 1932 Email: admin@coxfunerals.com.au Web: www.petercoxfunerals.com.au

Scott & Sharon Anderson

15 Warley Avenue, Cowes, 3922.

Ph: (03) 5952 5171 Fax: (03) 5672 1747

Email: info@handafunerals.com.au Website: handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au

SALE 3850

(Bradley & Rachel Lett)

(03) 5672 1074

www.lettsfunerals.com.au

SWAN HILL 3585

TRARALGON 3844 www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WANGARATTA 3677

John & Christine Haddrick Wangaratta (03) 5722 2525 Myrtleford (03) 5752 1525 northeastfunerals.com.au

WARRNAMBOOL / MORTLAKE

Guyetts Est. 1905

60 Verdon Street Warrnambool

Phone: (03) 5562 2622 Fax: (03) 5561 1133

Email: admin@guyetts.com.au

WONTHAGGI 3995

Scott & Sharon Anderson

3085 Loch-Wonthaggi Road, 3995

Ph: (03) 5672 1074 Fax: (03) 5672 1747

Email: info@handafunerals.com.au Website: handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au

INVERCARGILL

In the past when starting your career, it was the norm to get a job and stick with it, whereas nowadays it’s expected that you’ll change every few years. Luckily for AFDA, staff member Deanne Brown has resisted this trend and been with the Association for 15 years.

D eanne joined the Association in March 2007 after leaving a job in corporate conferencing. Three weeks after joining AFDA Deanne attended her first National Convention where she soon

realised that the style/format and culture of events needed an overhaul with a greater emphasis on education for members.

Deanne, along with the Divisional Executive Officers has dedicated herself to organising and delivering professional events with strong education programs and social functions to maximise networking with industry peers and

suppliers. It’s very clear that Deanne takes a lot of pride in her work ensuring the events run smoothly, on time and that everyone enjoys themselves.

I’m sure our members would agree that we have been lucky to have Deanne as the AFDA Events Coordinator and on behalf of AFDA, we sincerely thank Deanne for her wonderful efforts, the energy she brings to the office, her desire to continually improve the events and maintain the high standards in which members are used to, and most importantly her dedication to always assisting members.

On a personal note, Deanne and her partner Nathan welcomed a son, Jack in June 2020 and are soon to be wed in October this year. Congratulations Deanne and thank you for your loyalty, hard work, friendliness and dedication during your 15 years of service.