AFDA Sept 23 Newsletter

THE AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Official Journal of the Australian Funeral Directors Association Ltd.

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

Website: www.afda.org.au

NATIONAL COUNCIL

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President: Kelly Scott

Senior Vice President: Asha Dooley

Junior Vice President: Deanne McLeod

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, Peter Caporaso

TASMANIA

Paul 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

Executive & Member Liaison Officer (SA/NT & WA)

Corporate Partnerships

Email: kate.chapley@afda.org.au

THERESA BERNSTEIN

Finance Manager

Email: accounts@afda.org.au

EDWINA ELLICOTT

Executive & Member Liaison Officer (NSW/ACT & QLD)

National Education

Email: edwina.ellicott@afda.org.au

SHERIDA GOOD

Executive & Member Liaison Officer (VIC & TAS)

Events (VIC, TAS & WA)

Email: sherida.good@afda.org.au

DEANNE BROWN

National Convention Coordinator

Events (NSW/ACT & QLD)

Email: deanne.brown@afda.org.au

LUCINDA CATE

Communications & Marketing Officer

Member Services

Email: lucinda.cate@afda.org.au

CORALIE HIGGINS

Administration Support Coordinator

Email: coralie.higgins@afda.org.au

The Australian Funeral Director is published quarterly in March, June, September and December. We welcome material for publication. Advertising, artwork and editorial deadline for December 2023 edition is 6 November 2023. All material submitted is used at the discretion of the Editorial Committee.

Editor: Lucinda Cate, PO Box 1048, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149

Email: admin@afda.org.au

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.

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

9. 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 10-13

The AGM of the Australian Funeral Directors Association Ltd will be held via Zoom

Thursday 26 October 2023 at 9.30am – 9.45 AEDT

National President’s Message

Thank you for the support and warm reception I've received since becoming AFDA National President. It is such a privilege to serve this great Association and its members.

While some of us in the southern regions experienced a chilly winter, I have had the opportunity to travel to our Divsional AGMs, which provided a welcome change from the wintry Macedon Ranges.

During my initial months as President, our focus has been on community, connection, and advocacy. AFDA continues to be sought after to lend its experienced and essential voice to numerous conversations with important stakeholders, government officials, and the broader community. These engagements not only strengthen our membership but they also allow us to provide valuable insight and knowledge on topics that many may not fully comprehend.

One of the noteworthy engagements AFDA has had is with Palliative Care Australia collaborating on a joint project to develop a video and information booklet for families planning farewells for their children. The project involved working closely with

families who had experienced Palliative Care Australia's services and highlights AFDA's expertise in providing support and guidance during such critical times.

AFDA has also been proactive in participating in various media events, such as newspaper and magazine articles, radio interviews, and a recent podcast for Dying to Know Day. These engagements centred around discussing funeral standards, transparency, and the importance of feeling comfortable while interacting with your chosen funeral director. Being part of these conversations is crucial, and AFDA aims to play an active role in shaping the dialogue.

The Divisional AGM season marks a time of community and connection among our esteemed members. The Victorian AGM in Daylesford was a resounding success, with over 90 attendees braving the chilly weather. Divisional AGMs have since been held in Cairns for QLD, Adelaide for SA/NT, and Barnbougle Dunes for our Tasmanian Division. Later, I will be heading to Mandurah for the WA AGM and finally Wollongong for the NSW/ACT AGM. These events also see strong support from our incredible sponsors, and I encourage all members to recognise and appreciate their contributions to both AFDA and the industry.

Looking ahead, we are busy planning for the 2024 Convention in Adelaide, which will align with AIE, allowing for networking and education opportunities to be shared, further enhancing the value for all members attending these joint events.

Behind the scenes, the Constitutional update is progressing well. Our committee, through several zoom meetings, has thoroughly reviewed the Articles of Association and By-Laws, discussing their importance and the merits of the foundation that strengthens our Association and membership. We recognise the significance of ensuring that our Constitution reflects the changing and

evolving needs of our members, and we will keep you updated as we progress further.

Additionally, the online Funeral Learning Hub has made remarkable strides thanks to the dedicated members of the working group. I extend my sincere thanks to Deanne McLeod, Bernardine Brierty, Don Burstow, Luke Gregson, Asha Dooley, Sharyn Moll, Dale Gilson and Edwina Ellicott for their commitment to this game-changing initiative. Furthermore, some of our members volunteered their time and resources to film several key components for this platform in August. We are excited to share this amazing program with all our members very soon!

As you delve into the September Journal, I encourage you to read the submission of our 2023 AFDA Scholarship winner, Taryn Hunt from McGlynn Hunt Funerals in Mildura. The quality of entries this year was outstanding, reflecting the commitment, professionalism, and initiative that exists within our AFDA member firms. Congratulations to Taryn and the finalists for their excellent presentations on attracting and motivating quality staff to the funeral profession.

On a final note, I would like to acknowledge our CEO's four-year anniversary with AFDA. Dale's transition into the funeral industry has been seamless, and he has made remarkable strides since joining. On behalf of all our members, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dale for his innovation, drive, and unwavering commitment to our members, particularly for his efforts with the online Funeral Learning Hub, which will soon become a vital member benefit and set AFDA Members apart.

Warm regards Kelly

Scott

Membership News

Welcome to New Member

DESERT FUNERALS

Desert Funerals is a 100% Aboriginal owned not-forprofit funeral provider. Established in 2018 between two well-known and recognised Aboriginal Organisations, Centrecorp and Ngurratjuta/ Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation ICN, Desert Funerals began operations in late 2021 in Alice Springs.

The funeral home services the Alice Springs town and remote communities around the central desert of the Northern Territory. Desert Funerals’ mission is to provide a well-managed, culturally appropriate, and financially accessible funeral service to all indigenous and non-

Welcome to New Affiliate Members

WINDSONG CHIMES

Once in a while you stumble across a beautiful product and wonder why you hadn’t seen it before, and it’s made right here in Australia.

Since 1985 Windsong Chimes has handcrafted quality wind chimes, precisely tuned to carefully chosen musical scales and elegantly designed to grace any style of home or décor. Realising their chimes were often bought as gifts – for occasions such as celebrating a wedding or creating a lasting memorial for a lost loved

indigenous people as a credible alternative. The vision of Desert Funerals is to be a leader in the funeral industry in the Northern Territory by providing a service tailored to the needs of each individual family with care, compassion, sensitivity and empathy.

Desert Funerals has a fully operational mortuary that has the capabilities for professional embalming to Australian and international standards, including for repatriations, and a beautiful chapel that is equipped with livestream facilities if requested.

The funeral home is run by the Operations

Manager, Noel Naidoo, who has over 25 years’ experience in the funeral industry both overseas and in Australia, is an active member of the Australian Institute of Embalming (AIE) and the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE). Having been central in establishing Desert Funerals, Noel has been well received by the business community in Alice Springs and the community and clientele at large where he has continued to build and develop relationships and partnerships in meeting the business goals and vision.

As a small operation, the three staff member team are very much hands on. Dotty Chamberlain is receptionist, arranger and funeral conductor, and has taken on the needs of the office with enthusiasm and passion. Richard Hampton is an all-rounder, from funeral assistant to landscaping and maintaining of the funeral home garden.

Desert Funerals prides itself for the achievements it has made in Alice Springs and the surrounding communities and is fast becoming a household name in servicing the needs of grieving families.

When hung from a tree or nearby verandah, every time a gentle breeze passes through, families remember their lost loved ones are not far. They are truly a unique memorial gift that will keep on giving, and with a little care, will last for generations.

The chimes are handmade in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast using sustainable native hardwoods, camphor laurel and rust-free anodised aluminium pipes. And as testament to their focus on quality, they have over 1,500 five-star customer reviews.

one – Windsong Chimes have introduced a new cremation ashes chime.

It’s personally engraved and incorporates a polished stainless steel ashes pendant. Similar to cremation jewellery, it holds a nominal amount of ashes. Tuned to a C pentatonic scale, it’s a gentle chime that provides an infinite variety of delicate melodies.

Kathy and Chris, owners of Windsong Chimes, have found a new sense of purpose knowing the comforting and healing impact their chimes have on clients who have lost someone close. They would love to work with your funeral home.

For further information, contact Kathy or Chris on 0447 447 117 or email hello@windsongchimes.com.au

LEFT TO RIGHT: RICHARD, DOTTY AND NOEL

KEEPSAKES BY NICOLETA

It is our honour to craft memorial jewellery and keepsakes for your families. We specialise in the preservation of time. When families entrust beloved fragments of hair, breastmilk, fur or ashes to our care, they are giving us part of their history, of moments lived and cherished.

Keepsakes By Nicoleta specialise in creating handmade, one-of-akind items using only the finest quality of materials available. Our process is highly personalised and respectful, with feedback to families at every step of the way. We will check in with them when their precious inclusions arrive,

Membership Applications

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

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP

CeremonyCast

Stephen Lee

3 King Street

Naremburn NSW 2065

AFRM Claims Advocacy

Bruno Muraca

L11, 699 Collins Street

Docklands VIC 3008

and we will update them with progress photos as their orders are created. Our team of trade experts ensure our jewellery is produced to the highest standard possible.

When your families order with Keepsakes

By Nicoleta, they take part in a journey that captures the essence of their loved ones. We specialise in turning their grief into a tangible item to have and to hold close to their hearts.

We have a variety of designs available, as well as custom items that can be brought to life upon request. This includes rings, pendants, earrings, beads, bracelets and ornamental keepsakes. It gives us great pleasure to provide wholesale pricing and an affiliate program for our industry partners.

To return a precious memory eternalised as a stunning keepsake piece is truly an honour and privilege. It is this process of creation, of fusing

Membership Applications

Approved

FULL MEMBERSHIP

Heritage & Heritage Funerals

Gavan Heritage

733 Boronia Road

Wantirna VIC 3152

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP

Reterniti Australia Pty Ltd

Peter Russell

88 Bangaroo Street

Balgowlah NSW 2093

past and present forever together in a unique and personalised piece of art that drives the passion behind Keepsakes By Nicoleta. Browse our collection at www.keepsakesbynicoleta.com.au

Membership Movements

NEW ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Skinner Family Funerals

New Additional Representative is Robert Davis

Purslowe Tinetti Funerals

New Additional Representative is Tina Tinetti Smith

InvoCare Australia

New Additional Representatives are Krystle Inglis and Joe Morelli

From the CEO

We are now about a month away from the launch of AFDA's new training tool - the online Funeral Learning Hub (FLH).

It is exciting to see that all the hard work by the working party consisting of Don Burstow, Sharyn Moll, Deanne McLeod, Bernardine Brierty, Luke Gregson, Asha Dooley and Edwina Ellicott is about to come to fruition.

To support the introduction of the online FLH there has been a fee increase for AFDA membership in 2023/24. I understand that the associated fee increase has come at a time when many members also conducted between 10% and 25% more funerals in 2022, which resulted in an additional increase in fees this year also.

These fees per funeral have been set for three years representing exceptional value to members for the exclusive training and professional development they will have access to through the FLH. The data on deaths in Australia to the end of August indicates the same percentage increase has not occurred in 2023.

The first of its kind in the Australian funeral sector and exclusive to AFDA Members, the online FLH is a significant annual investment for AFDA and will become an integral part of members onboarding for

new staff. It will also serve as a valuable tool in retaining casual, part-time and full-time staff. Additionally, this industry best practice training differentiates AFDA Members from non members, and national office continues to communicate to the public the importance of utilising the services and support of an AFDA Member when they lose a loved one.

Planning has started for the 2024 AFDA Convention on 22-24 March and the 2024 AIE Conference on 21-23 March. These two events will align at certain times for members to share in joint learning and networking opportunities. With the two events running simultaneously a trade show component to these events also becomes far more viable, which is common for the AIE Conference, but not historically for the AFDA Convention.

Planning for the 2025 AFDA Convention has also begun with a location in mind. Later in the year we will undergo a reconnaissance in order to announce the 2025 location at the 2024 Convention in Adelaide.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions on travel it has been four years since AFDA last attended the NFDA USA Convention which was in Chicago. This year it will be in Las Vegas and AFDA will once again have a stand at the convention which is provided at no charge by the NFDA USA. I’m looking forward to learning more about what is happening internationally and building those relationships. All indications are that there will be a good local contingent from the Australian funeral industry attending as well.

AFDA brand awareness is an area of focus within the AFDA Strategic Plan. Along with representing the funeral industry in the media and promoting what AFDA represents, AFDA continues to work with NewsCorp/MyTributes, where AFDA Members can easily be identified by families when posting notices or using the ‘Find a Funeral Director’ function as well as learn more about AFDA on an informational page.

Collaboration on projects with Palliative Care Australia and GriefLink SA are also coming to completion, helping to build AFDA brand awareness via the promotion of these resources while also providing members with valuable new tools to support members in caring for their families.

In the national office, we welcomed Coralie Higgins who is assisting with our administration for two days per week as the Association has seen significant growth over the past few years and keeping up with it has been a challenge.

For those who sat in on the webinar by Colin Wilson and Maja Trapevska from Key Business Advisors (KBA) on Understanding Psychosocial Hazards and Mental Health for your Funeral Home you will have heard how more has to be done by employers to support the workload of employees amongst many other parts of their wellbeing. If you missed it, the webinar can be viewed in the members' area of the AFDA website, and you can read the follow-on article from KBA in the Journal on page 9.

National President Kelly Scott and I have now attended and presented at the VIC, QLD, SA/NT and TAS Divisional AGMs which have been well attended and a lot of fun while also providing some excellent education sessions. We look forward to rounding out our travels for the year by seeing our WA and NSW/ACT members at their respective AGMs.

Dale Gilson

In the News Managing Psychosocial Hazards

A new Code of Practice on managing ‘psychosocial hazards’ has been implemented and regulated across Australia, effective from 1 April 2023.

This article by National Corporate Partner, Key Business Advisors looks at the new Code of Practice on managing psychosocial hazards and mental health, and the obligations of your funeral home.

What are psychosocial hazards?

In most States and Territories, as an employer is required to do by law, they must do everything they reasonably can to prevent harm arising from work.

The new legislated Codes of Practice gives guidance on how specific risks can be managed and how to limit physical risks of harm at work, such as working in confined spaces or managing electrical risks.

Funeral homes now need to ensure that the work design, the work itself and the interactions between employees are adequate, as they can impact employee mental health and emotional well-being.

Simply, any stressors or inability to cope at work becomes an

employer’s problem. Whether it is internal or external stressors, it is an employer’s duty to prevent risks to workers’ psychosocial health.

When does it take effect?

The new Code of Practice on managing psychosocial hazards has been effective from 1 April 2023 and has been published by Safe Work Australia, and the States and Territories will likely implement it in each of their jurisdictions over the coming months.

In the event of a serious incident (eg suicide which may have arisen from work stress), safety regulators will assess the extent of compliance by an employer against the Code. Employers are expected to demonstrate that they have met the safety obligations owed to employees.

In extreme cases, failure to implement the guidance provided by the Code may result in a prosecution under safety laws, with the potential for very large fines and potential imprisonment for senior staff.

What does this mean as an employer/ manager?

As an employer, you must manage psychosocial hazards by law, so far as reasonably practicable. This includes identifying hazards, eliminating or minimising risks, controlling risks in accordance with the

hierarchy of controls, and maintaining and reviewing control measures.

Simple actions that you can implement in your business can be:

• Talk to your staff and conduct well-being check-ins and discuss work design

• Better designed job roles or have workers’ position descriptions and KPIs reviewed

• Build resilience within the team

• Conduct personality profiling, staff surveys, culture surveys or group sessions

• Review your company culture and strategy

• Refresh your expectations to get employee buy-in

• Introduce social events or team-building exercises

• Empower your team and trust in the work they do

• Train managers on how to better manage workloads

• Employ more workers and attract great talent

• Increase mental health awareness such as R U OK? Day or mental health week

• Provide mental health education and speak openly about mental health conditions or even consider providing Employer Assistance Program (EAP) or Beyond Blue

• Consider reviewing or improving company processes and software.

Employee expectations

This is a key compliance risk and responsibility for HR to manage in 2023. If you need any assistance in implementing any of the above options or want to arrange ways to minimise psychosocial hazards in the workplace, then contact the team at Key Business Advisors on 1300 4 ADVICE.

Simply, any stressors or inability to cope at work becomes an employer’s problem

THE FUNERAL BOND/PREPAID OFFERING INVESTMENT CHOICE

Since 2017 we have been offering two growth investment options – Conservative and Moderate – alongside our regular Capital Guaranteed investment option.

As funeral costs continue to rise, it is important to generate a level of growth in policy value that covers the anticipated cost of a funeral when a service is needed.

Tied to the performance of financial markets these growth orientated investment options are designed to provide returns greater than inflation and an option for investors not requiring a capital guarantee.

To review the latest Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the changes to the Travel Protection Insurance please visit www.fpmanagement.com.au/

David Clarke Business Development Manager Funeral Plan Management

Introducing the Online Funeral Learning Hub

AFDA’s new learning platform – the online Funeral Learning Hub (FLH) will provide AFDA members with training that is accessible, achievable, and tailored to members’ business needs.

The McCrindle Research revealed Training and Education as the number one requirement from 60% of AFDA Members and staff. In response to this need, AFDA is introducing the online FLH, the first of its kind in the Australian funeral sector. An important member benefit, the online FLH is part of AFDA’s commitment to set AFDA Members apart by providing a real differentiator between member and nonmember funeral homes, as well as supporting members in delivering the highest standard of care to their families.

What is it?

The FLH is an online learning platform that will offer a suite of courses that have been tailored to the Australian funeral industry. The courses have been designed to be interactive, easy to access and content rich. The learning platform delivers online modules, tracks and records learner engagement, and attainment, and delivers appropriate industry training and development to all levels of learning from admin support staff through to funeral directors

and business owners enhancing the skill set of everyone in your funeral home. It will be like having your own training and development department in your business – one that is accessible, achievable, and tailored to the needs of you and your team.

How will it work?

AFDA Members will receive a login and members' staff and management will be able to access 55 courses in year 1, over 70 courses in year 2 and 80 plus courses in year 3. The online learning platform delivery allows courses to be accessed anytime, anywhere using a range of devices. This flexibility means that you and your staff can easily participate in training and education. It will be particularly helpful for those who prefer self-paced learning, access at any time and for those with remote learning requirements. Courses will be in bundles and on successful completion, participants will receive an AFDA Certificate of Completion and CPD points.

What topics will be available?

The course topics are suitable for a range of learning styles and levels and is designed to not only educate existing staff, but also assist with attracting, retaining and onboarding new staff. It will have courses useful for staff orientation and induction, funeralspecific courses based on AFDA best practice guidelines and ethical standards, training for supervisors and managers, and learning pathways for team members looking to upskill.

The FLH has already been successfully adopted by the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand and the National Association of Funeral Directors in the UK and in Australia will be exclusive to AFDA Members. A working party which includes Don Burstow, Sharyn Moll, Deanne McLeod, Bernardine Brierty, Luke Gregson, Asha Dooley, Dale Gilson and Edwina Ellicott has been reviewing the content of the courses and coordinating filming sessions with members to ensure that key modules are relevant to Australian working practices and regulations in readiness for the launch later this year.

The education of staff through the online FLH is another point of difference between members and non-members to promote to families why engaging an AFDA Member provides greater peace of mind when supporting them through their families’ toughest times. Providing professional development for your staff will also set you apart as an ‘employer of choice’ when recruiting new staff.

It’s an exciting time for the future of professional development at AFDA and we are pleased to be able to offer our members and their staff this game-changing training opportunity. As we get closer to the launch date information sessions will be available for members to learn more about the online FLH. If you have any questions or even a suggestion for course content please contact Edwina Ellicott, edwina.ellicott@afda.org.au.

GREGSON & WEIGHT STAFF MEMBER FEATURED IN ONLINE FUNERAL LEARNING HUB

GREGSON & WEIGHT MORTUARY STAFF FEATURED IN ONLINE FUNERAL LEARNING HUB

Master Funeral Director Andrew Hampton

Andrew Hampton of William Farmer Funeral Directors in Bendigo was honoured with an esteemed AFDA Master Funeral Director Award at the recent Victorian Division AGM Weekend in Daylesford.

The Master Funeral Director Award (MFDA) acknowledges a culmination of commitment and dedication to the AFDA and funeral industry for over 20 years. The criteria for the Master Funeral Director is based on overall management, funeral practice, service in the industry, education and training and contributions to the funeral industry through AFDA.

The MFDA is often a selfnomination process, however on this unique occasion, the recipient had no knowledge of being nominated until he was surprised with the award on the night. It was

Andrew Hampton's nephew, Jesse Cattell, a Victorian Divisional Councillor from William Farmer Funerals, who orchestrated the nomination, knowing that Andrew's inherent humility would prevent him from seeking recognition for his own contributions.

Andrew's journey in the funeral industry began over three decades ago in 1987 at a Sunday lunch when he and his wife, Heather Hampton, took the significant step of purchasing William Farmer Funerals so it would remain a locally and independent business.

Andrew's prior role as the business accountant didn't deter him from this transformative venture; on the contrary, it propelled him into the role of a highly esteemed and respected funeral director. The decision to purchase William Farmer Funerals laid the foundation for an enduring legacy of service and dedication to the funeral service profession.

Andrew and Heather's commitment to the business was exemplified when, after a year, they relocated to the residence of the funeral home's premises, dedicating themselves to serving the community 24/7 and resulting in the funeral home becoming an integral part of their daily lives.

Through the years, Andrew and Heather have witnessed profound changes in the funeral industry, as typewriters gave

way to computers, and hymn books were replaced by personalised orders of service and photo presentations. Funerals transitioned from traditional religious ceremonies to more individualised and non-religious services, catering to the evolving preferences of their clientele.

With a keen eye on progress, Andrew and Heather recognised the need for a modern, larger chapel in Bendigo. They expanded their services and built a new state of the art chapel in the suburb of Eaglehawk that ensured they were meeting the diverse needs of their community.

Andrew takes great pride in passing on his invaluable wisdom and insights about the funeral industry to his nephew, Jesse Cattell, with hopes that one day Jesse will carry forward the legacy of William Farmer Funerals. Andrew and Heather couldn't be more pleased in the prospect of the family continuing the business and ensuring their compassionate service and standards endures for generations to come.

William Farmer Funerals has a long history with AFDA, having a Membership certificate dating back to 1937! Andrew and Heather have been very active with the AFDA, having attended many AGMs, Conventions and Divisional Events. Andrew has also served on the Victorian Divisional Council, most recently being Treasurer in 2018 and 2019.

After being presented with the award, Andrew reiterated how it is of utmost importance to acknowledge that the award equally belongs to Heather. Her integral role in the business and unwavering support for Andrew has been indispensable to their success.

If you would like to self-nominate or nominate someone you know to receive a Master Funeral Director Award, please get in touch with the AFDA National Office on 03 9859 9966 or info@afda.org.au.

Past President Reflections Des Tobin (1984-1987)

Continuing on with AFDA’s acknowledgement of our past National Presidents, we are pleased to share the reflections from Past President Des Tobin (1984-1987) on his presidential term.

n 1984 Des became AFDA Senior Vice President at the Perth Convention and a few months later found himself in a unique situation when the National President Bill Timmins died in office (the only President to do so) and he immediately became National President. “It was both an honour and a responsibility to follow in the footsteps of some of the industry giants who served before me.

I was very proud to be the second member of my family (after Leo T Tobin) to serve as AFDA National President,” said Des joined Tobin Brothers in 1961 after two years as a voluntary youth worker in Queensland. “To me, being a son of one of the ‘bosses’ was anything but a sinecure. I saw it as having to ‘put in’ and work harder than other employees.” Des worked through the various jobs in funeral service, he drove coaches, trimmed coffins,

worked in the mortuary, learned to arrange funerals, although was never a conductor, and took his turn on after hours rosters. Des gravitated towards administration and in 1968 attended the then Australian Administrative Staff College at Mount Eliza and was appointed Tobin Brothers General Manager on his return.

Des became involved with the Victorian Funeral Directors Association in the mid-70s when Harold Penaluna (H H Webb) began to run education courses strongly supported by Rob Allison and other senior members. He became involved at a committee level and started attending national conventions in the late 1970s. After the first employee strike (late 70s) Des became interested in industrial relations and became one of Victoria’s federal councillors around that time. In 1982, Des became Tobin Brother’s CEO when Kevin Tobin retired and held that position until he retired in 1998, remaining involved with Tobin Brothers as a director for a further four years.

Des reflected how during his term, AFDA was undergoing major changes and upheavals with NSW and QLD having seceded from AFDA. “It was a very complex and stressful time, and many long-standing friendships and professional relationships were strained to say the least. I was very pleased when the AFDA eventually ‘healed’ itself and reunited.”

On a positive note, AFDA developed more organised and professional training for employees and the inception of AFDA summer schools held in Melbourne for several years marked the beginning of the educational programs that AFDA provides for members. These efforts along with developing a more professional annual convention all served to place the Association on a more professional footing.

When Des was asked about how the industry has changed from his term to now, he responded with “Clearly technology and product development has been positive and should be embraced, but we should not imagine that ‘celebration of life’ funerals are necessarily a recent innovation. What we at Tobin Brothers called the ‘Life Centred’ funeral was introduced in 1976 (after I visited a US company known as Uniservice Corporation) and we committed ourselves to train all our funeral arrangers in the necessary interviewing skills so that a new emphasis on the life of the deceased could be incorporated into the funeral service while still preserving traditional elements.”

“I would also comment that while funerals should be a ‘celebration of life’, it is not exclusively so and funeral directors should never overlook the important elements of ‘acknowledgement of death’ and offering support and comfort to the bereaved,” said Des.

When posed with the question of ‘What advice/words of wisdom would you give to future Presidents?’ Des stated “Establish a close working arrangement with the CEO and be available to the media and the public. Listen to the members and be open to new ideas and change. And don’t take the office too seriously – we are Presidents of a relatively small (albeit important) Association… not the United States!

Listen to the members and be open to new ideas and change

Grieving Together – Part 2: Easing Fear in Early Grief

By Alan D

Wolfelt Ph.D

People grieving often feel stressed, anxious, fearful, agitated, panicky, worried, and uneasy following a death. These are natural responses as author C S Lewis wrote after his wife died of cancer, “No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.”

This is the second article in a six-part article series by Alan

Feeling afraid or anxious is not pleasant, in fact it can be terrifying, but fear is a perfectly normal response to the death of a loved one and for those who are experiencing fear, it is often part of what is making them feel ‘crazy’. Understanding the role of fear in early grief can help you be of support to the families you serve.

Why people feel afraid

Why is fear so common in the first weeks and months after a death? While fear rarely feels good, there are a number of reasons it makes sense in early grief.

make us feel safe and secure in who we are as individuals. They also ground us as part of a family and a community. The prospect of having to rebuild both our self-identity and sense of security can be overwhelming.

It is no wonder fear and anxiety can be such a big part of the craziness of early grief. You can help those grieving by affirming that any fears they might have are normal and encouraging them to find ways to soothe those fears.

Recognising fear

D

Wolfelt, author, educator and consultant to the funeral industry adapted from his new book You’re Not Crazy — You’re Grieving as a reminder that crazy is normal in new grief and to help funeral staff support families through their intense grief during the early hours, days and weeks following the death of a loved one.

First, the death of someone we love impacts our sense of safety, which arouses our bodies’ fight, flight, or freeze systems. Stress chemicals flood our bloodstreams. Our minds and bodies are placed on high alert for the possibility of more danger.

Second, a death often creates numerous practical stressors. The immediate family have a lot to take care of in the first few days and weeks – people have to be notified, a funeral has to be planned, paperwork completed, financial matters tended to and difficult conversations had. While you can certainly help families with many of these obligations, they are nonetheless stressful and compound the natural biochemistry of fear.

Third, death naturally causes existential fear. It makes us worry about how or if we’ll survive being shattered. We are forced to confront unanswerable questions about the meaning and purpose of life. We realise how vulnerable we are and how vulnerable other loved ones who are still living may be. Life’s cruelty and fleetingness are especially pronounced at this time, and they can feel quite scary. And fourth, one of our core relationships has been severed. Our relationships often

It can sometimes be hard to recognise fear and anxiety for what they are, especially if they show up in ways that people don’t necessarily associate with fear. Here are some common fear-based symptoms in early grief:

• Feeling nervous, tense, or restless

• Sense of foreboding that something else bad is going to happen

• Faster than normal heart rate

• Faster than normal breathing

• Trembling or shaking

• Being fidgety or jumpy; startling easily

• Fatigue and weakness

• Gastrointestinal troubles

• Racing thoughts

• Repetitive thoughts/worries

• Trouble concentrating

• Trouble sleeping

• Avoiding certain places, people, circumstances

• Over-isolating

People who are grieving and experience one or more of these symptoms are probably struggling with fear and anxiety in early grief. Again, you can help by affirming that these symptoms are normal parts of the stress of early grief.

help those grieving by affirming that any fears they might have are normal

Soothing fear and anxiety

While fear in early grief is normal and understandable, it can also be a paralysing, all-consuming experience that prevents those who are grieving from getting the help and support they need in the short term. And if it goes on for too long, it can also harm their health. Studies show that chronic anxiety weakens our immune systems, causes cardiovascular damage, leads to gastrointestinal trouble, accelerates aging, worsens memory and decision-making, and may result in risk for clinical depression.

Also important: Unchecked fear tends to get in the way of other mourning work that will help people integrate and move through their early grief. Basically, fear can throw up a roadblock that stalls and even intensifies early grief. What this means is that learning how to soothe fear in healthy ways is an essential daily self-care priority.

The following tips and activities may help ease their fear.

Encourage those grieving to give one of them a try any time they feel anxious, restless or afraid.

Keep linking objects close

Linking objects are items that belonged to the person who died. Having objects such as clothing, books, knick-knacks, jewellery, artwork, and other prized possessions can help those grieving feel physically closer to their loved one and also help them feel safer and calmer. If they like to hold, be near, look at, sleep with, caress, or smell a special belonging of the person who died, they’re not at all crazy. They’re simply trying to hold on to a tangible, physical connection to their loved one. It’s also important to suggest to those who are grieving not to rush into giving away the belongings of the person who died. Sometimes people hurry into clearing out all the ‘stuff’ because they think

it will help them heal and ‘move on’. But grief is necessary. Trying to go around it doesn’t work and is not a good idea. What’s more, the person’s belongings can actually help families engage in healthy ways with their grief.

Practice self-care

You can suggest to those grieving that it is good to indulge in their favourite comforts. In fact, they should not think of them as indulgences but as survival tactics. It’s good for them to take a nap, curl up on the sofa and watch their favourite TV shows. It is common for those grieving to feel unable to experience joy for a period of time after the death of their loved one. There is even a term for it called 'anhedonia'. It’s when nothing feels motivating. Nothing feels pleasurable or makes those grieving content or happy. While temporary anhedonia is normal in early grief, ongoing anhedonia is a potential sign of clinical depression. Please encourage them to get the support they need.

See a doctor and/or counsellor

For those feeling so unwell or ‘crazy’ that they’re having a hard time sleeping, eating, and functioning, it’s a good idea to suggest they check in with their doctor. It would also be a good time to consider suggesting they see a grief counsellor for a few sessions. A doctor can offer reassurance that any physical symptoms of grief they may be experiencing – heart palpitations, body aches, headaches, trouble sleeping, and more – aren’t due to an illness that needs diagnosis and treatment.

Grief counselling is another basic form of self-care. Just a few sessions with a good grief counsellor can help assure those who are grieving that they are not going ‘crazy’ but actually grieving.

Encourage physical movement

Fear is a primal physical response in the body. Physical movement is an excellent way to reduce stress chemicals while also increasing the biochemicals that boost feelings of contentment, ease, and happiness, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Simply walking for 10 minutes can be a helpful start.

Make sleep a priority

Good sleep and wellness go hand in hand. Poor sleep, fearful thinking, and feeling crazy do too. Insomnia is often a normal part of the early grief experience. Encourage those who are grieving to seek help to eventually re-establish normal sleep patterns.

Avoid misuse of alcohol and drugs

Many people who are grieving turn to alcohol and drugs to help them feel less anxiety and pain after a major loss. Nobody wants to experience hurt of this magnitude and looking to numb the pain and fear is understandable. It is a good idea for funeral home staff to recognise alcohol and drug abuse and the treatment options that are available in the community.

About the Author

Dr Alan Wolfelt is recognised as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counsellors. His books on grief for both caregivers and grieving people – including You’re Not Crazy—You’re Grieving, from which this article is adapted – have sold more than a million copies worldwide. He is founder and director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition www.centerforloss.com.

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Northern Region Crematorium Gift

Northern Region Crematorium has pledged their support to The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s annual Giving Day helping not only the local community, but all South Australians live better quality lives.

Northern Region Crematorium

Gawler, owned by Taylor & Forgie, has helped thousands of families through difficult times across South Australia since 1989. For over 30 years, Northern Region Crematorium Gawler has been a pillar of strength for families in South Australia during the toughest of times. Now, the family business is extending its support beyond its core service to help the local community live better quality lives by supporting research and patient care to help families improve quality of life.

“We wanted to look at a broader reach to not only the Gawler

area but all of South Australia through a range of research programs that improve our quality of life now and into the future,” said General Manager Claire Forgie.

Their generous donation of $50,000 to The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s annual Giving Day for both 2023 and 2024 will help fund a range of research and patient care programs that tackle a variety of health issues affecting South Australians.

“For us, it’s all about having a sustained impact by committing to two years of giving and supporting research that is about enhancing the quality of life,” said Mark Forgie, owner and director of Northern Region Crematorium.

“We want to support all different kinds of research affecting South Australians – every area from cancer to dementia to heart disease.”

The Hospital Research Foundation Group fights for cures and improved care for the local community. Their purpose is simple – to improve the health and wellbeing of the community though world-leading medical research and patient care initiatives, from birth to end-of-life. The Hospital Research Foundation Group has a proud 57-year history, starting as The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Research Foundation in 1965 which

supported a single hospital and research institute. Now, they support research and patient care initiatives across all public hospitals, universities and medical research centres in South Australia.

The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s Giving Day is a unique annual opportunity providing the greatest possible impact from donations. Since the Giving Day on 1 June 2023, donations have continued to roll in and thanks to generous supporters like the Northern Region Crematorium Gawler the Group has raised over $500,000 to save and change lives in South Australia.

The Northern Region Crematorium is South Australia’s largest crematorium. Owners Taylor & Forgie Funeral Directors have been serving Gawler and the local communities since 1855 and are owned and operated by the 5th generation, Mark and Gizelle Forgie together with 6th generation Claire Forgie. Taylor & Forgie have a team of professional, reliable and experienced funeral directors committed to providing a personalised and professional service to their local community with traditional and contemporary funeral services.

Thanks to Northern Region Crematorium Gawler for donating their generous gift to help South Australian families and support world-class research and patient care.

We want to support all different kinds of research affecting South Australians

2023 AFDA Scholarship Winner

The AFDA is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 AFDA Scholarship sponsored by Foresters Financial is Taryn Hunt of McGlynn Hunt Funerals in Mildura, Victoria.

The AFDA Scholarship is offered biannually and gives entrants an opportunity to experience a combination of formal and informal learning to further their career in the funeral industry. Applicants are required to write an 800 word Executive Summary addressing the Scholarship question before presenting to a judging panel if selected as a finalist. Below is Taryn’s Executive Summary on which her winning presentation was based.

2023 scholarship question:

“As the CEO of Bloggs Family Funerals you are facing a challenge of attracting and retaining staff within your funeral home. Thinking on this challenge, and if you could reimagine the funeral industry so that more people would want to work in it, what would you do to attract staff to join your funeral business? What creative measures would you put in place to ensure that you employ the right applicants?

Once a staff member is on board how would you maintain their employment and ensure that they continue to stay motivated and to grow your funeral business?”

INTRODUCTION

At Bloggs Family Funerals (BFF) we offer a holistic approach supporting both our staff and our community. BFF look for funeral workers who are caring, compassionate and empathetic, physically fit and can interact well with others. BFF understand the challenges of working within the funeral industry and recognise a parallel between providing ‘better practise’ funerals to the community and providing ‘better practise’ workplace standards to all BFF employees.

‘Better practise’ is our preferred terminology, allowing a continual approach to evaluating, refining, and reflecting, therefore constantly creating improvements in what we deliver. To successfully achieve both, BFF has evaluated our internal structure and needs, resulting in developing industry and business recommendations and a ‘Grow Your Own’ Concept summarised in the diagram below.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

According to the Australian Government Labour Market Insights the median age of funeral workers is 52 compared with the all jobs median age of 40

Attracting lifelong learners into the funeral industry should start early. As professionals we should have national professional recognition and qualifications. Increasing the education standards, promoting the funeral industry as a career rather than a job, encouraging the wider population, in particular school leavers, to pursue an apprenticeship/traineeship/ degree covering all aspects of the profession, will not only increase the number of future employees but elevate the status of the industry.

“If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY” – Simon Sinek

In the death care industry, we have a lens in which to view the world – a daily reminder of our WHY.

Raising the bar for funeral industry training and career options must be supported by a raise in the Award wage for all workers. Training, upskilling, and investing in development programs not only benefits the individual, the team, the place of employment, and industry but it benefits the community we serve. We need to value our own profession by investing in ourselves. Not only does this boost productivity but also retention when staff are more motivated.

Opportunities for transformation

• National standards and regulations.

• Revision of classifications via internal ‘Capability Matrix’.

• Align the profession with tertiary education extension, for example provide placement opportunities and/ or opening the industry to engage more with the tertiary providers.

• Increased alignment will improve the professional status of the industry to the wider public, leading to increased interest in the industry as a career.

• Increase wages.

• Boost professional development (CPD) and training with an industry led and dedicated training platform – various delivery methods included.

• Mentor/coaching programs including reverse mentorship – supports and drives growth.

RECRUITMENT

Although there are many steadfast traditions in the funeral industry it is also malleable due to the wide demographics within each community. Just as diverse as the population we work with, so must be the means of advertising and public communications.

Social media stretches the opportunity to reach further than a traditional newspaper advertisement but also gives the creative ability to showcase how rewarding the role funeral directors have in our communities.

Addressing industry demands,

successful employees must be assessed by the following criteria:

• Communication skills

• Enterprising and problem solving skills

• Physical capabilities

• Creativity

• Attention to detail.

Opportunities for transformation

• Evaluate current application process – using social media and encouraging a funeral director shadow period –encourage multimedia presentations from applicants.

• Foster widespread multi stream presence to reach maximum youth engagement where they communicate – using connective conversation with the community and dispel myths or misconceptions.

• Nurture best presentation on social media.

• Participation engagement programs with schools/education facilities.

• There is an overlap between education/ training and recruitment – education is delivered to the wider community too, for example through our interactions, our media presence – “I want to work there too” mentality for recruitment.

• Multistage and collection of tasks orientated recruitment process, for example audio visual presentation, scripted task, written task, multi interviews with middle, senior and leading staff, trial/ shadow a funeral conductor = 2 way observation.

GROWTH CULTURE

In the current ‘Loneliness Epidemic’ emerging generations are turning to engagement and belonging. Even more so they are craving personal connection as their technological era lacks face to face contact. As an industry we provide a conduit for authentic and meaningful connection. Sharing and developing our WHY.

According to Work Well-being: Leading Thriving Teams in Rapidly Changing Times by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell, ii leaders

who focus on the different aspects of the engagement equation – culture, purpose and impact, are best placed to shape an engaging workplace culture that workers want to be a part of.

Positive culture attracts and retains staff. Build culture to be warm and welcoming as well as the growth in personal development and professional business satisfaction. Building a transparent and positive work environment with a clear purpose supports better practise. Celebrating team and personal success, creating conversation opportunities, supporting the balance of traditional working needs with flexible working conditions all promote motivation and growth.

Opportunities for transformation

• Hybrid working rotations to provide variety with staff working in and out of both the office and on funerals.

• Flexible working conditions for example working from home hours, etc.

• Conversations with employees in regard to offering flexible salary packages, arrangements and bonuses, and business fringe benefits tax.

• Providing benefits – creating a two way relationship with staff for example

- Professional development

- Personal development

• Mentor program – leading staff engagement, onboarding team members support, and driving growth factors.

CONCLUSION

The funeral profession is a tradition based industry but modern employees are seeking more than the traditional job. The following are now must haves, if the industry is going to compete in attracting new talent:

• Personalised learning and training

• Hybrid work options

• Collaboration tools and apps

• A progressive and exciting company culture

• Open and honest management.

This aligns strongly with the BFF ‘Grow Your Own Concept’. Embracing these concepts will not only help attract new employees, they will also move the industry forward in adapting to the modern, ever changing, world we live in and serve.

i https://labourmarketinsights.gov.au/occupationprofile/Funeral-Workers?occupationCode=4513

ii Work Well-being: Leading Thriving Teams in Rapidly Changing Times – Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell

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Honouring Greek and Italian Funeral Customs

Arranging funerals for culturally diverse communities, such as Greek and Italian, involves a deep understanding of the influence religion plays.

Peter Giarratano from Andrew Kennedy Funeral Directors has over 18 years’ experience in supporting families from culturally diverse communities, particularly Greek and Italian, arranging and creating funerals and memorials that reflect the families, rites and traditions.

“The first step to understanding Greek funeral traditions is understanding the influence religion plays,” Peter says.

“In ancient times Greek funerals would involve burying the deceased and placing food and drink, or any other personal items that belonged to the deceased in their coffins. Many Greek Australian families also

follow traditions that are practised in their family’s village or town in Greece,” he says.

A Greek Orthodox funeral service requires guests to dress formally in black or navy-blue attire. Before the service, it is customary for mourners to visit the family of the deceased and say, “May their memory be eternal”.

During the funeral service, guests are expected to stand at appropriate times to pay their respects to the family. Open casket funerals are common in the Greek Orthodox faith, and both members and non-members are expected to bow and kiss the object, usually an icon, placed on the deceased's chest.

At the interment, each guest places soil on the casket as a sign of respect. After the service, family and friends may gather at a restaurant, church hall, home, or other venue for a “wake”. These customs are deeply rooted in the Greek Orthodox faith, and it is important to follow them to honour the deceased and show respect to their family.

Italian Catholic funeral traditions are deeply rooted in the country's culture and history, and they vary depending on the region and the religion of the deceased.

“One of the traditions is for family and

friends to gather for a vigil at a chapel with an open coffin where they pray the Rosary led by a priest for the deceased,” Peter says.

“Alternatively, a family can commemorate and honour their loved one by holding a private viewing at a chapel without a priest.”

A funeral service may be held at either a Catholic church or a chapel. A Requiem Mass, a solemn Catholic liturgy, is conducted at a church by a priest. Alternatively, a Prayer Service can be conducted at a chapel. The final arrangement for the deceased involves a burial, crypt or cremation, depending on the preference of the deceased or their family.

To better cater to the city's Greek and Italian communities Andrew Kennedy Funeral Directors has recently expanded its operations from the Eastern Suburbs to a new location in the South Western Sydney suburb of Bexley North, by joining with Olsens Farewells' funeral home and chapel.

Peter said the addition of a new location meant that not only was it more convenient for those located in the Inner West and SouthWestern Sydney, but also provided the option for families to use the on-site chapel.

“While families want to respect and follow the traditional rites and ceremony, there are also an increasing number that also want to have a more contemporary non-churchbased service,” Peter said. “Combining our broad denominational experience with the availability of a chapel, means that we can better cater to these needs.”

Peter added that while we are growing our footprint, we will be maintaining the level of service we have become known for and continue to take the same pride in how we serve families from diverse religious backgrounds including the Greek and Italian communities.

Italian Catholic funeral traditions are deeply rooted in the country's culture and history

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Industry Spotlight GriefLink Funeral Director Guide

help people understand more about what they are going through and directs them to information about different experiences of grief, the feelings and reactions they might be experiencing, and things that can help.

Following a South Australian Suicide Prevention Community Grant, GriefLink, a web-based grief information source, has been able to expand the information and support provided for those who have been bereaved through, or touched by, suicide including a new resource for Australian funeral directors –Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss: A Guide for Funeral Directors.

The guide has been adapted from the second edition of the American resource of the same name written by Samaritans, Inc., and Education Development Center (EDC). The Australian edition of the resource was adapted by GriefLink, Inc with support from the South Australian Government for Health and Wellbeing.

GriefLink began as a project at the University of Adelaide in 1998 funded by SA Health, and since then has been managed by a volunteer committee. GriefLink receives support in kind from the University of Adelaide, Anglicare SA, University of South Australia, and regular support from South Australian member firm Alfred James & Sons.

Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss: A Guide for Funeral Directors provides essential information and guidance for professionals working in funeral care to help support those who have experienced the loss of someone they love to suicide. AFDA National President Kelly Scott has contributed to the foreward and says, “This is specialised caregiving, and a thoughtful, compassionate approach is needed to help suicide loss survivors create a meaningful farewell.”

Death by suicide in Australia remains a public health crisis

This guide highlights the vital role funeral directors play in helping survivors of suicide loss and the communities that support them in the immediate aftermath of a death by suicide. It offers practical advice for funeral directors about talking with those bereaved by a suicide loss and suggestions for providing high-quality services to them.

useful resources for suicide loss survivors and suggestions for how you as a funeral director can access support for yourself.

Without the support and contribution of Ian James (Office of the Chief Psychiatrist, South Australian Government), David Lawlor (former AFDA SA/NT Divisional President), Tracey Wanganeen (StandBy Support After Suicide), Dr Mary Brooksbank (GriefLink), Dr Katherine Hodgetts (GriefLink), Australian Funeral Directors Association and Laurie Rosenblum (Education Development Center) the adaptation of this guide would not have been possible.

GriefLink is a website providing information for people who are dealing with the grief caused by the death of someone close to them, and for those who are supporting them. It aims to

In addition, the guide emphasises the important role of funeral directors as community leaders and how funeral directors can help people mourn their loss in the presence of a broader community by assisting with writing obituaries, working with religious leaders, school leaders, and others to provide the best service to suicide loss survivors while also sending appropriate messages to the community. Finally, the guide provides

Supporting Survivors of Suicide Loss: A Guide for Funeral Directors will be officially launched by GriefLink in November and mailed to AFDA members soon after. Additional copies of the guide will also be available for download on the AFDA website and the GriefLink website www.grieflink.org.au.

Grief following a death by suicide is profound and far-reaching. It is never easy to experience, whether it comes without warning or after a long struggle with illness.

Paul Graham Member Profile

AFDA National Councillor Tasmanian Senior Vice President

From humble beginnings, Graham Family Funerals has grown to have three funeral homes, two crematoriums and three regional offices.

Street, in a Victorian style building located centrally in Hobart. My family and I lived on the top story of the building with the funeral home located on lower levels. The ground floor consisted of an office and viewing room, and our mortuary was a simple preparation room. The basement was our workshop and trim room and stored two old hearses and a transfer van.

In 1993, to accommodate the growth of the business, my father moved the funeral home to its present address in New Town. This new location provided an 80-seat chapel, better arrangement rooms and updated mortuary facilities. The change in location felt like a ‘quantum leap’ and ensured the continual growth and success of the business.

now provides seating for up to 300, and has three spacious arrangement rooms and private viewing rooms. We have also recently expanded our reception space and are now fully licenced.

My mother retired in 2004 leaving me as director of Graham Family Funerals and the business has continued to grow as it had under her directorship. It all culminated with the purchase in 2011 of another 100-yearold family-owned funeral home, located in Launceston – Finney Funeral Services. My brother, Mark Graham returned to Launceston from Sydney after working as a CFO and partnered with me becoming managing director of Finney’s – his skillsets have only broadened our family company.

Ibegan working for my father and mother Peter and Ann Graham at our small funeral home in February of 1990, commencing work straight out of high school.

We still are to this day a ‘family business’. Our first funeral home was located on Harrington

Sadly, my father passed away in 1995, changing the trajectory of my role in the business. I completed my embalming course and qualified with the AIE in 1996 and I began arranging funerals as a funeral director in 1997.

Our New Town premises has seen many transformations to accommodate the continued growth in the business, having been renovated four times between 1998 and 2018. Each renovation has increased the building’s footprint, designed to meet the individual needs of our clients. The chapel

During the 30-year period I have been director of the company, I have trained six embalmers and expanded the business to employ 13 full time staff and five casual staff. We also opened office spaces in the south of Hobart, located in Huonville and further north in the Derwent Valley.

Graham Family Funerals conducts funerals for 1,400 families annually throughout Tasmania and along with funeral directors, administrators, embalmers, cremation staff and masonry staff we have a full workshop of carpentry staff constructing coffins that are bought by funeral homes all over Tasmania.

During this time, I’ve been honoured to become involved with the AFDA and its Executive, at both state and national levels and I've appreciated the experience this has provided. I have long lasting relationships with fellow members of the Association in Tasmania and nationally for which I’m truly thankful.

By Paul Graham Graham Family Funerals E: paul@grahamfamilyfunerals.com.au W: www.grahamfamilyfunerals.com.au

Association News

NSW/ACT Division

EVENTS AND TRAINING

A training day on Mastering Etiquette, Body Language and Communication in Funeral Services was held on 22 August at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium in Sydney. A second Funeral Arranger Training day will be held in Sydney on 11 November at the Stamford Plaza, Sydney Airport. There are still places available, so book now to

secure your spot as these fill up very quickly.

The NSW/ACT AGM weekend will be held in Wollongong, on Friday 20 October – Sunday 22 October at the Novotel Wollongong. A new style Christmas event, a long lunch Christmas celebration will be held on Saturday 25 November at the spectacular Café Sydney in the CBD. We look forward to welcoming all NSW/ACT members, sponsors and suppliers.

ADVOCACY

The NSW/ACT Division has made some positive inroads in advocacy with government and stakeholders with a number of government bodies reaching out to seek

AFDA’s involvement. Shannon Scott, NSW/ ACT Divisional Junior Vice President represents AFDA on the Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW Industry Consultative Group (ICG) and attends regular meetings.

The NSW/ACT Council has been invited by the Department of Communities and Justice to provide feedback and participate in user group testing as part of the Digitising the Coronial Pathway for Families project. This project aims to reduce delays in the coronial system and improve the experiences of families by developing a user-friendly portal for relevant stakeholders, especially families.

The NSW/ACT Council continue to provide feedback to NSW Health in response to the proposed changes to Health Regulation. Specifically, the Council seeks clarity from NSW Health regarding transcatheters and cremation, as there is no clear ruling. The Council is also collaborating with CCNSW to deliver a webinar for NSW/ACT members to address the new NSW Cemetery rules and what funeral directors need to be aware of.

It is anticipated this will be held in November 2023.

Tasmanian Division

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Divisional AGM weekend held at Barnbougle Dunes from 1-3 September was a great success. Members enjoyed socialising at the Friday night casual dinner followed by the AGM and education sessions on the Saturday featuring keynote speaker Heath Black, a former AFL player who touched on essential topics such as teamwork,

leadership, and resilience, Peter Mulqueen from Kelly & Partners Bendigo who presented on the financial aspects of a successful funeral business and Colin Wilson from Key Business Advisors who covered HR best practices. The AGM weekend concluded with a formal dinner and Presidential Changeover Ceremony, bidding farewell to outgoing Divisional President Mark Graham and welcoming new President Travis Tann from Millingtons Funerals.

PETER FUGLSANG SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations to Amandine Luzza from Millingtons Funerals on winning the 2023 Peter Fuglsang Memorial Scholarship generously sponsored by ICF Insurance

Brokers. The scholarship provided Amandine with a full registration for the AGM, after which she will compile a report and offer suggestions for future education sessions.

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION

The Divisional Council attended a meeting with DPaC in July and offered insights on best practices for pre-cremation processes, prompted by an incident where a non-member funeral director accidentally cremated a deceased individual before the scheduled viewing and funeral. In response, DPaC has proposed developing guidelines and checklist in collaboration with the Council to prevent future incidents state-wide.

Queensland Division

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Cairns in mid-August was the ideal location for the Queensland AGM weekend. Friday night networking took place on the Cairns Wharf at Hemingways Brewery where all enjoyed the indoor/outdoor setting looking

out over the water. A highlight the next day were the guest speakers, including Donna Patane an IP business lawyer and social media/ AI specialist, Senior Constable Glen Buckle and Radar from the Cairns Dog Squad, and Life Coach Deb Storer.

The AGM weekend concluded with a formal dinner on Saturday evening. Outgoing Divisional President Matt Hansen was thanked for his contribution throughout his term and Brett Heritage was welcomed to the role as incoming Divisional President. Brett welcomed the new Divisional Executive; Scott

Western Australian Division

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Divisional AGM weekend will be held from Friday 6 –Sunday 8 October at Sid’s Place Function Centre (Bowra

& O’Dea), followed by the AGM Dinner at the Sebel Hotel, Mandurah. The weekend will get underway with the casual Friday night dinner taking place at The Peninsula Mandurah, right next door to the Sebel Hotel. The AGM on Saturday will be followed by presentations from Sarah Barclay of the Ivy Barclay Foundation, Craig Valli, a Cyber Security expert from SafeNSecureCyber, and Peter Mulqueen from Kelly & Partners Bendigo on ‘What Does a Successful Funeral Business Look Like?’. Peter has presented to Divisions in the east and to the SA/NT Division

Harris, Snr Vice President; Luke Gregson, Jnr Vice President and Laurel Shanley, Treasurer.

DIVISIONAL COUNCIL

The QLD Division is thrilled to welcome new Council Member Tania Dell’Amico from InvoCare and returning Council Member Ray Valdeter from Morleys Funerals. The Council is well placed and full of enthusiasm with thirteen members on board to represent Queensland members for the next year.

EVENTS AND EDUCATION

Mortuary Training was recently held in Townsville. The QLD Division extends best wishes to Alistair Shaw (who delivers much of the Mortuary Training to members) on a speedy recovery from his motorcycle accident. The second Funeral Arranger Training day scheduled for 28 October has sold out. Another is being considered due to the popularity of this event. The final Quarterly meeting for 2023 is planned for 17-19 November on K’gari Island. The weekend will start with the Divisional Council meeting on the Friday and then include a social and end of year focus. We encourage all Queensland members and their families to attend and join us at this beautiful location. Make sure you book early to secure accommodation and flights.

and his insights into how to run a successful funeral business in the face of inflation, staff shortages and increasing scrutiny has received excellent feedback. A tour of Bowra & O’Dea’s funeral home premises and mortuary will be conducted after the education program concludes.

The final event of the year will be a Council meeting and Christmas function on Friday 24 November. The venue for this event will be announced shortly.

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION

The Divisional Council continues to advocate with a number of government departments and industry organisations on behalf of members. This focus has helped the WA Division form strong relationships with key stakeholders like the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB) and the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), who oversaw the Pricing Code of Conduct recently introduced in WA. Divisional Councillors reach out to members prior to each Council meeting and bring any matters raised to Council meetings to be discussed and action taken as required.

It is only through the longstanding loyal support of Funeral Directors’ Associations and their members that we have been able to negotiate products that would simply not be available on an individual basis. By working together, Funeral Directors are now able to command levels of protection and premium c ompetitiveness that they could not hop e to achieve on their own.

To find out more about your industry insurance scheme, please contact Colleen Whyte.

Victorian Division

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Divisional AGM weekend held at Peppers Hepburn Springs from 21-23 July was a resounding success with nearly 100 attendees. Members enjoyed catching up with each other at the Friday Casual Dinner. Saturday commenced with the AGM followed by National President Kelly Scott hosting an inspiring talk with keynote speaker Kate Reid, founder of Lune Croissanterie and a former Formula 1 engineer, sharing insights on business growth and management. Peter Mulqueen from Kelly & Partners Bendigo then presented on the financial aspects of a successful funeral business, followed by Colin Wilson from Key Business Advisors who covered HR best practices.

South Australian / Northern Territory Division

EVENTS AND TRAINING

The SA/NT Divisional AGM weekend was held on 2527 August in Adelaide. A fantastic lineup of presenters was arranged to give funeral directors the tools to work towards the future in the face of

The AGM weekend concluded with a formal dinner and Presidential Changeover Ceremony, bidding farewell to outgoing Divisional President Kelly Scott and welcoming new President David Hastie from Latrobe Valley Funeral Services. A surprise Master Funeral Director Award honoured Andrew Hampton of William Farmer Funerals for his 20 plus years of dedication to AFDA and the funeral industry.

CORONERS COURT

The Council's request for notifying funeral directors about the date of death upon release of the deceased received a positive response from the Coroners Court of Victoria (CCOV), with CCOV advising they will modify their process to better accommodate funeral directors. The Council is also pleased to have

secured a meeting with St John Ambulance (SJA) to address delays in repatriation of deceased individuals from CCOV to regional Victorian members by SJA.

BDM

In July, the Council contacted the Medical Board of Australia about doctors' failure to meet the 48-hour submission requirement for MCCDs. A positive and swift response was received, with the Council then attending a meeting in August with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and BDM to address the concern. AHPRA acknowledged the significance of the issue and, if deemed a nationwide problem, committed to collaborate with the Divisional Council and BDM to rectify it through notices sent to doctors.

inflation, staff shortages and increased pricing scrutiny. Thank you to Peter Mulqueen from Kelly & Partners Bendigo and Colin Wilson from Key Business Advisors for presenting.

The annual Journalism seminar for third year University of South Australia journalism students was held on 4 September. Featuring presenters from The Advertiser, Coroners, Adelaide Cemeteries and Melissa Roberts from StandBy (Anglicare SA), this seminar gains in popularity year on year. Funeral directors are always welcome to attend this event to gain a perspective on the role of media in the funeral industry.

The final event for the SA/NT Division in 2023

will be the Christmas Function on 1 December (please note the change of date). Adelaide Cemeteries will host the event, which will incorporate a tour of the new Centre at Enfield Memorial Park. We hope to see as many members and sponsors there as possible to sign off on what has been a busy year.

ADVOCACY

Several SA/NT members brought to the attention of Council the issue of bodies being released from the State Mortuary being affected by mould and excessive decomposition. After a lengthy period of communication Forensic Science SA have now arranged an inspection of the mortuary by a mould remediation specialist, a pleasing result given the distress caused to families and funeral directors by the state of some recent bodies returning from the State Mortuary.

Councillors Natasha Siebert and Sharyn Moll continue to hold regular discussions about improving processes and issues affecting the timely completion of death certificates with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Did you know that the Batesville Casket Company has been serving Australian funeral professionals for more than half a century?

Starting from humble beginnings and serving a select few, Batesville Casket Company has evolved into having warehouses spread across every State and boasts an extensive array of caskets.

Catering to families with varying budgets, diverse religious beliefs, and different sizes, Batesville's casket range is unparalleled. It's a testament to our commitment to ensuring that we are ‘helping families honour the lives of those they love®’. Our range ensures that each person's journey is honoured in a way that resonates with their preferences and customs.

Our brand stands as a symbol of excellence, revered for setting the benchmark in quality and style within the funeral profession. This recognition hasn't blossomed in isolation; it's a direct result of the unwavering support and loyalty of our remarkable customers. Through thick and thin, including the challenges posed by a global pandemic, our customers have stood by us, motivating us to continue pushing boundaries. In a world where change is constant, Batesville Casket Company remains a steadfast, with its culture not just in the products it offers to families,

Batesville Casket Company Enters New Era

but in the enduring values it upholds. For fifty years and beyond, Batesville's commitment to Australia's funeral professionals remains as solid as the caskets it crafts – built to withstand the test of time and preserve the dignity of every life that passes through its doors.

“With the challenges we faced since March 2020 our manufacturing associates have lived through an experience where we all saw each other, more than our own families,” says our Corporate Quality Manager. “We know we can count on each other and have great respect for our work families during this unprecedented time.”

In a business where relationships matter, Batesville takes pride in the enduring relationships built in Australia. We understand that every interaction matters in an industry that deals with the profound emotions of saying farewell to loved ones. Our commitment extends beyond products; it's about forming bonds of trust and support with our partners.

Our roots trace back to 1884 when we began as the Batesville Coffin Company, later becoming the Batesville Casket Company when purchased by John A. Hillenbrand in 1906. Upholding Hillenbrand's vision to create the finest funeral products, we've grown to become a leading provider of quality products. Just as we've met the changing needs of families and licensed funeral professionals across North America, we continue to uphold our commitment to Australia.

In a recent development, Batesville has been acquired by LongRange Capital, a private investment firm focused on long-term growth of middle-market businesses. Chris Trainor, our CEO, shared his excitement about this transition, stating, “Today marks an important milestone for our company as we begin operating as a private, standalone business with the support of an exceptional partner in LongRange.” This change signifies a new chapter of growth for Batesville, building upon our reputation for quality, innovation, and service.

Amidst this evolution, our dedication to helping families honour their loved ones remains strong. As we navigate an everchanging world, Batesville Casket Company intends to continue to serve Australian funeral professionals, ensuring that farewells for your families are imbued with dignity, compassion, and respect.

For further information on the Batesville Casket Company range visit www.batesville.com.au or contact Shirly Sareyka, General Manager, Australia and New Zealand on 0437 114 333 or email Shirly.sareyka@batesville.com.

SHIRLY SAREYKA GENERAL MANAGER, AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

AIE Update Industry News

marginally by approximately 3% to cover the increase in costs in running the Association. AIE members should have received their tax invoice for membership fees and we ask that you pay your membership fees as soon as possible. When paying please don’t forget to include a reference point, your name and invoice number for the AFDA team to identify who the payment is for, particularly if the payment is made by your employer.

Thank you to all our members for their continued support and patience as we continue to navigate through 2023 without a dedicated AIE secretariat but with the full support of the AFDA CEO Dale Gilson, National President Kelly Scott and the AFDA National Office team.

AIE Conference

The AIE Conference will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide on 21-23 March 2024 where we will join with the AFDA National Convention which will be held on 22-24 March for some joint education and networking events. The AIE Board is planning an event not to be missed in terms of education sessions, speakers and social activities. Further information will be released soon.

Membership fees

The Board has determined that the membership fees for 2023/24 will be increased

If any AIE members are currently going through financial/employment/personal situations and will have difficulty paying their membership fees, please reach out to an AIE Board member. All situations will be treated with the utmost privacy and confidentiality, and all treated on their own merits. Keeping all our members is important and we will work together to provide a solution.

AIE Board of Directors

Nominations will be called for shortly for the AIE Board of Directors. If you wish to be considered for nomination for the position of Director on the AIE Board, you will need to complete the Nomination Form which requires three parties, all being financial: the nominator, the seconder and nominee. Please note that there is now no requirement to be a practising member to apply and positions are open to all Full, Fellow and Life Members.

Being an AIE Board member is an important honour and privilege and one in which you will be able to contribute to the future direction of the AIE. If you have any questions about becoming an AIE Board member, please do not hesitate to direct any questions towards myself or any of the AIE Board members.

The AGM which is normally held at our annual conference will now be held via zoom in October due to the conference being held in March next year. I invite all members to make yourself available to join in on zoom and be part of the AGM.

Education and CPD

A number of States have either held or are planning State CPD meetings. One such CPD meeting was held recently at Gregson &

Weight in Queensland entitled the ‘Magic of Embalming'. Conducted over the weekend of 17-18 June it was an attempt to add a serious practical element to the often more lecture-orientated nature of professional development, and to use the extensive knowledge base of members in a cooperative and collegiate environment. The idea was a simple one. A small group of embalmers would come together in a large mortuary and spend the weekend embalming cases together, as if they were in their home mortuary. There was no presenter, no special product to be tested. Just experienced professionals working side by side to embalm cases.

Without exception all of the attendees considered it an amazing experience. There is so much more that can be learned when instead of trying to teach a specific skill, which is obviously still a valuable approach, you instead just watch and work with someone doing everything as a holistic practice.

After the resounding success of the trial the hope is to be able to replicate the program to the wider membership across the country. Thanks to Duncan Norris for providing this report and our esteemed Board member Alistair Shaw for initiating this training and sharing his knowledge/expertise and insight into a topic that we are all very passionate about.

For members who are not aware Alistair has had a serious motorcycle accident while pursuing his hobby of motorcycle racing and the members of both the AIE and AFDA wish Alistair all the best in his rehabilitation and recovery. To end can I ask you all to keep Alistair and his family/colleagues/friends in your thoughts as he goes through the challenges that lie ahead and please everyone look after yourself and one another.

Andrew Mitchell AIE Chairman

ACCA Update Industry News

During this time, ACCA Education received an increased level of interest from cemeteries and crematoria around participating in online training workshops. Topics such as Vicarious Trauma; Managing Challenging Behaviours; Professional Boundaries; and Supporting Grieving Clients were all taken up by ACCA members and industry colleagues. It has been pleasing to see many of our allied industry stakeholders participating in these training workshops along with ACCA members and shows a level of collaboration that will be of great benefit to all.

This time of year is also the time when members renew their ACCA memberships for the coming 12 months. I am pleased to report that the membership renewal process has seen members maintaining their connection with their association through their membership and this gives us the support to continue to provide members with the information and benefits that they are looking for. I was also pleased to hear of the new membership applications received recently from the Adelaide Cemeteries Authority (SA) and the Box Hill Cemetery Trust (VIC). These two cemeteries have made significant contributions to the industry over many years, and it is terrific to have them re-engaged with ACCA.

In writing this report I have reflected on all that has happened in my first year as President of ACCA. Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way we work, and it has also changed the way our bereaved communities are engaging with our cemeteries and crematoria. One example of these changes is the fact that many of our organisations are now providing live streaming services for funeral ceremonies in our chapels and reflection spaces, something that was put into the spotlight during the pandemic restrictions which limited the number of people allowed to attend funeral services.

I would also like to thank the ACCA Corporate Members and Suppliers who have committed to ACCA this year as Annual Sponsors. Their sponsorship contribution allows us to continue the important work of delivering valuable information to members and to facilitate high class conferences and trade exhibitions for the industry here in Australia. Their support is very much appreciated.

Program and registration details for the annual ACCA Conference & Trade Exhibition on 22-25 October have been sent to ACCA members and all allied industry stakeholders, including AFDA. Registrations are coming in thick and fast, and we expect a fully subscribed conference this year with upwards of 200 people attending. The Trade Exhibition is also showing keen interest from industry suppliers. If you haven’t registered for the

conference, please do so at your earliest opportunity. It will be terrific to see many industry delegates at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne in October.

In my last report I advised that we had engaged an external consultant to commence a review of the ACCA Strategic Plan. Interviews with ACCA members and other industry stakeholders informed the ACCA Board and Executive of some of the key areas of focus for ACCA. CEO Chris Harrington and his team at head office have embraced this information and have already initiated changes to the Annual Conference format by including break-out sessions and interactive panel discussions to allow for greater participation from conference delegates and increased learning opportunities.

I have also had recent meetings and conversations with some of our industry’s key personnel including those representing some of the state cemetery and crematoria associations. We have held purposeful conversations around greater collaboration and ensuring that we are providing our respective memberships with valuable information and learning opportunities.

ACCA, like many organisations, is conscious of being sustainable in our operations wherever possible and the Winter edition of our quarterly industry magazine ACCA News was the last one to be printed and posted to ACCA members and magazine subscribers. In future, ACCA News will be provided to all members and subscribers in electronic format only. We encourage all those who receive the national industry magazine to share it with their staff.

In closing I hope to see some AFDA Members in Melbourne at the Annual ACCA Conference & Trade Exhibition in October. The conference is an excellent way to connect with your industry colleagues, to share problems and solutions, and to keep the fabric of our industry strong.

Lauren Hardgrove ACCA President

Our CEO Chris Harrington and I have been attending some of our allied industry association’s annual meetings and it has been an excellent opportunity to share mutual developments and initiatives between our associations.

Corporate Affiliate Members National Corporate Partners

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

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

BELINDA CROSSINGHAM 0409 512 647 belinda@firehawkfunerals.com www.firehawk.digital

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

COLIN WILSON 03 9325 5900 colin@keyba.com.au www.keyba.com.au

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.com.au

Lauren Hardgrove 02 8713 5723 laurenh@catholiccemeteries.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

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

Laz Cotsios 03 8558 8278 laz.cotsios@smct.org.au

METROPOLITAN MEMORIAL PARKS

Tammy Emanuel 0437 438 275 tammy.emanuel@mmplm.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

JAN FIELD TRAINING & CONSULTING SERVICES

Jan Field 0418 225 940 jan.field@mac.com

KEY BUSINESS ADVISORS www.keyba.com.au

Colin Wilson 03 9325 5900 colin@keyba.com.au

MORTUARY & FUNERAL EDUCATORS www.mfeducators.com

Priscilla Nelson Feaver 03 8398 4333 pnelson@mfeducators.com

THE GRIEF CENTRE www.griefcentre.com.au

Katrina KIng 1300 270 479 katrina.king@griefcentre.org.nz

DIGITAL MEDIA

FIREHAWK FUNERALS

www.firehawkfunerals.com

Belinda Crossingham 0409 512 647 belinda@firehawkfunerals.com

FUNERAL STREAM

www.funeral.stream

Richard Martin 02 9064 7787 hello@funeralstream.com

NAOCA PTY LTD

www.naoca.com.au

Alex Medcalf 0448 891 060 a.medcalf@naoca.com.au

OPUSXENTA

www.opusxenta.com

Ashleigh Hoy 1300 994 853 ashleighh@opusxenta.com

EMERGENCY SERVICES

BLAKE EMERGENCY SERVICES

www.blakeemergency.com

Jan Field 1300 306 292 (24 hours) jan.field@blakeemergency.com

FUNERAL BONDS

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@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

ZEUS PRODUCTS PTY LTD www.zeusproducts.com.au

Damien Simmons 0427 644 308 dsimmons@zeusproducts.com.au

HEARSES/COACH BUILDERS

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

INSURANCE

FUNERAL INDUSTRY INSURANCE BROKERS www.fiib.com.au

Colleen Whyte 07 3370 8822 colleen@steadfastnsg.com.au

ICF INSURANCE BROKERS www.icfinsurancebrokers.com.au

John Marini 08 8133 5100 johnm@icfinsurancebrokers.com.au

MEDIA/FUNERAL NOTICES

DEATHS & FUNERALS www.deathsandfunerals.com.au

Terry Laidler 0412 363 699 admin@deathsandfunerals.com.au

NEWS CORP AUSTRALIA www.newscorpaustralia.com

Lauren Paul 0415 700 938 lauren.paul@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

TRIBUTES & ONLINE MEMORIALISATION

ARROW BRONZE www.arrowbronze.com.au

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

EUULO LIMITED www.euulo.com

Kerriden Pugh hello@euulo.com

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

KEEPSAKES BY NICOLETA www.keepsakesbynicoleta.com.au

Nicoleta Stephens 0425 258 754 nicoleta@keepsakesbynicoleta.com.au

LODGE BROS STONEMASON www.lodgebros.com.au

Belinda Murray 03 9497 2400 stone@lodgebros.com.au

MEMORIES www.memories.com.au

Ben Cukier 0493 231 867 ben.cukier@memories.net

MY TRIBUTES www.mytributes.com.au

Lauren Paul 0415 700 938 partner@mytributes.com.au

PACKED WITH LOVE www.packedwithlove.net

Lee McDonald 0487 930 703 lee@packedwithlove.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

RETERNITI www.reterniti.com

Peter Russell 1800 418 655 peter@reterniti.com

STARDUSTME www.stardustme.com Stu Potter stu@stardustme.com

WINDSONG CHIMES www.windsongchimes.com.au

Chris Moses 07 5233 6400 hello@windsongchimes.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 2343

New South Wales

ARMIDALE 2350

Shaun Hamilton Funerals

TAMWORTH 2340

Shaun Hamilton Funerals

Serving Tamworth, Manilla, Gunnedah and all surrounding areas

YOUNG 2594

GRIFFITH 2680

SYDNEY & SUBURBS

NOWRA 2541

Australian owned family business since 1944

SUTHERLAND

691 Old Princes Highway

PH: 02 9545 3477 Fax: 02 9545 5039

CARINGBAH ST GEORGE BANKSTOWN

Stephen Kellaway Managing Director email: service@olsens.com.au

Northern Territory

ALICE SPRINGS 0870

Centre Funeral Services

12 Kidman Street, PO Box 1943

Phone: 08 8952 2953 Fax: 08 8952 4518 Email: admin@centrefunerals.com.au

Serving Alice Springs & Central Australia since 1975.

DARWIN 0821

ORANGE 2800 email: mail@penhallfunerals.com.au

Traditional values Contemporary choices

Dale Maroney

A 249 Bronte Road, Waverley NSW 2024

P (02) 9389 3499

E dale@waltercarter.com.au

W waltercarter.com.au

ROCKHAMPTON 4700

Queensland

CAIRNS 4870

Serving Cairns, Gordonvale, Babinda, Innisfail, Tully & Atherton Tableland Areas of Far North Queensland

Locally Family Owned and Operated by Chris, Kaylene, Brett & Cher Heritage

Ph 07 4056 1627

Fax 07 4056 3389

70-76 Maher Road Gordonvale Qld 4865

E: info@heritagebradyfunerals.com.au

W: www.heritagebradyfunerals.com.au

GOLD COAST 4220

TOOWOOMBA 4350

GOLD COAST (07) 5535 8758

TWEED HEADS (07) 5599 1500

NORTHERN RIVERS NSW (02) 6674 3777

Ph (07) 4636 9600

www.heritagebrothers.com.au CALL

Wes Heritage Ashley Heritage 0417 601 308 0419 676 570

INNISFAIL 4860

BLACKS FUNERALS

Innisfail ~ PH (07) 4061 6806

Tully ~ PH (07) 4068 1188

Funeral Home - Chapel - Crematorium

5 Mylne Street, Toowoomba

McGrath

Serving Toowoomba and surrounding regions

BRISBANE

Ph: (07) 4636 9600 1020 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba South, Queensland www.burstows.com.au

South Australia

ADELAIDE & SUBURBS

SUBSCRIBE

get your own copy of The Australian Funeral Director

Annual Subscription Rates

Members: AUD$55 (4 issues, including GST)

Non Members: AUD$110 (4 issues, excluding GST)

funeraloffice@alfredjames.com.au

KADINA 5554

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

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.

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

MOONTA 5558

Skinner Family Funerals (est. 1926)

(Compassion, Dignity, Respect)

1 Frances Terrace, Moonta

PTY LTD

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 WEST & WEST COASTS

Tasmania

HOBART & SOUTHERN TASMANIA

Travis Tann – General Manager Head office and Chapel 163 Steele Street, Devonport. Mersey Gardens Chapel and Crematorium 20 - 24 Stoney Rise Road, Devonport. Close to Spirit of Tasmania Ferry terminal for quick repatriations when required. info@pinegrove.net.au www.pinegrovefunerals.com.au

03 6423 4000

ST HELENS 7216

25 Electra Place MORNINGTON TAS 7018 enquiries@psfunerals.com www.psfunerals.com

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Members: AUD$55 (4 issues, including GST) Non Members: AUD$110 (4 issues, excluding GST)

Victoria

BENALLA 3672

Damien and Justin Feehan

BENDIGO 3550

LAUNCESTON 7250 Mark & Paul Graham

mark@mulqueen.com.au

Andrew & Heather Hampton 03 5441 5577 funerals@williamfarmer.com.au

BIRCHIP 3483

Phone: (03) 5492 2547

Email: mjkellyandsousag@gmail.com

HAMILTON 3300

Dianne, Troy, Cherie & Paul 43 Collins Street Hamilton admin@fgreed.com.au | fgreed.com.au

Hamilton (03) 5572 1053

KERANG 3579

info@adamsfunerals.com.au

KYNETON 3444

LEONGATHA / KORUMBURRA

MAFFRA 3860

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

Incorporating Coomealla Crematorium

MOE 3825

PHILLIP ISLAND 3922

Scott & Sharon Anderso n 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

www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MORWELL 3840 437a Princes Drive

www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

NATHALIA 3638

LOCATIONS

ASHBURTON BALLARAT BERWICK BRIGHTON

CHELTENHAM COROWA

CRANBOURNE

DIAMOND CREEK

DONCASTER

EAST BURWOOD ECHUCA

FRANKSTON GLENROY

MALVERN

MOONEE PONDS

MOUNT MARTHA

NOBLE PARK

NTH MELBOURNE

RINGWOOD ROSEBUD

STH MORANG ST ALBANS

SUNBURY

SUNSHINE THOMASTOWN

WERRIBEE WODONGA

www.tobinbrothers.com.au

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

NUMURKAH 3636

(Peter and Jenny Cox)

Tel: (03) 5862 3047

Fax: (03) 5862 1932

Email: admin@coxfunerals.com.au

Web: www.petercoxfunerals.com.au

TRARALGON 3844

www.latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WANGARATTA 3677

John & Christine Haddrick

Wangaratta (03) 5722 2525 Myrtleford (03) 5752 1525 northeastfunerals.com.au

WARRNAMBOOL / MORTLAKE

Est. 1905

Guyetts

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

DUNEDIN & OTAGO REGION

Western Australia

BUNBURY & BUSSELTON

New Zealand

To contact New Zealand Locally Owned or Family Owned Funeral Directors

Phone: 1800 038 958 www.locallyownedfunerals.co.nz

AUCKLAND

THE SOUTH WEST’S FUNERAL DIRECTORS. SINCE 1897.

ADRIAN BARRETT, ERROL BARRETT

TEL: (08) 9722 5311 FAX: (08) 9791 2173

9 SPENCER STREET, BUNBURY, WA 6230

EMAIL: INFO@BARRETTFUNERALS.COM.AU

WEB: BARRETFUNERALS.COM.AU

NORTHAM 6401

Five Branches Auckland Wide

PERTH & SUBURBS

Rob & Dianne Tinetti

Ph: 08 9622 1411

Phone +64 638 9026 office@davisfunerals.co.nz

Repatriation Specialists 80 for beautiful funerals

CHRISTCHURCH

davisfunerals co.nz

Stephen Dil 185 Schnapper Rock Rd Albany Auckland +64 9 415 8720 info@dils.co.nz www.dils.co.nz

INVERCARGILL & DISTRICTS

We offer a prompt and professional repatriation service

Cnr. Esk & Doon Sts. Invercargill International Phone: +64 3 218 4095 office@frasersfunerals.co.nz

WHANGAREI

Whangarei & Dargaville

Phone +64 437 5799

Head Office 08 9231 5199

68 Stirling Street Perth, WA 6000

Branch Locations

Cannington | Cottesloe | Dianella | Hilton Mandurah | Medina | Midland | Perth | Westminster

International and Interstate Repatriations Specialists

Contact Josephine Di Dio on 08 9231 5199 or email repats@bowraodea.com.au

Proudly WA family owned and operated with over 130 years of excellence.

Because the little things are everything. bowraodea.com.au | leanneodea.com.au

office@morrisandmorris co.nz

Repatriation Specialists 60

morrisandmorris co.nz

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Servicing Augusta, Bridgetown, Capel, Donnybrook, Harvey, Manjimup, Margaret River, Waroona, & Yarloop.

STREAMLINE & CUSTOMISE YOUR ENGRAVING NEEDS!

The Emblaser 2 is a revolutionary 3D laser cutter tool designed to precisely cut or engrave artwork and photos on a variety of materials.

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For more information about the Emblaser 2, software and detailed materials list, please visit www.hyqual.com/products/emblaser2 1800 77 77 44

Casket Co. of Australia

5033

Available now!… Unexpected Value

Batesville quality made surprisingly affordable. For the non-traditional Batesville buyers!

DELRAY - Product Code: 146853

Rosetan Crepe Interior with dual overlay Solid Hardwood Casket with Wooden bed, Adjustable LifeView panel, Crematable wooden handles, Living Tree Memorial Program

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TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE CONTACT: Shirly Sareyka - General Manager, Australia & New Zealand

: Shirly.sareyka@batesville.com

: 0437 114 333 : www.batesville.com.au

Or your local Batesville sales agent: 1300 368 268

Withbest-in-classfacilitiesacrossAustralia, youcanrelyonACCHigginstosupportyour business.

Ourskilledcraftspeopleallowustoproduce casketsandcoffinstothehigheststandards.

Weworkwithyoutodeliverarangeofproducts andservicesthathelpsyou,helpfamilies.

Our6pointcheckensureseverycasketand coffinwemakemeasuresuptotheexacting standardsofourISO9001certification.

Wearecontinuouslyinnovatingtohelpyou adapttothedemandsandchangesofthe funeralindustry.

Ourlocaloperationsmeanswecanrespond whenourcustomersneeditmost.