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
Shannon Scott, Simon Law, Asha Dooley
QUEENSLAND
Don Burstow, Scott Harris, Luke Gregson
SOUTH AUSTRALIA/NORTHERN TERRITORY
Sharyn Moll, Jason Maher
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
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)
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 June 2025 edition is 5 May 2025. 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
Registered Office: Suite 6, 27-31 Duerdin Street, Notting Hill, VIC 3168
Opinions expressed in this Journal are not those of the AFDA. The AFDA does not accept responsibility for the content of advertisements or articles appearing which may be held to be contrary to law.
Mission Statement
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
available to help resolve any disputes which arise between members and their clients.
What’s Happening
2025
March
National President’s Message
Reflecting on my two years as National President, I’ve been privileged to witness firsthand what makes our Association exceptional. Three words define my experience: Passionate, Dedicated, and Evolving.
Passionate: Strength in community
Meeting members across the country has been an inspiring experience. While the travel was demanding, the enthusiasm and commitment of our members continually motivated me.
Funeral care is more than a profession.
It’s a calling driven by the desire to serve our communities with empathy and excellence.
Association must be a foundation you can rely on. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to uphold professional standards and advocate for the value of funeral service. Your high expectations push us to do more, and we embrace that challenge.
Among the highlights of my term was sharing our members’ stories with the broader community. Speaking with various groups and media about the value of choosing an AFDA Member was an opportunity to showcase the transparency, training, and ethics that set us apart. One particularly special project was our collaboration with Paediatric Palliative Care, which helped families better understand the role of funeral directors in their time of need. Educating families about their options empowers them to make informed choices –ones that lead them to the compassionate care of an AFDA Member.
Representing you has been an incredible experience – one filled with inspiration, challenges, and growth.
Strengthening our connections within the AFDA and the wider community has been a key focus of my tenure, and I’ve been reminded time and again that this is what drives so many of you as well.
Dedicated: The relentless pursuit of excellence
Our profession demands excellence, and AFDA Members hold themselves to the highest standards. To support you, the
Engaging with the media was initially daunting, but it quickly became clear how important these opportunities were. Every interview and discussion was a chance to highlight our members’ professionalism and dedication. Representing you in these conversations was a responsibility I took very seriously, and connecting with so many of you helped ensure I reflected our collective experience.
Evolving: Meeting the needs of members
Like any organisation, AFDA faces challenges, and one of our biggest has been ensuring we engage all members in a way that is accessible and valuable. The demands of funeral service leave little time for additional commitments, but we recognise the need for ongoing training and support. The launch of the AFDA Funeral Learning Hub (FLH) was a direct response to this need. This project has been one of the most ambitious in AFDA history, and its impact is already evident.
Accessible, high-quality training is crucial for empowering staff, improving retention, and maintaining the highest standards of service.
The FLH provides a world-class, Australianfocused learning platform tailored to our profession, ensuring that even the busiest funeral homes can support their teams’ growth.
A heartfelt thank you
Serving as AFDA National President has been an honour. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me in this role. Representing you has been an incredible experience – one filled with inspiration, challenges, and growth.
To the AFDA team of Dale, Lucinda, Deanne, Sherida, Edwina, Coralie, and Theresa – thank you for your unwavering commitment to our members. Your behind-the-scenes efforts make everything we do possible.
To our Divisional and National Councillors, and particularly National Executive members Asha Dooley, Deanne McLeod, and James MacLeod. Your dedication to the AFDA is extraordinary, and I am truly humbled to have worked alongside you.
Thank you for your trust over the past two years. It has been a privilege to serve, and I remain committed to supporting our members as we continue to evolve, rise to new challenges, and strengthen our community.
The AFDA is more than an Association. It is a testament to the passion, dedication, and resilience of its members, and I am proud to be part of it.
Warm regards
Kelly Scott
Membership News
Welcome to New Affiliate Member
TALKING STONES
Talking Stones is proudly owned by James, Lucy and Tina, supported by a dedicated team of employees who share a passion for crafting memorials that exceed customer expectations. They understand that families usually need their services at an emotional and vulnerable time, and so they treat every order with the utmost care, compassion, respect and love. Using only the highest quality materials and skilled craftsmanship, they create hand-engraved, unique tributes that will be cherished forever.
Talking Stones has a carefully selected range of products to suit the needs of Australia’s diverse
Welcome to New Affiliate Member
NOTES OF LOVE
When we lose a loved one, finding the right words to provide comfort is hard. That’s where Notes Of Love™ can help.
Notes Of Love™ is a premium, heart-felt bereavement gift to remember someone special, celebrate their life and share memories and messages of condolence.
population. Whether a customer is looking for a garden plaque, a keepsake for their own home or a tribute for a cemetery or memorial park, they have an option to suit every preference and every budget.
For fellow members of the AFDA, Talking Stones represents a significant opportunity to better serve your customers, whilst adding a profitable revenue stream to your business. If you’re not talking to your customers about buying Talking Stones’ take-home memorials, you’re missing out on a chance to deepen relationships and strengthen bonds.
Talking Stones offers generous margins to their trusted trade partners, without the costly overhead of holding stock. Their products are produced in a timely manner and include free delivery anywhere within Australia.
It is designed as a special gift for clients as the final touchpoint, to leave a lasting impression. It includes a beautiful velvet gift box with 30 heartfelt messages of condolence and a special keepsake to commemorate a life.
Each product is lovingly hand wrapped; notes printed in Australia and the option to include a fully customised card to make it personal.
Either present it to a client personally or have it delivered direct to make a real impression; maximise customer satisfaction and create long-term brand loyalty.
It is fully flexible to customise with your own logo’s, corporate colours, packaging etc, and with a RRP of only $89.95 (including direct delivery), is only a very small cost.
If you’d like to explore the opportunity to enhance your services by offering high quality, personalised memorials, Talking Stones can be contacted at info@talkingstones.com.au or on 1300 606 605. As James says “We genuinely love what we do. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping a family find the perfect tribute.”
For further information or to arrange a sample and proposal, contact Greg Trezise, greg@notesoflove.com, mobile 0402 127 375 or visit the website www.notesoflove.com.
Membership Applications
Applications are accepted subject to advertising. Members have 21 days in which to make comment to national office.
FULL MEMBERSHIP
South Coast Funerals
Karla Bradshaw
2/8 Seaview Road
Victor Harbor SA 5211
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
Roses Only
Martina Cleary
4/576 Boundary Road Archerfield QLD 4108
Membership Applications Approved
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
Talking Stones
Lucy Roper
Unit 1/16 Jusfrute Drive West Gosford NSW 2250
BillWill
Colin Jowell
96 Albion Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
Independant Mortuary Transfers
Greg Brown
33 Wallace Street
Bray Park QLD 4500
Membership Movements
NEW NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVE
Riverland Funerals
New Nominated Representative is Bill Sweet
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Please visit our website www.hyqual.com for more information and product demonstrations.
From the CEO
The 2025 AFDA National Convention in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is almost here! Attendees can look forward to a line-up of incredible speakers and exciting social activities, making it a truly memorable event.
In keeping with the convention theme, National President Kelly Scott and I recently attended the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) conference in Nelson, New Zealand. Once again, great hospitality was shown along with an impressive education program including speakers Pic Picot, creator of Pic’s Peanut Butter World, Lisa Garrud of MasterJack Marketing on Authentic Digital Connections in the Funeral Industry, a Personal Style Workshop, a Complaints Resolution Workshop, and Peter MacLeod of ACC Higgins highlighting merchandising initiatives that enhance skills and assist members in improving the customer’s experience, along with an Association update by Kelly and myself.
AFDA is currently working through the complexities of the ATO’s determination to do with the supply of burial rights in respect of public cemeteries issued on 4 December 2024 that funeral directors should no longer charge GST on
burial rights supplied by a public cemetery, permissions to conduct a burial and/or place a monument, death certificates issued by a government agency or religious services supplied by an appropriately registered religious institution. The supply of other goods/services made in relation to a burial or cremation, including memorial plaques themselves and gravedigging services are considered taxable supplies and are subject to GST.
Thank you to Peter Mulqueen of Kelly+Partners who continues to assist AFDA in this matter, and if you have any questions specific to your funeral home and locality, I encourage you to email Peter at peter.mulqueen@kellypartners. com.au. You can read a summary of the determination provided by Peter on page 9 of the Journal.
The AFDA Executive and National Council continue to work with Taylor & Grace Creative Agency on branding promotion opportunities. This process is taking time as each avenue we explore reveals new opportunities, and we want to ensure that we move forward with the right strategy. We appreciate your patience as we carefully work through the planning, and we look forward to sharing the outcome with you soon.
We are pleased to announce that on 29-31 August 2025 all Divisions will come together to celebrate AFDA’s 90-year anniversary.
The Sofitel Melbourne on Collins will be the location for this celebration and we are also working on another industry event to meet at the same venue on Friday 29 August. Members will be encouraged to attend this event, which will ultimately form part of the overall AGM weekend program, including an education forum during the day and a fundraising dinner in the evening. An offsite formal dinner is being planned for Saturday night.
AFDA Executive Officers will meet to determine the format, timing, and structure of the joint Saturday education program, including the presentation of Divisional AGM reports, speaker slots, and sponsor updates. Discussions will also cover the timing and format of the Divisional Council Meetings and whether they should be held before or in conjunction with the AGM weekend. Further details will be announced once finalised.
I would like to thank and congratulate Kelly Scott on her amazing two-year term as National President. Kelly was, as expected, thorough, supportive, always available to me as CEO and represented AFDA with great professionalism and care. Kelly conducted many media interviews, podcasts and presentations in-person and online.
Kelly has also worked very hard behind the scenes on the Constitution review, the branding promotion, partnering with other organisations, two AFDA conventions and represented AFDA at the FDANZ conferences in Rotorua and Nelson, as well as the NFDA convention and expo in Las Vegas, USA in 2023. Congratulations Kelly and on behalf of AFDA Members and staff, thank you for your amazing support and contribution during your term as National President.
I now welcome Asha Dooley to the role of National President, and I look forward to working with Asha as we face the challenges that AFDA and our members will experience over the next two years. I am also excited to join members and corporate partners at the upcoming convention in Vietnam for those that can make it, and if not there, at our 90-year anniversary celebration in August in Melbourne. Both are going to be amazing events.
Dale Gilson
In the News ATO GST Determination on Burial Rights
On 4 December 2024, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued GST Determination GSTD 2024/2 to do with the supply of burial rights in respect of public cemeteries. Importantly, GSTD 2024/2 applies only from the date of issue and is not retrospective.
In accordance with GSTD 2024/2 funeral directors should no longer charge GST on burial rights supplied by a public cemetery, permissions to conduct a burial and/or place a monument, death certificates issued by a government agency or religious services supplied by an appropriately registered religious institution.
The supply of other goods/ services in relation to a burial or cremation, including memorial plaques themselves and gravedigging services are considered taxable supplies and are subject to GST.
Where a cemetery’s charges include both GST-exempt burial rights/permissions and GSTtaxable services, the cemetery must apportion the total fee to correctly apply GST. Even cemeteries not registered for GST must make this distinction because funeral directors who on-charge these services to client families must still apply GST to the taxable portion of their services.
The following is an example of how GST should be applied in a
typical funeral arrangement.
The executor of Mary’s estate engages XYZ Funerals to arrange her burial in a public cemetery. The funeral director’s account might include the following.
GST applies to:
• Professional Service Fee
• Coffin
• Flowers
• Service Books
• Live streaming
• Gravedigging
GST does not apply to:
• The supply of the burial right by the public cemetery
• Permission to conduct the burial and place a monument
• The supply of a death certificate
• Payment to church/religious institution.
Important considerations
1. This determination (at this stage) only relates to the supply of burial rights from Public Cemeteries, permission to conduct a burial/place monument, payments for death certificates, and payments to religious institutions.
2. At this stage, GST-free status for payments for church services only relates to when the payments are made to an Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC)-registered religious institution and is integral to the practice of that religion. The ATO has yet to clarify whether payments to clergy associated with a religious institution will also be GST-free. Until then, it is advisable to continue applying GST to clergy payments.
3. Payments to celebrants, organists, and soloists remain subject to GST pending further clarification from the ATO, even if they are unregistered or operate as hobbyists.
4. If a funeral package includes the supply of a burial right or permissions by a public cemetery, religious institution payments, or death certificates, these must be itemised separately and excluded from GST calculations.
5. Funeral directors will need to update arrangment contracts to ensure GST is not applied on public cemetery burial rights/permissions, death certificates and payments to religious institutions. The ATO has provided a three-month grace period from 4 December 2024, to allow funeral directors to adjust their contracts and practices.
6. Funeral directors should review prepaid funeral contracts to determine if they include GST-exempt items. If so, there may be a need to refund the GST overcharged but the recommendation is when the prepaid funeral becomes at need. Going forward, prepaid contracts should be updated to ensure GST is not applied to the exempt items mentioned above.
7. In New South Wales, a state governmentimposed interment services levy is paid to Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW (CCNSW) by cemetery and crematorium operators. If operators increase prices to cover this levy, GST will apply to the increased charges because it is considered an increase in consideration payable, not a levy. If funeral directors pass this increased charge onto clients, they must apply GST. This levy is not related to the subjects of this ruling.
This is an extract of a summary supplied by Peter Mulqueen of Kelly+Partners Bendigo – specialist advisors to the funeral industry. The full summary is available in the members section of the AFDA website. Peter is available to assist on any of the matters above and can be contacted at peter.mulqueen@ kellypartners.com.au. As further information becomes available it will be passed onto members.
Funeral Learning Hub Hits a New Milestone
It’s official. There are now over 1,000 members signed up to use the AFDA Funeral Learning Hub (FLH).
Considering the FLH was launched just over a year ago, this is an incredible result and demonstrates why AFDA Members stand apart from other funeral directors – they are committed to continuous improvement and professional development. Congratulations to Sarah Greenwood from InvoCare who is the 1,000th member to sign up!
Since the launch we have seen countless enhancements to the FLH including member access to Lunch & Learns, the ability to view recordings of live webinars that they may have missed, recordings of training events and education sessions from the National Convention as well as access to a resource hub. New courses and new features are being added on a monthly basis. All these offerings contribute to a dynamic learning environment that can only be accessed by AFDA Members. They are all designed to meet the different learning styles and needs of AFDA Members. Take some time out to view the following:
• Podcasts – Featuring John Adams, Past President of the National Association of Funeral Directors UK and a champion death literacy advocate in the UK. John
interviews a vast array of people who share their expertise through storytelling on death, grief, resilience, leadership and much more on the Death: A Changing Industry podcast. As an aside, John will be speaking at the upcoming AFDA Convention in Vietnam.
• Lunch & Learns – The Lunch & Learns are 10-15 minute ‘bite-sized’ courses designed for a quick learn that you can access when you have a few spare minutes. They are highly relevant for your professional and personal life and cover a range of generalist topics that are useful for most people such as: ‘Apologies’, ‘Empathy vs Sympathy’, ‘Active Listening’ and ‘Handling Criticism’. More Lunch & Learns are coming soon.
• Resources – The Resources section is an evolving hub intended to house a collection of useful resources needed by most funeral professionals. Currently you will find Death Statistics for NSW & QLD, industry relevant Legislations and Acts for each State and Territory, a video recording of AFDA’s 2024 Convention, a downloadable guide to Voluntary Assisted Dying highlighting the differences in each State and a Guide to Planning a Funeral For your Child. Make sure you jump into this section often as new resources are being added all the time.
• Webinars – Catch the latest and not so latest webinars that you may have missed in this section. New to this section are: Driving Better Culture through Leading and Managing Staff presented by Key Business Advisors; The Future of Funerals with Kelly Scott and Cyber Security for Small Businesses presented by Cyber Wardens.
Introduction to the Funeral Industry Course
Many members tell us they receive calls from people interested in working in the funeral industry, but they’re not sure how to get started. The FLH now has the ideal course
to recommend, Introduction to the Funeral Industry. This pre-employment course is delivered as a self-paced online, certificate course and is designed to help the learner gain an understanding of whether a career in the funeral profession is right for them. The course is available to anyone and costs $99 (incl. GST) for six month’s access. On completion learners will receive an AFDA endorsed Certificate of Completion which can be added to job applications.
Don’t forget the FLH is a great way to top up your required CPD hours. CPD hours are awarded for the completion of each course and bundle on the FLH if the learner has spent 50% of the recommended time to complete the course. We are always happy to answer your questions about any aspect of the FLH. Contact the AFDA office on 03 9859 9966 or email Edwina Ellicott at edwina.ellicott@afda.org.au.
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Managing Bariatric Deceased: Best Practices and Innovations
The increasing number of bariatric cases in society presents unique challenges for not only funeral directors but the entire funeral industry.
Safe, dignified, and professional handling of the bariatric deceased requires specialised equipment, procedures, and collaborative industry efforts.
Key considerations
Bariatric management begins with ensuring the appropriate tools and training are accessed. AFDA training days such as the NSW/ACT Bariatric Training Day held in October 2024 at Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park provide essential learning opportunities and reinforce the importance of sensitivity, safety, and professionalism when handling bariatric deceased individuals. At the NSW/ACT Bariatric Training Day members heard from a number of industry experts who provided training and insights on best practices and innovations in managing bariatric cases, including:
• Shannon Scott, NSW/ACT Divisional President who highlighted current trends and statistics which reinforced the prevalence of bariatric cases. In 2022, 26% of children and adolescents were living with overweight or obesity and 66% of adults aged 18 and over were living with overweight
or obesity. Further, World Obesity predicts that by 2035, 47% of Australian adults will be living with obesity (Obesity Evidence Hub, www.obesityevidencehub.org.au).
• Adam Hart from Central Coast Volunteers and Jay Marlin from NSW Ambulance demonstrated how transfer procedures for bariatric cases require specialised equipment for safe home removals, especially with emergency services involvement such as the SES or Ambulance services. Using specialised equipment is critical, and Damien Groococh from Hyqual Australia showcased innovations in safe handling equipment, while Brook Reber demonstrated transfer equipment provided by Shotton Parmed to assist in secure transfers.
When ordering a bariatric coffin, funeral directors should specify:
• Deceased’s height, width, and depth
• Coffin dimensions (internal and external)
• Material, finish, and colour preferences
• Handle type and reinforcement needs
• Required delivery timeframe.
Bariatric management begins with ensuring the appropriate tools and training are accessed.
• Sue Witten from InvoCare shared embalming techniques tailored for bariatric individuals, including how to have compassionate communication with families about their loved ones' presentation.
The training day emphasised that funeral directors and crematorium staff have a responsibility to communicate clearly with each other about their requirements such as correct measurements and timing. Measurements that are slightly out or incorrect times can have a significant impact on the funeral service. Andrew Fraser from the Palmdale Group discussed the coordination between funeral directors and crematoriums, while Simon Bartlett from ACC Higgins outlined specialty coffin construction to meet durability and cremator specifications to ensure a dignified funeral service.
Coffin considerations
Funeral directors must ensure that bariatric coffins meet high standards of integrity and load-bearing capacity including customised solutions such as reinforced materials, MDF straps, and secure bolted handles.
Cremator capacity remains a determining factor in whether a burial or cremation is possible. Cemeteries emphasise early planning to accommodate bariatric burials, ensuring accessibility and safe handling.
Innovative handling solutions
To mitigate injury risks and enhance operational efficiency in bariatric cases, engineered solutions for funeral service providers are available, including:
• Hydraulic Transfer Vans – Reducing manual handling risks through remote-controlled upper decks.
• Heavy-Duty Coffin Trolleys – Supporting up to 350kg, with powered travel options to eliminate manual lifting.
• Bariatric Interment Devices – Facilitating safe transfers from hearse to grave via automated lowering mechanisms.
Collaboration for safer practices
Successful bariatric management relies on strong partnerships between funeral directors, cemeteries, and industry innovators. Training days such as the NSW/ACT Bariatric Training Day ensure professionals stay informed about best practices and technological advancements. Thank you to all the presenters and sponsors who contributed to this important training event and to Palmdale Lawn Cemetery and Memorial Park for hosting. Keep an eye out for further in person training opportunities presented by AFDA in this area or visit the AFDA Funeral Learning Hub to view the presentations from the NSW/ACT Bariatric Training Day.
Tobin Brothers 90 Years of Service
In 2024, Tobin Brothers celebrated an incredible 90 years of service and to mark this achievement, they sought to give back to the communities that have supported them throughout the years.
Throughout their 90th year, Tobin Brothers gave an additional $90,000 to charities across their branch network. For each of their 27 locations, they chose a number of local hard-working community organisations to donate funds to. Community groups were invited to branches to receive the donation, enjoy refreshments, and network with similar organisations.
Founded in 1934, Tobin Brothers has maintained a tradition of strong community ties and dedication to service. During the early 1930s, while the world was gripped by ‘The Great Depression’, four brothers dreamed of a better future. In February 1934, brothers Phonse, Leo, Thomas, and Kevin Tobin pooled their limited funds, just fifty pounds each, to rent premises, purchase stock and equipment, and buy a secondhand hearse. Determined to provide compassionate, dignified services, their company, then called AV Tobin Funerals, commenced trading in North Melbourne and was incorporated two years later.
At the time, they could not have envisioned that they were laying the foundation for one of Australia’s largest independent, familyowned funeral businesses. For over 90 years, Tobin Brothers Funerals has remained owned and operated by the Tobin family, spanning four generations.
In its first year, the company had an encouraging start conducting 53 funerals. A.V Tobin conducted 144 funerals in 1935, with numbers continuing to rise. As Melbourne grew, so did Tobin Brothers. What began as a small, family-run business gained community trust and expanded across Victoria.
leaders, celebrities, and politicians.
Tobin Brothers has maintained a tradition of strong community ties and dedication to service
A significant chapter in Tobin Brothers’ history was the establishment of death and bereavement educational services by Des Tobin in the late 1970s led by David Treloar, a pioneer in Australia’s approach to grief. His groundbreaking work gave people permission to openly discuss grief, shattered the societal stigma surrounding loss, creating a national network of Loss and Grief counselling and community support groups that continue to assist families today.
By the mid-20th century, Tobin Brothers had established itself as a leader in the funeral industry. The company conducted what is believed to be Australia’s first televised funeral and has cared for some of Australia’s most high-profile figures, including religious
Tobin Brothers Funerals also embodies this ethos of education through the establishment of Funeral Industry Development Australia (FIDA), a Registered Training Organisation providing funeral industry training for over 30 years.
LEFT TO RIGHT: LEO T TOBIN, KEVIN TOBIN, THOMAS O’H TOBIN, A.V (PHONSE) TOBIN
“What we understand and see every day, is that families are coming to us at their most vulnerable. The death may have been unexpected and the family in shock and unprepared. Perhaps it has been a drawn-out experience and they are beyond exhausted. In many cases they have had extremely stressful experiences going through the medical system, legal issues, complicated family matters, or any other combination of challenges, and they come to us in the wake of all this.
Whatever the case may be, we know that the death itself is just one aspect of the bigger picture, and so we aim to provide them with unprecedented care during
this time. At the same time, we are also pushing for changes to legislation, education, public sentiment etc. in the public arena to make the funeral experience easier and more fair for families in the future.” – James MacLeod OAM, Managing Director since 2011.
The company’s ongoing success is attributed to its ability to evolve. Recognising that funerals are more than saying goodbye, Tobin Brothers pioneered personalised services, introducing audio-visual presentations, live music, themed decorations, and alternative venues beyond traditional chapels. This commitment to meaningful farewells has cemented its reputation as a trusted, progressive funeral provider.
In 1990, Tobin Brothers became the first in Melbourne to offer funeral services exclusively by women. Historically male-dominated, the industry saw a shift with Frances Tobin
Funerals and Associates, now known as Frances Tobin Funerals by Women, led by third-generation family member Frances Tobin.
“Women are traditionally recognised for their ability to nurture, support, and care for others. I believe it’s these qualities, along with developing empathy through listening and open-ended communication, that are the natural strengths of women.” – Frances Tobin.
Technology has also transformed modern funerals, and Tobin Brothers has embraced these advancements. They offer livestreaming services and tribute pages where family and friends can post photos and messages. These features, introduced before the 2020 pandemic, became invaluable during that time. Their continual investment in digital solutions ensures families can honour loved ones in both traditional and contemporary ways.
In 1999, Tobin Brothers launched Greek and Asian Funerals divisions to serve Melbourne’s growing communities. The company employs staff from diverse linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, ensuring services reflect families’ needs. Specialists are also available for those with hearing impairments, disabilities, or specific funeral and religious requests.
Tobin Brothers was named the Winner of Victoria’s Multicultural Award for Excellence in 2010 and received the ‘Business Award’ in 2011. In 2013, it was inducted into the Family Business Australia Victoria Hall of Fame for
THE TOBIN FAMILY TODAY
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its contributions to Australia’s future, community, and culture.
Today, Tobin Brothers operates from 27 branch locations across Victoria and New South Wales, with staff speaking over 30 languages.
Throughout the last 90 years Tobin Brothers has been an innovative industry leader, advocating for higher standards and greater transparency in the funeral industry. The company pioneered the life-centred funeral concept, launched the Fixed Price Funeral Plan in 1984, introduced personalised coffins, and developed the industry-first Memory Maker App.
Tobin Brothers is committed to serving families with exceptional quality and care through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. The company aims to not only empower client families through guidance and support, but to help raise awareness and educate the general public about their rights and options when it comes to funeral services.
Launched in 2012, the app enables families to make funeral decisions via smartphone or tablet. It has won worldwide corporate acclaim and has assisted thousands in making informed choices.
“The Memory Maker App allows families to make decisions before meeting with a funeral planner. Previously, discussions about costs or preferences could be difficult in front of a planner. The app made it easier for families,
and that’s something we are most proud of.” –James MacLeod OAM.
Tobin Brothers received the Business Excellence Award for ‘Technology Business of the Year’ in 2013 and the AFE Innovation Award at the Asian Funeral Expo Industry Awards the same year for the Memory Maker App.
Beyond its services, Tobin Brothers prioritises giving back to the community. In 1984, during its 50th anniversary, The Tobin Brothers Foundation was established to support charitable and community projects in Melbourne. Over the years, the Foundation has distributed over $835,000 to various organisations, helping those in need and strengthening community ties. Each year, Tobin Brothers supports community groups, sporting clubs, churches, and charities through its branch network, in addition to the $90,000 donated during their 90th year. The company also assists during major crises, such as floods and fires, in Australia and abroad.
Throughout its history, Tobin Brothers has maintained its reputation as a leader in funeral services by balancing tradition with innovation. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Australia’s most trusted funeral providers, the company’s journey is one of dedication, compassion, and unwavering service.
Today, the company employs over 280 professionals, including 15 direct descendants of the original founders across four generations. Many staff members have been with the company for decades, reflecting the strong sense of purpose within the organisation.
“While family plays a vital role at Tobin Brothers, the true maturity of the organisation is best reflected in having non-family leaders like James MacLeod OAM as Managing Director and Dominic Macken as Chairman of the Board. This balance ensures we maintain tradition while evolving as an industry leader. As our centenary beckons, the great strength of the Tobin Group of Companies lies in its people. Our people are our strength, driving our commitment to innovation and compassionate service well into the future.” –Michael Tobin.
Beyond their 90th year Tobin Brothers is looking forward to reaching 100 years and more of service while remaining committed to their mission of providing meaningful, personalised services that honour lives with dignity and respect.
Helping Families Understand the Value of Having the Guest of Honour at the Funeral
By
Alan D Wolfelt
Historically we understood the essential, universal need to honour and affirm the life of the person who died with the body present throughout the entire funeral process. Now the guest of honour is often missing.
In this article, Dr Alan Wolfelt, author, educator and consultant to the funeral industry, reviews some of the historical wisdom surrounding the function of the dead body being present during the funeral. In addition, he hopes to help those in funeral service enhance their capacity to educate families when questions come up related to this important topic.
People frequently say to me, “I’ll just remember them the way they were.” Of course, those of us in death care should not be surprised by this reflection: after all, many people have never been taught why to consider keeping the body that animated life present – before and during the funeral.
As people question the value of funerals, part of your role as a funeral director is to theme everything you do with information, education, and choices. Why? Because a general trend we have witnessed is that for a substantial number
Ph.D
of people the presence of the body at the funeral has become not only optional, but even undesirable.
As you know, the initial funeral element is that of the visitation, historically called a ‘wake’ or ‘viewing’. The term ‘wake’ comes from the Middle English waken meaning ‘to be awake’ and ‘to keep watch’. It was often customary for the family and primary mourners to keep around-the-clock vigil over the dead body. The body was kept in their home, often on display in an open casket in the parlour. Mourners took turns sitting with the dead, 24 hours a day, to offer prayers, pay their respects, receive friends, and comfort one another. Essentially, they were, in part, saying hello on the path to goodbye.
In these days gone by, the guest of honour wasn’t just present at the visitation – the body was the focal point of the entire funeral process, from the procession into the church to the procession out of the church to the procession to the cemetery through to the committal. The body never left the family’s sight.
Yet in recent decades, the trend has been toward body-absent ceremonies, which can seem more like parties than authentic funeral experiences. We seem to be forgetting what many have known since the beginning of
time. Throughout human history, clans and tribes revered and stayed present to the body until it was laid to final rest. In fact, cultures the world over have demonstrated a passion to recover the ‘fallen warrior’ and dignify the death by bringing home the body.
Of course, it is important to note that we should always be respectful of exceptions. For example, not all faith communities find it appropriate to spend time with the body. For example, in Judaism families sit Shiva without the presence of the person who died.
In addition, there are times when the body has been traumatised and an ‘appropriate memory picture’ is not available to be viewed. In situations like this, other steps can be taken to help families with the lynchpin need of mourning, which is acknowledging the reality of the death. Obviously, this is one of the main functions served by having the body present.
Have you ever heard people say, “Well, it’s just a shell?” In my experience this is often an attempt to render the body irrelevant and make it disposable. Regardless of your faith (or lack thereof) in the soul and the afterlife, the body of the person who died is still precious. It still very much represents the person they loved. This is the body that animated life! Doesn’t this person deserve to be accompanied or seen through to the end
of their days on Earth, which includes the disposition of their body?
Of course, I don’t need to tell you that a dead body is not the same as the person we loved. No matter your spiritual beliefs, it is clear to anyone who spends any time at all with the dead body of someone they cared about that the soul no longer resides there. But when we are grieving, the mind seeks proof. So, if we are fortunate, we see the body, we touch the body, we spend time with the body… and our minds, which so very much want to deny the truth, cannot help but begin the process of acknowledging the reality of the death.
Bereavement originates from the word ‘reave’, meaning ‘to be deprived of or ‘to be forcibly robbed of something’. When we experience the death of someone loved, we are indeed forcibly robbed of something very precious to us. But for a short time – a few hours or days after the death – we have the opportunity to still be with the person who died, in the form of
the dead body, even as we have no choice but to begin to take leave of them. So, not only is the dead body ‘proof’ for our logical mind, but it is also a means of transition for our searching heart, which so much yearns to still be with the person. It can feel uncomfortable and painful in the moment but is ultimately helpful and healing.
in recent decades, the trend has been toward body-absent ceremonies
And what of the common objection, “I don’t want to remember them that way?” My experience suggests that the image of the person in death does not become the lasting image in the mind of the survivor. While the sight and presence of the dead body meets the cognitive need to verify the death, that very image usually fades, and it is
the living memories that are everlasting.
I’ll never forget the 102-year-old woman who entered a funeral home to attend a friend’s funeral. The funeral director was greeting guests as she arrived. The elderly woman took his arm and said, “I’ve never been to one of these before!”
The funeral director was quite surprised. Was it even possible that a centenarian had never attended a funeral? So, he asked, “This is the first funeral you’ve been to?”
“No,” she chastised. “Of course I have been to funerals. But I’ve never been to one where the person who died wasn’t there. Where the hell is he? Does he have something better to do than be at his own funeral?”
My hope is that the next time a family says, “I’ll just remember him the way he was” or “It’s just a shell,” you will reflect on this article and help them better understand the value of having the body present in either a coffin or in the form of cremated remains throughout the funeral process.
Remember, a meaningful funeral is not about denying death but befriending it. Let’s not dispatch with bodies, but treat them with the reverence and respect they deserve.
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 have sold more than a million copies worldwide and are translated into many languages. He is founder and director of the Center for Loss and Life Transition www.centerforloss.com.
Celebrating John Scott’s 60 Years in Funeral Service
On 1 February 2025, the Scott family of T J Scott and Son Funeral Directors
celebrated John Scott’s 60 years of service to the funeral industry and their family business.
The celebration of this milestone was shared with family, friends, and industry colleagues from across the country. A fitting tribute to a man whose kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment have touched so many lives. In his speech, John expressed heartfelt gratitude for those who have supported him throughout his journey, acknowledging that every achievement has been made possible by the people around him.
John’s journey began in 1964 as a 16-year-old, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Thomas John Scott, who founded the business in 1938, and his parents, Jack and Carrie. The business was established by his grandfather, a retired police sergeant, and was one of three funeral directing businesses at the time. In 1946, John’s parents took over, operating from their family home in Mollison Street with a Packard hearse.
John’s early days in the business were spent learning from his father, initially assisting with back-of-house tasks such as gardening, maintenance,
stacking wood, trimming coffins, and washing cars, all while working additional jobs at a local butcher, dry cleaners, and the Club Hotel. Once he obtained his driver’s license on his 18th birthday, John was finally able to drive the hearse and Vanguard Ute. His first funeral at Ballarat Crematorium was nervewracking so much so that he forgot to lower the coffin!
When the Mollison Street property was acquired by Caltex, John’s grandfather purchased the building at 57 Piper Street, where Jack and John set up a small chapel and workspace. Their first office and showroom operated from John’s parents’ home at 12 Baynton Street, where Carrie prepared pillows for coffins and welcomed families with cups of tea. It was a true family business where everyone played a role in supporting grieving families whenever needed.
John’s passion and vision drove the expansion of the family business. In 1982, T J Scott and Son acquired the former Baptist Church at 5 Piper Street, and in 1988, John oversaw its transformation into a modern funeral home, complete with a 100-seat chapel, office space, an arranging room, a showroom, and a larger mortuary care centre. Over the years, he continued to grow the business, expanding to premises in Gisborne and Kilmore, and recently overseeing a significant renovation of the Kyneton chapel, ensuring state-of-the-
art mortuary care facilities and a beautiful, reflective space for families.
Throughout his six-decade career, John has dedicated his life to serving families with care, compassion and professionalism, building a legacy that extends far beyond his local community. His influence in the funeral industry is profound, having served as both Victorian State President and National President of AFDA. His contributions were recognised with the prestigious Master Funeral Director Award and Life Membership of AFDA. In 2012, his leadership earned him a place on the Board of FIAT-IFTA, the world organisation of funeral operatives, an acknowledgment of his commitment to elevating professional standards within the industry.
John’s contributions extend far beyond funeral service. He has been actively involved in numerous community organisations in Kyneton and Gisborne and, among his many achievements, one of the most impactful was uniting the community to raise awareness about youth suicide.
Even after 60 years, John remains deeply involved in the funeral industry, continuing to serve families as a funeral celebrant – a role he cherishes. Guiding and supporting people through some of life’s most difficult moments is a privilege he holds dear.
AFDA Distinguished Service Awards
During 2024 the AFDA was pleased to present a number of special Distinguished Service Awards to the Divisional Presidents in office during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The AFDA Distinguished Service Award recognises individuals who make an exceptional contribution to the work of the AFDA at a Divisional level and to the common good of the profession. Whilst this special recognition is a Divisional Award, the AFDA National Council would like to recognise the extraordinary effort, dedication and time our Divisional Presidents made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic our industry faced enormous challenges due to the constant lockdowns and changing requirements. In this period our Divisional Presidents met regularly with the AFDA CEO and the National Executive as pressing issues emerged to keep members informed, learn from one another and obtain the support to look after their Divisions, in addition to running their own businesses.
They were also required to be the voice on behalf of members to government and the media as the industry battled through the
constant changes – sometimes within hours – that would then have to be communicated to families. We cannot thank them enough for this commitment which went above and beyond their usual roles. The following individuals are truly deserving of the AFDA Distinguished Service Award.
Dianne Tinetti
Dianne Tinetti has been a remarkable ambassador for the AFDA and the funeral industry. Dianne has devoted 12 years of tireless service to the WA Divisional Council since 2012 and, during her tenure as Divisional President from 2019-2021, made history by leading the first-ever all-female executive team for the WA Division. Joining Dianne on the Executive were Nikki Boyes as Senior Vice President, Deanne McLeod as Junior Vice President, and Bernardine Brierty as Treasurer.
Paul Graham
Paul has been a wonderful representative for the Tasmanian Division, the AFDA and industry. He has served the Tasmanian Divisional Council tirelessly for over 20 years, including two terms as Divisional President from 2009-2012 and from 2019-2021. He has also represented Tasmania at a National level for over 20 years.
Cathy Tobin
Cathy Tobin’s tenure on the Victorian Divisional Council spans over 13 years, during which time she has served as the Divisional President from 2019-2021 and has represented Victoria at a National level as Alternate National Councillor since 2014. Cathy Tobin is a true ambassador
of the Victorian Division, AFDA and the funeral profession and is always looking to improve the experience for the families we serve.
Wes Heritage
Many have witnessed Wes’ passion and commitment while serving the QLD Division, AFDA and industry at large. He served as a QLD Divisional Councillor for over 20 years, including two terms as the Divisional President from 2003-2005 and 2017-2020, as a National Councillor, was the AFDA National President from 2007-2009 and was awarded Life Membership in 2019.
Andrew Kleemann
Andrew Kleemann was honoured with a Distinguished Service Award for his service during the pandemic and wider service to the SA/ NT Division and the AFDA membership at the joint AGM weekend in Darwin. He has served the SA/NT Divisional Council for over 15 years, including two terms as Divisional President from 2008-2010 and 2018-2020. He has also served at a National level as a National Councillor.
Nick Maurer
Nick Maurer represented the NSW/ACT Division as Divisional President from 2019-2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nick has been a part of the NSW/ACT Divisional Council since 2008 and has represented the NSW/ ACT Division at a National level serving as a National Councillor. The Division thanks Nick for his contributions during this time and his wider service to the NSW/ACT Division and the AFDA.
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Vale Ken Maurer
17 September 1941 – 12 January 2025
Ken dedicated his life to serving his community through his role as a funeral director.
On 30 January 2025 family, friends and industry colleagues gathered to farewell Kenneth Francis Maurer at St Mary’s Catholic Church in North Sydney and to celebrate his legacy of service, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his community and the funeral industry.
His influence will be felt for generations, both within his family and among those he mentored. With a career spanning more than 60 years, Ken was known not only for his deep knowledge of the funeral profession but also for providing comfort and care to countless families, always ensuring their loved ones were farewelled with dignity and respect.
Ken was a dedicated member of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) for over 45 years and was highly respected for his knowledge and professional approach as well as his willingness to mentor others in the industry. Ken made significant contributions to the AFDA, serving on both the National and Divisional Councils of AFDA, as President of the NSW/ACT Division from 1991-1993 and as the 46th AFDA National President from 19951997. In recognition of his service, Ken was awarded an AFDA Distinguished Service Award in 2022.
Ken was also the first AFDA Member in Australia to join FIAT-IFTA, the world organisation of funeral operatives. His contributions to the industry included involvement with the Disaster Response Committee serving as the Chairman from 1995-1997 and assisting with the response to the Port Arthur Disaster, involvement with the Return of the Unknown Soldier, Accreditation for National Register of Training courses for Funeral Training Service Levels 2, 3 and 4, and a member of various committees dedicated to raising standards across the funeral industry.
He contributed to numerous industry submissions, including The Senate Standing Committee in Industry, Science and
Technology, an inquiry into Fair Trading, Australian Coordinating Committee on Organ Registration and Donations, and The Senate Reference Committee, Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade inquiry into consular assistance provided by the Australian Government to Australians travelling overseas.
The Maurer family’s funeral service legacy began in 1938 when Ken’s father, Bruce Maurer joined Labour Funerals in Bankstown. In 1941, Bruce established his own business, Bruce Maurer Funerals in Crows Nest with Ken joining in 1959. After Bruce Maurer Funerals was sold in 1974, Ken and his wife, Antoinette, founded Kenneth Maurer Funerals in 1976, later acquiring Whelan & Glacken Funerals and continued to expand their services in the 1980s with the opening of a chapel in Chatswood and the acquisition of Ernest Andrews Funerals and Alan Walsh Funerals.
In 1988, Ken’s eldest son Nicholas joined the family business, continuing the tradition.
In 2000, they rebranded as Maurer Family Funerals, now spanning four generations, with Nicholas and Fiona’s daughter, Bella, joining the family business.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ken served his community as a Justice of Peace for over 50 years, with the NSW Rural Fire Service Wollombi Brigade (1995-2000) and as President of the Wollombi Valley Progress Association (1996-2006) delivering the Wollombi ANZAC Dawn Service since 2006 as well as contributing to the Catholic Archdiocese, specifically raising money for St Vincent de Paul, the Jesuit Community of Australia and The Sisters of Mercy Community.
Ken passed away on 12 January 2025, aged 83 years, and will always be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years Antoniette, Nick and Fi, Ben and Terri, Joe and Kaori and Tom, and grandchildren Bella, Allie, Sienna and Louis as well as his extended family and friends around the world. His impact on the industry, his community, and his family will never be forgotten.
Honouring life, celebrating memories for generations
InvoCare Memorial Parks offers a range of personalised memorial options throughout Queensland and New S outh Wales. Our locations feature Queensland and New South Wales. Our locations feature beautifully landscaped gardens and culturally dedicated spaces, honouring landscaped and various traditions and providing serene and respectful environments for and for remembrance and reflection.
Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is an option for people with a terminal illness who want to have more control over their end-of-life choices.
VAD allows individuals to access medical assistance to peacefully pass away when their suffering becomes too great. There are two ways this can happen:
• Self-Administration: The individual self-administers prescribed medication.
• Practitioner Administration: A healthcare professional administers prescribed medication.
‘Voluntary’ means it is the person's voluntary choice. To qualify for VAD, individuals must demonstrate the mental capacity to make informed decisions regarding their end-oflife care.
In Australia, the legal status and requirements for VAD vary across different states and territories. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the VAD process, statespecific legal requirements, cultural considerations, and key resources for professionals supporting patients through these deeply personal decisions.
VAD legislation by State and Territory
VAD laws vary across States. Below is a summary of eligibility and key requirements:
Victoria VAD Act 2017 - 18+ years
- Resident for 12 months - Terminal illness, death
as Victoria
Western Australia VAD Act 2019
Tasmania End-of-Life Choices Act 2021
South Australia VAD Act 2021
Care Navigator: vadcarenavigator@ petermac.org
as Victoria VAD Care Navigator: VADcarenavigator@ health.wa.gov.au
as Victoria Same as Victoria VAD Care Navigator: vad@ health.tas.gov.au
as Victoria Same as Victoria VAD Care Navigator: Health.VADCareNavigators@ sa.gov.au
Queensland VAD Act 2021 - 18+ years - Resident for 12 months - Terminal illness, death within 12 months
New South Wales VAD Act 2021 Same as Victoria
Northern
Support strategies
Same as Victoria VAD Care Navigator: qvadsupport@ health.qld.gov.au
Same as Victoria VAD Care Navigator: NSLHD-VADCareNavigator @health.nsw.gov.au
as Victoria Pending ACT Health (available closer to implementation)
Ongoing discussions Contact local health services for updates
Facing a terminal illness and making end-oflife decisions can be emotionally taxing. The following strategies can help support clients, families and caregivers:
VAD and Aboriginal communities
VAD presents unique challenges for Aboriginal communities, where cultural views on life and death often diverge from Western perspectives. Many Aboriginal languages do not have a direct translation for ‘voluntary assisted dying’, and concepts of wellbeing
tend to view life and death as interconnected. Professionals should approach VAD discussions with cultural sensitivity and respect for these values.
Helpful resources
• Health Direct: www.healthdirect.gov.au/ voluntary-assisted-dying
• End of Life Directions for Aged Care: www.eldac.com.au/Our-Toolkits/End-of-LifeLaw/Voluntary-Assisted-Dying/Overview
• End of Life Law in Australia: www.end-of-life.qut.edu.au/assisteddying
• VAD Care Navigator Services: Available in several states, offering guidance on VAD options and legalities.
• Fact Sheet: Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in Australia: Available on the AFDA Funeral Learning Hub in the Resource section kindly supplied by Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV).
VAD is a deeply personal choice that requires thoughtful consideration. Understanding the laws and available support can help individuals make informed decisions with dignity and respect. State/Territory
Did you know?
The deceased’s super fund (AustralianSuper, Cbus, etc.) may include automatic life insurance that the family may be entitled to.
AFRM Claims Advocacy (ACA) is a proud National Corporate Partner of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA), working to enhance the support offered to families during times of loss. We make it easier and quicker for families to access the deceased’s life insurance claim.
Here’s why this can be essential for funeral directors and the families they assist:
“It is so easy – we mention to all families where the deceased is under the age of 65 in the initial arrangement, that they may have life insurance available.
Most families have not thought about life insurance – often families comment about the super amount but forget the insurance aspect, and given Bruno conducts a free check on the availability of life insurance for the family, it becomes a great value added service.
We have the conversation, hand over the flyer and we know that Bruno and his team will look after our families with compassion and expertise. ”
- Jesse, William Farmer Funeral Directors
“We have over 280,000 reasons to recommend William Farmer Funerals. We are still grieving at the tragedy, but knowing we are doing everything possible is important – Dad has indicated that the life insurance funds are likely to support me to get into the property market to buy a home – Paul would like that.”
- Peta, sister of Paul who passed away aged 38.
Over $280k was found in Paul’s Super/Insurance.
• Total Care: Funeral arrangers reminding families that the deceased may have life insurance in their super fund demonstrates total care for families. This is care that considers the family's physical, emotional, and nancial wellbeing.
• Easy: Funeral arrangers are provided a simple script and yer which they can hand to families. Once the family has the yer, there is nothing more for the funeral arranger to do. From here, Bruno and his team get to work and check if the deceased had life insurance in their superannuation (for free).
• Referrals: Families who are receiving our help often comment on how the funeral home has thought of everything. Most families are not aware that the deceased had automatic life insurance in their super fund, so when funds are found, it often exceeds expectations.
The ACA flyer is available for your families.
Contact and Support: To make it easier for your families, contact ACA at aca@afrm.com.au or call Bruno on 1300 013 328
The Kids’ Cancer Project In Memory Giving Industry Spotlight
As a funeral director, you have a unique opportunity to offer grieving families a meaningful way to honour their loved one’s memory by donating a gift in their name to The Kids’ Cancer Project.
Agift in memory will directly support Australian childhood cancer researchers as they work to further increase survival rates and find kinder, more effective treatments for kids with cancer.
Such a gift will live on in the memory of others – including those children who will benefit from a brighter future thanks to research.
When a person passes away their life becomes an especially precious memory for their loved ones. Such fond memories are kept alive in the hearts and minds of their family and friends who cherished them – memories of their laughter, their quirks, and time spent together.
When you know that time is limited, every moment counts.
For families of children with cancer, every minute can encompass a range of overwhelming emotions. Yet through everything, love is always at the heart, and hope for their child’s survival is never far away.
Since 1993, The Kids’ Cancer Project has worked hard to turn that hope into a reality by funding pioneering Australian medical research into childhood cancer. The journey began more than 30 years ago when a tour bus driver took a wrong turn while driving, which caused him to stop for two bald children crossing the road to enter a hospital. Little did he realise that event would lead to the establishment of a charity funding childhood cancer research and a lifetime of impact.
Col Reynolds OAM, founder of The Kids’ Cancer Project, is that tour bus driver. When he accidentally wound up at the former Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children in Camperdown NSW, Col met many sick kids and learned that there was very little support for childhood cancer research. He met with scientists situated in a back room of the hospital who were using modified plastic containers as cell incubators. No-one was funding them.
After getting to know the kids in hospital and having gone to too many of their funerals, Col was determined to make a difference. He started raising much-needed funds for medical research equipment by selling raffle tickets. Fast forward to 2025 and Col, now 87, has kept his promise to never stop funding research until a cure for childhood cancer is found.
He is still involved with The Kids’ Cancer Project today, and says he isn’t going anywhere until a cure for childhood cancer is found.
Thanks to funding, childhood cancer survival rates have increased to 86% – up 30% from what they were in the 1980s. But childhood cancer is still on the rise, with one in five Australians knowing a child with cancer. Many people don’t realise that a little one with cancer, including babies and toddlers, receive treatments designed for adults such
as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. These treatments can lead to terrible side effects and long-term health challenges.
Families and friends who choose to donate a gift In Memory also have the option of creating a memorial page as a special way to honour their loved one. Creating a memorial page is a heartfelt tribute that keeps a loved one’s memory alive while offering strength, comfort, and hope to friends and family. And by doing so, ensuring that a loved one's memory and values live on, inspiring all who visit the tribute page.
Supporting The Kids’ Cancer Project through In Memory giving is a generous, powerful and poignant way to help kids with cancer have a brighter future by ensuring they live to grow up and create a lifetime of memories.
For funeral resources visit: www.tkcp-in-loving-memory.raisely.com or for more research information visit: www.thekidscancerproject.org.au.
Association News
NSW/ACT Division
DIVISIONAL EVENTS
The first NSW/ACT Divisional Council meeting for 2025 was held on 18 February. The key focus for the meeting was to plan in-person training and events for 2025. NSW/ACT members continue to embrace the Funeral Learning Hub (FLH) and as of 31 January there were 249 NSW/ACT members engaging with the FLH.
CCNSW
The NSW/ACT Council thanks members for their feedback relating to CCNSW’s model contract and have shared this
South Australian / Northern Territory Division
EVENTS AND TRAINING
The final event of 2024 was a Christmas function held at White Lady/Blackwell Funerals in Adelaide with guest speakers Chris Byron-Scott from Births, Deaths and Marriages and David Moran from Mental Health Partners.
The SA/NT Council held its first meeting of 2025 on 12 February at Alfred James Funerals in Prospect with additional time
with CCNSW. The feedback was appreciated and is being taking into account for ongoing review of the model contract.
The NSW/ACT Executive would like to wish outgoing CCNSW CEO Jennifer Hickey all the best with her new role as Executive Director Sector Performance in the Office of Local Government and thanks her for her continued engagement with AFDA. We look forward to working closely with David Raper as he takes on the acting CEO role until the position is formally filled. Regular meetings will continue throughout the year.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Regular meetings have also been scheduled throughout the year with ACCESS ACT (BDM), NSW BDM and the NSW Department of Health. Recent conversations with the Department of Health have included the review of Application form for Cremation without a coffin and the use of shrouds. The Department
put aside to finalise 2025 events and training. Excitement is building for the National Convention in Vietnam and planning for the annual regional meeting in May is also underway.
ADVOCACY
The SA/NT Council continues to advocate tirelessly for Divisional members. The
of Health have sought views from NSW/ACT members and are using this information to shape the review.
The NSW/ACT Council are looking forward to a highly productive year and welcomes all member feedback.
time and energy the Council volunteers to advocate for and support the funeral industry is greatly appreciated. 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.
Tasmanian Division
COUNCIL REPRESENTATION
In light of all six Divisional AGMs being held in Melbourne from 29–31 August 2025 to celebrate AFDA’s 90th Anniversary, the Tasmanian Divisional Executive has agreed to delay the changeover of their positions until 2026, rather than 2025. This decision will allow AFDA’s 90th Anniversary to remain the focus of this year’s AGM weekend and ensure that the changeover at the Tasmanian AGM in 2026 takes centre stage. Thank you to Divisional President Travis Tann, Senior Vice President Paul Graham, Junior Vice President
Queensland Division
DIVISIONAL EVENTS
The final event for 2024 for the QLD Division was the Quarterly Meeting held in Noosa and was well attended by members. The Divisional Council held its first meeting in early February with the focus geared towards training in 2025 and advocating on behalf of the QLD members. Planning is underway for a number of
Monique Gregory, and Treasurer Simon Rice for agreeing to extend their two-year term to three years.
CORONIAL PROCESSES
Tasmanian members have been invited to attend a presentation on 19 March by Chief Coroner McTaggart, which will offer a general overview of the coronial process and the role of the Magistrates Court of Tasmania. The session will cover key topics such as the functions of the Coroner, forensic considerations in determining reportable deaths, and recent developments within the Court. This presentation is designed to provide valuable insights for funeral home staff at all levels, with an opportunity to engage with the Chief Coroner on any specific questions or topics of interest.
DEPARTMENT OF PREMIER AND CABINET (DPAC)
DPaC have advised they are drafting changes
training sessions including a refreshed Funeral Arranger training day, catering and safe food handling, and mortuary training that includes restoration work. In addition to this the Council recognises a growing need for additional training in conflict management between families when conducting funeral arrangements and is seeking suitable trainers to deliver a session.
BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES (BDM)
Councillors met with representatives from BDM prior to the February Council meeting. Members continue to hold concerns regarding BDM’s proposal to charge a fee for making
to the Regulations to align with the Burial and Cremation Act changes of 2019, as well as incorporating amendments for Voluntary Assisted Dying and Alkaline Hydrolysis. The current regulations will expire in May, with the updated regulations to be in effect for the next 10 years. The Tasmanian Council continues to foster its relationship with DPaC, consulting as needed to ensure that member and industry interests are considered by the department.
corrections (often not the fault of the funeral director). Non compliant forms are being lodged but there is no communication regarding the non-compliance, therefore causing prolonged delays and batch uploads.
Councillors emphasised to BDM that grieving families are already navigating a difficult time, and unnecessary delays or additional charges resulting from BDM errors only exacerbate their distress. BDM representatives have committed to relaying this feedback to their decision-makers, while the QLD Executive will arrange a meeting to address these concerns directly. BDM have also advised that the batch upload pilot has been successful, and all funeral directors will have access to the batch upload capacity soon. More information regarding how to access along with templates will be available soon.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY-GENERAL
AFDA had representation at the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) quarterly stakeholder meeting held in December 2024. DJAG are interested to hear about any bodies not being returned in the correct position. Other issues discussed are partial removals taking place during autopsies, making the embalmers role more difficult and the incorrect government contractor being contacted.
Victorian Division
ZONE MEETINGS
The Victorian Zone Meeting program for the year is underway with the Division successfully hosting the SW/NW Zone Meeting at Lady Bay Resort in Warrnambool on 25–26 February 2025 which was well attended by members. The event began with a tour of Guyetts Funerals, a family-owned business with a rich history in the region followed by a feature presentation by Sue Glasser on mastering productivity and time management. Her practical session provided members with tools to improve task prioritisation and time management. A recording of Sue's session can be found on the Funeral Learning Hub in the Webinar section.
CEMETERY SECTOR
Victorian Councillors participated in a demonstration and filming at Springvale Botanical Cemetery for a new gantry system introduced by Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT). This system represents a significant
Western Australian Division
EVENTS AND TRAINING
The final event of 2024 was a Christmas function held at Besk in West Leederville on Friday 22 November which was well attended by WA members. The Division held their first Council meeting of the year in March.
The Division has a number of events planned for 2025 and a key focus of the Council meeting was on the planning of these and additional training opportunities
advancement in cemetery safety, reducing risks associated with manual handling.
Councillors also submitted extensive feedback to the Department of Health in response to the sunset review of the Victorian Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulations 2015. The submission includes recommendations on proposed changes from stakeholders, as well as broader advocacy for improved safety standards and better management of smaller Class B cemeteries.
In addition, Councillors met with the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of Victoria (CCAV), where they discussed CCAV’s development of new best practice guidelines for the safe management of open graves at Victorian cemeteries.
FUNERAL PRICING BILL
The Divisional Council has written to Consumer Affairs seeking an update on the development of regulations for the Residential Tenancies and Funerals Amendment Bill 2024, which introduces funeral pricing transparency for Victorian funeral businesses. Additionally, the Divisional Council, on behalf of the National Council, has written to the ACCC regarding concerns about misleading marketing of Funeral Insurance Products.
VICTORIAN HOSPITALS
The VIC Council has begun advocating for the introduction of standardised deceased release forms to streamline the process for funeral directors when collecting deceased individuals from hospitals.
for the Division in the coming year. We encourage WA members to mark the following dates in your diaries:
• Driver Training – 7 May
• Industry Training Day – 5 July
• Joint AGM Weekend – 29-31 August
• Christmas Function – 21 November
ADVOCACY
The WA Council continues to advocate tirelessly for Divisional members. The time and energy the Council volunteers to advocate for and support the funeral industry is greatly appreciated. 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.
2025 AFDA Scholarship
The 2025 AFDA Scholarship proudly sponsored by Foresters Financial is opening for applications on 31 March 2025.
The AFDA Scholarship is offered biannually and is open to AFDA Members and their staff. The scholarship was created to promote the value of education and colleagueship to funeral industry employees, encouraging them to further their career in the funeral industry.
The prize for the winning applicant includes a trip to attend the NFDA Convention and Expo to be held in Chicago, USA from 26-29 October 2025, along with AUD$2,000 spending money. The winner will also be presented with a trophy and certificate.
Application process
After considering this year’s topic, applicants for the AFDA Scholarship are required to submit a written Executive Summary of no more than 800 words, which should describe the main ideas the applicant intends to present if selected as a finalist. The format of this summary is open to interpretation but could be in the style of a letter, a business report or an essay.
If selected as a finalist, the applicant will be required to make a presentation of no longer than 15 minutes to the judging panel, expanding on the
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ideas described in their Executive Summary. Finalists are expected to incorporate an audio visual element into their presentation (eg PowerPoint). As a reference, entries of past scholarship winners have been uploaded to the members section of the AFDA website.
The winner’s Executive Summary and/or presentation and photo will be published in the September edition of the AFDA Journal. Additionally, the winner will be asked to prepare a detailed report about their trip and key learnings from the NFDA Convention and Expo, which will be published in the December edition of the AFDA Journal.
Criteria
The scholarship is open to all employees of full AFDA member firms, subject to the following requirements.
• Applicants must be employed by an AFDA member firm (and continue to be employed by an AFDA member firm throughout the application and interview process and at the time of receipt of the prize);
• have been employed by an AFDA member firm for a minimum of two years;
• provide a declaration signed by the employer, granting approval/support to apply for the scholarship; and authorising leave to attend an interview if selected as a finalist;
• be a permanent resident of Australia; and
• if selected as a finalist be able to make a presentation and be available for an interview with the judging panel.
Taryn Hunt, the winner of the 2023 AFDA Scholarship attended the 2023 NFDA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas, USA and in her report for the Journal wrote “What a wonderful opportunity I have been fortunate to be the recipient of. Being able to share face to face time with industry leaders, fellow funeral homeowners, suppliers and educators was more valuable and meaningful than I ever dreamed or can put into words.”
How to apply
Applications for the 2025 Scholarship will open on 31 March and close on 30 April with Executive Summaries due on 16 May and the final judging completed on 18 June to allow the winner enough time to organise themselves for the NFDA Convention and Expo in October.
Keep an eye out for further details, including this year’s Scholarship question which will be sent via email to all AFDA Members and be available in the members section of the AFDA website. For further information and to obtain an Application Kit please contact AFDA national office on 03 9859 9966 or email admin@afda.org.au.
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Supplier News Final Touch Celebrates 20 Years
This year Final Touch Australia (FTA) not only celebrates a 20-year milestone in business but also the succession of the business.
This July, Jennie and Lionel O’Neill will retire while retaining ownership of the business and their daughter, Chantelle O’Neill will step into Jennie’s role as CEO, taking on the significant responsibility of leading FTA into its next chapter.
Twenty years ago, just days after the passing of her father, Jennie O’Neill received a call from Lee Trevail informing her that she had lost her job at H Trevail and Sons, a Sydney-based coffin manufacturer and her then employer, was closing its doors. Within days, Jennie took a big step, acquiring the moulds for the coffin hardware along with other equipment, and started FTA on 14 February 2005.
What began as a one-woman operation in a small warehouse and home office, hoping to reach a goal of five to seven years in business, has grown into a company with three warehouses and a team of sixteen staff. It is humbling to know that the small family business that started 20 years ago has become a household name in the industry across Australia. Even more meaningful to FTA is seeing their cremation urns in the homes of people they know and love, allowing them to honour their loved ones in a way that reflects their relationship, personality and style.
While making a difference in the operations of funeral professionals has always been rewarding, it wasn’t until the addition of urns that Jennie truly felt the impact FTA’s range made in the lives of those grieving, and the part FTA plays in the entire process of farewelling and memorialising a loved one. With the addition of The Grief Shelf Range and now the Take A Moment range this feeling is even more evident.
Over the last 20 years, Jennie has grown the range and the business, teaching everyone at FTA the art of humbly assessing the business to continually adapt to the needs of the industry and not just do what they want. It goes without saying that FTA’s clients and their families are the driver of everything they do, and customer service is paramount. They live by the guiding principle hanging on the office wall: “How do we do it better”. Not better than others but better than themselves.
Jennie worked in the industry for 11 years before she started FTA and was often mistaken as assisting Lionel, rather than
leading the business herself. Lionel always made it clear it was all her. Though he worked full-time elsewhere, he was a constant source of support and officially joined the team in 2012 as its third employee. Supporting Jennie and Lionel in the business are daughters Chantelle and Hayley backed by an incredible team which currently is Joanne, Carmel, Nikki, Renee, Tegan, Caitlin, Adam, Sandra, Melissa, Chris, Jordan and Sarah.
As a child of a family business, Chantelle is abundantly aware of its challenges, its privileges and the occupational hazard that is talking business at the dinner table. Reflecting on her parents and the family business Chantelle says, “I am extremely proud of the challenges they have overcome, the strength of both their and our relationships, their tenacity, their drive to take risks, their ability to view challenges as just that, the relationships they have formed, their unwavering moral standards and so much more.”
Thank you all for being a part of FTA, you have helped us to grow.
AIE Report Industry News
The AIE Board of Directors would like to thank AFDA Members for their continued support of the AIE and would like to introduce the current Board of Directors to members.
Andrew Mitchell –Chairman Andrew has been in the funeral industry since 1988 and is employed by Hansen & Cole Funerals. He qualified as an embalmer in 1996 and was made a fellow of the AIE in 2010. As a practising embalmer Andrew also looks after the mortuary operations for Hansen & Cole while still maintaining an active role in all other areas of the funeral business. He is also a member of the Kenyon International disaster services and has been involved in deployments to Bali, Thailand, Jogjakarta and Christmas Island.
Danielle Calvaresi –Vice Chairman Danielle has been working for Alfred James & Sons since 2017 in the mortuary and also as an arranger/conductor. After working as a beauty therapist for 10 years Danielle decided to pursue her dream career as an embalmer and become a qualified embalmer in 2019. Danielle believes ongoing education and support are
imperative to a successful career in the funeral industry and hopes to be part of implementing ongoing training and workshops that all embalmers can benefit from.
John Tidman
As the immediate past Chairman John has promoted the embalming profession in WA by fulfilling the roles of Examiner, State Coordinator and Board member for a number of years. John qualified in embalming and funeral directing in 1982/1984 respectively and has served the industry for over 35 years. While semi-retired, John is still active in his funeral consultancy alongside Bowra & O’Dea in Perth and serves as Manger of Australasia/ Pacific for Blake Emergency Services.
Alistair Shaw
Alistair is an embalmer/ arranger/conductor for Gregson & Weight Funeral Directors. Starting as an apprentice to the industry with Gee and Hickton in the Hutt Valley, New Zealand, he qualified as an embalmer in the early 80’s going on to complete his NZCFS and BIE qualifications in the years to follow. Crossing the ditch in 1998 he now calls Australia home. Alistair has spent his life working in the funeral industry including as manager for Metropolitan Funerals and an embalmer for Hyqual, and he believes in training and education for all.
Travis Tann
Travis started in the funeral industry in 1996 and qualified as an Embalmer in 1998 before obtaining membership to the Australian Institute of Embalming. Travis is currently the General Manager for both Millingtons Funerals Pty Ltd and Millingtons Cemeteries Pty Ltd. Travis also holds positions in both the State and National Divisions of the Australian Funeral Directors Association and is the current State President (Tasmanian
Division) and a National Councillor. He is passionate about high-quality funeral care as well as funeral education and training.
Joseph Mallia
Joseph has been in the funeral industry since 2006, holding various roles with Tobin Brothers Funerals in Melbourne, including Graphic Designer, Funeral Director’s Assistant, Embalmer, and Assistant Educator for FIDA. A member of the Australian Institute of Embalming since 2009, he returned to Adelaide in 2021 to join Invocare. Joseph has since served as Embalmer, Location Manager, Arranger, and Conductor, and is now Mortuary Manager at Torrensville, leading the team and mentoring emerging embalmers. He champions training and continuous education within the funeral profession.
Amanda Clements
Amanda has been working in the funeral industry since 1997 qualifying as an embalmer in 1999. She has worked for various companies throughout her career, both in Victoria and interstate. Amanda has a passion for teaching and has been part of the FIDA training team over the years. She is committed to funeral education within the industry and the broader community and thoroughly enjoys mentoring students, assisting with training sessions, speaking engagements, and educating various groups such as pastors, theology students, nursing staff and cemetery staff.
ACCA Update Industry News
As we step into 2025, the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA) is excited about the dynamic year ahead.
The ACCA Board and I are proud of the events, training, and resources we have developed to support our members and the broader sector. By investing in high-quality training and events, we can enhance the services our members provide to the community, ensuring excellence in cemetery and crematoria management.
Mid-year event
This year, ACCA is hosting a special mid-year event on 16-17 July. Spanning two days and two locations, this event will offer an invaluable learning experience for cemetery and funeral professionals.
• Day 1: Mt Gravatt Cemetery, Brisbane – Talks on cemetery safety, as well as an opportunity to explore the Muslim burial process, offering attendees a deeper understanding of cultural funeral practices.
• Day 2: North Stradbroke Island – In this stunning location representatives
from the Quandamooka People will share their knowledge on Aboriginal funeral rites and traditions. Redland City Council will also provide insights into the history of Dunwich Cemetery and the challenges associated with managing an island cemetery.
This event is open to both cemetery and funeral professionals and presents a unique opportunity for networking, knowledgesharing, and cultural education. Further topics will be announced shortly along with details on registration.
ACCA National Conference
Following the success of our 2024 conference in Adelaide, we are deep into planning for the 2025 national conference. This year, our flagship event will take place at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth from 14-17 September. The ACCA National Conference continues to evolve as the leading event in our sector. This year’s program will feature international speakers, industry leaders, and panel discussions on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges in cemetery and crematoria management. Details will be released soon.
State cemetery association events
In addition to ACCA’s events, the various State cemetery associations are organising fantastic events throughout the year. I encourage you to connect with your state cemetery associations and attend these events where possible. These gatherings provide a great opportunity to build positive relationships, share knowledge, and collaborate on improving industry standards that have an impact across Australia.
ACCA Online Learning Hub
One of our most exciting initiatives for 2025 is the launch of the ACCA Online Learning Hub. This platform will provide a comprehensive range of training courses, offering members access to valuable industry knowledge and resources. As a member of AFDA, you and your team will have access to these courses at a discounted rate. To explore the full list of courses and upcoming training dates, please visit: www.accaweb.com.au/about/eventsacca-education/
Developing industry-specific training
ACCA remains committed to the development of industry-specific training programs. We strongly believe that high-quality education and training are key to maintaining best practices within the industry. Our focus for 2025 includes:
• Establishing qualifications and training standards to support the professional growth of our members.
• Collaborating with the Service and Creative Skills Australia Council and our partners at Relationships Australia Victoria to continue developing and updating accredited training for the sector, such as the Certificate III in Cemetery and Crematoria Operations and the proposed Certificate IV in Supporting Grieving Clients.
• Setting minimum training standards to ensure consistency across the sector, even in the absence of formal regulatory requirements.
Cemetery and crematoria guidelines
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, ACCA is in the process of updating all cemetery and crematoria guidelines and policies. These updates will reflect contemporary best practices and provide clear guidance for cemetery and crematoria professionals across Australasia.
Working together for a stronger industry
At ACCA, we are dedicated to fostering collaboration and supporting all our members. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with AFDA and working together to improve industry standards, professional development, and service excellence.
With a packed year ahead, we invite AFDA Members to take full advantage of the opportunities available – from attending events to accessing our new training programs. Together, we can strengthen our industry and ensure we continue to serve our communities with professionalism and care.
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