Total groups: 28 Support group meetings: 278 Participants: 1828 Grief support calls:
MATERIAL SENT TCFV magazine: 9,372 Information packages: 205 Anniversary cards: 1,383 Between Friends eNewsletters: 21,659 EVENTS
SOCIAL MEDIA Member events: 29 Participants: 886 Total volunteer hours: 23,558 Website visits: 161,813
As the Board looks back over the past year, we can identify a range of very pleasing developments in the functioning of The Compassionate Friends Victoria. The recent event held to celebrate the 46th anniversary of TCFV, Illuminate 46, encapsulated some of those developments in a single evening:
1. The CEO role – we have now had Alex Hamilton in place as our CEO for just on eighteen months and she is providing excellent leadership for TCFV. The development of the Illuminate 46 evening was an initiative driven by Alex and it served to demonstrate her capacity to reinforce the central mission of our organisation, while at the same time developing innovative methods of communicating that mission.
2. One of our strategic goals is to grow services in balance with resource capacity, to be responsive to needs and contribute to community mental health and well-being. The need for our services is growing, as is seen in the statistics reported elsewhere in this Annual Report. The balance with having the resource capacity to service those growing needs is always a challenge.
3. Illuminate 46 drew together a number of organisations who have joined us in supporting our mission. Alex mentions some of them in her report. The contact with these organisations has resulted from the networking and engagement that Alex has spearheaded on our behalf.
4. Another strategic goal supports the aim of growing services. This is the goal to develop and maintain a financially sustainable organisation to continue providing vital services. Over the past fifteen or so years, TCFV has received funding from the Victorian Government Health Department. It has enabled the establishment and maintenance of our staffing
arrangements and office space. Over those years, that funding has remained largely static, increased only by CPI changes. A real challenge for us is that while that funding is static, our service delivery has increased significantly. The funding body is well aware of this and have responded sympathetically to the business case we have put forward for increased funding, but the harsh reality is that, in the current economic climate, we are fortunate simply to maintain our funding level. Many other not for profit organisations in the mental health space have suffered cuts in funding.
5. The diversification of our financial basis thus becomes an ever-present challenge and opportunity. Illuminate 46 gathered some of the key players in this funding space. Both philanthropic support from various participants in the general mental health sector, along with partnership with other service providers in the sector, is enabling us to extend the financial foundations of the organisation. We are fortunate to have in our CEO such a good operator in the uncovering and building of these partnerships.
6. Illuminate 46 was also the launching pad for a new concept for TCFV. It is called the Friendship Circle and is an expansion of the way in which bereavement support can be offered and resourced through TCFV. You can read about it on our website and in other parts of this Annual Report. Alongside the time honoured and valued support systems offered at TCFV, through our groups, our phone Helpline, our library, our centre drop-in services, our magazine, our memorial celebrations and our various self-care activities, the Friendship Circle offers a new initiative in the way families, friends, companies and organisations can be equipped in supporting bereaved people.
The arrival of our newish CEO is one of the changes our organisation has experienced in this past twelve months. The re-establishment of work practices in a post Covid19 lockdown world is another change. The capacity to work from home for our staff and some volunteers has inevitably impacted the way we operate. Moving from a period when work from home was almost compulsory, to the current space where it is an option with some benefits, has been a challenging experience. In an organisation where personal contact with grieving people has been the cornerstone of what we do, the use of remote and virtual work habits has required careful and innovative planning. A number of our administrative tasks are still conducted online rather than face to face. Some of our grief support services are also online, making use of increased accessibility for some people. Many of our support services have returned to face-to-face gatherings. Responding to these changes is captured in another of our strategic goals, to improve technological capabilities to be responsive to emerging opportunities and needs of the bereaved. We are currently fine tuning the way our extensive data base of members is used as one of the ways we can be more responsive to members’ needs.
2023 / 2024 has been a good time to serve on the Board of TCFV. We have been a united and dedicated team. Our organisation has been well served by Amanda Bond as Vice President, Claire Kuhnell as Secretary and Vincent Wai as Treasurer. Vincent has indicated to us that for personal reasons he needs to stand down as Treasurer after this year’s Annual General Meeting on 6 October. We are very appreciative of the efficient and generous ways Vincent has undertaken this role in recent years and thank him for his voluntary contribution to TCFV. Harriet Clegg, Robyn Reeve, Bruce Houghton and Sonia Aberl have also continued to make great contributions in various
Board roles. We were glad to welcome Ann Smith relatively recently onto the Board and look forward to her contribution in the coming years.
As our next year together in TCFV unfolds, we remain dedicated to the notion that the support we can offer each other, through our lived experience of bereavement, is centrally important to what we do. Whether that support is offered in our traditional formats, or in new and developing ways, we continue to uphold the vision that in times of great loss, we need never walk alone.
Kevin Purvis TCFV President
This year, we celebrated the 46th anniversary of The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV) with an inaugural Illuminate get-together. It was a truly special occasion, marking nearly half a century of lighting the way for grieving families.
The event saw our first-ever gathering of forty industry guests who joined us to celebrate and build on our invaluable partnerships. Additionally, eighty-five families came together to share in this momentous occasion. We are thrilled to announce that we raised over $20,000! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, and to our event sponsors—Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), Le Pine Funerals, White Lady Funerals—and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation for their generous support.
We look forward to hosting Illuminate 47 on Friday, 13 June 2025: save the date!
Laraine and Gunnar Rasmussen: After losing their 13-year-old daughter, Simone, in 1992, Laraine joined TCFV in 2002 as Volunteer Coordinator, working closely with CEO Anne Wicking for 13 years. Gunnar also volunteered as an after-hours phone responder while serving as a primary school principal. Laraine, with her Grief Counselling diploma, became a compassionate listener to many. Their daughter, Karina, also volunteered as assistant editor of The Siblings Magazine.
Anne Wicking: Anne served as TCFV CEO from 1998 to 2015 and continued volunteering afterward. Her deep empathy and support made her the first non-bereaved recipient of this award, highlighting her dedication to the bereaved community.
Lyn and Mal Lacey: Following their daughter Francine’s death in 1999, Lyn and her late husband Mal made significant contributions to TCFV. They led magazine distribution, coordinated stamp collection fundraisers, and provided essential office support, embodying the compassionate spirit of the organization.
This past year with The Compassionate Friends Victoria (TCFV) has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since stepping into my role in April 2023, I have been deeply moved by how our community has rallied together, proving time and again that in the face of grief, connection, support, and understanding are our greatest strengths.
Looking back, I’m struck by the progress we’ve made that speaks to the heart of our mission. We’ve strengthened our partnerships, expanded our support services, and reached out further than ever before.
This year, our partnerships with Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), Le Pine Funerals, and White Lady Funerals have been game-changers. These alliances have allowed us to touch more lives, providing a network of care that stretches across Victoria. The Walk to Remember, which brought over 120 people together, is a testament to the power of community. And our 46th anniversary celebration, Illuminate 46, where over 80 families gathered, has now become an annual celebration acknowledging TCFV lighting the way for so many years, thanks to our founders’ vision.
We’ve seen a staggering 25% increase in referrals— proof that more people are finding the support they desperately need. Our social media has reached over 4 million people each month, a reflection of the widespread need for grief support and the crucial role TCFV plays. The creation of our first impact video, thanks to the support of Community Bank Canterbury, is a milestone for us. It tells the story of who we are and why we do what we do. And with grants from Emily’s Wish, we’ve not only developed magnets with our support details but are also exploring special grief packs to offer more comfort to those who turn to us.
This year, we launched The Friendship Circle, a space where friends of the bereaved can learn how to support their loved ones. We’ve also taken our message into businesses, helping employers understand how to support their grieving employees—a step that’s more important now than ever.
Our sincere thanks go to City of Boroondara Council, whose support enabled us to provide essential training—Start and ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, and Vicarious Trauma training—to our group leaders and staff. These programs are lifelines, equipping our volunteers with the tools they need to offer the compassionate, informed support our members rely on, whilst also identifying their own needs.
The Group Leader Retreat in Geelong was another high point this year. It gave us the chance to connect deeply with our key peer supporters, the true backbone of our organisation. We’re endlessly grateful for their dedication and thank Geelong Cemeteries Trust, for their continued support which enabled this retreat to take place.
Funding for our organisation continues to present challenges, but we’re exploring new avenues to ensure our mission thrives. The unwavering support from businesses, donors, and members is more crucial than ever, and we are deeply grateful. This year, we’ve been fortunate to witness incredible community efforts, like Jenny Galati’s Broken Hearts fundraiser, which raised over $13,000, and the William Wall Art Exhibition in Daylesford, which donated $6,000. These contributions, along with our dedicated members, are the lifeblood of our sustainability.
To broaden our reach, we’ve also introduced a magazine subscription available in waiting rooms across the state, ensuring our resources are accessible to those who need them most. A heartfelt thank you goes to Dion and Jane at Print Design Australia for their ongoing support in meeting our printing needs. Together, we’re finding new ways to keep TCFV strong and continue providing the vital support that families rely on.
As we move into 2024/25, our focus is clear: expanding our grief support groups, particularly in regional areas, strengthening our volunteer engagement and training, and above all, being there for bereaved parents, siblings, and grandparents whenever they need us.
To our staff, board, volunteers, and every person who supports us—thank you. Your dedication ensures that TCFV remains a lifeline for those enduring their darkest days. We couldn’t do this without you.
Alex Hamilton CEO, The Compassionate Friends Victoria
Kevin is a recently retired Primary School teacher. Prior to that he worked in pastoral ministry for more than 20 years, in various Baptist Churches and Chaplaincy positions. In both these roles he gained wide experience in committees and boards of management. Kevin is the bereaved father of Stephen, who died by suicide in 2001.
He has three daughters and four grandchildren, enjoys lawn bowls and cycling, and is a member of the Croydon Film Society. The Compassionate Friends Victoria was a great support when Stephen died and Kevin looks forward to joining his wife Jenny, who leads one of the bereaved parent groups, in contributing to this important work.
Amanda Bond is an executive leader with more than 25 years of experience in health, aged care, disability services, out of home care and health insurance. She is currently the CEO of CareChoice a specialist disability, youth and private aged care service provider supporting people with multiple and complex needs with around the clock care, support coordination and behaviour support services. Amanda has also held many executive roles within healthcare at Peninsula Health and private health insurance sectors with Australian Unity and Medibank Private.
As a values-driven leader, Amanda is motivated by social equity and strives to ensure people have access to quality support services in line with their specific needs, at their time of need. Amanda has volunteered as a peer support phone worker with TCFV since 2021 and is passionate about helping others in their grief journey. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) and completed an EMBA and the AICD Company Directors Course. Amanda is the bereaved mother of Matthew (2), who died in a driveway accident in 2011. She also has two daughters and enjoys travelling, sailing and spending time with her family and friends.
Claire Kuhnell has completed a Bachelor of Counselling and works in the mental health and disability field with EACH. Claire is a bereaved sibling of Benoît (d. 1985) and François (d. 2019) who both died by suicide. Born in France, she migrated to Australia, and has been a member of The Compassionate Friends Victoria since 1995.
Claire completed the TCFV telephone counselling and group leader training and was a support person for the Glen Waverley bereaved by suicide support group.
After a break from TCFV due to moving back to France for a couple of years and raising a young family, Claire rejoined TCFV and has been co-facilitating the siblings support group since June 2010.
Claire has participated in various projects including an art exhibition on the aftermath of suicide and an outreach peer to peer suicide support program led by TCFV and the Life Is Foundation.
She has recently co-facilitated an early bereavement 4-week program for parents and siblings. She enjoys being involved as a board member of TCFV.
Vincent has been a professional accountant for more than 27 years. He returned to Australia in March 2020 for good not long after the pandemic started in Hong Kong. After working in the commercial field for many years, Vincent felt it was time to volunteer and utilize his expertise for non-profit making organisations. He joined TCFV in Feb 2021 and has been working actively with our retired Treasurer, Daniel Bendel.
Harriet Clegg is the Sibling Board Representative at The Compassionate Friends Victoria and after completing a Master of Social Work degree works in assisting children, young people, and their families.
Harriet enjoys supporting the organisation as a part of a cohesive team and her role is mostly centred around aiding the development of the siblings’ services offerings. Harriet helped shape the initial online chat responder platform and undertook Telephone Listening Skills and Chat Responder training to help others in their grief journey. Recently, Harriet collaborated with TCFV stakeholders on a new sibling specific website which excitingly has now been launched. Her brother, Oliver, died in 2017.
In her spare time, Harriet likes painting and getting outside and trying new places for a hike.
Sonia Aberl is a Sibling Board Representative at The Compassionate Friends Victoria and has completed a degree in Psychology and a Graduate Diploma in Grief and Loss Counselling. Sonia also has experience working in the areas of information, communication and technology within the disability and aged care sectors, working primarily in IT business management and product/project management roles.
Volunteering since 2013, Sonia was on the TCFV Board from 2014 – 2017 and then became involved in co-ordinating special projects, including several grant applications and the implementation of TCFV’s IT Strategy. Sonia re-joined the Board in 2023 and is also a member of the Bereavement Advisory Committee and volunteer supervisor for the Sibling Chat Service.
Sonia is the bereaved sister of David (29). She also has two children and enjoys reading, basketball and spending time with family and friends.
Bruce and his wife Catrina are parents of three sons, Liam, Rylie and Nick. They tragically lost Liam in 2011 due to a catastrophic cardiac event. They connected with TCFV shortly after and have remained passionate supporters of the organisation since. Bruce is currently a Group Leader at the TCFV Bayside Support Group. He also assists with oversight of the Group Leader role and helps with incidental tasks such as writing magazine articles under the banner of ‘Group Leaders in Focus’ and running spirituality seminars/workshops.
Bruce has previously been on the Board of TCFV and returned to the Board in 2022 with renewed vigour and zest.
Away from TCFV, Bruce is a semi-retired Company Director, a member of the Glen Huntly U3A Recorder Ensemble, an average pianist, and a very average golfer.
Ann Smith is an experienced board member and former long serving senior executive with the Australian Public Service, who is now delivering executive coaching, leadership development and facilitation of complex strategic and organisational people issues.
Ann has led teams managing the $5 billion Health and Hospital Infrastructure Program and the $4.5 billion Elective Surgery and Emergency Departments National Partnership Agreements with States and Territories. Ann’s most recent role in the public service was leading the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC). Ann was recognised for her work leading VACRC with her induction into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her Leadership through Disaster. Ann draws on a career in health delivery including Intensive Care Nursing and CEO of private hospitals.
Ann is the bereaved mother of Danni (26) who took her own life in 2015. Ann lives with her husband and Danni’s brother enjoying beachside Altona.
Robyn works as an Employment Consultant in Ballarat. She was introduced to TCFV by the then group leader of Ballarat after the death of her son Jacob. Robyn did the Group Leader Training in 2009 to step in and take over leadership of the Ballarat Group and has been in that role ever since.
She has a community spirit both in Australia and in Africa where she has volunteered on many occasions in the remote communities of Zambia and South Africa. She is compassionate in supporting people from all walks of life and has recently joined as a support person for the new Online Suicide Support Group with TCFV.
Robyn is excited to see where this next journey with TCFV takes her in supporting bereaved families in times of need.
Robyn is the bereaved mother of Jacob aged 16, who died by suicide August 2002 and Kate aged 22, who was murdered October 2002.
Rhonda Galbally has spent more than 25 years as a CEO in non-profit, educational and community organisations including the founding CEO of ‘Our Community’, a gateway of tools, information, advice and training to improve governance and to help Australia’s 700,000 community groups find funds, grants, insurance, business partners and board members.
Rhonda Galbally has received a number of awards in recognition of her work in social and disability advocacy. She was recognised with an Order of Australia in 1991. In 2005, she was inducted on to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women and in 2012, she received the Prime Minister’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the National Disability Awards. In 2019, she was appointed a Companion (AC) of the Order of Australia.
With a budgeted deficit of $8,199 for the fiscal year 2023/2024 (“FY24”), TCFV managed to control the deficit to $10,037 for the year ended 30 June 2024. When compared with 2022/2023 (“FY23”), revenue has increased by $50,070 while expenditure has increased by $63,027.
The total revenue for FY24 amounted to $704,164, marking an increase of $50,070 (7.6%) compared to $654,094, total revenue for FY23. This increase is primarily attributable to a significant rise in Government Grant, along with notable growth in donations. Meanwhile, decreases were noted in members fees and fundraising.
• Government Grants and Assistance: Apart from a slight indexation increase per year, we also obtained a one-off funding from the State Government. This caused our largest revenue source, government funding, increased by $64,932 (14.7%), representing 72% of our FY24 total revenue.
• Donations: We received $93,324 in donations, an increase of $22,494 (31.8%) from the previous year. This category now accounts for 13% of our total revenue.
• Non-Government Grants: We recognised more donations as revenue in FY24 to subsidise specific events as agreed with donors. We will continue to leverage the support from organisations like Geelong Cemeteries Trust, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and City of Boroondara, etc.
• Fundraising: Our fundraising efforts generated $59,624, representing 8% of total revenue compared to 18% in FY23. This is because we held two major fundraising events, the Gala and Gathering in FY23 whereas in FY24, we only held the Illuminate 46 activity. On the other hand, we have tapped into socials like Facebook and attracted attention and donations gradually.
• Member Fees: Membership fees slightly declined to $11,404, representing 2% of our total revenue, consistent with the previous year.
Total expenditures for FY24 amounted to $714,201 (FY23 - $651,174), an increase of $63,027 (9.7%).
The most significant changes are as follows:
• Employee Expenses: Increased by $103,308 (25.1%), totalling $515,301 and accounting for the largest portion of our expenses. This rise reflects the additional staffing costs needed to support our expanded programs and services under the leadership of our new CEO.
The appointment of our new CEO has brought a renewed focus on expanding our services and strengthening our organizational structure. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving these changes, which, while increasing our employee expenses, have laid the foundation for future growth and sustainability.
• Depreciation: Depreciation expenses decreased by $6,808 (19.5%) to $28,160, as our capitalised database expense fully depreciated.
• Centre and Volunteer Expenses: We managed to reduce these expenses by $24,058 (16.4%), with total costs amounting to $122,523.
• Finance Expenses: With offset account in place, a further reduction of $3,139 (21.3%) in finance expenses was achieved in FY24, totalling $11,630.
In year 2024/2025 (“FY25”), we foresee that there is no one-off government funding and less donations can be recognized as revenue. Also, we will endeavor to reduce different categories of expense. As a result, we have budgeted a deficit of about $14,000 for FY25.
Expenditure 2023/2024
(Amounts in ‘000)
Expenditure 2022/2023
(Amounts in ‘000)
The FY24 financial year was marked by a leadership transition with the appointment of our new CEO. Her strategic vision has been pivotal in guiding the organization through a period of expansion and adaptation. The increase in employee expenses reflects the investment in human resources necessary to achieve our long-term objectives.
In conclusion, although TCFV has ended with a net deficit this year, the groundwork laid this year positions TCFV for future success and sustainability. Moving forward, we will be focus on managing our expenses, especially in staffing and operational areas, while exploring additional revenue opportunities, particularly in fundraising efforts.
Over the past year, TCFV has experienced numerous changes, including in IT. We’ve implemented various updates to our database and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and related systems such as Zapier, Office 365, MYOB accounting software, and had some major changes done to the website.
We have altered several systems (most notably membership payment systems), added additional information and tutorials to our in-house wiki Zoho Learn, and added a variety of new functions and forms.
As we continue to carry forward to the next year there are new projects in the works that remain to be considered and worked upon in addition to the regular IT work that is performed throughout the year.
General aid and working on the TCFV systems and helping staff and volunteers has been recurring. These include general aid such as making changes to the website, adding functions and forms to the CRM, updating or replacing the TCFV computer hardware or helping create email campaigns. Additionally, continued backend work on our website and on less visible issues such as performing checks and repairs on Zapier (software that connects different applications) which communicates with the CRM and MYOB (our accounting software), has been done.
We’ve made a variety of changes to our system both the easily visible and the less visible ones, with our backend systems. This includes Zoho updates such as changes to our membership functions and new types of membership. We have also updated protocols that allow for less chance of inaccuracies in Zoho and Zapier and their linked systems.
One of our previous main priorities was working to enhance the cybersecurity in TCFV and to show we have done appropriate measures in case of an audit. We’ve ensured our systems remain up to date with the current firmware, anti-virus and firewalls to ensure the effectiveness of our cybersecurity. We have successfully carried out the steps in our data security plan and have followed the guidelines of the Victorian Protective Data Security Standards.
The way TCFV promotes itself and engages with people has evolved over the years, and I’ve been pleased to contribute to this process over the past year. I’m excited to continue working with everyone at TCFV in the coming year.
Over the past year, TCFV has dedicated significant attention to enhancing our branding and design initiatives. During this time, we have created a fresh new brand theme across TCFV’s social media and communication platforms, featuring a purpose-selected colour palette and a curated selection of font styles tailored for various communication and advertising needs.
This cohesive branding approach aims to establish a unified and recognisable identity for TCFV, building familiarity and resonance for both our immediate community and the wider audience.
This strategic ‘makeover’ of our brand not only aims to visually unify TCFV’s communications but also seeks to instil them with a distinctive style that enhances overall brand recognition. By implementing consistent design elements across our platforms, we endeavour to strengthen our connection with members, followers and stakeholders and to reinforce our brand presence in the wider community and beyond.
Louise Rees
Branding & Design Coordinator and Instagram Account Coordinator
The 2023/2024 year has been marked by themes of community, accessibility and continuity.
Community has been particularly pertinent for the group leader population themselves, coming together for a weekend group leader and support leader retreat in June 2024. The retreat is part of a 3-year outreach cycle, a cycle whose order was interrupted, by necessity, by the pandemic. However, this space of time perhaps enhanced the welcome return of these “supporting the supporters” weekends.
Held in Geelong, funded via The Geelong Cemetries Trust, and hosted within the apropos surroundings of lovely Quest Geelong Central, the retreat brought together twenty-eight leaders from across Victoria, and included presentations from local Geelong mental health practitioners.
The community feel of the retreat, in short, replicated the sense of a safe, welcoming community that leaders so skilfully nurture within their own support groups.
Accessibility of peer support, meanwhile, was further enhanced by the launch of an online support group for people bereaved through any means. One of the group’s leaders, Angela Peat, is highly experienced in the online space: during the outbreak of COVID-19,
she began working alongside international grief expert David Kessler in delivering online bereavement meetings. Angela is ably supported by Maxine Barry, who, more than a decade ago, introduced TCFV peer support to bereaved individuals and families in Tasmania. Rounding off the support team is Darren Peat, who provides the friendly tech support that eases participants into the online space.
Call-outs in the online space must also go out to Lauren Foster, who facilitates a monthly art therapy group, and Robyn Reeve, who facilitates a bimonthly forum for regional individuals and families bereaved through suicide. (Thanks also to Jenny Purvis and John Bradley, both of whom helped establish this suicide bereavement forum.)
Continuity of support in metropolitan and regional areas is facilitated by the dedication and practice wisdom of the leaders themselves, as well as the regular provision of training and group leader check-ins. The recent retreat reinforced the level of engagement, and careful and inspired thought that leaders give their role and functioning of their groups.
Andrew McNess
It has been comforting to see a strong turnout at our Bereaved Siblings Support Group, which meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Canterbury centre. Our facilitators have taken turns leading the group with dedication and compassion. We have seen regular participants attend, and have also welcomed several new bereaved siblings, many returning after a first visit.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to John Brown, who has served as the Siblings Coordinator for 2 and ½ years. His unwavering commitment has significantly enhanced the visibility of sibling grief and fostered a supportive environment where bereaved siblings can connect and find a sense of belonging. John’s role has highlighted the importance of having a dedicated Siblings Coordinator at TCFV.
Although John stepped down from his formal role in early 2024, he remains an integral part of our community. He continues to contribute by actively participating in events and offering one-on-one support sessions on a voluntary basis to any bereaved member.
Our TCFV Siblings Connections Facebook page, an informal, private group continues to provide a platform for siblings to share their stories and stay informed about sibling-specific activities organised by The Compassionate Friends Victoria. Events this year included:
• Pub Night at Box Hill RSL (September 2023): A casual evening that provided an opportunity for bereaved siblings to connect in a relaxed environment.
• Holey Moley Event for 18–30-Year-Old Siblings (October 2023): Held at Chadstone Shopping Centre, this event brought younger bereaved siblings together for a night of fun and camaraderie.
• Dinner at Blue River Thai Restaurant (February 2024): A welcoming dinner close to the Centre in Canterbury, allowing siblings to share a meal in a supportive atmosphere.
• Friday Night BBQ (March 2024): A relaxed gathering at the Canterbury Centre where siblings enjoyed good food and great company.
Several siblings also participated in self-care workshops over the year, and it’s been encouraging to see those who hadn’t previously attended sibling events or groups coming together with their parents, or, conversely, siblings inviting their parents to join these events. Additionally, one of our talented siblings, Hope Sneddon, led both a knitting workshop and a writing workshop, which were open to all bereaved members of TCFV.
While no one wishes to join our group, we are dedicated to continuing creating a safe space for bereaved siblings to find comfort, ongoing connection, growth, and mutual support.
Claire Kuhnell
Grieve Heal Grow, the bi-monthly glossy magazine of TCFV, has been a cherished resource, reaching out to our members and associate organisations through both mail and email. As the editor, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a dedicated team of volunteers who make each edition possible. Joanna, a volunteer and former librarian, lends her expertise with proofreading. Our members contribute articles, poems, and web discoveries, while staff and board members regularly provide reports and updates on events, groups, and other relevant topics.
Mail-out days have become a beloved tradition, with a team of regular volunteers gathering to send out the magazine. These sessions not only ensure that our members receive their copies but also offer a wonderful social opportunity for everyone involved to catch up over morning tea while doing this essential work.
In the past year, our reach has grown significantly. The June-July 2023 edition was sent to 1,230 people, while the June-July 2024 edition reached 2,648 individuals. The magazine is available in both digital and print formats, with the emailed version presented as a full-colour flipbook. Members who prefer a physical copy continue to receive it by post.
The June-July edition marked the final issue under the Grieve Heal Grow name. Starting with the SPRING issue in September 2024, our magazine will transition to a quarterly format, and be renamed as Compassionate Connections. This reflects our
ongoing commitment to providing valuable content in a way that best serves our community.
Lastly on an environmental note the bags the magazines are posted out in are made from 100% recycled material and can also be recycled and reused.
Jane Moschetti Communications & Community Education
Co-Ordinator
The Between Friends email newsletter has continued to be sent monthly during the 2023/2024 financial year. The newsletter is emailed to just over 2,000 people and keeps members and community contacts engaged and up to date on TCFV news, initiatives, and events.
During the 2023-2024 financial year the number of followers on Facebook has increased from 4,614 to 19,970 an increase of 15,356 people. 93.3% of followers are female with the biggest age group being those over 45.
Over 10,000 followers are in the USA, almost 5,000 in Aus and 1,500 in the UK. The city with the most followers is Melbourne with over 2,000.
The audience reach is regularly between one and up to four million every month.
The Facebook page is now eligible to be paid in bonuses, this is usually between $200 and $500 per month, we hope to increase the amount of work on the page and increase the payments in the 2024/2025 financial year. Money is also earnt when people buy Stars or subscribe to receive exclusive content.
The best performing post in the 2023/2024 financial year was this one, posted on 19 December 2023, which reached just over 2.3 million people.
“A visit from a robin” He comes to show they miss you
It’s amazing, don’t you know?
He visits in the place of a loved one That sadly had to go.
He comes to show they miss you,
Just as you do them, and they too, long for that day, That you shall meet again.
They’re by your side forever more , And that will remain so.
So they send a little robin
As a way to let you know ...
Author
~ Unknown
We continue to explore innovative communication tools, and our aim is to increase our following on all the social media platforms whilst also supporting the bereaved and educating the non-bereaved.
Jane Moschetti Communications and Community Education Co-ordinator
Current followers of Instagram as of 30 June 2024 is 1,643 an increase of 643 new followers from 30 June 2023. Our Instagram following has shown a slow but steady growth over the past year. Most of our followers, 35%, (based upon responses to posts) are based in Victoria, with New South Wales and Queensland following closely behind.
The disconnection from Meta Business in November 2023, has had a significant negative impact on the Instagram account’s growth, audience reach, and interaction. The account’s growth rate dropped from an average of 125-250 followers per month from the previous year to just 20.4 followers per month after disconnection. The audience reach also saw a dramatic decrease of approximately 84.8%, while post interactions dropped by around 52.1%. This problem is currently being resolved.
Based on our research, Threads doesn’t seem to be the ideal social media platform for TCFV. Its limited reach, demographic mismatch, and standalone nature make it difficult for us to connect with our target audience and build a supportive community. For now, the TCFV Threads account is on hold.
Louise Rees
Branding & Design Coordinator and Instagram Account Coordinator
Community Education plays a pivotal role in fostering awareness both within the workplace and in the larger community about the importance of supporting the bereaved in their return to work and everyday life. This multifaceted approach to education not only enhances individual knowledge on grief but also contributes to the overall development of the treatment and support of bereaved individuals in society.
Two training sessions were held in February and June 2024, attended by 15 different people. One session was conducted by Katrina from Grow with Grief, and the other by Alex Hamilton. All members are welcome to attend the training, whether they intend to join the speaking team or not, as the program provides opportunities to acquire new skills, improve existing ones, and boost self-confidence and esteem. A further training session via Zoom is planned for later in 2024.
This financial year, we conducted twenty community education sessions, reaching over 1,000 people. Over the next financial year, we aim to elevate our ambitions, refine our targets, and expand our outreach. A new Community Education website is currently being developed, and emails targeting prospective audiences across Victoria, especially in Melbourne Metro, are continually being sent.
Jane Moschetti
Community Education and Communications Coordinator
In the 2023-2024 financial year, TCFV hosted several significant events that brought our community together in support and remembrance.
• Community Fundraiser held by Jenny Galati: Broken Hearts – Sharing Hope (August 2023)
This event saw approximately 65 attendees and successfully raised $13,000. The evening was filled with stories of hope, resilience, and shared experiences, reinforcing the strength of our community.
• Worldwide Candle Lighting Service 2023 (December 2023)
Held in a local hall, this poignant service was attended by 81 people in person and 21 others via Zoom. The evening featured readings, poems, and a touching slideshow honoring lost loved ones. The candle lighting ceremony at 7:00 pm, synchronized with others worldwide, provided a moment of collective remembrance. Following the service, attendees shared supper, and the hall was filled with the sound of conversations and laughter.
• Walk to Remember (February 2024)
This event gathered 150 members and their families, who walked together in memory of their loved ones. The day included a reflective service, and a beautiful flower-laying ceremony arranged in the shape of a butterfly. After the walk, participants enjoyed a BBQ, where they shared photos and stories, further strengthening the bonds within our community.
• Bereaved Mother’s Day (Sunday, 1 June 2024)
A special morning for bereaved mothers, featuring a morning tea and a peaceful walk through the park to the Centre. The event concluded with a ribbon-tying ceremony out the front of the centre, offering a space for reflection and connection among the mothers and a prominent display for the community.
• Illuminate 46 Cocktail Evening (June 2024)
Details of this event can be found on page 5.
In addition to these major events, TCFV hosted and partnered with several others throughout the year:
• “It’s Ok to Talk About Suicide” Walk (10 September 2023)
Co-hosted with Lifeline and Support After Suicide, this walk saw over 160 attendees. It provided a crucial space for connection and support among those bereaved by suicide.
• Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) (November 2023)
A cherished tradition in the TCFV calendar, held at the Centre in Canterbury, where 22 members attended. The evening included the drawing of the 2023 major raffle.
• Winter Solstice Gathering (Friday, 21 June 2024)
Held on the actual date of the Winter Solstice, this gathering brought 23 members together. The evening featured food, drinks, including mulled wine, and a fire-burning ceremony with smudge sticks, symbolizing the end of long winter nights and the welcoming of brighter days.
• Theatre Nights at Malvern Theatre
The community was invited to three plays: ‘The Third Act’, ‘Absurd Person Singular’, and ‘The Glass Menagerie’. These events raised $1,200 through ticket sales.
TCFV also offered the following events, providing additional opportunities for connection:
• Open Days (Friday 2 and Saturday 3 February 2024)
These days saw attendance from industry professionals and members, fostering important connections within the community ad were a huge success, particularly bringing together likeminded organisations for collaboration.
• Special Invitation to Volunteering at TCFV (July 2023)
This event encouraged members to explore volunteering opportunities within TCFV, strengthening our support network. Volunteering opportunities range from providing peer support to administration and we are incredibly grateful to all who give up their time.
• Information Night for the Newly Bereaved
A new service offered this year, providing 16 newly bereaved members with information on TCFV’s services and support options. The evening helped establish new connections and friendships within the community at a critical time.
Regular social events continued to play a vital role in our community, including Men’s Space evening events, Sibling Connections nights out, Grandparents Connections and Longtime Bereaved morning teas.
Our support-line responders continue to be a central first contact point for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. The responders work with callers in identifying needs and guiding them towards appropriate peer support services within our organisation. The responders’ work can also encompass external referral and responding to general enquiries.
For some service users, the support-line itself emerges as the best fit for their ongoing support needs, and thus becomes their regular check-in point. The responders themselves report that one of the most satisfying aspects of the work is hearing a positive progression in the caller over the duration of a call, with the caller often feeding back the value of having had someone just “sit with” them as they express their grief.
CENTRE VOLUNTEERS: Working at our Canterbury office, Centre volunteers continue to provide essential administrative assistance, particularly in terms of the coordination of memberships and the delivery of member resources. They also assist on the level of peer support, welcoming visitors to the Centre and providing one-onone support. In total, they help provide well-functioning services, as well as a warm welcome for service users.
MONTHLY BREAKDOWN OF FIRST CONTACTS
12 MONTHLY BREAKDOWN OF MEMBER REFERRALS
12 MONTHLY BREAKDOWN
This past year, The Compassionate Friends Victoria has made significant strides in enhancing the wellbeing of our members through a diverse range of engaging programs.
Our wellbeing initiatives have been a cornerstone of our efforts, featuring events designed to support emotional and spiritual healing. Highlights included our spirituality sessions, which offered and a shared sense of peace, alongside guided meditation practices that helped participants find inner calm.
We also introduced creative outlets such as watercolour painting, creative writing, knitting and an art workshop, providing members with a meaningful way to express their emotions and connect with others.
The Topics Around Grief workshops, such as Loss of an Only Child and Grandparents’ Grief were also well received. These events collectively drew approximately 100 attendees, underscoring the positive impact and value of these supportive activities in our organisation.
Looking ahead, we hope to build on the success of our wellbeing program by expanding our offerings and continuing to provide a range of creative and spiritual opportunities. The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the importance of these programs in fostering a nurturing environment for the personal growth and connection they need for their journey toward healing and hope.
Dianne Russell Wellbeing and Centre Coordinator
229 Canterbury Road, Canterbury, Vic, 3126 PO Box 171, Canterbury, Vic, 3126
27/7 Grief Support Line: (03) 9888 4944
National Number: 1300 064 068
Administration Line: (03) 9888 4034
Email: support@tcfv.org.au
Website: www.tcfv.org.au