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Friday, July 28, 2023
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THE LOCAL CHOICE: John and Christine Haddrick surrounded by three generations of the Haddrick family. PHOTO: Sophie Marsh Photography
It’s all in the family JOHN and Christine Haddrick first lived in Wangaratta in 1991 for a few years before moving south to the Mornington Peninsula, they then returned to Wangaratta in January 2002 and here they stayed. Before embarking upon North East Funerals John worked in the finance world and Christine in customer relations. Whilst working in these roles both John and Christine were meeting very regularly with small local businesses within Wangaratta and surrounds and got to know and build relationships with many of them. North East Funerals began its life in Wangaratta as Bell Brothers Funerals, it changed hands and became Matthew Ryan Funerals and then Tate Funerals. John and Christine Haddrick brought the business and in 2018 changed the
name to North East Funerals to reflect the area in which they service. John and Christine have strong ties to their community as do their own adult children. “We have three children, our eldest two have settled in Wangaratta now with their own families and our youngest is in Melbourne with her young family also. “Our son has his own small concreting business and enjoys playing cricket and footy for local clubs. “Our eldest daughter Kat joined us earlier this year after working as a Palliative Care Social Worker for Northeast Health Wangaratta. Kat has recently been welcomed to the team after dedicating her working life to those who are most vulnerable. She has worked extensively as a
social worker for nearly 20 years in the community health field, supporting and assisting those through trauma, grief, and loss. Kat’s most recent work saw her providing emotional and practical care and support to individuals and their families in palliative care. “As a society we still find it difficult to talk about our personal experiences of death and grief, and this can lead to people feeling isolated,” she said. “Often individuals have not discussed their wishes after death with their family.” Kat is a well experienced to help and assist families in having those tough conversations to ensure that the final farewell is truly fitting for their loved one. John and Christine are aware that
employing local people who have grown up here has meant that they are better able to cater to a family’s needs as they are aware of the nuances living rurally brings. “Over this time we have built an incredible team around us and for the community,” John said. “Our staff are a part of the community and have families of their own who are attending the local schools and participating in local community groups and sports. “Their love for where they live means they bring care and compassion to those who live here too. “Our team work as a close-knit family and we feel privileged to support local families at their most vulnerable time.”
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