National President’s Message

Welcome to the first AFDA Journal for 2023 and, as the newly inducted National President, it is my absolute privilege to share my first message in this role.

AFDA Members finally had the opportunity to come together in our Nation's capital, after three long years, for the AFDA National Convention on 24-26 February. Members joined together to learn, contribute and celebrate what we do. And we should celebrate what we do because AFDA Members do it proudly and we do it best!

The last three years has seen a host of challenges for our industry and for our Association and we have been led through the last two years of continuous changes by our outgoing President Adrian Barrett. To Adrian I extend an enormous thank you!

Adrian’s dedication and commitment has never waivered and he certainly has been at the forefront of many projects and initiatives – steering the ship smoothly while working in a very inclusive, collaborative and innovative way.

To summarise just some of the incredible work he has been instrumental in includes:

• The purchase of the AFDA office – a huge achievement for our Association

• The development of AFDA’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan

• An increase in the number of funerals conducted by members from 91,650 to 99,275

• The production of three Funeral Trends Reports, partnering with McCrindle Research

• Representing AFDA at the NFDA Australia conference, the AIE conference, the ACCA conference and participating on the panel at Redesigning Deathcare Conference in Melbourne

• Participating in countless meetings regarding the various State Price Transparency Legislation, the IPART report, the ACCC report and the ATO GST refunds issue, which is still ongoing, but something Adrian has spent an enormous amount of time on

• Participating in and chairing National Council Meetings and National Executive Meetings as well as AIE Meetings and Convention Planning Meetings (and the many, many zoom and phone calls with the CEO!)

• The face of AFDA for countless media requests on TV, radio and in print media (which is a challenge at times!)

Adrian has done all this and more, spending time away from his own family and business to dedicate his expertise and experience for our members. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Taryn, Oliver, Spencer, Connor and to

Errol and Margaret Barrett and all the team at William Barrett & Sons in WA for supporting Adrian in doing such an incredible job! Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Adrian’s ability to concisely, yet gently, share our messages meant our stories were more visible and he was able to educate the public about best practice. The importance and value of the funeral was front of mind in everything he did and he led by example in bringing transparency to the narrative but also showing the human side behind the role. On behalf of members, I congratulate Adrian on his wonderful leadership and commitment to AFDA and indeed to the funeral profession as a whole.

You never come into a role like this without an understanding of what and most importantly who has come before, and I start my tenure on an incredible foundation with the titans of our industry behind me.

Having worked with my Dad, John Scott, for over 30 years I can honestly say my early memories of what AFDA meant was time away from our business. It wasn’t until many years later I understood and appreciated his commitment to give back and, more importantly, be part of a community that understands and supports you, in this most demanding of professions. I am so grateful for this legacy because he introduced me to such a strong and supportive community that has embraced and nurtured my passion, and has now given me the opportunity to do the same for others.

My belief is that as each person passes through this role we have an obligation to offer the best of ourselves – to work to our strengths and share the passion that drives