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.funeralsaustralia.org.au
National Council
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Asha Dooley
Senior Vice President: Deanne McLeod
Junior Vice President: Luke Gregson
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, Philip Murray
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@funeralsaustralia.org.au
THERESA BERNSTEIN
Finance Manager
Email: accounts@funeralsaustralia.org.au
EDWINA ELLICOTT
Executive & Member Liaison Officer (NSW/ACT & QLD)
National Education
Email: edwina.ellicott@funeralsaustralia.org.au
SHERIDA GOOD
Executive & Member Liaison Officer (VIC & TAS)
Events (VIC & TAS)
Email: sherida.good@funeralsaustralia.org.au
DEANNE BROWN
National Convention Coordinator
Events (NSW/ACT & QLD)
Email: deanne.brown@funeralsaustralia.org.au
LUCINDA CATE
Communications & Marketing Officer
Member Services
Email: lucinda.cate@funeralsaustralia.org.au
CORALIE HIGGINS
Administration Support Coordinator
Email: coralie.higgins@funeralsaustralia.org.au
The Funerals Australia Magazine is published quarterly in March, June, September and December. We welcome material for publication. Advertising, artwork and editorial deadline for March 2026 edition is 31 January 2026. All material submitted is used at the discretion of the Editorial Committee.
Editor: Lucinda Cate PO Box 1048, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149
Email: info@funeralsaustralia.org.au
Registered Office: Suite 6, 27-31 Duerdin Street, Notting Hill, VIC 3168
Opinions expressed in this Magazine are not those of Funerals Australia. Funerals Australia does not accept responsibility for the content of advertisements or articles appearing which may be held to be contrary to law.
Mission statement
Promote and advocate for the value of funerals and the professon, leading the way in standards and education to drive the advancement in the sector and empower community decision making.
Code of Ethics
Members of Funerals Australia agree to honour the spirit and provisions of the Code and as subscribers to the Code to hereby affirm and accept willingly the responsibilities and privileges that are implied by membership of the Association.
1. To maintain in all matters the highest standards of business, professional and personal conduct.
2. To respect in all circumstances the confidentiality and trust placed in us by our clients and members of the public.
3. To ensure that staff are qualified and competent.
4. To ensure that facilities are adequate for all services rendered to the community.
5. To provide information concerning the range of services available, the prices of these services, and the functions and responsibilities accepted on behalf of our clients.
6. To give a written estimate of all funeral charges and disbursements to be made on a client’s behalf at the time of taking instructions, or as soon as is practicable.
7. To respect the personal choice of clients and have regard for their diversity of beliefs in religious and cultural practices.
8. To ensure that all advertising is in good taste and directed to informing the public.
9. To be thoroughly conversant with the laws of the land as they apply to funeral service and allied industries and professions.
10. To provide access to a client advisory service with conciliation and arbitration arrangements available to help resolve any disputes which arise between members and their clients.
What’s happening
February 2026 4 QLD Council Meeting – via Zoom 7-8 NSW/ACT Mortuary Training – Fyshwick 7-8 QLD Refreshed Funeral Arranger Training – Brisbane 11 VIC Council Meeting – via Zoom 12 SA/NT Council Meeting – Adelaide 13-14 SA/NT Refreshed Funeral Arranger Training – Adelaide 18 NSW/ACT Council Meeting – via Zoom 20 TAS Council Meeting – Hobart 21-22 TAS Refreshed Funeral Arranger Training – Hobart 24-26 FDANZ Conference – Auckland, NZ
March 2026
6 WA Council Meeting – via Zoom 19 National Council Meeting – Sunshine Coast 19-22 National Convention – Sunshine Coast
*Event information is current at time of printing.
AIRFREIGHT TRANSFERS Domestic and International International CR's
National President’s message
As we approach the end of 2025, I am proud to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Funerals Australia. Together, we have strengthened our brand, deepened member engagement, and set a clear path for the future.
The rebrand to Funerals Australia in August this year was more than a fresh look; it was a statement of who we are and what we stand for. The response from members and the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive. Through targeted PR initiatives and active engagement, Funerals Australia is now recognised as a trusted voice for our profession. This is just the beginning – expect even more exciting developments in 2026 as we continue to elevate our presence and influence.
Along with the rebrand we were excited to launch the Funeral Learning Hub 2.0 – a refreshed platform designed to lift professional standards across our national network. Aligned with Funerals Australia’s commitment to compassionate, high-quality care and sector-leading practice, the new Hub offers improved features, resources and tools to make learning clearer, faster and more practical. It supports ongoing professional development so teams can confidently deliver dignified, compassionate, and culturally respectful funerals every time.
Strategic direction
Behind the scenes, the National Council has been working diligently on high-level strategic priorities. These discussions are shaping the roadmap for the next phase of growth, ensuring that Funerals Australia remains relevant, innovative, and member-focused. Our commitment
is to deliver value that supports your work and strengthens the industry as a whole.
Representing our profession
This year, I have been privileged to represent Funerals Australia at various local and international industry events including the ACCA Conference in Sydney and more recently the NFDA Convention & Expo in Chicago, USA. These gatherings are invaluable opportunities to connect with local and global counterparts, exchange ideas, and bring back insights that will benefit our members. The relationships forged at NFDA, in particular, will open doors for collaboration and knowledgesharing, reinforcing our position on the international stage.
Celebrating our achievements
2025 has been a year of milestones. The National Convention in Vietnam offered rich learning and networking opportunities in a truly unique setting and our 90-Year Anniversary Celebration at The Forum in Melbourne in August was a fitting celebration of our 90-year history. The evening brought together formalities, live music, and special moments of reflection, recognition, and connection with members from across Australia and colleagues from around the world. Coupled with our rebrand and ongoing advocacy work, these achievements reflect the strength and unity of our membership. Every initiative we have undertaken this year has been driven by one goal: to support and advance the funeral profession in Australia.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at the national office – Dale, Edwina, Lucinda, Sherida, Deanne,
Coralie and Theresa for their dedication and professionalism throughout the year. Their hard work behind the scenes ensures that Funerals Australia continues to deliver for its members. Thank you to the National Council and all of the Divisional Councillors, you all have day jobs but give so much to your volunteer role to ensure the success of the association. To all our members, thank you for your engagement, your ideas, and your commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead
Preparations are nearly complete for our 2026 National Convention at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort on 19–22 March. I’m thrilled to announce Dr Chadden Hunter who is a renowned wildlife biologist and filmmaker as our keynote speaker. Known for his work with Sir David Attenborough, Dr Hunter’s extraordinary stories from Antarctica to Pakistan will be a highlight of the program. Additionally, we have sessions on data driven decision making; how to market the unmarketable; a deep dive on GST; looking at how to make grief meaningful and many more.
As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited about what we will accomplish together. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s continue to build on the momentum of 2025 and make the coming year even more impactful.
Warm regards Asha Dooley
Membership news
Welcome to new member
Westella Funerals, TAS
Established in September 2023, Westella Funerals is a small, boutique, familyowned funeral home serving North West Tasmania. Owned and operated by Matt and Jenna Grice, the business provides a warm and personal approach, with Matt, a second-generation funeral director, officiating services, and Jenna focusing on the mortuary, taking pride in presenting loved ones beautifully for their family’s farewell.
Located in a picturesque homestead with a newly built chapel, Westella’s premises are often complimented by families and described as beautiful, serene and peaceful. One of Matt and Jenna’s proudest moments has been building the chapel to provide a warm and inviting space for reflection and gathering during a difficult time.
With Jenna, Matt and their dedicated team of Kim, Tamara, Sandra and Aleena, Westella Funerals emphasises making each goodbye meaningful, tailored and calm, and is committed to independent, locally owned service. They are the funeral directors who support their community buying raffle tickets at local schools, sponsoring local sports and
Membership applications approved
Affiliate membership
Memoryscape
Luke Massey
29 Tenneyson Close Amstrong Creek VIC 3217
service clubs, and passing client families in the aisle of their local supermarket.
Westella is also dedicated to providing reasonably priced funerals without compromising on professional or ethical standards, which is part of why they have recently and proudly joined Funerals Australia. They want to deliver the highest standard of care, be part of
Membership movements
New additional representatives
Mason Park Funerals
New Additional Representative is Mark Archer
the leading industry association, attend training and events, network with peers, and stay up to date with the latest technologies, systems and legislative changes.
To learn more about Westella Funerals, visit www.westellafunerals.com.au or follow their Facebook page.
Welcome to new affiliate member
OneRoom
OneRoom is a funeral streaming platform that helps funeral homes across Australia deliver simple, reliable service to families, without adding pressure to your team.
We’ve been working alongside Australian funeral directors for over a decade.
Today, more than 200 venues across the country use OneRoom, with over 20,000 services streamed locally in the past year alone.
Our system is designed to be hands-free and low effort for staff. Streaming is quick to schedule, recordings start and stop automatically, and every service is backed by monitoring and 7-day support, for your team and for online guests.
We also integrate with FireHawk, making it even easier for many Australian funeral homes to manage streaming as part of their existing workflow.
One thing that sets OneRoom apart is how easily it fits into your current setup.
Welcome to new affiliate member
PXG Australia Pty Ltd
PXG Australia Pty Ltd, established in Sydney in 2014, is a proudly Australianowned company specialising in the design, supply, and distribution of complete funeral hardware and interior accessory solutions.
With a focus on professionalism, quality, and reliability, PXG has become a trusted partner to funeral homes, distributors, and service providers across Australia.
Our product range covers the full spectrum of funeral accessories — including metal and plastic handles, crucifixes, decorative ornaments, casket corners, drapery, and interior linings.
Every item is developed with precision, durability, and respect for the families our clients serve. PXG Australia operates with a commitment to excellence at every stage of production and
In most cases we can work with the cameras and equipment you already have, so switching is straightforward and cost-effective. Whether it’s one chapel or several, we’ll tailor the experience to suit your needs.
Every service is recorded and saved as a high-quality keepsake that families can return to for years to come. With clear navigation, chapters and key moments, captions, and mobile-friendly playback, it’s easy for families to revisit the
moments that mattered most.
We’re proud to support the work funeral homes do every day, and we’re here to make streaming the easiest part of the service, from first setup to final recording.
To learn more about OneRoom visit: www.oneroomstreaming.com.
supply. From product development to packaging and logistics, our systems ensure consistency, efficiency, and attention to detail. We continuously invest in design innovation and process improvement to meet the evolving needs of the Australian funeral industry.
At PXG Australia, we take pride in being a local company with a global mindset — delivering superior craftsmanship,
dependable service, and complete peace of mind to our professional partners nationwide. For more information visit www.pxgaus.com.au or contact Perry Gao at perry@pxgaus.com.au.
Welcome to new affiliate member
Memoryscape
Memoryscape is a new and deeply personal way to honour and remember loved ones. Founded in Geelong, we create hand-crafted documentary films that celebrate a person’s life story –preserving their spirit, values, and impact in a way that feels cinematic, heartfelt, and lasting.
Each Memoryscape film is created by experienced filmmakers, not generated from templates or AI. We take the time to really understand the individual, conducting personal interviews with family, friends, and colleagues to capture their memories and reflections. These are woven together with treasured photos and videos into a beautiful documentary. The result is a timeless keepsake that families can share at a memorial, keep as a family heirloom, and pass on to future generations.
In addition to Celebration Films, we also create Legacy Films for people nearing end of life or in palliative care. These are
filmed while the person is still here to share their own story, in their own words – leaving behind a powerful record of their life, their wisdom, and the moments that mattered most.
What sets Memoryscape apart is our focus on storytelling. Every film is carefully and lovingly crafted to reflect the unique personality of the individual, rather than following a standard format. We work closely with families
throughout the process and deliver the final film on a keepsake USB and via private online link.
We’ve recently launched with the support of local funeral directors and are proud to now be an Affiliate Member of Funerals Australia (formerly AFDA). Our mission is simple: to ensure that every story lives on, beautifully told, for generations to come. Find out more at www.memoryscape.com.au.
From the CEO
After all the incredible work that went into launching Funerals Australia and celebrating the association’s 90-Year Anniversary at The Forum in Melbourne, we can now turn our attention to the next exciting steps in our evolution.
While I made the decision not to attend the NFDA Convention & Expo in Chicago, USA this year to focus on the rollout of Funerals Australia, National President Asha Dooley and Foresters Financial Scholarship winner Melanie Hamshaw proudly represented Funerals Australia at the event, managing our stand alongside the traditional Aussie contingent who continue to showcase our industry on the world stage. Read the NFDA report by Melanie on page 18 of the magazine.
As Funerals Australia strengthens its voice in the national conversation on death and dying, preplanning, regulation, and industry leadership, there remains much to do in 2026 to bring this vision fully to life. To help raise our profile collectively, I strongly encourage all members to update their marketing materials to proudly display their membership. Featuring the Funerals Australia logo prominently on your website is an excellent way to demonstrate to families that you are part of a trusted, national association.
We hope you’re enjoying the new and improved Funeral Learning Hub (FLH) 2.0 now featuring enhanced reporting tools, AI-driven capabilities, and an upgraded user experience. Member engagement continues to rise, with registered users growing rapidly. If you haven’t logged in yet to the FLH 2.0 you will need to login in and update your username and
password which was provided in an email to all users. New users will need to log in with your unique business access code which was also sent via email. Please contact the support team at support@funerallearninghub.com for any login issues.
I was fortunate to attend the joint AIE/ NZEA Conference in Queenstown, New Zealand which was a wonderful opportunity for learning and collaboration between Australian and New Zealand embalmers. Congratulations to all graduating students, and to Andrew Mitchell on completing his term as AIE Chairman, and to Danielle Calvaresi, who now takes on the role for the next three years. All the highlights of the Conference are included in this issue of the magazine. Closer to home, Funerals Australia had a strong presence at the Funeral Industry Expo in Melbourne in October, where we shared details of the rebrand and connected with new funeral directors, potential Affiliate Members, and sponsors.
Preparations are nearing completion for the first Funerals Australia National Convention which will be held at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort from 19–22 March 2026. Dr Chadden Hunter, a Queensland wildlife biologist and filmmaker who has worked alongside Sir David Attenborough will be our keynote speaker. His stories, from orcas in Antarctica to snow leopards in Pakistan, promise to be truly captivating.
Looking ahead, planning has also commenced for the 2027 National Convention & Expo at the Greater Western Sydney Convention Centre, which will bring together an exciting mix of expo, education, and conference
activities. ACCA CEO Ben Kelly and I are also progressing a draft Terms of Reference for an industry advisory panel, which will soon be reviewed by both national councils before implementation. As we head into the festive season, our Divisional Christmas functions are another chance to celebrate what has been a remarkable year for Funerals Australia and for all our members and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this year. Thank you for being part of the Funerals Australia rebrand and for joining in the celebrations marking 90 years of the Australian Funeral Directors Association. It was a truly epic milestone made possible by your support. A special thank you also to our Divisional and National Corporate Partners for your continued support, and to our National and Divisional Councillors for your dedication and leadership throughout the year.
On behalf of the Funerals Australia team – Deanne, Lucinda, Theresa, Sherida, Edwina, and Coralie, I wish you and your family a safe, happy, and relaxing holiday season. May the New Year bring prosperity, good health, and continued success.
I look forward to connecting with you all once again in 2026.
Dale Gilson
Did you know?
The deceased’s super fun d ( 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 Cattell 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.
Benefits for your Funeral Home & Families
It helps families afford the funeral they want (rather than what they thought they could only afford) for their loved one.
Even if the family can afford the funeral service, you are providing the family a financial legacy that will far exceed expectations.
Another reason for families to Thank, Remember and Recommend your funeral home.
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
In the news Victorian regulatory reforms
The past 18 months has seen a period of substantial regulatory activity across funerals and the cemetery sector in Victoria. Although these changes apply specifically to Victoria, their relevance extends more broadly when considering that regulatory reform in one jurisdiction foreshadows government priorities emerging elsewhere.
Funeral pricing transparency
The most significant development in Victoria has been the introduction of funeral pricing transparency laws. In September 2024, the Residential Tenancies and Funerals Amendment Bill 2024 passed the Victorian Parliament, requiring funeral providers to publish pricing information both online and at their premises consistent with reforms implemented in NSW, QLD and WA. However, legislation is only the starting point. Throughout 2025, the Victorian Division undertook consultation with the Department of Government Services on the development of Funeral Pricing Transparency Regulations, sharing feedback on the first draft released in July, and meeting with them.
The Council lodged a comprehensive submission based on the following key principles and recommendations:
• Transparency should empower grieving families, not overwhelm them.
• Funeral services are not transactional or uniform – every funeral is unique.
• Regulations should allow providers to present pricing in a way that reflects their business model, level of service and brand.
• Providers should have the option to bundle pricing, provided all prescribed items are clearly included or marked as unavailable.
The Department has since advised that, subject to government approval, the Regulations are expected to be made by the end of November 2025, with commencement scheduled for 26 May 2026 reflecting Funerals Australia’s feedback that additional preparation time was critical.
Cemeteries and crematoria regulations
Public cemeteries in Victoria are governed by the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 and the Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulations 2015. Under Victoria’s automatic ‘sunset’ requirements for subordinate legislation, the Regulations were scheduled to expire on 16 June 2025, triggering a review to determine whether they remained fit for purpose and where improvements could be made.
As part of the review, the Victorian Division lodged a detailed submission that highlighted several priorities, including the need for:
• greater consistency in operational standards across cemetery trusts
• improved safety and minimum resource requirements
• stronger support for smaller cemetery trusts, which often do not have the resourcing available to larger metropolitan trusts
• refinement of prescribed forms to reduce administrative burden for families and funeral providers
The replacement Regulations
commenced on 15 June 2025, with updated prescribed forms - including applications for interment authorisation and cremation authority - required for use from 1 November 2025.
Pets in cemeteries
In October 2025, the Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025 passed the Victorian Parliament. Among other reforms, it amends the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 to enable cemetery trusts to allow the burial or placement of pet remains with their owners.
The provisions will commence on a future proclaimed date or automatically on 10 April 2028. In light of the operational challenges reported in NSW following the introduction of similar provisions, the Victorian Division intends to engage with both the NSW Divisional Council and the Cemeteries and Crematoria Association of Victoria (CCAV) to ensure early consultation is informed by practical interstate learnings and aligns with the perspectives of Victorian cemetery trusts.
Human tissue regulations
The Department of Health is currently reviewing the Victorian Human Tissue Regulations 2015, which are due to sunset on 22 December 2025. Although these regulations do not relate directly to funeral services, they govern the donation and use of human tissue for education and research purposes. Following the consultation period with stakeholders including the Victorian Division the Department advised that further work is required due to complexities identified during stakeholder engagement.
Building better workplace practices
This is a great time of year to reflect on your funeral home’s achievements. Celebrate the good times over the festive season and appreciate your team’s efforts in supporting the families who use your funeral services now and, in the year ahead.
When Colin Wilson, founder and director of Key Business Advisors (KBA) and Funerals Australia National Corporate Partner, spoke at the National Convention in Vietnam, he used one word ‘IMAGINE’. As the year draws to a close, Colin invites funeral home owners and staff across Australia to do the same: to pause and reflect on what worked well this year, while creating a wish list for 2026.
So, imagine in 2026 if:
• Everyone in your team was on the same page, with a great workplace culture, driving greater outcomes for your funeral home.
• Each person came to work loving their job, wanting to be effective, and supporting your funeral home.
• Your team is highly skilled, delivering excellent results and achieving better outcomes with minimal mistakes for the families you serve.
• A clear succession plan was in place, building strong foundations for the future of your funeral home.
The above sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? The key, Colin says, is to believe it’s possible and start planning on how to improve and grow your funeral home in 2026.
Whether you own, manage, or work within a funeral home, success is built on alignment, communication, and shared purpose. That’s why strategic planning is so important to keep everyone focused and moving together toward common goals.
Successful business owners have good insight into what their funeral home needs today, and foresight into what they need to do tomorrow. A good strategy session will identify what works well and the gaps to address to empower your team to go above and beyond.
Here are some questions to consider as you plan to improve your funeral home in 2026:
- What is your strategy, and how can you empower your team in 2026?
- How can you strengthen leadership within your funeral home?
- How will you communicate and engage with your team better in 2026?
- How can you better train and develop your staff using the tools such as the Funeral Learning Hub, and courses provided by Funerals Australia including the suppliers?
- How can you implement better HR Practices into your funeral homes that will support you in becoming an employer of choice?
- How can you minimise company risk by complying with today’s legislation laws such as Bullying & Harassment, Positive Duty – Sexual Harassment, and Psychosocial? These risks can be a killer for your business, with Workcover Claims and the other disruptions that go with it.
- Lastly, how can you develop and train your next emerging leaders within your business that will start a succession planning process for you and your funeral home?
Every member of a funeral home contributes to a caring and professional culture. When teams feel empowered and valued, then they in return will feel connected and care about their job and the success of your funeral home.
Reflecting on 2025, Colin says it has been an incredible year for KBA as a National Corporate Partner of Funerals Australia and is thankful for the partnerships and relationships built along the way. It has also been a remarkable year for the funeral profession, marked by significant milestones including the successful rebrand from AFDA to Funerals Australia. As we move into 2026, Colin and the team at KBA are here to support you through both the good times and stressful times that come with running a successful funeral home.
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Bridging end-of-life support and funeral care
End-of-life doula and palliative care nurse Kara Chanter encourages collaboration between end-of-life doulas and funeral directors to enhance the end-of-life experience for both the dying and their loved ones.
When Kara spoke at the Funerals Australia (formerly AFDA) Victorian Division Zone Meeting in Wodonga earlier this year, her presentation, ‘Dying to Help: Bridging End-of-Life Support and Funeral Care’, encouraged members to explore working alongside end-of-life doulas to create a more compassionate, seamless experience for the dying and their families. She spoke about the shared purpose that unites funeral directors, nurses and end-of-life doulas, alike: to ensure every family feels supported before, during, and after loss.
Since then, she has reflected on the many conversations shared and the common thread uniting all who work in this field: care. With twelve years’ experience as a palliative care nurse, Kara has witnessed firsthand that death is not just a medical event, but a profoundly human one. For families, that moment can shape how they view every death that follows underscoring the importance of sensitive, holistic support.
Her journey to becoming an end-of-life doula grew from a desire to bridge the gap in care by supporting individuals and their loved ones before death, through the dying process, and in the long journey of grief that follows.
What does an end-of-life doula do?
There is often some uncertainty about what end-of-life doulas actually do. The role of an end-of-life doula is to provide
facts and support. Their support is nonmedical, focusing on emotional, spiritual, and practical support. End-of-life doulas complement, not replace, medical teams, funeral directors, and counsellors.
End-of-life doulas do:
• Sit beside the dying
• Provide support with advance care planning
• Assist with transporting to and from medical appointments
• Provide bedside vigiling and gentle guidance on what to expect
• Create calm amidst chaos, helping families make informed decisions
• Support with rituals, planning, and grief care (before, and after)
End-of-life doulas don’t:
• Embalm, transfer, or take legal responsibility
• Coordinate funerals or manage logistics beyond the home
• Advise families against engaging funeral directors or medical professionals
Working together
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 72,508 deaths occurred in Australia between January and May 2025. This number represents 72,508 families affected by the loss of a loved one, and many opportunities for funeral directors and end-of-life doulas to work together professionally.
Funeral directors provide essential expertise and structure, while doulas offer ongoing support for loss, grief, and emotional navigation — before, during, and after the funeral process. When
both professions operate under a shared respect of care, families experience continuity of care that bridges the medical, emotional, and logistical aspects of dying and bereavement.
End-of-life doulas can make a difference before death by supporting the dying person and their family, answering questions, normalising conversations about death, and ensuring families feel grounded when the funeral director is called.
A shared standard of care
End-of-life doulas come from many backgrounds, and currently, there is no regulatory body in Australia. This means practices vary widely and families and funeral professionals are encouraged to ask questions to ensure they are engaging with an end-of-life doula who operates safely and is qualified.
Questions to ask an end-of-life doula:
• What experience, training or qualifications do you hold?
• How do you collaborate with other care professionals?
• Do you work under a code of ethics or professional framework? Can this be reviewed?
• How do you maintain clear boundaries?
• Do you hold insurance or professional indemnity coverage?
Funeral directors and end-of-life doulas represent two parts of a continuum of care from the bedside to the final farewell. Through shared knowledge and mutual respect for their distinct roles, they create continuity, compassion, and dignity for those they support.
19-22 March 2026
Early bird registration closes 23 January 2026
2026 Convention speaker
Doris Zagdanski
Author, speaker and educator
Doris Zagdanski will be among the speakers at the 2026 National Convention on the Sunshine Coast. Here, she shares insights from her journey into grief education by taking the road less travelled, ahead of her presentation at Convention.
I’ll always remember my first speaking event for Funerals Australia (formerly AFDA) in the mid-1980s. When I stood at the lecturn to begin, I didn’t expect the lump that rose in my throat. I found myself speaking and crying and crying and speaking.
I was nearly 30, knew nothing about the funeral industry, but I was a woman on a mission and passionate about options which I thought parents should be offered when their child died. Options that we did not receive when our baby daughter Claire died four years earlier. Straight after that presentation, I was offered a job by a local funeral director who told me the industry needed ‘new eyes’ looking at their time-honoured traditions. It was an unexpected invitation to take the road less travelled and that was how my career in funeral service began.
I was subsequently invited to be a regular speaker at the annual AFDA Funeral Management School in Melbourne where I’d share my story and ideas about allowing parents to hold their child, perhaps initially seeing them in a bassinette rather than a coffin and be able to take photos, have feet and handprints, maybe a lock of hair –options that are commonplace now.
Fast forward four years, and I was invited to visit a local high school to meet
with the classmates of a teenager who had been killed in a car accident. The teachers were unsure how to support their students and, truthfully, so was I. After spending an hour or two with the group, I asked if I could return the following week, knowing that as the initial shock began to fade, the reality of loss would start to settle in and that might be when the students would most need someone to listen.
I kept returning to that school, not for a week or two, but nearly a year, simply spending time with those grieving teenagers. During that time, I realised there were no books that truly spoke to their experience, so I decided we would create one together. That collaboration became my first book, Teenagers and Grief
Once again, I found myself on the road less travelled. I had no idea how to be an author or how to structure a manuscript. I simply wrote about grief as the students described it – raw, honest, and in their own words. To my surprise, the manuscript was picked up by Melbourne publisher Hill of Content, who valued the authenticity of voices speaking directly from lived experience and they went on to publish four more of my books on grief and empathy.
That first book helped set up my career as an author, public speaker and grief educator. I think much of it was about timing. Death was still a taboo subject but how to help grieving people was emerging as a real need. So, my books took me around Australia and New Zealand, often sponsored by the funeral industry and its local members. I’m indebted to them for their support. Fast forward some more years and,
whilst speaking at a conference, I met a senior manager with a company called Service Corporation International Australia (SCIA). SCIA was new to Australia, and they were looking for a National Training Manager and offered me the job. That was 1994 and what followed was not just staff training but opportunities to work in managerial roles, writing the company’s first detailed policies and procedures, and experiencing the birth of InvoCare. Who could have guessed where the road less travelled could take you?
Don’t miss Doris’ presentation at the upcoming National Convention on 19-22 March 2026 at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.
NFDA International Convention & Expo
In October 2025, Chicago the windy city, welcomed funeral professionals from across the globe to the 2025 NFDA International Convention & Expo.
The city’s architectural skyline, energy, and McCormick Place Convention Centre played host to over 30 educational workshops, five preconference seminars, and over 300 exhibitors, offering a vibrant hub for learning, innovation, and connection.
The future of death care summit
My NFDA Convention experience in the USA kicked off with the pre-conference summit which explored the evolving landscape of funeral service, including hospice care, new technologies, womenled discussions, cremation, and event planning. Molly Lindell, Director of Operations for Carriage Services said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” Her statement captures the essence of what defines the funeral profession — empathy and compassion. In a time of change and evolving expectations, the ability to connect with grieving families through genuine care and understanding remains at the heart of a meaningful service.
Jennifer Muldowney, The Glam Reaper Podcaster, emphasised “meeting families where they are,” going beyond the logistical arrangements, listening deeply, acknowledging grief, and tailoring services to each family’s story. A panel led by Gabe Schauff discussed HBO’s documentary The Mortician, the most-watched HBO documentary in five years and speakers Jessica Koth, Barbara Kemmis, Jolena Grande, and Jeff Zealley examined trust, transparency,
and practical ways to strengthen the industry’s reputation and educate communities.
The next day, prior to the welcome party, was spent in the company of fellow Australians, beginning with a visit to A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, where attendees viewed the facilities and gained an insight into their operations. This was followed by a reflective tour of Oak Woods Cemetery. Later, everyone headed to the Welcome Party at The House of Blues which was a memorable start to the week’s networking and events, combining art deco, glamour, music, and dancing.
The value of viewing
Highlights of day one included embalmer and funeral director Amanda Marie Eilis King CFSP, MBIT who delivered a moving session on cranial reconstruction through the real-life case of Maketta, an eight-year-old who suffered fatal head trauma. King’s compassionate approach demonstrated the technical, ethical, and emotional dimensions of restorative care. She stressed the importance of communication between the funeral home, reconstructionist, and family, guiding them through the initial viewing.
The session was a poignant and powerful exploration of grief, compassion, and the importance of human-centered care in funeral services. Amanda King’s expertise in cranial reconstruction and her emotional candour about the challenges she faced made the audience appreciate the intricacies of her work.
Maketta’s parents’ surprise appearance profoundly affected the audience, illustrating the impact of grief and the importance of empathy and the need for a funeral service. Their courage in sharing
their pain of love and loss resonated deeply with those in the room.
Key insights:
Sensitive communication is crucial for families in crisis.
• Viewings can aid grief through seeing, touch, and sensory engagement.
• Prioritising a child-centred approach can help families process loss.
• The use of photography and the family’s involvement assisted them in their grief.
Keynote speaker Felipe Gómez, a Colombian business leader and musician, replaced a traditional address with an interactive performance on Virtuosity, doing everything with passion and excellence. His message urged professionals to approach work and life intentionally: “Do everything as if it’s your first, last, and only time.” Gómez reminded attendees that “attitude is a decision,” encouraging mindfulness about the “music” we project, and the energy we bring into every interaction. His blend of music, humour, and insight left the audience inspired.
Contemporary deathcare
Day two of the Convention featured Dr Sara Murphy, PhD, FT, a death educator and thanatologist, who delivered a powerful session on disenfranchised grief — the kind of grief that often goes unacknowledged or unsupported, leaving individuals vulnerable to social, emotional, and physical harm.
Dr Murphy encouraged attendees to move beyond scripted questions and instead explore each family’s unique emotional experience. She emphasised
the importance of empathy and active listening over formal responses, the need to recognise and validate the many forms of grief that society may overlook and reminded funeral professionals to seek their own support to prevent burnout.
Murphy described the “hierarchy of identification, sympathy, and empathy,” highlighting empathy’s central role in connecting with families. Strategies include educating teams about diverse grief, fostering non-judgmental spaces, and using person-centred language that mirrors families’ own words.
The day concluded with a deeply moving Service of Remembrance in the ballroom, honouring funeral professionals’ dedication with music, reflection, and gratitude. The Baptist choir’s performance brought the audience to its feet in a celebration of lives devoted to compassion and service.
International Expo
The Expo Hall buzzed with activity as the Australian’s proudly introduced Funerals Australia. Armed with Tim
Tams, Vegemite, and research flyers they connected with international peers. Highlights from the Expo included the ever-popular therapy dogs, who brought comfort amid the busy conference pace. Exhibitors showcased innovative technologies, eco-friendly concepts, and creative memorial options from advanced vehicles to ‘cremation air’ flights that scatter ashes on a symbolic final flight. The ‘Loop Living Cocoon’, a biodegradable coffin promoting natural decomposition, reflected growing global interest in sustainable death care. Conversations throughout the event reflected how Australia continues to lead the way in funeral service innovation, sustainability, and professionalism.
Global connections
The NFDA Convention & Expo showcased global connections, diverse approaches to the profession, and highlighted the passion and dedication of its professionals. Meeting people from around the world who share a common purpose was enriching. The experience underscored how the funeral profession continues to evolve,
embracing technology, diversity, and emotional intelligence while maintaining its essential purpose: to honour life and support those in loss. From Maketta’s story to Felipe Gómez’s music and Dr Murphy’s insights, each session echoed innovation and excellence, showcasing diverse perspectives and expertise that inspired and educated the audience.
Acknowledgements
Heartfelt thanks to Foresters Financial for sponsoring the Funerals Australia Scholarship (formerly AFDA), whose support made this journey possible and thank you to my colleagues and family for their encouragement. Special thanks to the Funerals Australia team, particularly those who attended the NFDA Convention & Expo, and to Asha Dooley, National President of Funerals Australia and Managing Director of Grace Funerals, and Tom Dooley, Director of Grace Funerals, for their mentorship and guidance in my career.
By Melanie Hamshaw Grace Funerals
E: melanie@gracefunerals.com.au
Strengthening your community connections
Funeral homes occupy a unique position in the cycle of community life. They not only care for families in loss but also help people prepare for it.
Katrina Watts from North East Funerals in regional Victoria says “Living within the communities we serve our role extends beyond the funeral service itself. We’re educators, advocates, and companions in the broader conversation about living well, dying well, and planning ahead.”
Each year, Dying to Know Day (D2KD) provides a meaningful opportunity for funeral homes to engage with their communities and open important conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning. Funerals Australia members North East Funerals and McGlynn Hunt Funerals have embraced this initiative, hosting annual D2KD events that encourage practical, open discussions and help normalise these essential topics.
Dying to Know Day is a national initiative that encourages Australians to talk more openly about death, dying, and bereavement. Its aim is to help people make informed choices, plan ahead, and support one another through the realities of loss. In regional towns such conversations are particularly powerful as they strengthen the fabric of the community and help ensure that no one faces life’s hardest moments alone.
Katrina says, “Families go to those that they feel they can trust, and by opening our doors and inviting people in to share in some food and conversation we are also building trust by showing the community who we are.”
This year’s North East Funerals D2KD
event featured a range of speakers who offered practical insights into preparing for later life, from managing the physical and emotional space of one’s home to getting legal affairs in order and considering future living arrangements.
The first session, led by an expert in organisation and mindful living, focused on decluttering one’s home. While often emotional, sorting through a lifetime of possessions can prompt reflection, shared memories, and intentional decision-making. For many older residents, it also eases pressure on loved ones and creates a calmer, more supportive living environment.
A local legal professional presented the second session on wills and estates, emphasising the importance of documenting wishes, appointing decision-makers, and planning ahead to protect their loved ones from unnecessary stress and ensure a legacy that reflects personal values.
The final session, led by a real estate professional, offered guidance on preparing a home for sale for those considering downsizing along with how to balance financial considerations with the emotional significance of leaving a long-held family property.
Throughout the event, the North East Funerals’ team were available to answer questions about funeral planning and
options from eco-friendly choices to personalised celebrations of life. Katrina said, “Our goal was not to sell services, but to empower people with information and compassion, breaking down the fear that often surrounds these conversations.”
Due to the success of their previous D2KD event McGlynn Hunt Funerals expanded their structure this year by offering two separate session times with speakers specialising in palliative care, financial and legal matters, aged care navigation, cemetery services, and funeral planning. Each expert shared ten minutes of distilled knowledge delivered without jargon and offered the chance to answer questions. Before heading home each guest received a resource bag filled with practical guides, local service information, and a helpful checklist which have become something of a local treasure. The phones at McGlynn Hunt Funerals rang steadily in the weeks following the D2KD event with requests from people who wanted a ‘goodie bag’ of their own.
Events like Dying to Know Day highlight the essential role funeral homes play in their communities. They create safe spaces for people to ask questions, share stories, and connect. In doing so, they help reframe death not as a taboo subject, but as a natural part of life and one that can be approached with openness and honesty.
2026 AIE Conference
Queenstown, New Zealand
In 2025 the Australian Institute of Embalming (AIE) combined forces with their NZ equivalent, the New Zealand Embalmers Association (NZEA) and held their conference in Queenstown New Zealand on 9-12 October 2025.
The two associations together delivered an exciting and informative conference in the truly stunning location of Queenstown, New Zealand. There were over 120 attendees from all over New Zealand, Australia and some travelling from Canada to attend.
The Conference opened on Thursday evening with a relaxed dinner and drinks at Winnies Gourmet Pizza. Winnies is an iconic Queenstown institution, renowned for its opening roof which was put into action to reveal stunning night skies.
The education sessions started on Friday morning with Jeff Caldwell from the Humber Polytechnic in Canada sharing his valuable insights through his session ‘Composed with Care: The Subtle Art Behind Each Embalming Step’. This was followed by a session from Bridget Martin, a New Zealand Land Search and Rescue volunteer and world champion sailor, whose inspiring session captivated attendees.
Other sessions included a Māori cultural overview by Matt Kiore, Manager of the Centre of Māori Suicide Prevention, who shared cultural insights to support community wellbeing, and a mental health reset with Melanie Kerr, a broadcaster and funeral celebrant. Other technical sessions included a panel session with Bradley Shaw, Jordan Goss, Michael and Jannette Hope, Simon Manning, Jan Field and Jeff Caldwell. Jeff Caldwell then presented another session
about how he crafts dignity through deliberate embalming.
Both AIE and NZEA took the opportunity to hold general meetings on the Saturday morning with their members.
AIE Chairman Andrew Mitchell led the AIE session and Funerals Australia National President Asha Dooley was able to deliver a quick overview of the recent Funerals Australia rebrand. Attendees also had a demonstration of the AIE Learning Portal and discussion turned to CPD and training events with planning discussed for 2026.
The conference wrapped up with the Graduation Dinner on Saturday night at the absolutely stunning location of the Wine House. Located in a rural landscape amid snow-capped mountains, the evening began with drinks in the beautiful gardens. Guests then proceeded indoors for the graduation ceremony.
AIE Chairman Andrew Mitchell then took to the stage to announce the winner of the AIE Scholarship, sponsored by Bowra & O’Dea Funeral Directors which was Duncan Norris from Embalming Solutions Queensland. In the absence of a Bowra & O’Dea representative, Funerals Australia
CEO, Dale Gilson presented the award.
FIDA representatives Jennifer Burge and Amanda Clements, and MFE representative Priscilla Nelson-Feaver presented their graduating students with certificates and welcomed new students. This was followed by AIE Chairman Andrew Mitchell recognising the extraordinary work and contribution from fellow AIE Board member Alistair Shaw. Alistair has stepped down from his role on the AIE Board and has also retired from the industry. His 43-year career was recognised during this very moving presentation.
During the evening AIE also held the Chairman’s Changeover Ceremony with outgoing Chairman Andrew Mitchell handing over to new Chairman, Danielle Calvaresi who delivered her incoming speech.
On behalf of AIE, our thanks to all sponsors and supporters and also to Jodie Hope, President NZEA, her team Jo Renner, Katie Homan, Jan Field, Ellena Soper, and NZEA members as well as Deanne Brown from the national office for contributing to such a successful event.
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Peter Fuglsang Memorial Scholarship report
As the recipient of the 2025 Peter Fuglsang Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by ICF Insurance Brokers, Christopher Toohey of Graham Family Funerals was awarded the opportunity to attend AFDA’s 90-Year Anniversary Celebration. In this report he shares his insights and key learnings from the event.
I am deeply honoured to have received the 2025 Peter Fuglsang Memorial Scholarship, which enabled me to attend the AFDA 90-Year Anniversary Celebration in Melbourne.
The AFDA’s 90-Year Anniversary Celebration marked a major milestone, bringing together all divisions to reflect on its legacy and future. At the event, AFDA rebranded as Funerals Australia, aiming to unite members, raise industry standards, and lead national conversations. The keynote and guest speakers that followed this exciting launch each delivered engaging and informative sessions to help the industry remain relevant and responsive as the landscape evolves.
Keynote speaker Geoff Brailey of McCrindle Research highlighted major shifts in Australian funeral practices, noting a shift away from traditional conventions as families increasingly desire more personalised ceremonies that truly reflect the individuality of their loved ones. He also discussed the growing influence of technology such as livestreaming, digital tributes, and interactive memory sharing along with the rising interest in sustainable options, including biodegradable coffins and green cemeteries.
Brailey emphasised that these evolving
trends align closely with Funerals Australia’s new strategic direction. By adapting to changing consumer expectations, members are better equipped to connect meaningfully with families and ensure their businesses remain relevant and resilient.
Nick Palousis from 2XE highlighted the importance of sustainability in funeral services, noting that ecofriendly practices not only benefit the environment but also offer commercial advantages. He outlined actionable steps for funeral homes, such as using biodegradable products, adopting energy efficient operations, reducing waste, and offering alternative options to traditional cremation and burials. Engaging with the community and educating families about sustainable choices positions funeral directors to meet evolving expectations and ensure long-term industry viability.
Tegan Purdon, Brand Specialist from Taylor & Grace led an interactive workshop designed to help members re-think and modernise their marketing
strategies. Members were guided through exercises that allowed them to assess their current marketing approaches, identify gaps, and explore opportunities for improvement and strengthen community engagement.
The day of education and insight concluded with the AFDA 90-Year Anniversary Gala Ball at The Forum, a memorable evening in a stunning heritage-listed venue. Highlights included formalities, historical photographs, live music, and reflections from industry leaders, celebrating the AFDA’s evolution and community spirit. The entire weekend provided an outstanding opportunity to connect and network, far surpassing my expectations in both the relationships formed and the knowledge gained. The weekend was both enjoyable and informative, reflecting the dedication of everyone involved in Funerals Australia. This experience underscored the importance of professional growth and collaboration. I strongly encourage those in Tasmania’s funeral industry to apply for the 2026 Peter Fuglsang Memorial Scholarship, as participation offers lasting personal and professional benefits.
My sincere thanks go to the Fuglsang Family for establishing this award and creating valuable opportunities for emerging funeral professionals. I also wish to acknowledge ICF Insurance Brokers for their generous sponsorship, Funerals Australia Tasmanian Divisional President, Travis Tann and Paul Graham of Graham Family Funerals for his mentorship and support.
By Christopher Toohey
Graham Family Funerals
www.grahamfamilyfunerals.com.au
Industry spotlight Critical Info
When a death occurs, grief is not the only challenge families face. Beneath the sorrow, there is often confusion, disagreement, and overwhelm. Who is responsible for what? Where are the documents? What were their wishes?
According to the 2025 McCrindle Research commissioned by Funerals Australia, 59% of Australians have never organised a funeral, and only 31% feel confident they could. Yet 70% believe funerals are vital for healing. It is a striking gap that leaves many families emotionally and practically fractured at a time when they need connection most.
For funeral directors, this means clients often arrive at their doors at their most vulnerable, unprepared, conflicted, and desperate for guidance. That is where Critical Info comes in.
Bridging the gaps
Critical Info is a fully independent, certified social enterprise helping Australians improve death literacy, plan for end of life with confidence, and support better grief outcomes for the bereaved.
Founded by Catherine Ashton, Critical Info was built from lived experience. After a life-altering car accident and the sudden death of a close friend, she saw firsthand how unsupported families become when there is no plan in place.
“People do not avoid planning because they fear death,” says Catherine. “They avoid it because it feels confusing and overwhelming. Our goal is to help people prepare before it is critical.”
Critical Info takes a holistic approach, covering 15 interconnected life areas that extend beyond funeral planning to
include financial, legal, personal, digital, and medical considerations. The platform also uses the power of reminiscence, helping people capture memories, values, and stories as they plan.
These reflections give arrangers and celebrants a richer, clearer picture of the person being honoured, allowing ceremonies to be crafted with less stress, fewer gaps, and greater authenticity.
Supporting funeral professionals
Those working in the funeral industry are often faced with high emotional demand, family conflict, and time sensitive work. Critical Info helps reduce this stress by ensuring families arrive prepared and informed. With fewer crisis-driven interactions, arrangers can focus on service, compassion, and care, leading to better outcomes for families and staff alike.
“When families arrive informed, everyone benefits,” says Catherine. “It eases the emotional load on staff, helps families feel supported, and strengthens trust in
the care and professionalism of funeral homes.”
Leading the change together
As an Affiliate Member of Funerals Australia, Critical Info proudly collaborates with the sector to strengthen grief support, planning literacy, and staff wellbeing. Through the Don’t Be Caught Dead podcast, Catherine has interviewed respected industry voices, including Kelly Scott, Past President of Funerals Australia, and Brad Lett of Barry and Annette Lett Funeral Directors, who share her commitment to meaningful, compassionate care.
Critical Info’s impact also extends into national policy and research, with invitations to attend Victorian Parliament on Voluntary Assisted Dying law reform and to present at the 9th Advance Care Planning International Conference 2025.
The organisation has also been recognised with six national awards, celebrating innovation, digital impact, and leadership as a certified social enterprise. Inspired by the work of John Adams in the United Kingdom, who successfully championed death literacy and bereavement education in schools, Catherine hopes to see a similar cultural shift in Australia, where early planning, open conversation, and community education become part of everyday life.
“Our mission is to ensure every funeral director, arranger, and family has the tools to approach death with confidence, compassion, and clarity,” says Catherine. Learn how Critical Info can help your funeral home by contacting Catherine Ashton directly on 0419 883 443 or www.criticalinfo.com.au.
Member profile Vanessa Barber
I never imagined that responding to a small job advertisement in the local newspaper 24 years ago would lead me into an industry that would ignite a lifelong passion.
After 15 years in the banking and beauty industries, I was ready for a new challenge. Scanning the classifieds one day, a Funeral Conductor ad caught my eye, and curiosity led me to apply. Weeks passed with no response until I received a surprise call from White Lady Funerals, inviting me to an interview. From approximately one hundred applicants, I was one of three selected as casual members of the operations crew, based in a modest location within an industrial estate at Berkeley Vale. Our close neighbours – the Rebels’ clubhouse –often became our ‘friendly’ guardians when we returned from late transfers on Friday nights. A somewhat unusual and unexpected relationship to say the least.
It was here that I discovered the delicate and deeply rewarding nature of the funeral profession. The long days and even longer nights and weekends of on-call provided invaluable experience in transfers, mortuary preparation, arranging and conducting funerals, which led to a full-time position at their Wyoming office. I witnessed the company evolve from SCIA to Invocare, and adapt to a shared services model. I felt I had found my true calling and I absolutely loved my role, feeling an undeniable sense of belonging and community.
As anyone in the industry knows, balancing the demands of full-time work and an after-hours roster isn’t easy for a new mother, so when my daughter
was born, I stepped back to focus on my family. Though it was the right decision at the time, I missed the funeral industry deeply. Fate intervened once again, and a position opened for a Funeral Conductor with Creightons Funeral Service, part of The Palmdale Group, and I am now proud to be in my twelfth year with the company.
Since 2018, I’ve held the position of Funeral Services Manager –Operations, leading a dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for service, care, and community. Together, we uphold the proud reputation Creightons has maintained since its founding in 1843, supporting families across the Central Coast, Hunter, and Sydney regions in their times of need.
As if managing this busy department wasn’t enough, in 2019 I embraced a new challenge by enrolling in Dr Philip Bachelor’s Graduate Certificate of Cemetery Practice through Deakin University. With support from my company, I began my first-ever university course at the age of 50, what was I thinking! Balancing full-time work and study was certainly demanding, but I’m proud to say I was one of only two
students to graduate from an initial cohort of around thirty.
In 2023, I was encouraged by Asha Dooley and Edwina Ellicott to become a Divisional Councillor of the NSW/ ACT Division of the AFDA (now Funerals Australia). Having previously attended several association events, I felt ready to contribute to an organisation that plays such a vital role in shaping our profession. Since then, I’ve taken on the roles of Junior Vice President and Senior Vice President, witnessing the exciting rebrand to Funerals Australia.
Being part of Funerals Australia has been one of the highlights of my career. It has allowed me to connect with passionate professionals, gain deeper industry insights, and contribute to meaningful discussions about the future of our field. The funeral industry continues to evolve, embracing contemporary approaches while honouring traditional customs, and I feel privileged to play a role in its ongoing progress.
Outside of work, I cherish time with my family and friends, who have been my greatest supporters throughout this crazy journey, and whenever time permits, my passion is travel. My career has been one of unexpected turns, rewarding challenges, and immense personal growth. I remain deeply grateful to be part of an industry built on compassion and respect, and the privilege of serving others at their most vulnerable moments is, and will always be an absolute honour.
By Vanessa Barber Creightons Funeral Service /The Palmdale Group
E: vanessab@palmdalegroup.com.au
Association news
NSW/ACT Division
Community engagement
Congratulations to Sam Piddington and Allan Piddington and their team from Piddingtons Funeral Home and Crematorium in Armidale for a successful Open Day on Saturday 8 November. Their beautiful grounds were opened up to the community and the day was enjoyed by families and friends. A memorial service was held along with guided tours, demonstrations and lunch. The day was well-received and generated significant good will within the community.
Divisional events
The Town Hall meeting on 11 November provided an opportunity to touch base on recent NSW/ACT Divisional, national and stakeholder engagement updates.
The final Council meeting for the year was held online in December with a focus on training and stakeholder engagement in 2026. The Division is excited to offer Refreshed Funeral Arranger Training and Mortuary Training in early 2026 and other events throughout the year.
The ever popular NSW/ACT members Christmas long lunch was held once again at Café Sydney. The location always delivers on ambience, view, food and most of all great company.
Births, deaths and marriages
Regular meetings with NSW BDM and Access Canberra (BDM) continue. BDM Resources can now be accessed on the NSW/ACT Funeral Learning Hub in the resource section. The NSW/ACT Council are also working with BDM in the roll out of their Multi Factor Authentication and providing regular feedback.
NSW Health
NSW Health have advised that the Public Health Regulation will be reviewed in 2027 and stakeholder submissions will be accepted from mid-2026. In preparation, the Council has created a working party to identify where areas of the regulation impact NSW/ACT members and their customers and how they will respond. Current issues are long held deceased and person without means funerals.
TAS Division
2026 Events
Planning is underway for the 2026 Tasmanian Division events schedule, with dates to be finalised by the end of the year. Events will include the Tasmanian Division AGM weekend, to be held at Cradle Mountain, featuring a full education program and concluding with the Presidential Changeover Ceremony.
The refreshed and expanded Funeral Arranger Training is confirmed to take place at DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart on 21- 22 February 2026. Led by industry leaders Martin Tobin and Don Burstow, the program is designed for arrangers looking to strengthen their skills, elevate their practice, and meet the expectations of today’s families with confidence.
Industry representation
The Tasmanian Council was approached by the office of Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP - Leader of the Tasmanian Greens and Member for Franklin seeking to gain a better understanding of the funeral industry in Tasmania, its challenges, and the impacts of recent legislative changes. To ensure the discussion accurately reflected members’ views and experiences, Divisional President Travis Tann convened a member meeting in October ahead of the engagement. This allowed Travis and Senior Vice President Paul Graham to present a coordinated position on key industry matters at the meeting with Dr Woodruff which was highly constructive and positive.
Dr Woodruff raised a range of topics, including changing community expectations around death care, such as home care of the deceased and burials on private land, with consideration for the upcoming review of the Burial and Cremation Regulations 2015. Travis and Paul outlined the current regulatory requirements, and how alternative options may be considered and approved, if required, with permission from the Director of Local Government in Tasmania.
SA/NT Division
Mortuary tour
On Tuesday 18 November, Stephen Nygaard, Head of Unit RAH Mortuary/SA Tissue Bank/SA Pathology hosted a tour for SA/NT members at Royal Adelaide Hospital Mortuary. Members were able to view the autopsy suites and increased body storage capacity along with the latest robotic lifting equipment in motion and learn about the mortuary processes.
Events and training
Phase 2 of the Funerals Australia
Sustainability Program, an initiative of Funerals Australia, supported by Green Industries SA and delivered by 2XE is underway with a series of workshops planned for early 2026. The first topic will focus on Running an Energy, Water and Waste-Efficient Funeral Home. Refreshed Funeral Arranger Training will be held in early February and another mortuary training day is planned.
The final Divisional Council meeting for 2025 was held on 19 November and combined a planning element where stakeholder engagement and early planning for 2026 were discussed. The Council meeting was kindly hosted by Blackwell Funerals at Torrensville. The SA/NT Divisional Christmas Function was held at the Unley Park Sports Club on Friday 5 December. As part of the Function, key industry stakeholders were invited to share a short update.
Correction: In the last issue, under Divisional Training, it should be noted that the one-day mortuary training in June was delivered by Danielle Calvaresi (Alfred James Funerals) and Joseph Mallia (InvoCare Australia).
LEAP funding
Phase one has now been delivered resulting in successful site visits to generate industry specific case studies and a sustainability guide for the funeral industry. Phase 2 is now in progress and Expressions of Interest have been sent to SA members. Phase 2 will see a training and education program for 10 member firms and will involve:
• A series of workshops providing in-depth guidance on sustainability strategies.
• One-on-one consulting support to assist businesses with implementation.
• Peer-to-peer networking and collaborative project opportunities.
QLD Division
Events and training
Mortuary Training was delivered at Morleys Funerals in Townsville on 1- 2 November. The QLD Divisional Council held its final Quarterly Meeting and Christmas celebration on 14-15 November in Townsville starting with the QLD Council meeting on the Friday.
Education sessions on the Saturday featured Janelle Poole MP, Assistant Minister for Community Safety, Defence Industry, Veterans and North Queensland and Ben Kelly, CEO of ACCA, who shared updates on the QLD Cemetery
Operations Standardisation Project and the recently announced LGAQ and State Government project. Sean Dunne, Dominium Capital provided a session that combined lifestyle planning with wealth, and Elham Day from Hummingbird House presented a session on reimagining end of life care for families and communities. Members and suppliers then celebrated the year and toasted Christmas at the Quarterdeck 2. A big congratulations goes to April Gregson for her outstanding Christmas outfit, the Levi family and Royce Gregson for the tie!
Advocacy
The QLD Council is working with ACCA to support the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) commission’s plan for research. The LGAQ will undertake comprehensive research into the operation and challenges facing the state’s cemetery sector and findings/recommendations from the LGAQ Report. The resulting LGAQ Report has identified several key issues, including:
• Capacity constraints in existing cemeteries and the urgent need to secure land for future burial and cremation requirements.
• The absence of dedicated legislation and standardised practices across the state.
• The increasing challenges associated with managing ageing cemeteries and unsafe or deteriorating monuments.
Police communications
The Queensland Government Undertaker hold quarterly stakeholder meetings attended by Council representatives. Police communication continues to be an issue where inaccurate information is relayed regarding the deceased or location resulting in additional stress and trauma for all. A Police Communication checklist is being created.
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VIC Division
Metro zone meeting
The Division successfully held its final Zone meeting for the year in South Yarra on 15 October at The Como Melbourne Hotel. The evening featured an insightful, educative and moving presentation from Dr Sally Cockburn, President of VADANZ, and Susan Jury, Director of Victoria’s Statewide VAD Care Navigator Service, on voluntary assisted dying in Victoria. Thanks to Divisional President David Hastie and Immediate Past National President Kelly Scott for also contributing to the evening.
Divisional events
The Division wrapped up the year with a busy calendar of training and social activities. Highlights included a soldout Introduction to Mortuary Care Training Weekend on 8–9 November in Melbourne, facilitated by Mortuary and Funeral Educators (MFE), and on 28 November, a tour of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) mortuary’s recently upgraded facilities. Members then came together for a festive Christmas Cocktail Social Function at Henry & Fox in the CBD that same evening.
The Division was also the first to host the refreshed and expanded Funeral Arranger Training Program developed for Funerals Australia and being rolled out nationally. Led by industry leaders Martin Tobin and Don Burstow, the program
is designed for arrangers looking to strengthen their skills, elevate their practice, and meet the expectations of today’s families with confidence.
2026 events
Planning is underway for the 2026 Victorian Division events schedule and will include Zone meetings, a Bariatric Training Day, the Victorian Division AGM weekend with Presidential Changeover Ceremony, and a Christmas Function. Further training will be organised as required.
Regulation updates
Final amendments to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulations 2025 are now in effect, with updated prescribed forms required from 1 November 2025.
The Funeral Pricing Transparency Regulations are expected to be made by the end of November 2025, with commencement scheduled for 26 May 2026. The Division continues to monitor updates and will provide members with guidance and support to ensure compliance ahead of commencement.
In October, the Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025 passed the Victorian Parliament, which will allow Victorians to be buried with the remains of their pets. Provisions will take effect on a future proclaimed date or automatically on 10 April 2028 if not proclaimed earlier.
WA Division
Events and training
The WA Divisional Council held their most recent meeting on Friday 21 November at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. The focus for the Council was to plan out events and training for 2026.
Directly after the Council meeting, Councillors welcomed WA members to the WA Division Christmas Dinner Function in the Sunsets Room of the Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Due to The Ashes being held in Perth at the same time, this was an intimate gathering making it all the more enjoyable.
Funerals Australia Members from WA continue to engage with the online Funeral Learning Hub (FLH). There are over 250 WA members out of the National total of over 1,300 members signed up to the FLH.
Advocacy
The WA Division has had a productive year, continuing its strong advocacy efforts with several government departments. The Council has maintained close engagement with The Hon Hannah Beazley MP, Minister for Local Government and Youth, Minister Assisting for Training and Workforce Development. Councillors have also represented members at quarterly stakeholder meetings with the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board. In addition, the Council has undertaken a critical review of the existing WA Retirees Fund contract to ensure the best interests of Funerals Australia WA members were represented and will now seek to wind up WAFDA.
Supplier news
Prime Grafix celebrates 20 years
In October 2025, Prime Grafix proudly celebrated 20 years in business. The celebration, held at the Quarterhouse in Melbourne brought together more than 120 guests for an evening filled with joy, connection and reflection on two decades of creativity and growth.
The guest list featured an impressive mix of partners, suppliers, friends, and loyal customers, including Funerals Australia CEO Dale Gilson and National President Asha Dooley and a livestream with valued partners Peleman Industries. The atmosphere was vibrant and relaxed, with guests enjoying the sounds of a live DJ, an interactive photo booth, flowing drinks, and an exquisite spread of food.
During the evening, Founder and Managing Director, Frank Tevere, took to the stage to share the inspiring story behind Prime Grafix’s journey. He reflected on the company’s humble beginnings in 2005, when it was established with a clear vision and a strong commitment to quality and customer care.
“In the early days,” Frank recalled, “Prime Grafix primarily served the real estate, education, and corporate sectors, focusing on document presentation
solutions. While digital tools existed, they hadn’t yet become central to business communication.” However, by 2012, the business landscape had transformed, and digital presentations, PDFs, and online signature platforms had become the new standard, reshaping how companies operated and communicated.
Recognising the need to evolve, the Prime Grafix team explored new markets and possibilities. In 2017, they made a defining move – entering the funeral industry. Frank admitted with a smile, “At the time, we really had no idea what we were getting into. But when we launched our Australian-made Memorial Books at the Funeral Expo in Sydney later that year, we immediately knew we had found our place.”
That moment marked the start of an incredible new chapter. Since 2017, Prime Grafix has grown to become a respected and trusted partner within the funeral industry, known for its innovation, reliability, and empathy. The company has introduced a wide range of customisable and branded funeral products, designed not only to make the work of funeral directors easier but also to help families commemorate their loved ones in meaningful, personalised ways.
Today, Prime Grafix takes pride in offering a seamless online ordering system,
an extensive catalogue of beautifully designed templates, and exceptional customer service that ensures every client receives personal, attentive support. Each product is created with care and precision – a reflection of the company’s deep respect for both the funeral professionals they serve and the families they ultimately support.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the industry, Prime Grafix is also an active and proud National Corporate Partner of Funerals Australia, a role it has held since 2020. This partnership underscores the company’s dedication to contributing meaningfully to the industry’s growth and to supporting the people who make it thrive.
Frank concluded his speech with heartfelt gratitude: “To all our guests, customers, and partners who have stood by us through these 20 years - thank you. Your trust, loyalty, and collaboration have been the foundation of our success. And to our incredible team at Prime Grafix, your hard work, creativity, and belief in our vision continue to drive us forward every single day.”
To relive the highlights of the evening, please scan the QR code to view a slideshow capturing the best moments of the celebration.
Industry news
AIE update
It is both an honour and a privilege to introduce myself as the new Chairman of the Australian Institute of Embalming (AIE). I am deeply committed to upholding the values, professionalism, and high standards that define the AIE.
Since 2017, I have worked with Alfred James Funerals, where I have gained invaluable experience and insight into the vital role that embalmers play in caring for both the deceased and their families. As I take on this new role, I am filled with optimism about the future of the AIE. It has long stood as a beacon of professional excellence, education, and community within the funeral industry.
My hope is that, together, we will see our membership continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead. I would like to see new members join our ranks, not only to strengthen our numbers, but to bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and renewed enthusiasm to our shared mission. The art and science of embalming are constantly evolving, and by welcoming new professionals into our fold, we ensure that AIE remains vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking.
2025 AIE Conference
Recently, many of us had the opportunity to come together at the joint NZEA/ AIE Conference in Queenstown, New Zealand. The conference provided a wonderful platform for learning, networking, and exchanging ideas with colleagues from across Australia and beyond. I came away from Queenstown with a range of new ideas and a renewed sense of excitement about what we can achieve at our next conference, which will be held in Melbourne in 2026.
Planning is already underway, and I can assure you that the 2026 Melbourne Conference will be one of the biggest and best events we have ever hosted. We aim to build on the success of Queenstown by offering a diverse program that caters to all levels of experience, from apprentices and newly qualified embalmers to seasoned professionals. It will be a conference filled with opportunities for professional development, learning, and meaningful connection.
AIE Learning Portal
Education and continuing professional development remain at the heart of what we do at the AIE. One of the tools that I believe will play an increasingly important role in this area is the AIE Learning Portal. This platform has become an invaluable resource for our members, offering accessible and high-quality learning opportunities that help each of us stay up to date with the latest developments in embalming and funeral care. The AIE Learning Portal not only supports ongoing education but also provides an excellent way to obtain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, ensuring that our members remain at the forefront of professional standards and best practice. I encourage all members to make full use of this tool as part of their ongoing commitment to learning and excellence.
AIE Board
As I begin my tenure as Chairman, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the existing AIE Board for their confidence in me and their ongoing dedication. Their support and trust mean a great deal, and I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to lead such
a respected organisation. I also want to recognise the hard work of those who have come before me, individuals who have helped shape the AIE into what it is today. Their leadership has laid a strong foundation for us to build upon, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board and our members to continue that legacy.
The AIE AGM was held via zoom on 18 November 2025. Prior to the AGM nominations were called for the AIE Board of Directors and five nominations were received for four available positions. Therefore, in accordance with the Operating Rules an election was held. I am pleased to announce that the AIE Board of Directors for 2025-2026 joining me as Chairman are: Andrew Mitchell, Travis Tann, John Tidman, Joseph Mallia, Amanda Clements and Sofiya Bouabdullah.
In closing, I am excited for what lies ahead. Together, we can further strengthen our profession, expand our membership, and ensure that the Australian Institute of Embalming continues to thrive for many years to come. I look forward to meeting and working with you all as we take this next step in our shared journey.
Danielle Calvaresi AIE Madam Chairman
Industry news ACCA update
As 2025 winds down, I am pleased to share this update on behalf of the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA).
It is an honour to step into the role of President, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for the trust placed in me by our members and the ACCA Board. This is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of our immediate past President, Lauren Hardgrove. Her leadership, commitment, and steady guidance have positioned our association strongly for the future. Lauren has also played a significant role in bringing our two associations closer together, laying important groundwork for the collaborative relationship we continue to build.
New beginnings bring new opportunities, but they also require us to honour and carry forward the great work done by those before us. I am committed to building on that foundation as we continue strengthening our industry together. For me, this role is fundamentally about connection – deepening our relationships across states, territories, and related associations. Our sector thrives when we collaborate openly and work with a shared purpose.
Looking ahead, ACCA will continue to work closely with Funerals Australia and their members to ensure our messaging is aligned and to reinforce the importance of a united sector. It is essential that our two leading industry associations advocate collectively on behalf of our members and help shape a unified, future-focused cemetery,
crematoria, and funeral sector. This is not about leaving the past behind but about respecting its legacy while embracing an industry mindset that evolves – striving to make today better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today.
In the year ahead, ACCA will focus on simplifying and standardising industry processes while staying true to our core purpose as the peak body for cemeteries and crematoria in Australia: Connection, Education, and Advocacy.
A major part of this work will be the rollout of new training programs designed to ensure people working in our sector have the skills and tools to support families in need, while also protecting their own wellbeing. These programs will cover topics such as psychosocial hazards, supporting grieving families, and new safetyfocused courses aimed at protecting cemetery staff, funeral directors, grieving families, and all members of the public who visit our sites.
We are also seeing rapid and continuous changes in public awareness around end-of-life options and the ways communities choose to remember those who have passed. This shift often drives legislative and regulatory reforms such as streamlined processes for shroudonly burials and cremations, or allowing the interment of pets with their owners.
While these changes can bring meaningful benefits to families, it is vital that organisations like ACCA and Funerals Australia work closely with state, local, and federal governments to ensure policy decisions support both the community and the sector. As expectations evolve, we must ensure that positive change for families does
not unintentionally create challenges for those working within the industry.
At the same time, emerging areas such as pet interment are creating new expectations and opportunities for leadership. We are also closely monitoring developments in technology, including artificial intelligence, and exploring how these tools can support our work, from improving record management to enhancing safety and the experience of families and communities we serve.
Above all, the strength of both our associations lies in our people and in our ability to work collaboratively for the benefit of the community in its time of need. Continuous improvement, sharing ideas, learning from one another, and staying connected will enable us to navigate change and shape the future our sector deserves. The collective knowledge and experience across our membership is immense and harnessing that strength will be essential as we take on the opportunities ahead.
I am genuinely excited for the year to come and for the work that ACCA and Funerals Australia will accomplish together as we continue to build a stronger, more connected, and futureready sector.
Dean Matthews ACCA President
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Last word Titanic mortuary ship
The CS Mackay-Bennett, a cable repair ship, was chartered by the White Star Line to undertake one of the most sombre tasks in maritime history: the recovery of the Titanic’s dead.
Known thereafter as the ‘mortuary ship’ or ‘funeral ship’, the Mackay-Bennett departed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, fully equipped with 100 tonnes of ice, 100 wooden coffins, embalming fluid sufficient for 70 bodies, and a team of embalmers and undertakers from John Snow & Co. The Reverend Canon K Hind was also on board to conduct funeral services for those bodies unrecognisable and too far gone for embalming.
The Titanic was the largest ocean liner in service at the time built for the White Star Line. The first-class accommodations were designed with the White Star Line’s reputation for superior comfort, luxury and subdued elegance in the style of a British country manor and luxury hotel. The Titanic had advanced safety features, such as watertight compartments and remotely activated watertight doors, which contributed to the ship’s reputation as ‘unsinkable’.
But tragically on the 14 April 1912 the liner struck an iceberg with the ship sinking on the 15 April, resulting in the death of approximately 1,500 passengers and crew. A grim search and recovery operation began. The RMS Carpathia arrived about an hour and a half after the sinking, rescuing 710 survivors.
When the Mackay-Bennett crew arrived at the sinking site, they were greeted with a devastating scene. The crew were not prepared for the number of bodies that were in horrific shape. Adrift in
the icy waters were the bodies of men, women, children and even a 19-month baby girl floating on a piece of wreckage. Unidentified at the time, she was later confirmed through DNA testing in 2008 to be Sidney Leslie Goodwin whose entire family vanished in the sinking and none of their bodies were recovered.
Each body was carefully retrieved, searched for identification, and assigned a numbered tag matching the bag containing any personal effects. On the first day alone, 51 victims were recovered. When coffins and embalming supplies ran out, bodies were wrapped in canvas and stored on ice in the hold.
Only embalmed bodies could be brought ashore. Many of the wealthier passengers (first class/second class) were chosen for preservation rather than a sea burial so insurance policies could be paid. These included the bodies of John Jacob Astor IV, the richest man aboard, body No.124, identified by his unique diamond finger ring and the initials sewn on the label of his jacket; architect Edward Austin Kent, body No.258 and Isidor Straus, owner of Macy’s Department Store.
In total, 116 victims, largely third-class passengers and crew, were buried at sea. Weighed down with iron bars, they were committed to the deep as Rev Hind delivered a service. In October 2013, a photograph by Fourth Officer R D “Westy” Legate surfaced, which captured the Canon ministering over a ceremony of multiple burials at sea on board the ship.
When the ship was at full capacity with cargo of the deceased, they would make the journey to Halifax where they were met with tolling bells from the church and family members looking for their loved ones. Horse drawn hearses were set along the docks to retrieve the bodies and carry the dead to a temporary morgue at a local curling rink.
The Mackay-Bennett completed its final voyage for the Titanic mission on 30 April 1912. Retired from service in 1922, the ship was later sunk during a Nazi bombing raid in World War II, refloated, and ultimately scrapped in 1965.
Article by Jolanda Kruit and Ricky McLean of Thanatopraxis Services.
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