2009 Adelaide Conference
Transcription
2009 Adelaide Conference
Celebrations Issue 68 – AUGUST 2009 Inside this issue From the President 2009 Adelaide Conference 1 1&2 Introducing Amber Bibby: National Committee Representative for NSW 2 Annual Returns 2 Tricky Overseas Situations 3 Poison Pen 3 Funeral Service Reading 3 Funeral Matters 4 Ron Thomas, AFCC Funeral Liaison Officer with AFDA AFCC Membership of 4 Association (AFDA) 4 Issued by BDM’s Wireless PA System Problems 5 New Members of the AFCC 6 Members Only Offer 6 AFCC National Office Tel 1300 555 875 Email afcc@civilcelebrants.com.au www.civilcelebrants.com.au Welcome to this long awaited Celebrations. As you are no doubt aware, 2009 has presented the AFCC with more than the usual number of challenges. I am happy to report that since the AGM in Adelaide last month, we have welcomed five new faces to the national committee, and each and every committee member is already working very hard to deliver to you our members. I would like to acknowledge and thank Catie Wood, Lynn Dalrymple, Carol Tipping and Jo-Ann Robinson personally for their contribution to the AFCC and wish them well in their respective futures. We are very excited about the future of the AFCC and are committed to communicating openly an often with you, the members as we move into a new era. There is a lot to be excited about, including competitive insurance for celebrants, changes to the provision of OPD and reform to celebrant training to commence in 2010, enhancements to the website and the way we conduct business, just to name a few. We rely on you to keep the feedback coming so that we are responsive to new members, as well as our valued long term and experienced celebrants and those who specialise in funerals and ceremonies other than marriage. Feel free to contact me on any matter of concern. Likewise your state representative is always available, we have the toll free number 1300 555 875, or you may wish to contact the portfolio representative directly. All this information is listed on the AFCC website. Lance Tapsell President 2009 Adelaide Conference Wow! The 2009 conference is over and what a fun-filled event it was! Australian Funeral Directors Changes to Certificates From the President The Organising Committee (otherwise known as the “Festival Fairies”) had a lot of fun bringing it to you ... and from your feedback forms, we believe you also had fun and got a lot out of your attendance and your involvement. From the culturally rich opening ceremony (although cold and damp), to the Oration from the unique Dally Messenger, the varied and dynamic concurrent sessions, awesome presentation from our “one of a kind” Dorinda Hafner, the popular lunchtime “Conversations With”, the Adelaide Highlights and Barossa Valley tours, the wonderful experience of the receptions at Government House and with the Lord Mayor at the Town Hall, the AGM and the awesome Style and Grace Dinner on our final evening ... our delegates were all involved, inspired and inspiring. We trust they have gone away from the event with energy and enthusiasm and that they all enjoyed gaining new and renewing old friendships. celebrancy 100%, joyous and exhilarating” Town Hall ... “Lord Mayor very generous” ... “very warm and welcoming” Feedback comments from delegates on their evaluation forms Government House ... “ an amazing were wonderful and very much experience” ... “felt very special” ... appreciated ... “what a privilege” The opening ceremony ... “absolutely stunning, blended beautifully, many Speakers ... “first class, great they are willing to share” ... “excellent, cultures” ... “aboriginal ceremony engaging presentations” ... “gained spiritual and moving” a lot” Continue over > Dally’s Oration ... “great to meet and hear the man whose bible I follow” ... “very emotional, my first time and a privilege” Dorinda ... “brilliant, inspiring” ... “colourful and entertaining” ... “absolutely fantastic, reinforced my passion for Pictured: Lord Mayor of Adelaide Michael Harbinson with AFCC President Lance Tapsell and Adelaide Conference Convenor, Mary Kelly. Celebrations 2009 Adelaide Conference cont. a useful tool for future planning groups as they set out on this major journey. We wish the WA Committee well and look forward to seeing you all in Perth. The social program was enjoyed by all, the Festival Centre catering at breaks and lunchtimes was tasty and plentiful. For the committee, there is great satisfaction in the knowledge that we achieved what we set out to do. We would like to acknowledge the contribution of all those people who gave so generously of their time and expertise and contributed to the success of a professional and very enjoyable event. Our final report being provided to the National Committee will hopefully become Sandie Meyer Co-convenor ra, ... Bev, Sand (from left al Fairies’ , Dianne and Mar y) tiv es ‘F e id athy dela Pictured: Ayn, Sandie, Karen, K Carol Openin Ngankiburg ceremony: Georg Kudnuitya)ka Mekauwe), K ina Williams (or arl and “the Kaurna CTelfer (or Winda ulture Bea rers” Introducing Amber Bibby: National Committee representative for NSW I am a relatively new celebrant since my appointment in September 2005. I am a hopeless romantic, love my work and am passionate about helping each couple create their own perfect ceremony. I have developed an interesting mix of experience through public speaking, working in event management and hospitality. I have worked in Adult Education and in particular, national training packages for the past 12 years and have 17 years experience in the hospitality arena through event management, commercial cookery and weddings / conference management. I currently chair a vocational training committee in the Hunter Valley promoting apprenticeships and traineeships throughout our region and I am a director on the Newcastle Wedding Industry Professionals, which is a local co operative developed many years ago to promote excellence in delivery of professional services for the whole wedding industry in this region. I am happily married and have two adult children and three wonderful little grandchildren. I am looking forward to representing NSW on the National Committee, meeting local members and contributing to the future direction of the AFCC. Annual Returns Members are reminded that all marriage celebrants registered by the Commonwealth must complete and return an “Annual Return” form by 31 October 2009. The form covers the period 1 September 2008 - 31 August 2009. You must attach evidence in the form of original or certified copies of your completion of your Ongoing Professional Development activities. It is strongly recommended that you retain a copy of all paperwork forwarded to the Marriage Celebrants Section (MSC). You need NOT attach evidence of your purchase of the DVD ‘When Words Are Not Enough’ as Canprint have a record and will supply the MSC with this evidence on your behalf. Annual Return co 1. 2. Surname ………… ………… Contact ………… Return Marriage Ac riod from ………… address: ………… 1 Septemb ………… ……. ………… ………… t 1961 (regulation 37M) er ............ ...............[ Title ………… insert year ] to ...……… …… ………… . 31 August Initials ................ ........... [in sert year] Registra tion no. ………… ………… ……… ………… ………… ………… ………… ……........ ………… Postal ad ………… ................ dress (if ……….... ................ different …... ................ to above): ................ State: … ................ .. State: ………… ………… ................ ………… ………… ………… .............. … ………. … ……… 3. ………… Profession Postcod Po … … stc … od al develop ………… e: ….....… e: ……… ................ ment ……….. ………… Please list ................ Telepho evidence the professional ................ ne no. (… de of succes ............. ..….) …… sful com velopment activit ………… pletion of ies unde Name of ………… rta the activit activity … y by you ken by you in the ……. in the pe period The Annual Return proforma can be downloaded from www.ag.gov.au and this is the last year that the annual return will be required from celebrants. After January 2010 you will no longer be obliged to submit an Annual Return to the MSC. The new OPD arrangements mean the 4. Total nu mber of marriage ceremon ies perfo Number rmed selected OPD providers will be advising of cerem onies pe rformed per month the Department about OPD activities completed by celebrants from that time. 5. Details of marriages * If you are exemp ted, details of the exemp under subregula tion 37M tion. (6) of Sep ………… 2 vers the pe Oct Nov solemniz Dec ed in a lan Jan cov d by this ered by this return return.* . For eac riod covere Course Co de the Marria ge Feb Regulati Mar h activity, Provider ons 1963 Apr , from un May please pro dertaking an activit Jun y, please Jul provide full Aug guage oth er than En glish (plea ………… ………… ………… se specify ………… ………… language) ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… ………… Please se ………… ………… nd return ………… ………… to: …….. ………… Marriage ……… Cele ………… ………… vide Duration of activity (in hours ) Celebrations Tricky Overseas Situations It is correct to say that divorce is not permitted in the Philippines and in that country a marriage ends by death The BDM was unsure and suggested or annulment. In such a case, on the NOIM, the correct the Marriage Celebrants Section Be aware that some countries do phrase is ‘never validly married’. not recognise divorce at all. Recently (MSC) may be better placed to comment. So the copies of the a member felt the need to check The embassy of the Philippines may couples annulment forms were further regarding an overseas be able to assist the couple in having forwarded to the MSC with an annulment document provided by their documents validated. explanatory letter. the clients. All marriage celebrants who have clients from other countries may find this of interest. originals but the celebrant did not yet have these in their possession. The dilemma was with the legal status of annulment papers provided by the couple. Our member was unwilling to accept without question the photocopies of the annulment documents. These papers were to be backed up by The response... This Department is unable to authenticate foreign or other documents for marriage celebrants. Poison Pen With all the warnings re swine flu I started to think about the potential health hazards posed by our decorative pens. For years I have routinely refused to use pens provided at stores, preferring to use my own to minimise transfer of cold and flu germs. But it never occurred to me that celebrants run immense risks of pen-transfer of all manner of nasties because we are always the last one to use the pen for signing. So I now carry alcohol wipes in my pen box, and give the pen a good wipe over before I put it However the Phillipines Embassy was not prepared to confirm that the documents were authentic. So our member contacted a local Philippino notary to obtain clarification of the marriage away, and also use germicidal gel on my hands. But until I got a nasty adenovirus, occasioning last minute postponement of a wedding rehearsal, I didn’t think too much about the other things we handle during ceremonies, some of which have been handled by everyone present. When I drove away from my second naming of the day I felt perfectly well. Within forty-five minutes I knew I was not going to make it to the rehearsal that was due to start in just over an hour. My GP diagnosed a virus that is very annulment. While the annulment document was a public document and could not be ‘notarised’, the couple arranged for a letter of certification from the Notary as an added confirmation. As the couple has taken responsibility in the Statutory Declaration and Notice of Intended Marriage that the bride’s status was “never validly married” (she is not prepared to write “marriage anulled” on the paperwork) the celebrant finally feels confident to proceed with this marriage ceremony. with permission from an experienced celebrant... common in young children and causes severe cramps and total unreliability of the lower intestinal tract (you get the picture), and it goes on for days. So, everything that possibly can be washed gets washed in very hot water and detergent, and everything else gets thoroughly wiped with alcohol wipes. Unfortunately we can’t wear masks or boil the kids before naming them! Jenny Cram AFCC Member, Brisbane Funeral Service Reading The following writings are for a funeral service for a lovely lady – the reading can be used after the Eulogy and Reflection time which can comprise a reading, a song or a DVD backed by music. Celebrant to say – “Some lovely and meaningful words that I say to [name] on behalf of you her family and you her friends”. So we’ll never be parted it just cannot be. We will remember you [name] For you know we love you As long as there is time And we know you love us. As long as there is love For as long as we can dream For as long as we can think As long as we have the breath to speak your name. As long as we have memory We will love you [name] We will think of you [name] You gave us your love and a reason to live. For as long as we have eyes to see. You’ve been our best friend for so many years. and ears to hear, and lips to speak, We’ve shared happy times and also our tears. We will speak of you [name] There’s no one that means as much as you do. As long as we have a heart to feel After all you’ve done for us. A soul stirring within us And all we’ve been through together. An imagination to hold you From Barry H Young, this can be found in his book – The Funeral Celebrants Handbook 3 Celebrations Funeral Matters by Ron Thomas AFCC Funeral Liaison Officer with AFDA The following article appeared in the Dec 2008 issue of ‘The Australian Funeral Director’ and is reproduced with Ron’s permission. there is usually a quizzical look, often followed by ‘and what does that entail, what actually do you do?’ ‘WHAT DO YOU DO?’ How many times has that question been asked when you are at a business function or conference, or meeting a stranger in some airport lounge or when travelling by bus or train? With those general questions out there in the general public’s mind, the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC), through it’s funeral industry sub-committee, decided to take on the task of informing the public concerning the ever expanding role of the civil celebrant in the funeral industry. It is usually a very neat way of engaging a person in polite conversation. The ‘greet and meet’ moment to make the other person continue the conversation whilst you decide to either engage or move on, or to continue to pursue the conversation out of curiosity. When you answer “I work in the funeral industry as a civil celebrant’ A leaflet entitled A Perfect Farewell has been prepared explaining the role of the civil funeral celebrant and the areas that they cover in aiding a grieving family to prepare a suitable ceremony to honour the life of a loved one. Topics covered include music, life/story eulogy, suitable prose/ poetry, acknowledgements by relatives and friends, periods of reflection, preparation of an audio-visual presentation, special effects e.g. lighting of candles, releasing balloons, processionals, to the hearse/gravesides, special recognition of services to the community e.g. RSL, Masonic Lodge, public office, sporting/ community groups, closing ceremonies, usage of national emblems and symbols, usual length of service and the very important liaison with the funeral company’s representative at all times. Leaflets with an accompanying prepaid envelope and questionnaire have been distributed to two well known retirement establishments in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and at the time of writing the AFCC is evaluating the information with the view of extending the experiment to other retirement facilities in other areas of Melbourne and other states. In the funeral industry you can never assume that people understand what you actually do. Education is a continual process, because of generational change. Expensive? Yes! Necessary? Without any doubt. Otherwise when it comes to making a serious decision regarding a significant moment i.e. a funeral and what type of ceremony would be appropriate and in line with the deceased values and beliefs, ignorance is not BLISS. Changes to Certificates Issued by BDM’s The AFCC has been advised that new security paper is to be used on all certificates issued by that State BDM’s from July 2009. The new paper will meet the National Identity Security Strategy (NISS) standards, and is designed to further protect against fraudulent activity including identity theft. All states and territories will progressively introduce this new paper during 2009, thus resulting in consistency in the look and features of certificates produced. AFCC Membership of Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) The AFCC retains membership of AFDA at a cost of $300 per annum. This is set to rise to $900 next year but it is still felt that the membership of the AFCC to this national funeral body is important to continue to promote our members within the funeral industry. 4 The most obvious change is the colour (now blue, pink and green) and a new design with the word Australia, an image of a kangaroo and the Southern Cross on the front page. Two watermarks bearing images of Australia, will be evident when holding the certificate to the light. There is an embedded security thread running vertically along the right side of the certificate and an image of the map of Australia in the lower right corner which disappears when rubbed and reappears when undisturbed. The paper has other covert and forensic security features. However birth and marriage certificates produced prior to this new style are still valid in every respect, and couples will not need to obtain a new certificate which contains these security features. In fact there would be a cost attached to an application for a new certificate. More Adelaide Conference Memories... In Waiting d Voice of wn C Pictured:To omas an rier Ron Th ir Peace Cho Just before the fune ral services, the undertaker ca me up to the very elderly widow and asked, ‘How old was your husband?’ ‘98,’ she replied, ‘Tw o years older than me’ ‘So you’re 96,’ the undertaker comm en te d. She responded , ‘H ardly worth going home, is it? Celebrations Wireless PA System Problems this information is from an article about PA Systems, which has been supplied by Jayden at Sunshine Coast Videography. (Due to size, the full 15 page article has not been reproduced here but posted on the AFCC website, Members Section - Resources. The AFCC does not endorse any particular brand of system and the following is independent advice from the supplier named.) Types of PA problems: A: Drop outs – when the microphone cuts in and out or stops working. B: Interference – you will get other voices or audio coming from your speaker. C: Fuzz or Noise – this sounds like static or feedback (lots of unrecognisable sound) How to Fix A: Drop outs – The main fix is a stronger signal –use a 30 watt system & a diversity receiver (refer to full article on AFCC website). Also change frequency & test again. B: Interference – Change frequency. C: Fuzz or Noise – Check connections, battery & power. Other trouble shooting tips The connections – make sure the connections are tight and clean – free from rust, oils & dirt. Batteries/Power always make sure you have plenty of battery power – recommendations are not to use rechargeable, but a high quality alkaline battery. Stand further away from your speaker – between 3 & 10 metres – because you are using waves to send the signal to the speaker, some wave lengths may miss the receiver/speaker. But don’t go too far as your signal will weaken. Dead spots – you will find that there will be dead spots where you might get no sound from you can test this by walking around whilst talking to find if it drops out. This will also help you test your signal strengths. A strong signal you may be able to walk 100 metres away and still hear where as with a weaker signal you may only be able to go 10 metres. What can interfere? 1. Other PA systems: SOLUTION Test both systems for interfering with each other - turn other system off 2. Airports: SOLUTION (1) change the frequency, (2) buy a stronger system. 3. UHF radios (such as those used by many reception venues) SOLUTION (1) test that there is no interference between the two, if so have one change there frequency. (2) have them turned off. 4. Mobile phones even on silent mode, if closer enough to the speaker part of the PA, can cause a beeping sound (but not drop outs or fuzz). SOLUTION (1) have guests actually turn off their phones not just on silent, generally uncommon (2) make sure no one is standing within 2m of your speaker. part of the PA can cause problems. (digital camera, video cameras; SOLUTION tell the person with the device to step back a couple of metres. 6. Videographers wireless systems; SOLUTION (1) test beforehand, test it by saying a long sentence. (2) change frequency. 7. Surf lifesaver towers; SOLUTION change frequency. 8. Boat clubs; SOLUTION change frequency. 9. TV & Phone towers; SOLUTION change frequency. 10. Computers, Fluorescent lights, Digital Audio,Children’s walkie talkies; SOLUTION change frequency. 5. Digital devices closer enough to the speaker Wish there was an easy fix? Well there is, a wired microphone won’t have any of these problems. PLEASE VISIT THE FULL ARTICLE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION INCLUDING THE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Looking for some quotes and readings relating to Love and Marriage...? www.dailycelebrations.com www.smartmarriages.com http://www.lovepoemsandquotes.com/ http://bibleresources.com http://www.1lovepoems.com/ http://www.weddingpoetryden.com/ 5 Celebrations New Members of the AFCC We welcome the following new members to the AFCC and hope they enjoy the benefits of AFCC membership. They are listed in alphabetical order and all have joined in the period since April 2009. If there is a new member in your neighbourhood please contact them to make them feel welcome, and ensure that they are included in local networking circles. Larrain Andrea........................................................................................Langwarrin VIC Kate Lempriere..........................................................................................Pakenham VIC Gael Andrews...........................................................................................Heathmont VIC Wayne Loughry.........................................................................................Lesmurdie WA Andrelyn Applebee............................................................................. Waverton NSW Lynette May....................................................................................... Sawyers Valley WA Lorna Aylward............................................................................................Safety Bay WA Barbara McGowan................................................................................Beckingham WA Trinity Bates............................................................................................ WillowVale QLD Nicole Mclean.......................................................................................... Goulburn NSW Michelle Bear.............................................................................................Nagambie VIC Heather McMillan.............................................................................. Warrnambool VIC Lisa Caponio.................................................................................................. Brighton VIC Christene Muller.................................................................................Redland Bay QLD David Closs.............................................................................................Molesworth TAS Erica Nelson..............................................................................................Hurstville, NSW Paul Cochtan...............................................................................................Wyndham Vic Avis Owens.........................................................................................................Marion SA Christine Edgar...............................................................................East Freemantle WA Annette Perryman.................................................................................Glenelg East SA Atma Edwards..............................................................................................Newport VIC Dianne Priest....................................................................................... Dodges Ferry TAS Mary-Anne Egan................................................................................. Bonnie Doon VIC Janice Quirk..............................................................................................Kalamunda WA Cassandra Eva...................................................................................... Scarborough WA Robyn Rosamond........................................................................................ Bundall QLD David Evans......................................................................................................Helena VIC Gillian Scanlon................................................................................. Elermore Vale NSW Margaret Gallagher................................................................................. St. Marys NSW Denis Shaw..................................................................................................Frankston VIC Deborah Guilloud....................................................................................Marsfield NSW Calvin Smith.................................................................................................. Elanora QLD Nandy Gurr.................................................................................................... Vermont VIC Stephen Smyth........................................................................................Langwarrin VIC Kay Franks.........................................................................................Marrochydore QLD Kathryn Speake..................................................................................Mawson Lakes SA Brian Hayton............................................................................................Wannanup WA Dean Starbuck..........................................................................................Maida Vale WA Colleen Holz.................................................................................................... Baldivis WA Bernadette Stewart..................................................................................... Elanora QLD Anne-Marie Hoyne.....................................................................................Wembley WA Sandra Sullivan........................................................................................ Gawler East SA Claudette Ichayagouri...........................................................................Marsfield NSW Naomi Taylor............................................................................Narre Warren North VIC Ethe Ison...........................................................................................Maroochydore QLD Terri Thorne.....................................................................................................Apsley QLD Griffith Gordon..............................................................................Meridian Plains QLD Vanessa Virgato................................................................................Doncaster East VIC Judy Lander......................................................................................................Carlton VIC David Ward.......................................................................................................Ballarat VIC Jeanette Legg........................................................................................... Healesville VIC Charles Williams......................................................................................Tullamarine Vic Celebratory Stanzas Celebrants all, answer the call To Adelaide you have plied From Mary Kelly’s fairy band There’s nowhere you can hide We’ve been through rain, hail, wind and fire To reach these hallowed halls We’ve shared an OPD or two Some roadies may well pall We’ve marvelled at the Messengers We’ve met your Gov’nor Ken In Perth, in July of next year We’ll do it all again There’s lots to learn ‘bout wedding biz It fills one’s tiny mind Al Berry knows of GST Deductions of all kind We’ve heard from stylish, scented Gail She’s been there on the telly She taught us how to wear nice frocks 6 And perfume not too smelly Anne Cowden from the great Geelong Has been to heaps of wakes She reads sweet poetry o’er the dead She’ll give all that it takes Then there’s the ladies of the North Young Bilawara’s mob They douse their boats in fine champagne Oh what a waste! they sob There’s lots to buy and see and do Out in that Festival foyer And when the clock does near the hour There’s Thomas, the Town Croyer And with his band of South Oz nymphs They shoo you to your places Look careful ‘pon that carpet rug Of fairy dust, there’s traces Monique she sells the butterflies To flutter forth at weddin’s Oh no, you hear the groomsmen cry To high voltage wires they’re headin’! Yes, weddings are a marketplace There’s so much stuff you’ll need You may not order butterflies But of these words please heed: Speak solid with your celebrant Her counsel is the key She is your best professional For joining he and she Cos when you wander down the aisle In shoes not all that comfy Awaiting you in sensible shoes Is someone never grumpy She will support you rain or shine Be it dry or be it wetting Your celebrant is at your side Cos, baby, It’s Your Wedding! written by Meredith Campbell Members Only Offer As a member of the AFCC you are entitled to use the AFCC Member logo on your website and business cards. This member logo can be found by logging into the Members Resources section of the website and going to the ‘Resources’ button in the menu to the left of screen. You will also find the AFCC car parking sign which can be downloaded and printed (You may even choose to laminate it for longevity and a professional appearance). Members are encouraged to use the ‘AFCC Member’ logo as this further raises the profile of the Federation and enhances other measures including the advertising in state bridal magazines.