Involve Issue 16 - May 2009

I N V O LV E
INVO
ISSUE 16 MAY 2009
After Black Saturday
InvoCare responds to Victoria’s need
InvoCare is a publicly listed
Australian company and the
largest provider of funeral
services in Australia and
Singapore.
Our philosophy is:
• to demonstrate the highest
degree of professionalism
while assisting client families
at a pivotal time in their lives
• to exercise responsibility as an
industry leader by setting high
A word from the CEO
Welcome to the first edition of Involve for 2009 and my first as Chief Executive
Officer. The first challenge to arise was the Victorian bushfires and to honour this
disaster I dedicate this edition of Involve to all affected.
On a more personal note, it was my pleasure
For some though, 2009 has not gotten off to
to spend the last three years working closely
a great start. There have been floods in parts
with outgoing CEO, Richard Davis. I’d like to
of Queensland and New South Wales and all
take this opportunity to thank him for all the
of us have been touched by the great tragedy
support he has given me personally and to
of the Victorian bushfires. Our Victorian team,
InvoCare as a whole.
led by General Manager John Fowler, have
InvoCare is a great company, largely due to
Richard’s leadership and vision. Together
he and I worked closely on developing,
implementing and monitoring the strategies
injured or worse and whose lives have been
turned upside down by their losses.
Our Victorian funeral colleagues have been in
greatly looking forward to carrying these plans
the thick of all this. They have helped families
into the future.
make arrangements for the memorials and
Though we will all miss Richard’s experience
and fair business practice
and acumen he will not be gone from InvoCare
altogether. I look forward to Richard’s ongoing
participation in the business as a consultant
while at the same time he balances the
value though sound fiscal
demands of “retirement”.
management and corporate
On 19 February this year we released our
development
2008 full year results. Sales revenue grew
We are committed to helping our
communities who have seen their loved one’s
that have seen this company grow and I am
standards of service, safety
• to increase investor
responded with true grit. There are whole
by 9.1% to $244.2 million. Profit after tax
increased by 1.7% to $28.0 million. This is a
solid performance during a volatile year and is
funerals of family members and friends. They
have provided their services at a significant
discount in consideration for the great
pressure survivors of these fires are under.
They have assisted affected communities
begin the grieving process and they have been
at the forefront of distributing aid and relief
supplies where they are needed most.
We have had near misses. Several Victorian
employees’ homes were directly in the path
of these fires. And we have had losses. Roz
Clifton, the beloved wife of Le Pine Funerals
local communities; offering personal
a result directly attributable to the efforts of all
attention and demonstrating this
staff throughout the company.
commitment to the families we are
With the continued support of employees I am
defend their property against the bushfires.
confident 2009 will be a great year as well.
Please join me in sending our thoughts to
privileged to serve.
2
employee Terry Clifton, passed away in a car
accident while on her way to help a friend
Contents
InvoCare
Traditional Funerals
A word from the CEO
2
In Appreciation
4
Purslowe Funerals helps honour
lost HMAS Sydney crew
22
Somerville Funerals keeps
the candle lit 23
24
Mercedes are right for the job
13
14
Black Saturday is on our minds
Terry, his family and their circle of friends at
this tragic time.
6
Get to know Andrew Smith
10
New requirements: no problem
11
George Hartnett Funerals gives
cue to actors
Australia Day honour for one of our finest 12
Le Pines drives the production
24
George Hartnett Funerals speaks
a new language
25
Daisy the Clown
25
Historic find comes about because
of David Lloyd
26
Fans pay tribute at funeral
26
Funerals Team wins inaugural
InvoCare Cricket Challenge
I have been greatly touched by the genuine
concern expressed by InvoCare employees
to our Victorian friends and by their generosity
in donating time, money and relief items for
Cemeteries & Crematoria
the benefit of affected communities. It is a
Garden Awards
15
wonderful feeling to work with and lead such
Mt Thompson strengthens ties
to neighbourhood
17
Sediments and compliments reuse of
materials has an impact
18
great people.
In the coming months I look forward to
updating you via this column of other news
and announcements.
Simplicity Funerals
Simplicity NSW holds grief seminar
19
Values speak louder
19
Team Simplicity SA - Bowls the Night Owls 20
Cabinets make the most of small spaces 20
White Lady Funerals
White Lady’s Christmas tradition
27
Anna Giogio, two decades of service
28
A thousand to a decade
28
Planning to be better in school
29
White Lady remembers the roses
30
Seeing a way to help others
30
Mareena Purslowe helps families
cope with a difficult time
31
White Lady new location opens
on Central Coast
31
Simon’s honour is to be a funeral director 21
Andrew Smith
Chief Executive Officer
I N V O LV E
3
Our greatest rewards come from families who acknowledge the care and pride we take in our daily work.
We are always very grateful when someone
takes the time to write to us about the impact
we have made whilst serving their needs.
Most importantly, it is a tribute to the calibre
of our staff.
Dear Troy and the team at Pinegrove
Memorial Park,
I am writing to you to express my gratitude for
the advice and assistance you kindly provided
regarding the refurbishment of the grave of my late
wife, Joan.
My son has forwarded me photos of the gravesite
that show the very nice improvement to its
appearance as a result of your good work.
I hope your employers appreciate your
professionalism as much as I do.
Kind Regards
Ian, Tweed Heads
Dear Arnold and staff at Purslowe Funerals –
North Perth,
On behalf of my whole family I would like to thank
you and your exceptional team from the bottom
of our hearts, for not only taking our funeral on
but for the time, patience, compassion and
professionalism you put into the funeral for my
beloved husband.
The compassion and understanding you showed
us went past and beyond your call of duty. Your
organisation of the funeral was indeed exceptional.
I must also compliment Stacy on the never
ending compassion she showed me and all of my
family. The funeral service you put together for us
reflected perfectly my husband’s persona and the
values he stood for.
You gave us time to embrace a special man’s life.
Thank you,
From Mina, North Perth
4
Dear Barry and all at George Hartnett –
Holland Park,
I’d like to thank you very much for all your help
in preparing the funeral service for my Dad.
Mum and I both thought it was lovely and our
friends and relations all commented on how
well it was organised.
Thanks also to the two gentlemen who were
there to help out during the afternoon tea.
Yours faithfully,
Jan, Tarragindi
I believe that there is a great distance between a
profession and a professional. These three people
are true professionals in my eyes and they will be
in my thoughts and that of my family for ever.
My sincere thanks
The Bottle family, Woy Woy
Dear Jenny, Tara and all at Le Pine
– Kew East,
Just a note of thanks for the wonderful way
your staff handled my Dad’s funeral.
I want to ‘thank you’ and members of your
organisation, and all the people who presented
the beautiful “Tree of Remembrance” service
on 2 December 2008.
Jenny was amazingly patient with me, talking
me through everything that needed to be
done. Then came Tara who did exactly what
we wanted without blinking an eyelid. She
looked after my Dad like he was part of her
own family. What a wonderful ambassador she
is for your company.
I accompanied my Mother, my Aunt and my good
friend, all of whom had farewelled their husbands
within this year. It gave us the chance to remember
our loved ones in a very special way.
The other gentleman and lady from your
company who were there were also very
friendly and patient and they made Dad’s final
car ride to his resting place a memorable one.
Thank you for your very kind and caring gesture.
Thanks to your staff our family will remember
this day with many happy memories. This is
the fourth time we’ve used Le Pine Kew East
in our family and I’m sure it won’t be our last.
Dear Allan, Leslie and others at
Allan Drew Funerals,
Kind regards,
Daphne, Pennant Hills
To Clare, Stuart, Jenny and everyone at
Simplicity Funerals – Woy Woy,
With sincere thanks,
Maree, Bundoora
I would like to take this opportunity to express
my sincere thanks for the loving care all showed
our family at the recent passing of my father.
To Meri and the team at Guardian Plan,
During the days before my dad’s passing Clare
was extremely helpful and thoughtful. Her advice
and understanding was invaluable.
On the day of my dad’s funeral Stuart and Jenny
were towers of strength not only to me but to my
sister and brothers. It was our only wish to ensure
that dad had a fitting farewell to the person he
was. This was achieved with their assistance.
I phoned today to get information on behalf of
two clients, to update their Centrelink I&A details.
Your staff lady, Meri, in the Pre Paid Funerals
area was helpful in the extreme. She was
courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. I
appreciate her assistance and hope you will
pass my thanks on to her.
Cheers,
Lesley, Midland
In Appreciation
Dear Genean at Simplicity – Penrith,
Thank you very much for organising the
Suicide Prevention forum my husband and I
attended the other night. Your initiative and
compassion is something to be commended.
Genean, let me know how we can get involved
for the help and support of ourselves and
others.
Kind regards
Janine and Bernd, Penrith
To Jill and her team at Purslowe
Funerals– Perth,
Thank you so much for all your professional
help, meeting somebody like you makes life so
much better even under these circumstances.
We try to enjoy life to the max, when the world
has so many problems, in addition a blow like
this really takes the wind out of your sails.
Dear Vicki and others at Somerville
Funerals – Nerang,
You have no idea how much you mean to
us and how much you have helped us. I
personally could not have gotten through the
absolute worst time of my life without you.
Your sincerity, compassion, consideration, love
and thoughtfulness has been what has given
Ray and I the strength to deal with the most
unimaginable pain and loss.
The service was so beautiful and of so much
comfort to us. We are so grateful to Somerville
for their caring and thoughtful consideration
in having the service to genuinely help those
dealing with such sad and difficult loss.
Would you please pass on to Susan that we
were very impressed with her presentation.
We found it so natural, relax, sincere, positive
and very dignified.
We were so impressed with your services and
professionalism we could not have wished for
anything better... Thank you, Thank you.
And what can we say about Doris! The
3 tips for Christmas Doris gave was like
therapy to us.
Kind Regards,
Peter and Maggy, Kona Hawaii.
My sister has left strict instructions that when
she passes over she wants to be sent to
Somerville for you to look after her.
Dear Jan at the ladies at White Lady
– Mornington,
We just wanted to write to thank you once
again for taking such good care of Mum.
We were so very pleased with everything.
Jan, thanks for your organizing and advising,
and your recommendation of the celebrant
was perfect.
Overall your kindness, compassion,
professionalism was appreciated as was
keeping us informed always. Mum would
have been so pleased she chose the girls.
Kindest regards,
Judy and Barbara, Mornington
Much love as always,
Ray and Lorraine, Nambour
To Ivana and her colleagues at Blackwell
Funerals – Payneham,
Lastly, the family was very grateful that a
natural bushland burial could be arranged.
We are aware that this is a new process
but we felt it was exactly as she wanted.
Your sincerely,
Andy, Torrensville
To all the ladies at White Lady
– Kelvin Grove,
I recently attended a funeral that your lovely
ladies organised and I noticed the amazing
work the ladies from your company did.
Words can not express the level of caring
professionalism that each woman performed.
From their approachability to questions to
the handling and executing of details, it was
all done with grace. I even saw at the last
moment the deceased’s partner asked to
change plans and the ladies did it easily.
I wish to thank the ladies. They have a very
difficult job but how they perform it makes
a difference to many people. It was a most
special day.
I will recommend your service to many people
and it goes without saying my children have
been instructed I will be going out using the
white ladies service.
Yours sincerely,
Catherine, Kelvin Grove
I am writing to thank you for the service
provided by Blackwells for the funeral of
my sister-in-law.
To Jenni at her team at White Lady
Funerals – Mornington,
Along with the rest of the family, I was very
impressed with the way Ivana handled the
arrangements, She was very professional,
but also very easy to get along with. She has
great wisdom in the advice she offers but also
is comfortable stepping back and letting the
family make decisions.
Thank you to all who helped Mum look so
beautiful. Even though it was a sad occasion, I
am so glad to have had the pleasure of seeing
you again, I will always think of you with fond
thoughts. Thank you also for the beautiful
flowers you gave to Kelly for Ella.
On the day of the funeral I really liked how the
Blackwells staff carried out their responsibilities
but otherwise were very much behind the scenes.
Thank you for all your help and compassion.
I am so glad I chose you and White Lady
Funerals, you helped make it very special.
With regards,
Carole, Mornington
I N V O LV E
5
Black Saturday is on our minds
In a special feature on Victoria’s Bushfires
by Karl Wolfenden
Right from the outbreak of
the Victorian bushfires on
Saturday 7 February 2009
InvoCare employees around
Australia and Singapore have
watched the disaster that is
the unfolding tragedy of the
Victorian bushfires. There were
several reasons for our high
levels of concern.
First, as professionals who assist families
deal with grief and make final arrangements
to say goodbye to loved ones, we know
the great sense loss that must be gripping
dry undergrowth and parched trees. That
great losses that have been caused will live on
lives have been lost to this is the saddest
in the national psyche.
consequence possible.
A touching element to all this has been the
There has also been the implication that
unexpected impact these fires have obviously
downed or faulty powerlines may have
had overseas. There have been words of
started some of the blazes. At times like this
support from nations and peoples far and
it can come as a surprise to us to realise
wide. There have been offers of assistance
just how fragile our sense of security is. The
to fight the fires from New Zealand, Canada,
right conditions on the wrong day, or more
the United States and more places besides.
appropriately the wrong conditions on the
But the piece of international support that
worst day, and the infrastructure we take for
came as the biggest surprise was Papua
granted can suddenly work against us. And it
New Guinea and Indonesia who have donated
could happen to any of us.
money for emergency aid, ongoing relief and
It is no wonder we are all feeling so neighbourly
to the people of Victoria at this time.
the communities of Kinglake, Marysville,
Last, as friends and coworkers of InvoCare
Narbethong, Strathewen, Flowerdale and
staff in Victoria we are affected in a most
others. These towns have borne the brunt
personal way. There was nothing abstract
of Australia’s worst ever natural disaster and
about the threat of these bushfires for several
many of the 173 people reported dead so far
InvoCare Victoria employees whose homes
have come from homes in these areas.
were in the path of the fires.
Second, we have felt a surge of fraternity for all
those affected. Who could not but be left mute
by the scale of this disaster, not to mention
a genuine sense of outrage at some of the
For these staff members
and their neighbours the
the rebuilding of schools.
To have two of our regional neighbours that
we have supported through many of their
tough times put their hands up to help the
people of Victoria; well, it seems everyone
has Black Saturday on their minds.
For these staff members and
bushfires had the power to
their neighbours the bushfires had
take from them their security
the power to take from them their
and peace of mind in ways
few of us can understand.
security and peace of mind in
There has been the allegation that the
Yet even more pressing than
this was our concern for the
ways few of us can understand.
callous hands of one or more arsonists may
be responsible for starting some of the
lives lost to this tragedy.
suggested causes of these fires?
fires. Such acts leave us dumbfounded. In
the depths of one of Australia’s worst ever
droughts and after weeks where Victoria
experienced heatwave conditions that already
stretched the state’s capacity to respond to
the needs of the community, a deliberately
lit fire could only result in being whipped
by strong winds and driven through tinder
6
It seems, by various degrees of separation,
all at InvoCare know someone who has lost
someone. Fire cares not for the number of
children one has, it does not differentiate
between those who have lived a full life and
those who still have plenty of years left in them
and it is no respecter of worth. Would that noone had perished but Black Saturday and the
Australia Mourns
InvoCare Australia and Singapore sends its thoughts and sympathies to all who knew and loved the 173
people taken by these fires. At the time of writing, some 30 people from the fire affected areas are still listed
as missing.
Kinglake Area (120)
Marysville Area (39)
Damage
38 – Kinglake
34 – Marysville
4500 km² burned out (nearly twice the size of
27 – Strathewen
4 – Narbethong
Luxemburg)
12 – St Andrews
1 – Cambarville
2,029+ houses
10 – Steels Creek
59 commercial properties
8 – Flowerdale
West Gippsland (11)
12 community buildings (includes 2 police stations, 3 schools, 3 churches, 1 fire station)
7 – Kinglake West
4 – Callignee
399 machinery sheds, 729 other farm buildings, 363 hay sheds 19 dairies, 26 woolsheds
7 – Humevale
4 – Koornalla
5,300 km of boundary and internal fencing
2 – Whittlesea
2 – Churchill
25,600 tonnes of stored fodder and grain
2 – Toolangi
1 – Jerralang Junction
2 km² (190 ha) of standing crops
2 – Strath Creek
1680 km² (168,000 ha) of pasture
1 – Heathcote Junction
Beechworth (2)
8 km² (735 ha) of fruit trees, olives and vines
1 – Mittons Bridge
2 – Mudgegonga
70 km² (7,000 ha) of plantation timber
1 – Reedy Creek
39 km² (3,921 ha) of private bushland
1 – Upper Plenty
Bendigo (1)
1 – Yarra Glen
1 – Eaglehawk
2,150 sheep, 1,207 cattle, and an unknown number of horses, goats, alpacas, poultry, pigs and native wildlife
Statistics sourced on Wikipedia
I N V O LV E
7
Farewell to a
woman who
gave freely
of herself
It is with great sadness that we
remember Roz Clifton who became
one of the 173 confirmed deaths
as a result of the Victorian bushfires
when her car collided with a tree
as she and the other passengers in
the car she was travelling in were
diverted onto a dirt track when fire
threatened the main roads.
Roz, 46, was the wife of Terry Clifton who
works for the InvoCare Victoria team at
Kew East. She was the mother of two
InvoCare responds to
Victorian bushfires
Even before news of the Victorian bushfires began beaming into the houses of
people around the world InvoCare Victoria, led by General Manager, John Fowler
had a role to play.
Due to weeks of unprecedented heatwave
we sometimes had several family members
conditions in Victoria there was already a high
pass away at the same time. Entire houses
degree of coordination taking place between
were gone so there were no photos, no
emergency services, state officials and ancillary
favourite fishing hat to go into the coffin and
support services such as funeral directors.
no records of who had gone to what school,”
“The heatwave was already taxing emergency
services. There had been a higher than usual
And with families sometimes left with little
number of heat related deaths, so much so
more than the clothes on their back and facing
that the Coroner’s office set up temporary
the prospect of an extended period without
facilities and had to get generators going
access to bank accounts or other forms of
because the electricity supply was dropping
funds, a significant way InvoCare Victoria could
out. We were in regular contact with them
help out was to keep the cost to families as
about how we could support them,”
low as possible.
girls, Michaela and Brittany.
says John Fowler.
Roz and her family were trying to get into
What this meant was that lines of
the Kilmore area to the property of a family
friend which was under threat from the
says John.
communication were already open and so
when the call came to respond to the bushfires
fires. Her goal was to assist her friends
there was the capacity to act quickly.
in defending the property against the fire.
“The first thing we had to do was get on the
This altruism was typical of her attitude
ground to perform the very difficult task of
in life.
transporting the remains of bush fire fatalities
A generous woman with a loving spirit,
to regular Coronial or their temporary facilities,”
Roz and Terry first met as members of the
says John.
Army Reserve.
Next came the enormous job of helping
We celebrate her desire to help, her
families from entire communities make
“Reducing our professional fees seemed the
right thing for us to do,” says John.
The making of funeral arrangements for victims
of the bushfires was made even more difficult
by the fact that, as some fires were considered
crime scenes, the Coroner had to hold the bodies.
“As you can imagine, this only made it harder
for families to start the grieving process so one
of the most important things we could do was
assist affected families start to deal with their
uncertainty,” says John.
Memorial services were arranged so that, in
commitment to her family and friends and
funeral arrangements.
her spirit. Our thoughts now are with Terry,
“Even in the best of circumstances families
begin the difficult process of dealing with the
his family and all those who will miss Roz.
lean heavily on their funeral directors but here
grief unleashed by this tragedy.
the absence of a body to bury, families could
Image curtesy of The Herald and Weekly Times
Photographic Collection.
8
Case studies of assistance from InvoCare employees around Australia:
1) Dennis Rosa from Pinegrove Memorial Park began an appeal for donations for the
victims of the Victorian bushfire. When colleagues found out he was soon inundated
Without considering the scale of this disaster it
can be tempting to view the efforts of InvoCare
with donations both from his Memorial Park coworkers as well as from staff from
NSW Funerals.
Victoria’s staff to help those affected by the
Together they raised $750 which was matched by the management of InvoCare’s
Victorian bushfires as business as usual but
cemetery and crematoria division. All funds raised went to the Salvation Army Victorian
when one remembers that 173 people have
Bushfire Appeal.
fallen victim, that 24 regional towns have had
their hearts and their souls dragged through
hell and, with the discovery of new remains
and bodies still yet to be released by the
coroner, the enormity of the efforts of InvoCare
Victoria’s team is brought sharply into focus.
Well done to all in our Victorian team. Involve
acknowledges your efforts and we know you
have made a big difference to the families
you serve.
2) Matt Douglas, also from Pinegrove Memorial Park, is a member of the Volunteer Fire
Fighter for the NSW Rural Fire Service. With volunteer Victorian CFA fire fighters
exhausted and overwhelmed by the size of these fires Matt put up his hand to go
and help.
With his employer’s blessing Matt was deployed to Victoria for the period from the
14 – 19 of February where he and his crew made a substantial contribution to fighting the
fires along many fronts.
3) Robert Mulhall from Le Pine Funerals, Greensborough received a call from a family friend
who lost his house to the fires in the Kinglake area. He was after some spare T-shirts for
his teenage sons.
Robert, his daughter Elizabeth and his niece Lisa went one step further by using Facebook
to call for the donation of emergency relief supplies. The Mulhall family home became a
collection point as donations rolled in and Robert was tireless in his efforts to personally
delivered these goods to the families affected by the Kinglake bushfires.
There were literally dozens of ways InvoCare staff responded to this tragedy. All are to be
commended for your generosity and compassion.
Spare a thought
Fire is a terrible thing. There are
David Balfour, an ACT fire fighter who passed
to mind when we think of the personnel
industries and personnel who know
away fighting the Victorian bushfires.
exposed to the horrendous aftermaths of
this better than others.
Police and ambulance crews are usually right
events such as these.
behind their fiery colleagues. Whether diverting
I’m talking about those funeral staff who
Emergency service teams, as one would
people around areas under threat or providing
transfer human remains. To all those staff,
expect, have an understanding of its impacts.
first aid and evacuation to the injured, these
whether from InvoCare funeral homes or not,
Fire response crews, whether volunteer or
dedicated people also put themselves into
Involve acknowledges the difficult job you
professional, have to deal with it in all its
harms way. They also attend the scene long
have had to perform and thanks you for your
fury, battling to contain it so as to protect
after the destruction is over, to help identify the
strength and your courage.
unaffected areas from coming to harm and
causes of fire and to conduct the necessary
to end the threat to areas already in the
task of searching for those who could not
fire’s path.
outrun the fire.
There is another group who
For these crews there is nothing abstract
And when they locate victims of a fire, staff
don’t necessarily come
from the State Coroner’s office then arrive to
immediately to mind... I’m
about the power of fire as they see, hear and
smell its impact first hand. And sometimes
perform vital services.
they too can get overwhelmed by its raw
But at the end of all of this there is another
ferocity; a fact borne out by the sad death of
group who don’t necessarily come immediately
talking about funeral staff,”
I N V O LV E
9
Getting to know Andrew Smith
As of 1 January this year InvoCare has a new Chief Executive Officer with Andrew Smith stepping into the leadership role.
He is a familiar face around the company,
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
will have noticed significant impacts to
having held both the Chief Financial Officer
Fiji.
superannuation balances and as a result more
and Chief Operating Officer role at various
times over the past three years.
Karl Wolfenden spent some time getting to
What would you nominate as the high and
low points of your career so far?
staff are saying to me they need to work longer
before retiring. With interest rates and petrol
prices dropping and with many industries/
know Andrew a little better and shares these
High point – obviously my appointment as
thoughts with you.
CEO of InvoCare. Low point – none. I am an
optimist by nature and I treat even difficult
seeing less focus on wage increases and more
What was your first job?
times as good groundings for the future and I
focus on job security (which arguably InvoCare
have no regrets.
and our industry is well placed to offer).
Copenhagen Ice Cream Shop, the busiest in
Are you a member of any professional
Australia, for four years.
associations and what role do you see such
We are also seeing more candidates applying
Assistant at the Surfers Paradise Royal
organizations playing in the funeral industry?
What attracted you to InvoCare?
The great balance between a robust business
model and the provision of professional
services to our client families. The clincher was
the great staff in the company, many of whom
give so much back to their communities and
I’m a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Australia – as for the rest of the
question I plead the 5th amendment and say
that accountants are generally under-rated or
not well understood !
What will be your focus during the first
You might say I mystery shopped before
12 months in your new role?
accepting the CFO role at the time.
Growing our business – continually expanding
management style?
our services, improving service levels to our
are much improved than in more recent times.
Other than that, the only major negative
impact has been our pre-need funds under
management which was affected by the poor
performance of the equity markets, however,
were moved into fixed term deposits so the
volatile equity markets will not affect this side
of business as much in 2009.
client families and aggressively competing to
We are seeing many stock market investors
improve our market share.
selling their shares and investing into
Approachable, determined and fair. I enjoy
developing and mentoring people and setting
How important is staff training and
and achieving high standards.
development to your vision for InvoCare?
What excites you most about your new role?
for roles and the quality of these candidates
mid way through last year most of the funds
colleagues. I met quite a few before I joined.
How would you define your
companies retrenching staff we are certainly
Learning and Development is fundamental
to our business growth strategy – I would
InvoCare because we are seen as a “safe” or
“defensive” company in this volatile market.
Among the emerging trends in the funeral
I get to lead this great company of ours and
see our staff growing as the company grows;
industry, which offers InvoCare the best
work with fantastic people in turning our vision
succession and depth of management and
opportunity for growth?
into reality.
experience should be continuously improving.
As market leaders in both size and service,
How do you spend your leisure time?
How do you think the global financial
With family and friends; kids sport (Age
crisis will impact on InvoCare?
Manager for Athletics and Nippers) and
We are running specials for the financial
running – although this pastime seems to
services industry at the moment! Seriously
by the ABS) due to Australia’s and Singapore’s
suffer due to my increasingly time poor days!).
though, unfortunately for most of us we
ageing populations.
10
and with strong brands in our business, we
are very well positioned with the expected
increase in the number of deaths (as reported
Richard Winter, NSW Training and Development
Manager, provides training on the new NSW
regulation to some of InvoCare NSW’s most
experienced funeral directors.
New requirements: no problem
InvoCare NSW was quick off the mark in January this year, providing training to
its funeral directors and arrangers on the new funeral information standards
put in place by the Office of Fair Trading, a division of the NSW Department
of Commerce.
InvoCare is well placed to deal with changes
The main element of the Office of Fair Trading
The new Office of Fair Trading
such as this. Already an industry leader
changes is the introduction of a Basic
in the transparency of its fees, the new
Funeral Notice. This is a written notice which
requirements were quickly
requirements makes mandatory the kinds of
clients receive prior to entering commercial
turned into training sessions
disclosures InvoCare funeral directors already
arrangements. It itemises the inclusions in a
basic funeral and its costs. It also includes the
and rolled out to funeral
provide. As Australia’s largest funeral provider
InvoCare also has teams dedicated to the
estimated costs of necessary disbursements
ongoing training and development of its staff.
and the total cost of the funeral.
The new Office of Fair Trading requirements
The other elements to the new information
were quickly turned into training sessions and
standard are the provision to the client of
rolled out to funeral arrangers around the state
an itemised quote before they enter funeral
before the 1 February start date of the new
arrangements and an itemised statement of
information standards.
the goods and services provided and their
The new standards are designed to provide
arrangers around the state
costs before accepting final payment.
consumers of funeral products and services
InvoCare’s ability to respond quickly to these
with greater information about a funeral’s costs
and similar regulatory changes ensure clients
and what is included for the price before they
of our funeral brands can rely on our quotes
enter commercial arrangements.
and our compliance.
I N V O LV E
11
Italian Restaurant
4577 9797
www.windsor-riverview.com.au
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
$1.50
A good friend in the Hawkesbury since 1888
He Said, She Said tackles the topic of marriage this week – Page 12
OAM honour
PAGE 3
Term one begins
for students
“I’ve always enjoyed
participating in community
activities, especially fundraising
PAGE 6
and charity work,”
Defence Minister
drops by RAAF
PAGE 16
Families line up
for ceremony
by Amanda Perry
30 years, Mr Drew received the
EAST Kurrajong resident Allan
Drew was totally surprised and
overwhelmed when he found out
he would be receiving an Order of
Australia Medal as part of the
2009 Australia Day Honours.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all, but
I am honoured to receive this
recognition for doing something
that I’m so passionate about,” Mr
Drew (above) said.
A funeral director for the past
nity through a range of charity
and service organisations, and to
the funeral industry”.
“I’d like to acknowledge the
support of my wife Lesley and
my colleagues at Allan Drew
Funerals, especially Rob James
and Helen Hume, who have been
a strong rock for me for many
years,” Mr Drew said.
“It’s been a blessing to work
with such a great team.”
OAM
“service
to the
commu28 1 09 – Hawkesbury Gazette
– for
Allan
Drew
OAM
Mr Drew said he was originally
inspired to enter the funeral industry by his own father’s death.
“My father was an unbelievably
proud gardener, and when he
died I felt that the appropriate
place to hold his funeral was in
his garden. But back in 1980, I
found it difficult to convince a
funeral director to do it,” Mr
Drew said.
“At the time, I was working as a
real estate agent in Parramatta
and coincidentally I purchased a
property that had a funeral business attached to it.
“I ran it for a year, then sold it
and bought a real estate agency.
“But during the next year, as a
real estate agent, I arranged 100
funerals. My wife sold the houses, and I arranged the funerals.
“Not long after that a colleague
suggested I start a funeral home
in Castle Hill, which is where
Allan Drew Funerals has been
located ever since.
– Continued Page 11
PAGE INSERT
Australia Day honour for one of our 64finest
Photo: Kylie Pitt
full guide
Allan Drew, one of InvoCare’s most dedicated and long-serving funeral directors andYour
founder
of Allan
to
Tasmania
Drew
Funerals
servicing
Sydney’s
Hills
District,
was
this
year
awarded
an
Order
of
Australia
Medal
Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licenced copy
Ref: 46557494
(OAM) as part of the 2009 Australian Day Honours.
Allan Drew received his OAM “for service to the
at Allan Drew Funerals, especially Rob James
Allan’s thirty years of service as a funeral director
community through a range of charity and service
and Helen Hume, who have been a strong
has its genesis in Allan’s own experiences when
organisations, and to the funeral industry.”
rock for me for many years. It’s been a
his own father passed away.
“I was overwhelmed when I found out that I
blessing to work with such a great team.”
“My father was an unbelievably proud
would be receiving the OAM,” Allan Drew says.
Rob James, Allan’s right hand at Allan Drew
“I wasn’t expecting it at all, but I am honoured
gardener, and when he died I felt that the
Funerals praised his colleague’s commitment
to receive this recognition for doing something
appropriate place to hold his funeral was in his
to families and the local community.
garden. But back in 1980, I found it difficult to
that I’m so passionate about.”
Allan is quick to share this award with those
“Allan Drew is a highly respected funeral
convince a funeral director to do it,” says Allan.
director and we’re delighted that he’s
“At the time, I was working as a real estate
been recognised for his achievements and
agent in Parramatta and by coincidence
“In particular, I’d like to acknowledge the
his service to the funeral industry,” said
I purchased a property that had a funeral
support of my wife Lesley and my colleagues
Rob James.
business attached to it. I ran it for a year, then
who have helped him.
12
sold it and bought a real estate agency, but
“Hundreds of people started arriving from 6am
during the next year, as a real estate agent
wherever we set up the clinics, and we worked
I arranged 100 funerals. My wife sold the
all day until it grew dark. We took glasses and
houses, and I arranged the funerals.”
spectacles that had been donated to Lions
“Not long after that a colleague suggested
I start a funeral home in Castle Hill, which is
Club with us to give to people in the villages
we visited who needed them,” said Allan Drew.
Victorian General Manager, John Fowler and
Regional Managers Brian Bennett and Ashley
Crow are introduced to the new Vito van.
Mercedes are
right for the job
where Allan Drew Funerals has been located
“And I’ve just been invited to go and look at
ever since. The Drew family is very involved
rebuilding schools in Burma. There are more
in the business and will be for many years to
than 2500 that need reconstructing from
come. My daughter was even married in our
the ground up – buildings, furniture, school
beautiful chapel!”
supplies and everything.”
In addition to his work as a funeral director,
Allan has also been a Lion’s Club member for
Allan Drew has made many contributions
such as hospitals, nursing and
18 years, which includes stints as President,
to local and international communities, in
Vice President and Fundraising Director of the
residential homes, the state
particular he has been a tireless raiser of funds
Kellyville club. In November 2008, Allan was
for a number of causes as well as a frequent
elected as the Charter President of the Sydney
visitor to some of the world’s most needy
Executive Business Lion’s Club which is currently
communities where he has delivered aid and
raising funds for the Nerve Research Foundation.
assisted in numerous programs to deliver
He has also put his experience as a real
“I’ve always enjoyed participating in
acting for more than 10 years as the charity
and charity work,” Allan says.
As a Volunteer with Kenyon International (a
London-based funeral company proficient in
transfer vans, used to transport
deceased loved ones from places
medical supplies and emergency relief.
community activities, especially fundraising
InvoCare’s existing fleet of Hiace
estate agent to good use on many occasions,
auctioneer for St Gabriel’s School for the
Hearing Impaired and for asbestos campaigner
Bernie Banton’s Benefit Dinner in 2006.
Coroner’s office and public places
to InvoCare mortuary facilities will be
phased out in the coming months
and replaced with the Mercedes
Vito van.
The new Vivo’s are better able to meet the
needs of the transfer process, being easier
and safer for staff to load and unload.
Two of the new vans are already
operational in Victoria where they ably
It’s very obvious that ‘slowing down’ isn’t in the
supported staff in their efforts to deal with
vocabulary of this grandfather of eight.
the heatwave and the bushfires.
Australians killed in the Bali terrorist attack.
“It may be difficult for some people to
As Hiace vans in other states reach their
Allan held the demanding responsibility of
understand when I say this, but being a funeral
date of redundancy they will be replaced
meeting with each family and receiving the
director is one of the greatest jobs on earth.
with the new vehicle.
victims’ remains as they were returned to
The most important part of my role is guiding
Australia. He was also seconded to Phuket
people through uncharted waters and getting
after the 2004 Tsunami Disaster to support the
them to the other side in the best condition
team working to identify the deceased and
possible. It’s about helping them do what they
treat them with the respect they deserve.
need to do as a family.”
More recently, Allan returned from Cambodia
“I can honestly say that one of the only things
where he travelled with Global Aid Network,
that I regret,” said Allan Drew, “is that I have
a group of medical workers who visit
learned that Bernie Banton was one of the
remote communities in South-East Asia to
sponsors for this award. I wish he was here so
provide treatment.
that he knew I had received it.”
disaster response), Allan supported colleagues
in Bali who were repatriating the bodies of
I N V O LV E
13
Funerals team wins inaugural
InvoCare Cricket Challenge
Clean Up Australia Day, held this year on Sunday 1st March, is a fixture on everyone’s calendars but this year there was
another ‘clean up’ success story, with the InvoCare Funerals team defeating the InvoCare Cemetery and Crematoria team
by 31 runs at the Mason Park Cricket Ground Homebush.
Competition was fierce but fun for this
reschedule of a fixture planned earlier in the
year but postponed due to rain. Despite
accusations of bribery and collusion, made
only after the tongue was firmly planted in
the cheek, a great day was had by all.
Funerals Captain Aiden Nye won the toss
and had no hesitation as the darkish clouds
hovered overhead in electing to ask the
Cemetery Crematorium Team to don the pads.
Cyan blue skies appeared later in the day.
Cemetery Crematorium skipper Peter Willis
(Retired 26 runs) batted superbly, Godfrey
Solomons chipped in with a handy 24 runs,
Sanjay Bhat accounted with 13 runs not out.
Best bowler for the Funerals team was John
The victorious Funerals Team.
Ayo (2-6) The Cemetery Crematoriums finished
all out for 101.
It had been fourteen years since
the last fixture between these
two rivals but, considering how
much fun was had, it won’t be
anywhere near that length of
time before it will be on again.
Most impressive wicket celebration goes to
Daryl Kubica for his forward flip summersault;
he brought Cirque Du Soleil to the outfield and
was deserving recipient of the match ball.
After a great lunch best described as a
banquet, our thanks to Claudia Rahme and her
team of caterers (Claudia’s Family) the Funerals
strode confidently to the crease. The Funerals
The Cemetery and Crematoria team who are looking forward to the next showdown.
plundered the Cemetery Crematorium bowling
in an awesome display of batting. Shane Keir
All 24 players are to be congratulated on
(27 runs) Aiden Nye (26 runs) and Daryl Kubica
looking to see whether the Funerals team can
playing the game with good sportsmanship. It
back up the bragging rights they earned on
(25 runs) all retired, with Barry “Hammer”
had been fourteen years since the last fixture
the day.
Haining (24 not out).
between these two rivals but, considering how
Best bowler for the Cemetery Crematoriums
Ian Parker (2-14). The Funerals finished all out
for 132.
14
much fun was had, it won’t be anywhere near
that length of time before it will be on again.
The Cemetery and Crematoria team will be
A special thanks to all our sponsors
on the day: Hickey and Co, Flowers for
Everyone, Ionica Australia, JA Wales,
Capital Developments and Key Industries.
InvoCare owns and operates
12 cemeteries and crematoria
in New South Wales and
Queensland. They have a strong
local heritage with some having
been places of memories and
tranquility since the 1930s.
Those locations operating
a cemetery and crematoria
are known as Memorial Parks
and those operating only
a crematorium are called
Memorial Gardens. Both are
beautiful, tranquil and peaceful
environments where people
can reflect on a life lived.
Australia’s multicultural nature
is recognised with a range of
burial, cremation and memorial
options on offer. These include
Asian sections designed by Feng
Shui masters and the availability
Mt Thompson has the right mix of traditional garden features as well as plenty of space
Garden Awards
At the end of 2008 InvoCare awarded its Parks and Gardens Award, the
traditional prize given to the winner of the best park and garden facilities within
InvoCare group, to Queensland’s Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens located
in Brisbane.
The winner, as well as the second and third
The main criteria for the Awards are the state
place getters Newcastle Memorial Park
of the grounds but they also take into account
and Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens,
the standards and presentation of the park’s
epitomise all that these Awards seek to
offices, chapels, condolence areas and its
acknowledge: renewal, growth and care.
customer service. Achieving high marks across
These are the traits that make a garden
all these areas while catering for services
every week day and most weekends, and
of outstanding crypts, vaults and
successful not only for one season or year but
family mausoleums preferred by
for a period extending over many. These are
weather, makes achieving high accolades a
also the traits client families and visitors to any
significant achievement.
many European communities.
There are hundreds of memorial
options to reflect the needs
of each individual and suit
all budgets.
of InvoCare’s 12 memorial parks and gardens
rely on to create the perfect sense of calm
and serenity, a place where they can just be
with their thoughts and feelings for as long as
they like.
dealing with the sometimes unpredictable
2008 winner of the Awards, Mt Thompson
Memorial Gardens was always going to be
a top contender. An extensive rejuvenation
project has taken place within the park
resulting in a complete makeover of
“The beauty of our parks and gardens and the
the traditional West Chapel and to the
attractiveness of our chapels are vital,” says
contemporary East Chapel. New blood within
Andrew Smith, InvoCare’s Chief Executive
the grounds team also saw a rejuvenation of
Officer. “People attending services or visiting
the approach taken to their beautiful surrounds.
the memorials of loved ones expect to see
Mark Smith, the new Park supervisor,
pleasant and restful places. These Awards
implemented a new rockery garden and
acknowledge all the hard work that goes into
created a greater sense of openness by
meeting that expectation.”
cutting back into a major hill. He also
I N V O LV E
15
removed a potential impairment to the serenity
by filling in an old pond and laying down new
turf, turning this old feature into an extension of
the lawn area and creating a new vista within
the grounds. New memorial features were
also added to Mt Thompson’s range including
polished chair memorials.
The win by Mt Thompson broke the run
of success enjoyed by two of InvoCare’s
NSW memorial parks and gardens. Fierce
but friendly rivals, Newcastle Memorial Park
and Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens
had to content themselves with second and
third place respectively. Previously these two
locations could not be separated and were
acknowledged as joint winners of the 2007
awards. But this year’s lower finish does
not diminish at all the magnificent state of
their parklands and gardens. Instead what it
demonstrates is a commitment to constant
improvement and beauty across all of
InvoCare’s memorial parks and gardens.
“That the other parks and gardens
performance improved to a new and higher
level shows how dedicated we all are to
making the gardens look fantastic,” says
Catherine Mifsud, Family Services Manager
at Newcastle Memorial Park.
Despite the improvements across all 12 of
InvoCare’s parks and gardens Peter Willis,
Newcastle Memorial Park’s Operations
Manager, knows why Newcastle finished
so highly.
“Our overall maintenance was a lot better this
year than last year. A lot of effort went into
completing the remulching the Park, itself a
three year project. It has such a great impact
on the look of the gardens, the health of the
plants, not to mention on the water we use.
The flora at Sydney’s Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens always look fantastic
“Currently, the undisputed star of our park
are the roses. They’ve never looked better.
“We’re proud of our good performance over the
variety of native species to expand its
Their health, colour and quality gained us high
last few years and we look forward to making it
bushland gardens which look stunning all
marks. They’re a real credit to all the people
a tough competition next year as well.
year round.
“The improvements we made this year
Despite Newcastle and Northern Suburbs
included the mass planting of azaleas and
being pipped by Mt Thompson, it would be a
gardenias as an ornamental understory.
mistake to think that all of InvoCare’s memorial
We also bedded in a wide selection of rose
parks and gardens aren’t happy for their
species including low growing varieties and a
colleagues’ success. And this brings into focus
blaze of new colour thanks to burgundy ice
another reason why InvoCare holds these
berg roses.”
annual awards: inspiration.
The historic Northern Suburbs location also
For a decade now InvoCare’s Park and Garden
developed its gardens by planting a wide
Awards have recognised the dedication and
who work on them. In fact the whole Park is
tribute to their attention to detail,” says Peter.
Tom Vukelic, Operations Manager at Northern
Suburbs Memorial Gardens, knows the
competition for this year’s Park and Garden
Awards was as tough as its been for a
long time.
16
expertise of the company’s grounds staff who
design, build and maintain the picturesque
spaces that are too often taken for granted.
Along with this recognition comes an eye for
what can be done better; what improvements
were made to the parks or gardens that took
out the Award’s top places and can they
be implemented elsewhere? These are the
questions which drive the journey towards
floral perfection.
Gardens are living things that must be carefully
nurtured lest they quickly lose the principles
of design that underpin them. InvoCare has
shown its willingness to keep its grounds
staff sharp, to keep them striving towards a
perfection that might only last until another
team at another park or garden finds a new
way, a better way of presenting themselves. It
has also shown its commitment to recognising
the dedicated teams of grounds staff that work
so hard to keep the parks and gardens looking
their best.
Constant renewal, growth and care: whether
through large redesign projects such as the
one at Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens or by
the process of plant replacement and garden
redesign such as took place at Newcastle
Memorial Park and Northern Suburbs
Memorial Gardens ensures the expectations
of the visitors to InvoCare’s parks and
gardens will be met, if not exceeded, into
the foreseeable future.
Newcastle Memorial Gardens sense of space and rose beds can take the breath away
Mt Thompson strengthens ties
to neighbourhood
Last year Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens celebrated two significant milestones
but there are more on the way.
In 2008 Mt Thompson had the pleasure
of commemorating two fully renovated
and refurbished chapels which have been
incredibly well received by Mt Thompson’s
client families as well as by Brisbane’s
funeral directors.
The second milestone Mt Thompson reached
was their first place win in InvoCare’s annual
Gardens are not happy to rest on these laurels.
2009 will mark the Garden’s seventy-fifth
anniversary and the occasion will be marked
with a celebration. Also, building on the interest
in their magnificent surrounds, Mt Thompson
will be hosting an ANZAC Day service for the
first time in many years.
Park and Garden Awards for which they
“We have a memorial to returned soldiers
should be commended as the standard of
in the Garden but for a number of years
the competition was very high. But the staff
there have been services at other venues
and management at Mt Thompson Memorial
to mark this special day. Now that all
I N V O LV E
17
parts of our Garden are looking their best
It is also an opportunity for Mt Thompson to
we felt it is time to invite people back in
show its support for a range of organisations
to commemorate events of community
such as the RSL, war veteran associations,
significance,” says Jenny Bundy, Mt
war widow support networks and related
Thompson’s Family Service Manager.
groups. They also create opportunities for
At both ANZAC Day and the anniversary event
the public will be welcome to tour the gardens
and staff will be on hand to provide tours,
participation by school choirs which brings
several generations of people together to
remember these special days.
answer questions and discuss Mt Thompson’s
tradition of service to the communities that
surround it.
Sediments and compliments,
reuse of materials has an impact
“The ground staff here were the first to bring to my attention that there
was something lacking, a focal point to really make the area stand out,”
says Peter Willis, Operations Manager at Newcastle Memorial Park.
Grounds staff members Brett Lawless and Joe Griffin put their heads together to resolve this
and the result is a stunning sandstone centrepiece for the Centre Circle Rose Garden which is
directly in front of the main North Chapel.
The feature includes InvoCare’s cemetery and crematoria logo and was sculpted and painted by
Brett while Joe’s contribution was the identification of existing materials on the site that could be
used for the purpose of making the centrepiece.
‘Brett’s experience as a stone mason really came in handy and the result is great,”
Peter says.
The new addition is instantly eye-catching and has attracted a lot of mention.
“I have received very positive feedback from throughout the company, from client families and
from the visitors to our Park. I am proud of the contributions of all involved.”
18
Brett Lawless (left) and Joe Griffin (right) with the
sandstone centerpiece.
Simplicity NSW
hosts grief seminar
Providing families with a simple,
dignified, respectful and affordable
approach to arranging a funeral.
Simplicity offers:
• A simple and practical
approach making arranging
In a great initiative to share the expertise of world renowned experts in the field
of coping with grief, Simplicity NSW recently hosted a seminar in the heart of
Sydney’s CBD.
Attendees came from around Sydney to hear
boards of radio stations with callers ringing in
Chief Inspector Gary Raymond APM, OAM
for his advice whenever he appears on radio.
(Rtd) lead a discussion about this topic. Gary
Gary led a panel of leading speakers including
is a noted expert in the field, lighting up the
Liz Martin, Central Coast President of the
National Association for Loss and Grief.
a funeral an easy to
The purpose of the event was to support
understand and smooth
people who may currently be going through
process for families
grief, people who may have unresolved grief
as well as providing valuable information to
the friends and families of such people so
• Affordable and flexible options
they can better support them through their
enabling families to tailor the
difficult times.
funeral service to their needs,
The presentations delivered on the day
included:
expectations and budget
• Preparation for Grief – building knowledge
on how to prepare for grief
• Support for individuals
and communities through
Gary Raymons APM OAM (Rtd) leads the Simplicity
Grief Seminar in Sydney.
information and education
• Crisis management of grief, and
• Consequence management.
beyond the funeral service
• 43 locations throughout
Australia including the
following providers:
Reid & Boucher Funerals
Southern Cross Funerals (Vic)
Twin Town Funerals
Responses from the audience on the day was extremely positive and
included such sentiments as:
“Thank you for including me in your seminar to help me dealing with the loss of
my husband.”
“It was excellent and filled a void in the community. I am grateful to be here.”
“Very valuable for my personal situation and loss as well as how to deal with
grief when talking to families as a celebrant.”
“The seminar was far more informative and helpful than I anticipated. It
answered a lot of my questions.”
Simplicity NSW thanks all who attended and helped to make the day a success.
Values speak louder
Simplicity Funerals has embraced a new value proposition to better communicate our Australian
heritage and our commitment to service.
From now on we differentiate ourselves from others in the industry by the following:
Simply Respectful. Simply Affordable. Simply Australian.
I N V O LV E
19
Team Simplicity
SA – Bowls the
Night Owls
Simplicity Funerals Victor Harbor staff
have joined forces with their friends to
form a team and compete in the local
Victor Harbour Night Owls evening
bowls competition hosted at Goolwa
Bowling Club. This is the second year
the team has entered and with their
new outfits they are flying high in
the competition. In great country spirit, each week the Simplicity
Team donates a bottle of lovely Southern
Fleurieu wine which is raffled and shared
amongst the winners in celebration of each
Simplicity Funerals Victor Harbor Location Manager, Kaye Fletcher is leading the pack with close comrades
pictured L-R; Joe Ryan, Kevin the ‘Ring In’ Coach, Kaye and Richard Stokes.
Night Owl victory.
The team has as their sights fixed on finishing
better than they did last year when they won the
competition’s wooden spoon.
Cabinets make the most of small spaces
Not every funeral home has the luxury of enough space for a full display area to showcase their range of coffins.
Until now this has meant that some client families have not been able to gain a true sense of their full range of options.
In Sydney, where commercial rents are high and
competition for prime business sites is fierce, some
Simplicity Funerals locations face this problem.
In this environment of space restrictions yet
needing to ensure suburbs have access to
the alternatives Simplicity Funerals provides,
some locations have been constructed as
‘shopfronts’ rather than full funeral homes. This
required these businesses to think laterally about
maximising their available space.
A new solution has now come to the fore. A
coffin cabinet has been developed that allows
coffin samples to be displayed without taking
up a lot of room. Clients can now see samples
on display which accurately reflect the colour
and finish of the final product, both inside and
out, and can choose a coffin that satisfies their
search for value and quality.
These new coffin cabinets is an other way we
show innovation in meeting the needs of the
families we serve.
20
One of the newly designed coffin cabinets
Simplicity Funerals shopfront location at Ryde can
now display a wide range of coffins in a space no
bigger than a kitchen pantry.
Simon’s honour
is to be a funeral director
Simon Davidson, Regional Manager for Simplicity Funerals in Melbourne,
has been involved in the funeral industry for 20 years.
“I had a friend involved in the industry and
And so Simon interviewed for a role with
was fascinated to say the least about how the
Simplicity Funerals and, although he wasn’t
industry takes care of those that have passed
happy about his performance during the
away,” says Simon.
interview, he was lucky enough to secure
When an opening became available he
the role.
considers himself lucky enough to have
“My General Manager, John Fowler and I
gotten an interview and even luckier to be the
still laugh about it today. It was one of those
successful applicant. This led to Simon’s start
interviews you wish you could have done
in the industry with John Allison/Monkhouse
better but I was given a chance and the rest
in 1987.
is history.”
“Like all new employees I started working the
As Simplicity grew in Victoria other
transfer van then being promoted to hearse
opportunities presented themselves until today
driver then onto coach driver,” says Simon.
when Simon has achieved the position of
After 10 years doing varied roles such as
Simon at work
Regional Manager.
Arranger/Conductor Co-ordinator then being
“The scope for promotion within InvoCare
promoted to Branch Manager at the Blackburn
is something that is only limited to how
office, he needed to take a different direction
hard you are willing to apply yourself and
in life and so became involved in a family
how much you believe you can offer your
supportive partner in Amanda with three step
business which only kept him away from the
colleagues and families.”
children Monique, Aleisha, and Sharni.
funeral industry for about 12 months.
Simon at play
Simon has many interests. He is an active
“I am so proud to be involved in an industry
“I was drawn back to the funeral industry. I
member of the Carnegie Lions Club and is
where people entrust their loved ones to
knew this was the path in life I wanted to take
Safety Officer for the Victorian Drag Boat Cub
your care, and take pride in telling people
and believed I had a lot to offer, not only client
along with being a member of the local R.S.L.
just how much of an honour it is to be a
families but the Industry as a whole.”
He has two children Jack and Breeanna, a
funeral director.”
Blue Moon correction
In the December edition of Involve
Simplicity staff member Betty Gray
was incorrectly identified. Betty’s
efforts in working with Newtown’s
iconic Blue Moon festival are to be
applauded and acknowledged.
I N V O LV E
21
InvoCare has 73 traditional style
locations in Australia including
some of the oldest names in
the Australian funeral business.
Through generations of
experience in the funeral
industry, and the strong heritage
associated with our names, the
traditional style brands bring
a wealth of experience to the
arranging process. Our staff fully
Left to right: WA RSL President Bill Gaynor, NSW RSL President Don Rowe with sailors who had served on the
HMAS Sydney Jim Lavender, Neal Brown, Tom Fisher and Jack Mahney.
Purslowe Funerals helps honour
lost HMAS Sydney crew
different cultures and religions.
In 2008 one of Australia’s oldest military mysteries was solved when the wreck
of HMAS Sydney was located 150 kilometres from Shark Island off the coast of
Geraldton in Western Australia.
Staff are recognised by their
On 19 November 1941 the light cruiser Sydney
Purslowe Funerals and InvoCare were
traditional, smart attire.
was sunk after a naval engagement with the
represented at the ceremony by Purslowe
German raider, the Cormorant which was also
Victoria Park Location Manager, John Tidman.
sunk during the exchange. HMAS Sydney
It was his pleasure on the day to chauffer four
understand the requirements of
The service offered is as
professional as it is personal.
Allan Drew Funerals
went down with all hands, accounting for 645
service personnel. This is Australia’s largest
ever loss of life on an Australian warship.
veterans who had served on the Sydney.
The service was of national interest and was
attended by the Minister of Defence, Hon Joel
Allen Matthews Funerals
19 November 2008 therefore proved a
Ann Wilson Funerals
significant date, the first anniversary of the
Blackwell Funerals
sinking since the wreckage was discovered. A
Malcolm Turnbull M.P., Commonwealth
Bruce Maurer Funerals
ceremony at the Geraldton war memorial was
Governor General, Quentin Bryce and the
Canon and Cripps Funerals
held to commemorate the lost sailors featuring
WA and NSW Presidents of the RSL, Mr Bill
Chipper Funerals
the return and burial of an unknown sailor.
Gaynor and Mr Don Rowe.
Fitzgibbon M.P., Leader of the Opposition
Christian Funerals
David Lloyd Funerals
Drysdale Funerals
George Harnett Funerals
Guardian Funerals
Hansen & Cole Funerals
J&C Hardy Funerals
JW Chandler Funerals
Le Pine Funerals
Metropolitan Funerals (NSW)
Northern Rivers Funerals
– Byron District Funerals
– Casino Funerals
– Kevin Geaghan Funerals
– William Riley & Sons Funerals
Oakwood Funerals
Purslowe Funerals
Somerville Funerals
Tobin Brothers Funerals (ACT)
Universal Chung Wah/ Funerals of Distinction
22
Serving naval personnel carry the body of an unknown sailor.
Vicki Pilgrim Guardian Pre-need Consultant Gold Coast , with our African Drumming Duo
Somerville Funerals keeps the candle lit
It can sometimes happen that what was once a burning issue dims in the mind as time goes by. Jenny Crewes, Manager
of the Somerville Funerals home at Southport noticed that this was happening to the topic of AIDS and HIV awareness
on the Gold Coast.
“In 2006 we noticed an absence of activities
presented a powerful DVD of images from
After the service, Somerville Funerals staff
to mark this important day. We knew
his home country.
served complimentary refreshments on the
instinctively that there would be people who
would appreciate a night of remembrance,”
says Jenny.
Other guest speakers generously shared their
time to raise public awareness about HIV/
AIDS, retelling the stories of the lives of people
alfresco terrace, adjacent to the chapel.
Refreshments included freshly brewed
Ethiopian coffee, in honour of Mr Fekadu.
This resulted in Somerville Funerals hosting
they personally knew who died in the early
The team at Somerville are keen to
a memorial service on World Aids Day on
years after the appearance of this disease,
remember World Aids Day every year, and
December 1 2007 which attracted a large
sharing with a younger generation stories of
hope to keep this as an annual event on
audience. Encouraged by this success Jenny
discrimination and prejudice that were too
their community calendar.
and her team once again held a service to
often the sad and unhappy experience of
mark the occasion in 2008.
people who first contracted the virus in the
2008 was the twentieth anniversary of the
1980’s and 1990’s.
instigation of World AIDS Day. It was a time
An evening of music then followed including
to reflect on the toll AIDS has had around the
performances from former principal with Opera
world as well as to remember those affected
Australia, renowned singer Kathleen Procter-
by AIDS in Australia.
Moore. African musicians Gordon Iyere, from
The guest of honour at this year’s service
was Mr Tewordros Fekadu from Ethiopia.
He shared his experiences of life in a country
where many thousands of people each
year lose their life to HIV/AIDS. He also
Nigeria and Carlos Salisu from Sierra Leone,
brought the sound of African drumming to
the gathering, while blues and jazz were
contributed by Frederic Harrop and Jacob
“The Young Michael Buble” Davis respectively. Mr Tewordros Fekadu lights the first candle in
memory of all those around the globe who have
died from HIV/Aids.
I N V O LV E
23
George Hartnett
Funerals gives
cue to actors
Brisbane production company,
Two Little Indians, called on George
Hartnett Funerals to assist with props
and technical expertise while filming
their latest production, a short film
entitled “A Grey Eulogy”.
A coffin, uniforms and a hearse were made
available to the production, along with two staff
members, Shared Services Supervisor Paul
Kelly and Funeral Director Howard Baker.
The story revolves around a young autistic
woman who has lost her mother suddenly in
tragic circumstances and is left with a family
who wants her institutionalized. The film is
shot inside and out of the church on the day
Howard Baker (left) and Paul Kelly (right) celebrate at the opening night of the film with leading lady
Jacki Mison.
of the funeral.
The expertise of George Hartnett Funerals
staff was called on when it became evident the
extras used in the production were struggling
The fifteen minute film will tour the major film
festivals around the world to showcase the
talent of director Tori Garrett. Leading lady
The expertise of George
Hartnett Funerals was called
Jacki Mison can be seen playing roles on local
on when it became evident the
television drama series.
extras used in the production
was also sought as to where the priest should
Paul and Howard who are credited in the film
be at this time and just how the scene should
still work for George Hartnett while Hollywood
were struggling
be shot.
reviews their work.
in a scene where a coffin had to be turned and
pallbeared out of the church. Technical advice
Le Pine drives the production
Le Pine Funerals has helped a local production achieve authenticity by
donating a funeral hearse and driver for the shooting of some scenes in
the upcoming production, “Animal Kingdom”.
Le Pine Funerals has helped a local production achieve authenticity by donating a funeral hearse
and driver for the shooting of some scenes in the upcoming production, “Animal Kingdom”.
A suspenseful crime thriller, Animal Kingdom tells the story of 17 year old J, as he navigates his
survival amongst an explosive criminal family and a detective who thinks he can save him.
The production brings together a wealth of talent including writer/director by David Michod, Guy
Pearce, Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Luke Ford and Jacki Weaver. But the production would
not have been complete without the Le Pine Funerals hearse and its driver Phil Vincent who,
naturally, is at home amongst such talent.
Financed by Screen Australia, the New South Wales Film and Television Office, Film Victoria,
Porchlight Films and Showtime PMP, look for it at a screen near you.
24
Phil Vincent and Rod Ferris prepare the Le Pine
hearse for its starring role.
Daisy
the Clown
Kaye Kirby, Location Supervisor of
Somerville Funerals Robina on the
Gold Coast, is rolling out a program
of visits to local nursing homes which
provide the diversional therapists on
site with an activity that bring smiles
to the faces of their high care residents.
Many of the older residents in nursing
homes are very fragile or unable to leave
their beds, and cannot join in the usual
activities arranged by the diversional
therapists. Kaye dons her costume and
face paint as “Daisy”, and visits each room
George Hartnett Funerals Darra Location Manager, Russell Monteith and guests inspect the new booklets
with a bright hello and a gift of a crepe
paper flower. Daisy has a chat with each person which
George Hartnett Funerals
speaks a new language
definitely lifts their spirits with the bright
colours of her outfit, cheery manner and
pretty floral gift.
Word on the Gold Coast has spread quickly,
Responding to the changing demographics of its community, George Hartnett
Funerals in Darra Queensland has launched Vietnamese translations of its
‘Personal Information Guide’ and ‘All You Need To Know About Funerals’ booklets.
and Kaye is receiving phone calls from
nursing homes who have heard of this
service. She now has regular bookings far
in advance. On Tuesday Feb 17 eighty Vietnamese community leaders came together at the Que Huong
Vietnamese restaurant in Darra for the launch of the new booklets, translated into Vietnamese
by George Hartnett Funerals staff member Sonny Nguyen.
The launch event was hosted by George Hartnett Funerals regional manager Mark Carey and
staff members Russell Monteith and Sonny Nguyen. All who attended enjoyed a banquet of fine
food and good company.
The hosts received comments that this was
the first time a private company has bothered
to create information books for Brisbane’s
Vietnamese community who until now were
without information to help them understand
the funeral process and record information to
assist their families in the future.
The translated Personal Information Guide and All You
Need To Know About Funerals booklets
Daisy at a recent visit to Villa Serena in Robina
with Villa staff members, Jodie Jung (left) and Lyn
Barnett (right).
The hosts received comments
that this was the first time a
private company has bothered
to create information books
for Brisbane’s Vietnamese
community
I N V O LV E
25
Historic find comes about
because of David Lloyd
When it was brought to the attention of Simon Adam of David Lloyd Funerals that
the funeral pall used by the Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle was in need of
restoration, he offered to restore it.
“It was not surprising that the funeral pall has lost
its full glory, it has been in constant use for more
than 80 years,” says Simon Adam.
A funeral pall is a traditional element in funeral
services where it is draped over the coffin while
certain elements of the funeral service are
carried out. It is generally a black cloth of heavy
fabric and can be ornately embroidered with
crucifixes, other religious symbols and passages
from the Bible.
Individual palls are sometimes prepared for
the funerals of high Church officials and for the
funerals of other notables however, Newcastle’s
Christ Church once stunning pall is available on
an egalitarian basis for all funeral services.
Simon’s offer was gratefully accepted by the
Cathedral’s Dean and so began a long search
for artisans skilled enough to take the job
on. International Conservation Services were
eventually located and engaged to restore
the pall.
“As you would imagine, the restoration was quite
extensive and they have done a superb job. It
involved restitching part of the Latin inscription
around the edge of the pall, inserting a backing
to prevent fraying of the silk brocade and gold
fringing, and then completely relining the pall.”
It was during all this that the historic find
was made.
“But what was really interesting was the exciting
discovery the conservators made during the
restoration. While restoring the lining they
discovered a panel inside the pall containing the
signatures of the nuns who originally stitched and
embroidered the pall at an Anglican convent in
London early last century. Until now, nobody had
any idea this historical artefact was contained
inside the pall.”
From left to right: David Lloyd staff members: Anne
Happlewhite, Tony Yen, Terry Smith, Simon Adam
and David Happlewhite stand with the restored pall.
The newly restored pall was presented back to
the Very Reverend Graeme Lawrence OAM of
Christ Church Cathedral at an Evensong service.
Thanks to David Lloyd Funerals restoration the
funerals held at the Cathedral will once again be
accompanied by the full splendor of this stunning
funeral pall.
From left to right: David Lloyd staff members:
Anne Happlewhite, Tony Yen, Terry Smith, Simon
Adam and David Happlewhite stand with the
restored pall.
Many South Australian football fans rate Don
as the best and most spectacular aerialist our
game has ever seen. He thrilled many with these
spectacular exploits. Despite all of his successes Don
remained a true gentleman of the sport, a trait for
which he is to be greatly respected and admired.
Fans pay tribute
at funeral
Throughout his distinguished career which
spanned from 1954 to 1970, he amassed a total
of 284 games for the North Adelaide Football
Club and represented South Australia on 16
occasions, winning All-Australian selection in
the 1961 Brisbane Carnival.
On Friday January 9 2009 Blackwell
Funerals Prospect conducted the
funeral of South Australian football great
Don Lindner. Don passed away on New
Years Eve, his passing taking away
one of the State’s most decorated and
popular Australian Rules footballers.
As further evidence of Don’s enormous football
talents, he was awarded the highest possible
honour that can be bestowed upon South
Australian footballers when he won the 1967
Magarey Medal. His club, North Adelaide, named
him as its vice-captain in its 1901 – 2000 Team
of the Century and in 2002 the South Australian
National Football League paid Done the ultimate
tribute by honouring him with inclusion in its
inaugural Football Hall of Fame.
26
Don Lindner was a giant, both on and off the
sporting arena and his fans were privileged
to have been part of his incredible sporting
talents and his life. Blackwell Funerals Prospect
considers it an honour to have served his family
during this time.
The service was held at the Immanuel College
Chapel in the Adelaide suburb of Novar Gardens
and the cortege proceeded through lined streets
to the cemetery by way of the Prospect oval
where Don played many a game.
Farewell Champ. You will be remembered.
Photographs courtesy of The Adelaide Advertiser.
White Lady’s Christmas tradition
For over ten years now White Lady branches around Sydney and Newcastle have
held Christmas memorial services at venues such as local churches and also at
White Lady’s own chapels.
“We understand Christmas can be a very difficult
time of year for anyone who has lost someone
close to them,” says Juliette Frame, NSW
Regional Manager for White Lady Funerals.
And over this stretch of time White Lady
White Lady Funerals and
Funerals Christmas memorial services have
Mareena Purslowe & Associates
loved ones to deal with the feelings of loss that
become a meaningful way for those missing
are staffed entirely by women
can sometimes arise at Christmas.
bringing a refreshing, modern
Yet apart from the significance these events
touch to the funeral industry.
important to the White Lady staff around New
have for those who attend, they are also just as
White Ladies help light memorial candles at a
Christmas service
South Wales who host them.
They:
“Our staff consider it an honour to have the
opportunity to host events like these. It is one
• Uniquely feature all female
staff, elegant white uniforms
with burgundy hats and a fleet
of white vehicles
of the chances we have throughout the year to
give back something to the families we serve
and to the larger community,” says Juliette.
One of the features of these services that
families often take great comfort from is the
delivery of one of a series of short presentations
• Offer funeral services for those
who want greater diversity
on topics such as remembering loved ones.
These presentations are delivered by trusted
local speakers who donate their services.
in honouring the life of
The memorial services are performed in a very
a loved one
uplifting way, emphasizing the love held for
• Reflect an eye for detail as
all family members and for the many family
traditions that often take place at Christmas. The
singing of traditional carols while remembering a
they draw on a loved one’s life
loved one is a very special way of including their
to personalise arrangements
memory at this significant time of the year.
as well as producing
Doves are released at a White Lady Christmas
memorial service
One of the reasons why White Lady Funerals
in New South Wales have been holding these
attendance cards and
events for so long is the many sincere words of
memorial books and providing
thanks they receive from the people that attend.
memorial candles to families
“Whether its about the uplifting service, the
at the end of the service
musical performers who help the memorial that
Butterflies are released at another White Lady
Christmas memorial service
presentations or about one of the talented
little bit special, those who attend always leave
• Provide an after service
care that is second to none
throughout the White Lady
Funeral homes Australia wide
feeling a little bit better about the Christmas
celebrations to come,” says Juliette.
Well done White Lady New South Wales. It’s no
wonder these services have become a regular
date in the calendar of many of the families
White Lady Funerals serve.
I N V O LV E
27
Anne Giorgio, two decades of service
March 20 2009 marks Anne Giorgio’s 20th year with InvoCare, most of those with White Lady.
Starting with Metropolitan Funerals in Sydney in 1989 Anne worked as location manager at both the Burwood and the
Bankstown branches before switching over to the well regarded ladies only funeral provider, White Lady Funerals at
Bankstown. Anne is the longest serving White Lady staff member.
“Those early days with White Lady were
immensely challenging as all the ladies were
required to develop their skills in every aspect
of the funeral process including trimming
caskets, attending funerals, mortuary work
and arranging funerals,” says Anne.
She found these experiences from the early
part of her career invaluable to her ongoing
success with the company.
Anne spent many years at the Bankstown
location, growing the business and making
deep connections with the community.
“Anne achieved substantial growth for the
business in her time at Bankstown. She
is well respected for her knowledge and
experience in the area of Italian funerals and
has been an integral part of training new staff
in this important area of our business,” says
Juliette Frame, Regional Manager White Lady Funerals, NSW with Anne Giorgio, Location Manager, White Lady
Funerals Five Dock and Vanessa Reeves, Area Manager White Lady Funerals celebrate Anne’s 20th Anniversary
with the company.
Juliette Frame, Regional Manager NSW White
Lady Funerals.
Funerals Anne, with her experience with the
colleagues and then with a six week break to
Anne will tell you that she has thoroughly
Italian community was appointed as Location
enjoy time with her family and friends.
enjoyed her time with InvoCare
Manager. Under Anne’s management the
and appreciates the support and
location has had two very strong years,
acknowledgement that she has received
testament to Anne’s focus and passion for
over her time with the company.
helping client families.
In 2007 when Dignified Funerals at Five Dock
Anne’s anniversary with the company was
was redeveloped into a branch of White Lady
celebrated by a luncheon with her White Lady
Congratulations Anne, we wish you the very
best for 2009 and for the years ahead.
A thousand to a decade
Judith John joined White Lady Funerals, Queensland in early 1999 and now
celebrates 10 years of service with the company. She also passed another
significant milestone when she recently arranged her 1000th funeral which
equates to a lot of satisfied client families.
Drawing from the people skills she developed as a teacher, counsellor with the Nursing Mothers
Association and from many years of volunteer work with her children’s schools, Judith feels her
role as a funeral director is a culmination of many aspects of her life. Her motto is “There are no
ordinary people in the world. Everyone is special in some way.”
Judith John
28
Congratulations Judith and we look forward to your next decade and your next one thousand
arranged services.
White Lady school recruits from left to right Debra Hawkey, Janet Pink, Leandra Nixon, Tracey Wood and Nicolette Bennett
Planning to be better in school
In February White Lady Funerals NSW held a planning workshop attended by
regional, area and location managers and supervisors. The workshop engaged
the team and provided data to allow the development of action plans addressing
issues of key brand messages, brand awareness, service delivery and staffing.
The workshop is an excellent example of a
However, in readiness for five new White Lady
great team of women coming together to plan
recruits appointed in February, White Lady
and work towards mutual goals.
school has been officially implemented with
A group SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses,
great results to date.
opportunities and threats) analysis identified
The school’s curriculum inserts training
a large and diverse range of items for the
ladies to consider. The one which created the
most discussion was the concept of a White
Lady School to assist in ensuring a smooth
transition into the White Lady Funerals team
for new recruits.
Outcomes of the planning day have been
modules into InvoCare’s already
comprehensive induction program. Long
serving and experienced White Ladies share
their experience and industry knowledge
throughout the course which has been an
invaluable asset to the school.
For the future the concept of the White Lady
school will be expanded to become the
Both the planning day and the school are
“Centre of Excellence” for all things White Lady
regional managers and area managers meeting
exciting projects for White Lady NSW’s
and will be a vehicle to engage experienced staff
quarterly to measure the success of the plan.
senior team.
and drive the business forward.
integrated into a two year action plan, with
I N V O LV E
29
White Lady
remembers
the roses
Thanks to White Lady Essendon an
aged care facility in Melbourne’s west
was able to treat residents during a
Saint Valentine’s Day celebration.
This is the second year St Bernadette’s
Aged Care Facility in North Sunshine held
a Valentine’s Day event. St Bernadette’s
Activities Co-ordinator, Liezl Fusato has
found that it is a good excuse to get
spouses, carers, family and friends along for
an afternoon of entertainment, dance and
refreshments, making it an enjoyable for the
senior citizens.
Liezl invited Leanne Douglas from White
Lady Funerals to participate in the event.
General Manager Andrew Hogan presents Professor Constable from Lions with some of the first
glasses collected.
“I wanted to find a company that involves
women and plays an active role in the
community. White Lady Funerals does
exactly that,” says Liezl.
Given Valentine’s Day’s romantic reputation,
White Lady’s contribution to the occasion
was a gift of long stem roses that Leanne
Seeing a way to help others
Mareena Purslowe & Associates, along with their sister and brother brands
within InvoCare Western Australia’s operations, have partnered with the Lions
International Save sight foundation.
Douglas handed out on the day.
“The roses were a real highlight for the ladies
The program involves collecting and redistributing
points for the donated glasses. These are then
of St Bernadette’s,” says Liezl.
eyeglasses, recycling them for use by sight-
presented to the Lions for them to sort and
impaired people in developing countries.
transport to places all over the world.
range of ways. Making Valentine’s Day special
Families using Mareena Purslowe & Associates
In launching the program, General Manager
again for the residents at St Bernadette’s is
are encouraged to donate the deceased’s
Andrew Hogan delivered three boxes
just one way we show this commitment.
used eye glasses. It is a novel way to reuse
of glasses to Professor Constable who
glasses which otherwise would be thrown
expressed his appreciation that Mareena
away and, for some families, it is a way that a
Purslowe & Associates and InvoCare’s other
possession of their loved one can bring quality
funeral homes were supporting the Lions program.
White Lady Funerals looks after its families in a
of life to another person who truly appreciates
the gift of sight.
Our Western Australian client families now
Mareena Purslowe & Associates looks forward
to a long and fruitful association with this
important Lions initiative.
receive a brochure outlining the purpose of
the program as well as how they can help.
Mareena Purslowe & Associates locations and
other InvoCare funeral homes act as collection
It is a way that a possession of their loved one can bring quality of
Sweethearts at St Bernadette’s receive roses on
St Valentines Day .
30
life to another person who truly appreciates the gift of sight.
Mareena Purslowe & Associates staff at Subiaco review the program for the seminar.
Mareena Purslowe & Associates
helps families cope with a difficult time
The first Christmas following the loss of a loved one can be a very difficult time for many of our client families. To offer
support at this season the Mareena Purslowe & Associates team invited the families they have served during the past year
to attend a Christmas memorial gathering.
At the gatherings, InvoCare State Training
an understanding of grief and practical
remain for a “cuppa” and chat. This gave
Manager for Western Australia, Allan
suggestions of appropriate ways to celebrate
attendees the chance to talk with other families
Anderson presented a program on “How
Christmas following a loss.
that are going through similar feelings of grief,
to cope at Christmas”. This program offers
This year families gathered at the Willetton
and Subiaco locations. At the conclusion of
One of the comments passed on to Mareena
the presentations an opportunity to make the
Purlsowe & Associates staff during this
occasion meaningful as well as informative
informal stage of the evening was this:
was offered. A commemorative Memorial Heart
“Thanks for tonight. I now feel as though I will be
with the name of the person that has passed
able to be a part of Christmas rather than just
away was placed on the chapel’s memorial
wanting to run away and hide.”
Christmas tree and families are invited to light
a memorial candle.
Allan Anderson presents “How to cope at Christmas”
at Mareena Purslowe & Associates in Subiaco.
loss and dislocation.
The sentiment is typical of the comments
Allan and the ladies at Mareena Purslowe &
One of the highlights of the gathering
Associates receive following the hosting of
happened after all the formal aspects of the
evenings such as this.
evening were over and guests are invited to
White Lady new location opens
on Central Coast
Deepening its relationship to the families on the New South Wales Central Coast, we are pleased
to announce the opening of the new Charmhaven location.
Involve looks forward to bringing you news of their successes and community activities in the
upcoming editions.
New White Lady Funerals location at Charmhaven on
New South Wales Central Coast
I N V O LV E
31
Newcastle Memorial Park’s new sandstone centrepiece
Involve welcomes your contributions:
Locked Bag 8000, Crows Nest NSW 2065
or fax to: 02 9459 3906
or email: kwolfenden@invocare.com.au
© Invocare Limited ABN 42 096 437 393