Involve Issue 24 - January 2012

I N V O LV E
INVO
ISSUE 24 January 2012
Lakeside’s breakthrough win
Australasia
A word from the CEO
InvoCare is publicly listed on
the Australian Stock Exchange
and is the largest provider of
funeral services in Australia,
Singapore and New Zealand.
Our philosophy is:
s TODEMONSTRATETHEHIGHEST
degree of professionalism
while assisting client families
at a pivotal time in their lives
s TOEXERCISERESPONSIBILITYASAN
industry leader by setting high
standards of service, safety
and fair business practice
s TOINCREASEINVESTOR
value through sound
fiscal management and
corporate development
We are committed to helping our
local communities; offering personal
attention and demonstrating
this commitment to the families
we are privileged to serve.
invocare.com.au
2011 was another positive and
successful year for all of our operating
divisions who have delivered excellent
customer service to families in Australia,
New Zealand and Singapore.
The merging of InvoCare’s and Bledisloe’s
operations was 2011’s most significant
focus. I have had the pleasure of travelling
to many Bledisloe locations in both Australia
and New Zealand, and I must say just how
impressive these operations are. I have also
been extremely impressed by the ethos I
have seen in both InvoCare and Bledisloe
staff as the process of integration continues.
There is still a way to go but I feel confident
that all of our staff are up to this challenge.
Our expanded size means we have been
able to take our high standards of care
and service to more families than ever
before. This high standard continues to
be acknowledged in the letters, emails
and web posts we regularly receive from
those we have been privileged to serve.
InvoCare is now the undeniable industry
leader in funeral and related services across
the Asia-Pacific. We have 14 cemetery
and crematoria locations that are, without
argument, some of the most beautiful in the
southern hemisphere. We have almost 250
funeral home locations, including some of
the region’s most historic as well as its most
innovative and modern providers of funeral
services. We have 1,500 of the best trained
and most dedicated staff; all of which stands
us in good stead as we get ready for 2012.
We have also enhanced our business in
other ways. We have continued to open new
locations, including Guardian Funerals (Bondi
Junction, NSW), Simplicity Funerals (Gawler,
SA) and a dual branded location with David
Lloyd Funerals and White Lady Funerals
(Belmont, NSW). We have also continued to
enhance our product ranges, with LifeArt Coffins
continuing to increase its production and now
also providing portrait art for funeral services.
InvoCare’s ability to provide families with digital
services has also been enhanced. In some of
our chapels we have begun offering families
the option of web streaming the funeral
service so that they can share the experience
with those who cannot attend. Thanks to our
relationship with heavenaddress.com, we
can now print a QR (Quick Response) code
on Orders of Services and other stationery. A
QR code can be read by a smart phone that
will then take the user directly to the correct
online memorial page. InvoCare will continue
to enhance our range of digital services.
A trial will take place in Q1 of 2012 at
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens which
will significantly enhance the delivery of a
funeral service and post-funeral reception.
In addition we will be introducing tablet
technology to provide a more visual approach
to the funeral arrangement process.
I am also pleased to announce that the
InvoCare Board has appointed Ms Aliza
Knox as a non-executive Director. Aliza is the
Managing Director of Google Asia-Pacific’s
Online Sales Group since 2007. Aliza’s
expertise in both the online arena and in
business development in the Asia-Pacific
region will be invaluable as InvoCare expands
its business channels and services.
2011 was also an opportunity for InvoCare to
increase our support for national organisations
such as Alzheimer’s Australia, the Australian
Chinese Charity Foundation, Catholic Mission,
Legacy, Lions Clubs, the RSL, Rotary and
the Salvation Army. InvoCare is extremely
proud to partner with these organisations
which provide much needed services
and support to communities in need.
Across all of our operations our funeral
homes and cemeteries and crematoria have
supported countless worthwhile causes,
clubs and campaigns. I congratulate
all of our staff who have made such a
difference in their local communities.
Finally, a huge thank you to all our staff and
key stakeholders who have helped to make
2011 another successful year for InvoCare. I
trust you had a safe and enjoyable Christmas
and I wish you all the best for the new year.
Andrew Smith
Chief Executive Officer
2
Contents
InvoCare
Simplicity Funerals
In Appreciation
4
Local Cause Inspires Art Auction
A note from HeavenAddress and Derek Goh
6
Respectful repatriations
6
Helping turn Australia yellow
on Daffodil Day
21
Sing a song
21
Strike a Pose
22
22
20
Remember the days
6
Pacific Lions
7
China’s AFL Red Demons
7
Cancer and Palliative Care research
symposium
Officer Bearers of the AFDA
7
Simplicity a ‘zoo’
23
Playing it safe
8
The Ashes and the Great Aussie BBQ
8
Simplicity joins Children’s Medical
Research Institute’s Jeans for Genes
23
Queensland’s Open Day
de-mystifies funerals
9
Contemporary Funerals
Cemeteries & Crematoria
A Filipino celebration of a soul
Lakeside’s Remembrance
Day Memorial Service
10
Relaying in the west
24
Relay for Life
25
On the track for Matthew Talbot
25
St Ives Fives
25
11
Hiram Philp’s Sunday lunch
26
Pinegrove assists local school
11
Mutual support
26
Lakeside in the winner’s circle
12
Police Service Multi Faith Dinner
26
Guardian comes to town
27
Dayboro Day
27
Silver linings create prevention
27
14
Royce Abbey Award
28
A celebration uniting All Souls
14
First annual dinner
28
Ryde Spring Garden Competition
15
Professional Year Student Award
28
Rotary service and family service
28
Special presentation for
Italian community
Apprenticeship lifts standards
to new heights
Bowling Q&A’s at the ladies
14
16
Bali Memorial Service
16
Blackwell continues its support
for the Festa
Open for a day of remembrance
16
Utensils at ten paces
29
Father’s Day celebrated
17
Korean War Veterans Memorial Reunion
30
Honouring the thin blue line
17
Victory in the Pacific
30
Launching Good Grief
30
Sticking with the masons
31
InvoCare staff at the forefront
in New Zealand
31
Whose chicken?
32
Growing season
32
LifeArt
Sponsor’s notes
18
AFDA Open Day Art Work
19
LifeArt goes A1
19
29
Volunteering Gold Coast
32
Fashions to Die For
33
Lions WA District Conferences
33
White Lady Funerals
A Melbourne Cup to remember
34
A helping hamper
34
White Lady’s insights for Qantas
35
Singing in the Rain
35
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.
To the gardeners at Newcastle Memorial Park,
Dear Kaye at Sibuns Funeral Directors, Remuera,
I would like to say Thank You for the
excellent job you do in taking great care
of the grounds. Both my parents and my
grandmother have their final resting places
with you. They were such proud people
who always loved their own gardens.
Our whole family wishes to thank you and
your team most sincerely for your wonderful
assistance, help and understanding after the
passing of our beautiful son. We could not
have gotten through this most difficult time
without your help. There is no doubt your expert
knowledge made things so much easier to
do what had to be done in a dignified way.
My sister and I are frequent visitors and I
stopped by early one morning and was
so impressed at the lovely way everything
looked. I wanted you to know how
much I appreciated your hard work.
Dear Karen at Mt Thompson Memorial
Gardens,
We would like to thank you from the
bottom of our hearts for the kindness and
compassion you showed us when we came
to discuss memorial arrangements.
Your patience, sensitivity and guidance made
an overwhelming time so much easier for us.
Kaye, you have done our family a great service.
Thank you again.
We were very happy with the beauty and
simplicity of the ceremony to lay the ashes.
Thank you for being there with us.
From Jennifer, Newcastle.
Kindest regards,
James and Barbara, Auckland.
We cannot imagine anyone being more
suited to such a position than you.
To Bruce, Hannah and Lynn at Elliotts
Funeral Services, Tauranga,
Dear Bruce and team at Vospers Funeral
Home, New Plymouth,
Yours sincerely,
Marj and Susan, Mansfield.
A note to say “thank you” for your
exceptional service and compassion during
what has been a difficult time for us.
Thank you both so much for all your
help last week when we lost Mum.
Dear Kay at Somerville Funerals, Nerang,
Thank you for your kindness, your professional
service and the awesome job you did on
the funeral. You took such good care of us
and looked after us. It was a difficult time,
made easier by people who understand.
The kindness and compassion you
showed us will never be forgotten. You
gently guided us through the process
and nothing was too much trouble. The
flowers and catering were also fantastic.
All the very best to you all.
Thank you,
Diane and Danielle, Tauranga.
Best wishes,
Judy, Noel, Paula, Carl and Colin, New Plymouth.
Dear John at Castlebrook Memorial Park,
Dear Simanetta at Pinegrove Memorial Park,
Thank you for your professional service and for
your help at my father’s witnessing as well.
I would like to formally thank you for
the special care you gave me yesterday
with the fixing of my father’s grave.
My family were very impressed with your basket
and flowers. Thank you very much once again.
With blessings,
Louise, Windsor.
Dear Jaine and Cheryl, Christian Funerals,
Maylands,
Thank you for the way the funeral was
conducted on Tuesday. We needed your
advice and you dealt with three strong-minded,
independent siblings very graciously.
The “I’ll walk with God” at the end of the
service was a common comment from people
and how true that was of our mother. Also
the grandchildren as pallbearers were lovely.
Thank you again,
Shirley, Bayswater.
4
My mother was very happy when I arrived
in the afternoon. I was very surprised as to
how beautiful it all looked. Thank you very
much for attending to our needs so quickly.
Kind regards,
Denise, Parramatta.
Thank you to you and your most wonderful
team for the beautiful support you gave us.
Your loving attention to detail from the time
we met you was reassuring and comforting.
I had the idea that I didn’t have to stress
about forgetting anything because you
would think of it for me. And you did.
Thank you for suggesting Dan Teka. His
participation was just perfect. All of my
uncle’s mates came up to me afterwards to
say “he would have loved that service”.
Mission accomplished! You will make many
more families’ burdens seem so much lighter in
the future.
Love and appreciation,
Deanna, Labrador.
Dear Wayne at Pinegrove Memorial Park,
Thank you for looking after our son’s grave last
week. You could never know what it meant to us.
Dear Pamela and all the wonderful team
at Christian Funerals, Maylands,
I know you didn’t have to do that for us,
but thank you for keeping your word.
Our family expresses its thanks for the
services carried out for our beloved father.
We will be forever grateful for the kindness you
have shown to us over the last six months.
We commend you on your professionalism, care
and sensitivity, and most of all, your genuine
empathy in these difficult circumstances.
Once again, thank you,
David and Lauren, Glenmore.
Regards,
Hilary, Bayswater.
In Appreciation
Dear Sharyn at White Lady Funerals, Plympton,
Just sending you a note to say thank you so
much for your wonderful assistance. You helped
me through what is a very sad time in my life.
My very first phone call to you, only a short
time after my mother-in-law passed away,
helped me to get through the rest of the
day, with me supporting my whole family.
Your guidance was wonderful and I will never
forget that. You also made our time choosing
and selecting the right requirements for the
funeral a very peaceful and easy one.
Dear Dianna and team at Guardian
Funerals, Parramatta,
Dear Sarah, Mareena Purslowe and
Associates, Subiaco,
On behalf of our family and relations, I would like
to thank you and the staff at Guardian Funerals
for the wonderful way in which you made
such a sad occasion progress so smoothly.
We just wanted to say a big thank you to
you and the other lovely ladies who were
with us yesterday for mum’s funeral.
Being a worrier, you made me feel so
much more relaxed as everything was
made so much easier by the way you and
the other staff acted so professionally.
All of our family and friends commented about the
wonderful service and care that you all showed.
Kindest regards to you always,
Sharon, Camden Park.
Thank you,
Trevor, Granville.
Dear Philip and team at Tobin Brothers
Canberra Funerals, Kingston,
Dear Simon and the team at Chipper
Funerals, Myaree,
We would really like to thank you for the
organisation and direction of the burial
and memorial service for our Mother.
Many thanks for helping us organise the
funeral for our late father. Your professionalism
and kindness to our family has truly touched
our hearts. The service at the chapel and
the burial were truly a beautiful goodbye.
The afternoon went exactly as we had
hoped and made a difficult and sad
time as easy as it could have been.
The meetings with you prior to the event went very
smoothly and it just made things so much less
difficult to have advice from someone with expertise
and experience. Everything we had planned
together was more than realised on the day.
It was a lovely way to remember the
life of our dear Mother and once again,
please accept our heartfelt thanks.
Kind regards,
John, Springfield.
Dear Sue, Hansen and Cole Funerals, Bulli,
You are such a special person and there
are no words to explain how grateful we are
to you, for all of your heartfelt help and the
attention to detail you provided us during
the most distressing time of our life.
We can only say “Thank you” and that we will
never forget you!
All our love,
Teresa and Tim, Bellambi.
Thank you again.
From Nancy, Max and Yvonne, Melville.
Dear Jaine, Christian Funerals, Maylands,
Words cannot express my deepest
appreciation for your caring and sensitive
support and help towards me during
my time of great loss and sorrow.
I will always remember you for your going
beyond the call of duty to bring me the
necessary documents at Perth International
Airport, keeping me updated and giving me time.
Your company was God appointed to help
me, and you Jaine were God chosen to
bless me and walk me through part of this
difficult journey – I thank you in Jesus.
Please pass on my appreciation of you and
your company to the appropriate people.
Blessings,
Lillyann, Morley.
Helen was just so nice driving us there and
back and you did an amazing job making it
all happen so beautifully. From the day mum
passed away and those two lovely people
who picked mum up, right through to the
service yesterday, we have felt so supported.
Mum looked so beautiful when we saw
her on Wednesday. We want to thank the
people who looked after mum and we want
to thank you for all the time you gave us
there with her, as it meant a great deal.
Thank you again for all you have done for us.
Kind regards
Lyn, Jenny and Families, Subiaco.
Dear Davina at InvoCare,
SUPPORT TO THE REPATRIATION OF
AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS WHO DIED OVEREAS
I have just been informed by my Staff Officer
of the outstanding support that you and
your company recently provided for the
repatriation ceremony for the three Australian
Soldiers who died tragically in Afghanistan.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks for
providing the funeral trolleys; it ensured that
the ceremony was completed with dignity
and respect thus allowing the Defence Force
and the families to welcome their loved
ones home. It was Major Glyn Lofthouse
who also mentioned that you obtained
the trolleys from interstate at short notice,
delivered them to RAAF Base Amberley in
time for the rehearsals and subsequent ramp
ceremony and at no cost to Defence.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Thank you again for supporting the
Defence Community Organisation
and the Defence community.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Callan, Director General,
Defence Community Organisation.
I N V O LV E
5
A note from
HeavenAddress
and Derek Goh
It wasn’t that long ago that following the
passing of his father, Derek Goh found himself
without a way to easily and in an appropriate
on-line space, share photos, music and other
reminders of his father with the rest of his
family, many of whom were living abroad.
In the moment of that need, the idea for
HeavenAddress was born and in partnership
with InvoCare, that idea has come a long way.
Earlier in 2011 HeavenAddress had its first
birthday and this is what Derek had to say to
mark the occasion.
“It’s hard to believe that HeavenAddress
has just celebrated its first anniversary of
its market launch. I am thankful to all of our
partners, affiliates, curators, families, friends
and communities for helping HeavenAddress
to become the largest and fastest-growing
online memorial community in Australia,
New Zealand and Singapore,” says Derek.
Growth has been constant, not only in the design
of the site and the growth of its functionalities,
but also pleasingly in its use by the community.
“We have received over 300,000 unique views,
meaning we have served more than 300,000
client families and friends. We have also had 1.25
million page views in total – a staggering figure
for a new online service provider,” says Derek.
“We also have more than 70 partnered brands,
including some of the most prominent and
well-respected funeral industry brands in
Australia. These brands cover almost 250
locations Australia-wide.”
But Derek is not finished yet.
“We aim to continually improve and update
our website and have several projects
currently underway which will improve our
service delivery – making InvoCare brands
more prominent and giving our clients the
best user experience possible,” says Derek.
“On behalf of the HeavenAddress team,
I thank you all for your support. I look
forward to working with you in 2012,
and for many more years after that.”
Well said Derek!
Respectful repatriations
Andrew Smith, InvoCare Chief Executive Officer,
and Steve Farquar, Qantas Airways General
Manager China, were pleased recently to
announce a Memorandum of Understanding for
repatriation services between China and Australia.
A repatriation takes place when a deceased
is transported from one country to
another so that final arrangements for a
burial or a cremation can take place.
“InvoCare has in excess of 1,500 employees
and they all share in the belief that when a
person dies, the quality of care should not
stop. The consideration and care given to
them while alive should be carried through
to the funeral and beyond, with dignity and
professionalism, “ says Andrew Smith.
“We hope this partnering will provide certainty,
care and exceptional service to families
who need it during the difficult time that
“We are looking forward to being of service
to the expat communities in China and in
Australia and providing many other specialist
and customised services to families in their
hour of need,” Andrew Smith concludes.
Andrew Smith, InvoCare CEO and The Honourable
Barry O’Farrell, Premier of New South Wales.
Remember the days
White Lady Funerals and Simplicity Funerals
in Queensland, through their association
with Guardian Plan, have collaborated on a
program with the local nursing homes in their
areas to team teenagers up with residents.
The intent is to impart to the teenagers how
times have changed within living memory
by encouraging them to talk with and write
down the memoirs of the residents.
Having grown up in Mt Morgan with her family,
Ms Schnider compared how different her
life was growing up to the youth of today.
Students from Canterbury College have been
visiting residents at the Talbarra Retirement
Community in Waterford to hear what things
were like for the residents and what they used
to do while they were growing up. The students
will then write memoirs about their new friends’
lives and present them to the residents as a gift.
“It grounded me a bit, hearing what she used
to do while she was growing up and how she
used to live. I don’t think I could have gone
back and lived like that,” says Savannah.
“The residents are very delighted when the
kids come and visit”, said Carrie Fortunaso,
Preplanning consultant at White Lady and
Simplicity Funerals.
Betty Schnider, 89, said she thoroughly enjoyed
meeting with the students.
6
The announcement of the MoU was made at a
special AustCham Beijing breakfast held recently
which was sponsored by InvoCare. Premier
of NSW, The Honourable Mr. Barry O’Farrell
was the keynote speaker at the function.
“Qantas understands that the passing of a loved
one, especially when they are overseas, is a time
of emotional difficulty and uncertainty. Qantas is
very pleased to have created a Memorandum of
Understanding with InvoCare, the leading provider
of funeral services in the Asia-Pacific region.
“The residents loved speaking to the children,
especially because some of their own grandchildren
live so far way”, Carrie went on to say.
HeavenAddress
founder, Derek Goh.
follows after the passing of a loved one,”
says Steve Farquar on behalf of Qantas.
“The students have been very lovely and well
behaved, and they are very interested in our
lives, says Betty.
“My sister and I used to play out in the dirt and
make up our own games,” says Ms Schnider.
Year 9 student, Savannah Walker, was eager
to learn more about Ms Schnider’s life, and
said she had learnt a lot from her new friend.
This joint initiative between the schools and
nursing homes has really taken off and is also
beneficial for the relationship between the
funeral brands and staff of the nursing homes.
The Library Historian from the Logan Central
Library has also requested to become
involved with the program. The library is
offering to record some of the memoirs
so that they can be kept in the library.
Officer Bearers
of the AFDA
Involve congratulates three of
InvoCare’s most experienced funeral
directors as they take up senior
positions with the Australian Funeral
Directors Association (AFDA).
InvoCare’s Davina Alston, Rhonda Milne, Annette Lourigan and Doris Zagdanski
at the Lions ANZI Pacific Forum.
Pacific Lions
InvoCare recently had the pleasure of
sponsoring the Lions ANZI Pacific Forum.
Held on the Gold Coast, more than 1,000
Lions delegates from across the Asia-Pacific
region gathered to share their successes.
The response received by those InvoCare staff
who attended from the Lions’ representatives
was both warm and genuine. The forum was an
ideal setting to talk about InvoCare’s message
of Innovation, Vocation and Care, which
has been greatly enhanced by our broader
presence across New Zealand and Singapore.
Following this successful sponsorship, there
is a renewed sense of interest amongst Lions
Clubs in finding out how InvoCare can support
them in their regular activities. InvoCare New
Zealand is in discussions with Lions Multiple
District 202, seeking to find out how it can
best support local Lions Districts and Clubs.
In Singapore, InvoCare is already working
side by side with the Lions in that country.
InvoCare looks forward to supporting the next
Lions ANZI Pacific Forum.
Doris Zagdanski, General Manager Corporate
Projects, has been appointed President
of the Queensland Division of the AFDA.
Warwick Hansen, Area Manager Guardian
Funerals, has been appointed President
of the NSW Division of the AFDA. Daniel
McKeig, Regional Manager Chipper/Oakwood
Funerals, has been appointed President of
the Western Australia Division of the AFDA.
A great number of InvoCare’s funeral
directors have been at the forefront of
the funeral industry for many years. The
achievement of being appointed President
is both an acknowledgement of this level of
experience, and is also a mark of the high
regard these funeral professionals have
amongst their peers and the community.
Doris, Warwick and Daniel join InvoCare
Victoria General Manager John Fowler as
senior AFDA office bearers. Also representing
InvoCare on industry bodies are Tony Garling,
President of the New Zealand Funeral
Directors Association and Armen Mikaelian,
who is Vice President of the Australasian
Cemeteries and Crematoria Association.
Involve wishes Doris, Warwick and Daniel
all the best in their new roles.
The China Red Demons AFL team are welcomed by Sydney’s Chinese community at a special lunch.
China’s AFL Red Demons
InvoCare was proud to be the sponsor of
the China Red Demons AFL team which
took part in the 2011 International Cup.
The International Cup aims to develop interest
and awareness of “Aussie Rules” football
overseas and amongst multicultural communities.
It also offers teams from overseas a professionally
run football league to participate in and aspire to.
2011 is the fourth year the International Cup
has taken place and the China Red Demons
did not disappoint. With an average age of 21,
the young squad comprised mostly of Chinese
nationals living in Australia and students
from China. Their combined passion for AFL
and representing their country marks a new
frontier in China’s sporting achievements.
InvoCare leapt with the Demons as they
toured New South Wales and Victoria
for the competition. The Demons were
victorious in several of their games.
Involve looks forward to tracking the China
Red Demons’ progress in the International
Cup in future years.
I N V O LV E
Top to bottom:
Daniel McKeig,
Doris Zagdanski and
Warwick Hansen.
7
Putting safety in the spotlight
Playing it safe
InvoCare went on the front foot with
a proactive safety message as part
of Safe Work Australia Week.
The winning suggestions
made during Safety Week:
Creating and maintaining a safe work
environment is everyone’s responsibility,
however initiatives like Safe Work Australia Week
provide an opportunity to emphasise the unique
requirements of safety in the context of funerals,
cemetery and crematoria activities.
NSW: Ashleigh Grigor –
Transfers Lidcombe Shared Services
s I would like to install tracking devices in our
transfer vehicles, the benefits of this would
be to keep staff and vehicles safe.
With a particular focus on slips, trips and
falls; manual handling; safe use of equipment;
fire and first aid, and conducting hazard
audits in the workplace, a series of tips,
actions and recommendations were made
to promote safety within InvoCare facilities.
A competition was also run during the
Safe Work Australia Week, creating an
incentive for staff to make suggestions
about how to improve workplace safety.
InvoCare looks forward to participating
next year in Safety Week activities both in
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
QLD: The Maintenance Team –
Toowoomba Memorial Gardens
s Remove all glass objects and trinkets from
graves and place visible signage when
equipment is operating.
SA: Monique de Leonardis – Simplicity Funerals
s To have some ‘caution – uneven surface’
signs made up with the funeral home logo
on them to be used at graveside services.
WA: Hugh Torpy – Purslowe Wangara
s Publish a chart or handout of a ’30 minute
workout’ involving exercises and stretches
that can be done daily to prepare our bodies
for funeral work.
Australian Ambassador, Her Excellency Frances Adamson with the Aussie team.
SAFE WORK AUSTRALIA WEEK 2011
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
TAS: Jackie Ellis – Turnbull Family Funerals
s Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes or a
mile in a wheelchair or on crutches and
examine just how accessible your workplace
is. Make a plus and minus list to focus on
what needs improvement.
VIC: Brian Bennett – Shared Services
s Using hovermatt technology – this piece of
equipment enables one person without effort
to laterally move a deceased from a bed or
hospital mortuary tray to our transfer trolleys.
Edward Chui presenting the Ashes Cup to Australian Captain, Tim White.
The Ashes and the Great Aussie BBQ
InvoCare recently sponsored a day out and cricket match held between staff
from the Australian and British embassies in Beijing.
The Great Aussie BBQ is already somewhat
of a tradition amongst ex-patriots living in
Beijing, and the addition of a cricket match
ensured that the food, fun and festivities on
offer were not the only attraction on the day.
up. The toss was conducted by Australia’s new
Ambassador to China, Frances Adamson. The
British “Peking Ducks” won the toss but that
was the highlight of their day. The final score
was 136-97 in favour of the Australian team.
“The Ashes” cricket series is one of the biggest
rivalries in international sport and so there was
plenty of interest when the two teams padded
The last time an “Ashes” game was played
in China was in 1974. The Australian team
were victorious then as well, however the
8
trophy had been lost. InvoCare burnt a bail in
honour of the victory and the Ashes, contained
in a new urn, have been restored to the
trophy cabinet at the Australian embassy.
Scott Strain, the British team captain and
head of the UKTI China Financial Services
Team at the embassy, said his squad hoped
the event would now be resumed annually.
AFDA funeral homes from all over Queensland
opened their doors.
Large displays of funeral products gave visitors plenty to talk about during the AFDA Open Day.
Queensland’s Open Day
de-mystifies funerals
From Cairns to the Gold Coast and then out to the west, Australian Funeral Directors
Association (AFDA ) member funeral homes across Queensland opened their doors
recently and invited members of their community to come in and learn about funerals.
While there are many modern aspects to a funeral
service, the topic is still surrounded by a lot of
misinformation, taboos and outright myths. To
improve this state of affairs Queensland AFDA
members decided to open their doors en masse.
But the opportunity to answer questions
on usually forbidden topics was too good
to pass up and so a range of special activities
were organised to add extra value to the
experience of visiting a funeral home.
There was information on road safety for
young drivers, lawyers providing estate
and other advice, information on prepaid
funerals and the pitfalls of funeral insurance,
representatives from the Public Trustee, the
RSL, Men’s Shed, Lions International and
Meals on Wheels to name only a few.
Alexandra Hills School Band played for the crowds
at the AFDA Open Day.
To keep the atmosphere casual many funeral
homes arranged for bands, sausage sizzles,
tarot readings, which proved very popular;
massage therapists and also local artists who
painted LifeArt coffins. To see the handiwork of
these Queensland artists, visit the LifeArt
section of this edition of Involve on page 19.
All of InvoCare’s funeral homes are members
of the ADFA meaning that funeral homes from
Metropolitan Funerals, Burkin Svendsens
Funerals, MacKay Funerals, City Funerals,
Sarina Funerals, Hiram Philp Funerals,
Gatton Funerals, Beaudesert Funerals,
White Lady Funerals, Simplicity Funerals,
George Hartnett Funerals, Drysdale Funerals
and Somerville Funerals all took part.
Men’s Shed were just one of the community groups
to take part in the Open Day.
The day was a huge success with many
people getting the right information on
a topic that isn’t often talked about.
Some comments given by attendees
on the day included:
s Thanks so much for an informative,
interesting and thought provoking afternoon.
s What a fabulous experience and eye
opening afternoon.
s Many thanks for such well presented and
interesting topics, and the tour of the mortuary.
s This afternoon really brought a sense of
normality to funerals. I would recommend
attending an open day to everyone.
There was plenty to prepare for the Open Day.
I N V O LV E
9
InvoCare owns and operates
14 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
of outstanding crypts, vaults and
family mausoleums preferred by
many European communities.
There are hundreds of memorial
options to reflect the needs
of each individual and suit
all budgets.
Filipino clergy and community members on All Souls’ Day.
A Filipino celebration of a soul
Pinegrove and Forest Lawn Memorial Parks celebrated All Souls’ Day
– a day that has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of worship
for many of Sydney’s Catholic communities.
Pinegrove Memorial Park celebrated All
Souls’ day for the 17th time since 1995 with
a growing number of Filipinos attending
every year. This year over 2,000 people
flocked to Pinegrove for the celebration.
All Souls’ Day is a special day for the Filipino
community to gather with their family and
friends in memorial parks and cemeteries
to reunite in a special way with their loved
ones. It is a reunion of the living and the
dead and because it is a reunion, the
Filipinos celebrate with festivity and joy.
Anne Jalando-on Louis, Filipino Consul
General was the guest of honour and
speaker at the day’s service. In her speech,
Ms Louis was impressed by the gathering,
commenting that it was the largest
10
gathering of Filipinos in an All Souls’ Day
celebration in all her foreign postings.
Anne also expressed her appreciation to
InvoCare, especially to Armen Mikaelian,
National General Manager Cemeteries
& Crematoria, for supporting a great
Filipino tradition and custom in Sydney.
Armen Mikaelian also gave a heart-warming
speech saying it was such a special day for
the Filipino community “as they celebrate it
in a unique way – a vibrant display of their
belief in immortality of the human spirit”.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park was also
attended by over 500 Filipinos. Father Nards
Mercene led the Filipino community at Forest
Lawn in a mass, prayers and blessings.
An Australian soldier places a wreath at Lakeside’s
Remembrance Day ceremony.
War widows are honoured with pink roses given by a new generation of school children.
Lakeside’s Remembrance Day Memorial Service
Each year on Remembrance Day Lakeside Memorial Park hosts an annual memorial service
to pay honour to both living members of Australia’s armed forces, as well as their fallen comrades.
This year a special and moving tribute was
included as part of the proceedings. Eleven
children from Koonawarra Public School,
each aged eleven years old, assisted in
the service. Each of the eleven children
gave dark pink roses to eleven widows of
local Returned Serviceman from WW II and
the Vietnam War. This took place after the
traditional one minute’s silence at 11.00 am.
Given that this year Remembrance Day
was on 11.11.11, the continuation of the
eleven theme was a meaningful gesture
which can’t often be repeated.
The significance of the dark pink rose is
Gratitude, Appreciation and Thanks and are
a symbolic acknowledgement of all Returned
Servicemen and women who have passed away.
The roses were also a personal gift to the women
who have supported service personnel through
all of the emotionally and physically difficult
times, during and after their service duties.
“We always remember those who gave their
life during the wars Australia has been involved
with. We acknowledge the sacrifices of the men
and women who were prepared to put their
lives on the line. We honour both those that
passed away and those that returned, living
with the effects of their experiences,” says Julie
Harvey, Family Service Manager at Lakeside.
“The symbolic presentation by the children
on behalf of all who have benefited from the
sacrifice and gallantry of our service men and
women was a moving experience,” says Julie.
Involve congratulates all who were
involved in putting on this special
Remembrance Day memorial service.
Pinegrove assists local school
Pinegrove Memorial Park, Minchinbury recently assisted a local school by
helping them to give a much needed face lift to the site in time for their
25th anniversary.
Ashley Rostron, Operations Manager and
Chyne Oliver, Park Supervisor assisted
Samuel Terry Public School to design a low
maintenance garden, donated the plants and
provided labour, tools and other equipment
for the day. Pinegrove also donated a new
memorial plaque dedicated to the first school
captain who died on his way to school.
Approximately 20 people from the
school helped out and after 5 hours of
hard work, the task was complete.
Samuel Terry Public School was very
appreciative of the support, both
financial and design and planning.
The finished garden at Samuel Terry Public School.
I N V O LV E
11
Lakeside Memorial Park dresses for spring with lots of colour.
Lakeside in the winner’s circle
Lakeside Memorial Park has emerged as the victor for the first time ever
in InvoCare’s hotly contested Annual Park and Garden Awards.
Lakeside swept aside all competition this
year, winning the prize in the Best Overall
category. This result is testament to the
dedication of all in the grounds team at the
location, and also to the leadership provided
by Operations Manager, Bruno Kuehne.
Together with his dedicated grounds team,
Bruno has been working closely with the
local community, with local funeral directors
and with a range of other stakeholders
to ensure that Lakeside is able to service
the needs of the growing Illawarra area.
Bruno’s ability to support these community
stakeholders has resulted in a range of
new park additions and deeper ties to
the communities served by Lakeside.
Over the last few years there has been a
spate of recent developments that attracted
the eye of award judge and former InvoCare
Chief Executive Officer, Richard Davis.
This includes the Our Lady of Graces Crypts,
the creation of memorial areas dedicated to the
area’s Croatian, Polish and Serbian residents,
special memorial areas for those who have
served in the armed forces, the commissioning
and blessing of the sculpture, “Altos and
Sopranos”, by world renowned artist, Charles
Billich, and more recently the completion of
stage 5 of Giovanni Battista Scalabrini Crypts.
But it is not only Lakeside’s facilities that
attracted the judge’s attention. Through a
series of regular events, Lakeside Memorial
Park has become a focal point of
Over the last few years there has been a spate of recent
developments that attracted the eye of award judge and
former InvoCare Chief Executive Officer, Richard Davis.
12
community celebrations. For more than twenty
years, Lakeside has hosted a well-attended
Remembrance Day event, but it now also
hosts All Souls’ Day services and helps honour
Italian, Polish and Croatian Feast Days. The
Park also plays host to gatherings of veterans
to honour VP Day (Victory in the Pacific Day)
and to mark the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
The challenge of supporting these events while
at the same time maintaining the grounds
and completing memorialisations is one that
Lakeside’s grounds team has risen to.
The annual awards have been running for
more than a decade and are an important
part of the recognition given to the ongoing
growth and development of both gardens and
facilities. Other locations to be acknowledged
The Croatian section within the grounds of Lakeside Memorial Park features
‘Altos and Sopranos’.
in the 2011 Park and Garden Awards were
Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens (Best
Crematorium), Lake Macquarie Memorial
Park (Best Cemetery and Crematorium)
and Pinegrove Memorial Park (Most Improved).
Also of note in this year’s awards was the
inclusion of InvoCare’s two newest cemetery
and crematoria locations, Toowoomba
Memorial Park and Great Southern
Memorial Park. Involve looks forward to
tracking the success of these new locations
in future Park and Garden Awards.
While deserving congratulations go to all the
winners, it must be noted that all of InvoCare’s
Parks and Gardens regularly receive high praise
from the families and communities they serve.
I N V O LV E
13
Special presentation for
Italian community
A celebration
uniting All Souls
Lakeside Memorial Park recently hosted a special presentation
of the stage 5 Giovanni Battista Scalabrini Crypts.
As part of their commitment to
supporting the Hills District community,
Castlebrook Memorial Park and Allan
Drew Funerals recently hosted an All
Souls’ Day Service.
This exciting new complex has been under
construction and eagerly awaited by the
Illawarra Italian community for 18 months.
The naming of the complex came as a
result of a competition within the local
Italian community. InvoCare invited the
community to submit preferences for
consideration and the final name was
revealed at the special presentation.
All Souls’ Day, which falls during November,
the Month of Souls in the traditional Catholic
calendar, is an occasion for blessing the
spirits of loved ones who have passed away.
“We’ve been holding an All Souls’ Day
Service for a number of years and it’s
become quite a tradition with local
families, many of whom attend year after
year,” says John Lazanas, Family Service
Manager, Castlebrook Memorial Park.
Some members of the Italian community
were moved to tears by the beauty
of the crypts. For families who have
prearranged memorials within the complex,
the completion of the crypts provides
them with great peace of mind.
The feedback from the preview was
wonderful and the management and staff
are proud to have had the opportunity to
highlight this beautiful and grand addition to
Lakeside’s grounds which have enhanced
its ability to service the local community.
“The location of the service is particularly
important for families whose loved ones’
memorials are located within Castlebrook’s
grounds,” John continues.
Illawarra Italian community members visit the
Scalabrini crypts.
Apprenticeship lifts standards
to new heights
Lakeside Memorial Park, Wollongong
has created an opportunity for
several grounds staff to participate
in a four year landscaping and
horticulture apprenticeship.
This joint venture between InvoCare,
Australian Business Limited and Active
Training is benefiting staff and visitors
through the wide range of skills gained
via the apprenticeships.
The apprenticeship is a wonderful chance
for outdoor staff to learn and apply new
skills to their everyday tasks on the cemetery
grounds. It not only helps staff to keep
up-to-date with landscaping and horticultural
practices but also lifts the standards
of service delivered to park visitors.
14
Following the opening hymn, attendees
heard readings from the Book of Isaiah
and the Letter of St Paul to the Romans,
both undertaken by Brother Louie from
Our Lady of the Rosary in Kellyville.
Local singer Eileen McCann performed
a number of songs.
“All Souls’ Day and prayers for loved ones
who have passed away are a ritual within
the Catholic and Protestant faiths, and
also provide the opportunity for families
and friends to support each other while
remembering those we have lost,” said Allan
Drew of Allan Drew Funerals, Castle Hill.
Over 220 people attended this wonderful event.
The apprenticeship includes workplace
OH&S procedures, implementing a landscape
maintenance program, participation in
workplace communications, implementation
of plant nutrition and plant establishment,
establishment of a turfing program, as well as
the creation of timber structures and features.
The timber structure component of the course
was completed in two days and as a result,
Lakeside has a new area that can be used for
lunches, BBQs and outdoor performances.
The Ecumenical Service of the Word was
performed. It is a celebration which brings
together all those of Christian faith whether
Roman Catholic, Anglican, Uniting or of
another denomination, and was presided
over by Father Warren Edwards from
Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill.
Lakeside’s apprentices hard at work.
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens wins recognition for its well-established flora.
Ryde Spring Garden Competition
Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and Crematorium was proud to be
awarded 1st place in the City of Ryde Spring Garden Competition 2011
in the category of Most Beautiful Commercial Garden.
The annual City of Ryde Spring Garden
Competition showcases the variety of greenthumbed local talent. Judging is based on
three criteria: maintenance, design and intent.
The awards were presented at a special gala
evening held at Eden Gardens, North Ryde.
The judges commented that the high standard
of this year’s entries made it impossible to
select a single winner in each category, so
there were more winners than ever before!
The Ryde area has a long history of gardening
which can be traced back to early European
settlement and the annual Spring Garden
Competition showcases the variety of greenthumbed local talent, whether it be in the Edible
Garden or Most Beautiful Courtyard category.
But there was no sharing first place honours
for Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens.
As the sole winner in its category Northern
Suburbs was acknowledged as a place of
natural, landscaped beauty, maintained by
dedicated staff and a place where peace
and privacy is cherished and respected.
Well done Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens!
Gardens and architecture combine perfectly
at Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens.
I N V O LV E
15
John Lazanas of Castlebrook Memorial Park (left)
and Brad Bunting of Guardian Funerals (right)
at the Mitchell District Bowling Association.
Traditional Balinese dancers at the Bali Memorial service.
A Gallipoli Pine is planted at Lake Macquarie
Memorial Park.
Bowling Q&A’s
at the ladies
Bali Memorial
Service
Open for a day
of remembrance
Castlebrook Memorial Park and
Guardian Funerals have been a
supporter of the Mitchell District
Women’s Bowling Association for the
past six years. The Mitchell District
encompasses a large area from Dural
to Blacktown and Parramatta through
to Richmond, and are host to several
bowling tournaments each year.
Allambe Memorial Park, Nerang was
proud to once again be the venue for
a special memorial service marking
the ninth anniversary of the 12
October 2002 bombings. The event
was also a commemoration of the
2005 Bali bombings.
Lake Macquarie Memorial Park recently
hosted an Open Day to give families a
chance to walk around the grounds and
to ask questions to de-mystify a wide
range of cemetery and funerals myths.
Open Days such as these are a great
way to accommodate peoples’ natural
curiosity about what happens after a
loved one passes away.
This year, John Lazanas, Family Service
Manager Castlebrook and Brad Bunting, Area
Manager Guardian Funerals were guests at
two tournaments held by the Association.
The first tournament was the Lady’s
District tournament held at Blacktown
City Bowling Club. The second event
was the Lady’s Veterans tournament held
at Toongabbie Bowling Club. Over 100
members participated in each event.
John and Brad were warmly welcomed
at each event as they mingled with the
ladies during both tournaments.
The luncheon breaks were lively affairs with
John and Brad conducting a question and
answer session that included questions
regarding the cremation process,
preplanning, upright burials and prepaid
funerals plans versus funeral insurance.
16
The service was held in the Allambe Garden
of Memories where there was a short service
followed by the lighting of the candles and
dancing by traditional Balinese dancers.
Over 160 people attended the ceremony
held in honour of those who survived
and the families of the victims.
Allambe Memorial Park is home to an
Indonesian-style stone memorial which
has a bronze plaque listing the names
of the 88 Australians who died in the
bombings. An annual twilight service is
held at the site of the memorial on each
anniversary of the Bali bombings.
Allambe Memorial Park received a lot of
great feedback from all who attended. Many
mentioned what a very moving service it was.
Lake Macquarie Memorial Park staff showed
many families around the beautiful grounds,
visited the rose garden and discussed the
wide choice of options designed to reflect
personal aesthetics, and cultural and religious
requirements. There were also a lot of
questions about prearranging a memorial.
As part of the day staff planted a Lone
Pine tree in their Garden of Remembrance.
The tree was donated by a member of the
Swansea RSL Club who grew the tree from
a seed he bought back from Gallipoli.
The Open Day was well attended with
guests thankful for the experience. Lake
Macquarie Memorial Park looks forward
to hosting more Open Days in the future.
Father’s Day celebrated
Castlebrook Memorial Park, along with Allan Drew Funerals, recently hosted a
special Father’s Day Memorial Service to especially remember the fathers and
father figures who are no longer with us.
Families and community members of
the Hills, Blacktown and Hawkesbury
Districts attended the event which took
place at the Castlebrook Garden Chapel.
The service was conducted by radio
personality and civil celebrant Pete Graham,
assisted by vocalist Eileen McCann.
The Father’s Day Remembrance Roll of
54 names was read by Allan Drew and
Father’s Day cards of reflection were
presented to all the families who attended.
Many families stayed following the conclusion
of the service to partake in a morning tea
generously provided by Allan Drew Funerals.
Comments following the service were
very complimentary and reflected how
wonderful it is that a service like this exists
to help those who have lost a father or
father figure throughout the year.
John Lazanas, Family Service Manager Castlebrook
Memorial Park, and Allan Drew of Allan Drew Funerals.
Right: Armen Mikaelian, National General Manager Cemeteries & Crematoria, with Police offficials at the
Remembrance service.
Honouring the thin blue line
Pinegrove Memorial Park recently took part in a very special ceremony
to commemorate the passing of two New South Wales police officers.
Forty years ago Sergeant First Class, William Riley
and Sergeant Third Class, Maurice McDairmid
were shot as they attended the scene of an
incident in Toongabbie, near Blacktown.
On the day of their passing, NSW Police
Commissioner, Norman Allen stated:
“It is a very sad day for all those who
believe in upholding Law and Order.”
Honouring the memory of both William and
Maurice, a special memorial service was held
at their gravesides within Pinegrove Memorial
Park. In addition a commemorative plaque
has been mounted at Blacktown Police
Station, and at the entrance to the NSW
Police Academy’s Memorial Rose Garden.
The service was attended by family members
of both of the slain police officers, by
NSW Police dignitaries, local government
representatives and by Pinegrove staff.
Top: White Ladies were also in attendance to honour
the ‘boys in blue’.
Middle and bottom: Wreaths are laid in honour of
the fallen.
I N V O LV E
17
LifeArt leads the way in two
important modern funeral trends.
The first trend is towards
increasing levels of
personalisation. This is achieved
through the use of high quality
printed images. Families can
choose from a selection of
designs or with the assistance of
a graphic designer create their
own. The result is a coffin that
reflects the life, loves and interests
of the person being farewelled.
The second is the drive to make
funerals, burials and cremations
more environmentally friendly.
LifeArt does this through the use of
Enviroboard™, a strong, recycled
material made from cardboard.
www.lifeart.com.au
Warwick Hansen of Hansen & Cole Funerals, Craig Morrison, Operations Manager LifeArt Coffins
and Andrew Pulsford, NSW Funerals General Manager, at the trade expo.
Sponsor’s notes
LifeArt was recently proud to sponsor and attend the Funeral Industry
2011 Trade Expo held at the Liverpool Catholic Club, Liverpool.
The Expo, which ran over two days, was
held by the Funeral Directors Association of
NSW and gave funeral directors and everyone
connected with the industry an opportunity
to view all the latest products and services.
It also provided an opportunity for funeral
directors to meet their suppliers face to face.
Craig Morrison, Operations Manager LifeArt,
Andrew Pulsford, General Manager NSW
Funerals, and Warwick Hansen, Guardian
Funerals Area Manager attended the event
along with a great many delegates. The LifeArt
stall was well visited and many were impressed
by the range of benefits of LifeArt products.
Other exhibits included handle manufacturers,
drapery suppliers, urns, jewellery,
ornaments, keepsakes, monuments,
cosmetics, embalming equipment,
garment manufacturers, printing firms,
and funeral vehicle manufacturers, as well
as service suppliers such as computer
companies, website developers and
designers, preneed fund managers,
transport firms, consulting companies,
celebrants, cemeteries and crematoriums.
The Expo was a great success and the
team were pleased by the amount of
interest directed at LifeArt products.
The Expo was a great success and the
team were pleased by the amount of
interest directed at LifeArt products.
18
Australasia
Above and Below: Some of the eye-catching coffin artwork on display at the Queensland AFDA Open Day.
AFDA Open Day Art Work
The Queensland division of the Australian Funeral Directors Association
(AFDA) held a series of Open Days earlier this year to enhance community
understanding of the services provided by funeral directors and also to
de-mystify the topic of funerals in general.
From the Gold Coast to far north
Queensland, funeral homes opened their
doors to the public with some funeral
homes going all out and arranging for
a host of special activities to take place
while their doors were open (you can
read more about the Queensland
AFDA Open Day on page 9).
One such activity featured local
artists painting LifeArt coffins. And
the results are simply spectacular.
LifeArt goes A1
LifeArt now supplies A1 size portrait prints which are available for display
at any funeral service.
The portrait is a large photo of the loved
one that is supplied by the family. LifeArt
enlarges the photo to the size of A1 (8 times
the size of an A4) and is coloured corrected
by a LifeArt graphic designer if necessary.
It is then printed onto environementally friendly
enviroboard and sent to the funeral home in
time for the funeral. After the service the portrait
can be taken to the wake and then finally home
with the family. It will last for at least ten years.
This product is available with all coffins, not
just LifeArt coffins.
The A1 size was chosen so that it can be
seen by most people attending the service.
Enviroboard is made using compressed
ecologically safe sourced material, such as the
post-harvest straw of rice, barley, wheat, and
elephant grass or alternatively, newspaper fibre.
LifeArt
A1 portrait prin
ts.
Now availab
le for any fun
eral ser
vice.
With any port
rait or picture,
loved ones can
of the ones that
now take hom
mean the mos
e a personalised
t to them
memory
Australasia
I N V O LV E
19
Local Cause Inspires Art Auction
Providing families with a simple,
dignified, respectful and affordable
approach to arranging a funeral.
Simplicity offers:
s !SIMPLEANDPRACTICAL
approach making arranging
a funeral an easy to
understand and smooth
process for families
s !
FFORDABLEANDmEXIBLEOPTIONS
enabling families to tailor the
funeral service to their needs,
expectations and budget
s 3
UPPORTFORINDIVIDUALS
and communities through
information and education
beyond the funeral service
s LOCATIONSTHROUGHOUT
Australia including the
following providers:
Reed & Bottcher Funerals
Southern Cross Funerals (VIC)
Twin Town Funerals
s 3
INGAPORELOCATION
Simplicity Casket
simplicityfunerals.com.au
Renee Gilmore of Simplicity Funerals Bayswater has launched her very
first silent art auction in a bid to raise funds for a local retirement home,
Mercy Place Montrose.
Managing the new Simplicity Funerals
Bayswater branch in Melbourne’s eastern
suburbs for the first time has been a
challenge in itself, yet Renee has stepped
even further out of her comfort zone in the
last few months, single-handedly organising
an inspired community fundraiser.
In her role as a Red Cross volunteer,
Renee has been visiting a local nursing
home for the last three years, providing
companionship to its residents.
“Going to Mercy Place every week has been
an eye-opener and very rewarding. I usually
spend time with one lady in particular because
she doesn’t have family nearby,” she says.
“I’ve had great support from my colleagues
in promoting the auction and getting the
message out as far and wide as possible
to drive up the bids! You don’t need to
be a Bayswater local to bid – the auction
is open to anyone and everyone.”
To view this month’s auction item and keep
up with the bidding, visit the ‘Art Auction for
Mercy Place Montrose’ Facebook page.
“The cause is very close to my heart,”
Renee says, “So often, elderly people
don’t have a voice in their communities.
The friends I’ve made at Mercy Place
absolutely deserve more.”
For more information follow the QR code below.
Renee hopes the monthly auctions will raise
enough money for Mercy Place Montrose
to hire an accessible bus that will allow
residents to enjoy regular social outings.
“Mobility is an issue for residents, and
the home as a whole, because it can
cause isolation and loneliness. Having an
accessible bus available for group outings
means those who can’t get around as
easily will have the opportunity to feel
more a part of things,” she says.
Mercy Place Resident Liaison, Jane
Forsyth is thrilled with the initiative
Renee has shown for the cause.
“Renee has been fantastic. She’s been so
committed to making the auction a success.
Not only has she sought out artists to donate
their work, she’s also promoted it widely
– creating a Facebook page, posters and
leaflets, placing ads in school newsletters,
approaching local media, businesses and
the council to support the cause.”
“Bidding has gradually become more
competitive with new people placing bids
each month,” Renee says, “The first item
was a beautiful landscape painting which
went for $110 and the October item was
the most popular selling for $205.”
Simplicity funeral director, Renee Gilmore, with
one of the art pieces auctioned for Mercy Place.
“Renee has been fantastic. She’s been so
committed to making the auction a success.
Not only has she sought out artists to donate
their work, she’s also promoted it widely.”
20
It’s hard to miss a Daffodil Day display! Simplicity Funerals, Kelmscott lent a hand to raise awareness for this important cause.
Helping turn Australia yellow on Daffodil Day
Simplicity Funerals, Kelmscott, Western Australia once again supported Daffodil Day by helping
to raise money to support vital cancer research, prevention programs and support services.
This year marked the 25th Anniversary
of Daffodil Day in Australia and Location
Manager, Susan Service gave her time
by selling pens, enamel lapel pins, diamante
brooches, cancer research donation cards,
new office clips, key rings, footballs, this
year’s collectable ‘super-hero’ Dougal Bear,
and of course bunches of fresh daffodils
at the local Metro shopping centre.
In 2011 The Cancer Council will contribute
around $50 million for cancer research and
take around 100,000 calls on the Cancer
Council Helpline. The Cancer Council will
also distribute over half a million publications
to inform patients, families and friends about
cancer treatment. They will also provide
advice on cancer prevention through a
range of public education programs.
This year Daffodil Day raised over
$9.5 million to fund the cancer control
initiatives, patient support funds for
vital research, education and support
programs for patients and their families.
Well done Susan!
Sing a song
Simplicity Funerals Woy Woy recently hosted a “Thank You” Breakfast to show
their appreciation for a wide range of local supporters.
Local clergy, nursing home staff, church
organists, cantors, doctors, and supportive
businesses from around the Woy Woy area
and others were all invited to attend a social
morning with Simplicity Funerals staff. Without
the support of these community stakeholders,
Simplicity Funerals would not have been
able to provide their customary level of
care to the families of the Central Coast.
The Singing Hands Choir was on hand to
entertain attendees. The Signing Hand Choir
takes its name from their unique combination
of choral arrangements and their use of Auslan
which is the Australian Sign Language. The
choir, which is made up of volunteers, has
been taking their performance to hearing and
hearing impaired audiences since 2006.
The use of Auslan, in conjunction with the choir’s
distinctive white gloves, makes for an enriching
choral experience that is accessible to a wider
audience than most choirs are able to perform to.
The breakfast was enjoyed by all who attended.
Jan Thompson of Simplicity Funerals, Woy Woy
with the Singing Hands Choir.
I N V O LV E
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Turning heads at the Simplicity Funerals Chapel, Miami.
Strike a Pose
Simplicity Funerals’ Miami chapel recently played host to a different sort
of event – a fashion parade and dinner to raise funds for the Parkinson’s
Society of the Gold Coast.
With over 80 people in attendance, each
person enjoyed a two course meal with a
complimentary glass of wine or champagne,
followed by a fashion parade featuring
professional models strutting down the
catwalk in spring clothing lines designed by
Joseph Ribcoff, Meredith, La Belle, Resort
Report, Trent Resort and Philosophy.
“The Parkinson’s Society of the Gold Coast
is a wonderful organisation that provides
support for local people with Parkinson’s
disease, their carers and family members. As
the Society receives no government funding,
it’s particularly important that individuals and
businesses in the local community provide as
much support as they can,” says Vilma Makin.
As well as dinner and the stylish fashion
parade, attendees had the opportunity to win
raffle prizes throughout the evening including
gift vouchers, spa treatments and handbags.
Simplicity Funerals Miami looks forward
to hosting more charity fashion parades in
the future.
Cancer and Palliative Care
research symposium
Simplicity recently supported the Western Australian Centre for Cancer and
Palliative Care research symposium held at Curtin University, Shenton Park.
The topic at the symposium was “Closing the
gap between research and Clinical Practice in
Bereavement Support”, and featured visiting
academics, researchers and experts from a variety
of fields who discussed contemporary approaches
to bereavement care and its implications.
The symposium was attended by Catherine
Spini, Regional Manager Simplicity Funerals,
Allan Anderson, InvoCare WA Learning &
Development Manager, and Andrew Hogan,
General Manager Western Australia Funerals.
The guest speakers were professionals
who provide bereavement support
services including inpatient and community
based palliative care services, funeral
industry, and self-help support groups.
22
Catherine gave a presentation to the group
that focused on the way funerals can assist
and support the grieving process, the changes
in funeral services in recent times and how
these changes have impacted the bereaved.
Catherine’s presentation was excellent and
was well received by all who attended.
InvoCare Western Australia has developed a
very good relationship with Curtin University
over the last 3 years and has been one of the
main drivers behind the symposium’s creation
and its focus on bereavement support.
InvoCare and Simplicity Funerals also plan to
play an integral part in a major research project
on grief and bereavement at the University.
Right: Catherine Spini, formerly Simplicity Funerals WA
Regional Manager, at the Palliative Care Symposium.
Simplicity a ‘zoo’
Simplicity Funerals, Bankstown recently became a temporary home for a range
of farm animals so that children from a local St Vincent de Paul outreach service
could experience a day of entertainment.
Mark Amy, Location Manager Simplicity Funerals
Bankstown was approached by Mary’s Place to
host an animal petting zoo at their Bankstown
location and were more than happy to help.
Mary’s Place is a St Vincent de Paul’s
outreach service for women and children
experiencing domestic violence or who have
recently left a domestic violence situation.
“Our grass parking area was the perfect
location for the children to meet and
play with the animals and we were
proud to be able to support such a
worthwhile organisation,” says Mark.
The children happily fed, patted and interacted
with an alpaca, a calf, a pony, kid goats, lambs,
rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks.
“It was great to see some smiles on the
faces of children who are undergoing
such a difficult experience. I’m sure
everyone would sympathise, but as funeral
directors, we feel particular empathy as
our vocation involves supporting families
in their time of grief,” says Mark.
Simplicity joins Children’s Medical Research
Institute’s Jeans for Genes
Simplicity’s funeral directors donned jeans for genes, raising money for vital genetic research
into the prevention and treatment of conditions including birth defects, cancer and epilepsy.
“The Children’s Medical Research Institute is
a great cause, and we were proud to wear
our jeans and our Jeans for Genes Day logo
pin badges,” says Matt Hansen, Regional
Manager, Simplicity Funerals Queensland.
supported this important cause. The first way was
via the selling of Jeans for Genes Day badges.
“Of course, our first priority is being sensitive
to the wishes of the families we serve.”
For families who preferred charity
donations in lieu of flowers, but did not
have a specific charity in mind, Simplicity
Funerals recommended sending those
donations to Jeans for Genes.
Starting in Brisbane and quickly spreading to other
Simplicity Funerals locations around Australia,
there were a number of ways Simplicity Funerals
A third means of supporting this cause was
also offered. Families were asked to consent
to permitting Simplicity staff attending a funeral
Simplicity Funerals South Australia funeral directors dress in denim for the day.
on Jeans for Genes Day, Friday August 5, to
do so wearing denim. For each family that
agreed, a donation of $100 was made by
Simplicity Funerals to Jeans for Genes Day.
Nationally, Simplicity Funerals raised
more than $1,800. More than $55
million has been raised since the annual
fundraising event began in 1994.
For more information about Jeans for Genes
Day, visit: www.jeansforgenes.org.au
Simplicity Western Australia and Queensland show
their colours for a good cause.
I N V O LV E
23
InvoCare has 140 locations that are some of the most trusted names
in the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore funeral businesses.
These funeral providers are uniquely placed to be able to deliver and
exceed expectations on all aspects of contemporary funeral services.
Our staff fully understand the requirements of different cultures and religions.
The service offered is as professional as it is personal.
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
Allan Drew Funerals
Academy Funeral Services
Allen Matthews Funerals
Beth Shan Funeral Directors
Ann Wilson Funerals
Cleggs Funeral Services
Beaudesert Funerals
Elliotts Funeral Services
Blackwell Funerals
Forrest Funeral Services
Boland Funerals
Fountains Funeral Directors & Advisors
Bruce Maurer Funerals
Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors
Burkin Svendsens Funeral Directors
Geoffrey T Sowman Funeral Directors
Canon and Cripps Funerals
James R Hill Funeral Directors
Chipper Funerals
John Rhind Funeral Directors
Christian Funerals (WA)
Lychgate Funeral Home
City Funerals Services Mackay
Pellows Funeral Directors and Advisors
David Lloyd Funerals
Sibuns Funeral Directors & Advisors
Drysdale Funerals
Vospers Funeral Home
Gatton Funerals
Wairarapa Funeral Services
George Hartnett Funerals
Wheeler’s Guardian Funeral Home North City
Mark Purslowe of Purslowe Funerals with members
of his Relay for Life walking team.
Guardian Funerals
Hansen & Cole Funerals
Hiram Philp Funerals
J&C Hardy Funerals
JW Chandler Funerals
Le Pine Funerals
SINGAPORE
Singapore Casket
Relaying in
the west
LIberty Funerals
Mackay Funerals
Metropolitan Funerals (NSW)
Metropolitan Funerals (QLD)
Northern Rivers Funerals
Mark Purslowe, Location Manager
Purslowe Funerals Victoria Park, recently
took part in the Perth Relay for Life.
– Byron District Funerals
– Casino Funerals
– Kevin Geaghan Funerals
– William Riley & Sons Funerals
Oakwood Funerals
Purslowe Funerals
Sarina Funerals
Somerville Funerals
Tobin Brothers Funerals (ACT)
Turnbull Family Funerals
Universal Chung Wah/ Funerals of Distinction
WD Rose and Joseph Allison Funerals
WN Bull Funerals
In an impressive display of endurance and
commitment, Mark walked for 16 hours out of
the 24 hours set aside for the event, grabbing
only a couple of hours sleep in a swag in
the early hours of the Sunday morning.
Part of Mark’s inspiration for this Herculean
effort came from the experiences of two of
his close friends who also participated in
the Relay for Life. Each has felt the impact
of cancer in their lives, whether personally
or through the diagnosis of a loved one.
A moving candlelit service in memory
of those who have passed away from
cancer was part of the Relay for Life.
Mark and his friends are already
gearing up for the event next year.
24
Right: Patsy Healy, General Manager WN Bull
Funerals and Greg Bisset, Chief Operating Officer
InvoCare Australia at Randwick Racecourse.
Team Vospers walked all day and night to raise funds for cancer research.
Relay for Life
Staff of Vosper’s Funeral Home, New Plymouth, New Zealand participated
in their first “Relay for Life” in support of the local Cancer Society.
This is an annual event run at the local
racecourse. It supports cancer survivors
and the families of victims, and is a
great opportunity for local businesses
and community organisations to show
their support for the Cancer Society.
The event goes for 24 hours and kicks off
with all participants doing the first lap of the
walk. First onto the track are the cancer
survivors followed by the families who
have lost someone to cancer, then come
the many organisations that are there just
to raise funds and support a good cause.
Once the initial lap is over at least one team
member from each team must remain walking
on the track over the next 24 hours.
Entertainment was organised for the entire
24 hours of the event and included musicians,
dancers, talent contests and movies. At 9pm
all lights were dimmed and a lap of
remembrance was held where everyone was
invited to light a lantern and walk the track in
memory of someone who had passed away
from cancer.
The Vosper’s team included five staff members
and their families, who kept their spirits
high and had a great time even though
it was wet for much of the event.
Vosper’s Funeral Home was pleased to
raise over $1200 for this very worthwhile
organisation. Participating in the event
also proved a great way to meet the
locals as the team from Vosper’s were
able to dispel many misconceptions about
funeral directors by simply taking part.
Vosper’s organised branded T-shirts for the event
which made it easy for people to recognise
them, leading to a number of people taking time
to discuss their own funeral wishes with them.
Vosper’s Funeral Home has already registered
for the 2012 event and look forward to
another very successful “Relay for Life.”
On the track for
Matthew Talbot
WN Bull Funerals has been a long-time
supporter of the Sydney’s St Vincent
de Paul’s Matthew Talbot Hostel which
provides meals, accommodation
and a range of essential services to
Sydney’s homeless community.
The centre is named after Matthew
Talbot, a reformed alcoholic who was
given the title of ‘Venerable, Patron of
Addicts’ by the Catholic church in 1975
for his inspirational recovery from alcohol.
Following his own recovery, Matthew
then turned to assisting others.
While the centre receives funds from
the Catholic church and the NSW
state government, it also depends
on corporate donations.
To assist the centre, WN Bull Funerals
recently sponsored a race at Randwick
Race Course with the proceeds going to
ensure the Matthew Talbot Centre can
continue to provide essential services
to less fortunate Sydney residents.
St Ives Fives
Guardian Funerals recently sponsored
the St Ives Fives held at the St Ives
Bowling and Recreational Club.
The annual carnival attracts teams from all
over the North Shore to compete in a day of
bowling to win the trophy and prize money.
The day is run so that each club sends
the 5 winners of their championships
to play 4 games – a Singles and a
Fours game in the morning and a
Pairs and Triples in the afternoon.
The event was attended by 20 clubs who sent
100 ladies along to battle it out in chilly conditions.
Competition was very high and new
attendees North Sydney took out the
honours. Heydn Donnelly, Location Manager,
Guardian Funerals was on hand to present
the prize money. Runners-up were Castle
Hill and third place winner was Turramurra.
I N V O LV E
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The funeral directors from Hiram Philp Funerals were proud
to support Catholic Mission Bushalo fund-raising lunch.
Middle: Jenny Crewes, Location Manager Somerville Funerals is proud to support the Migrant Centre.
Hiram Philp’s
Sunday lunch
Mutual support
Hiram Philp Funerals in Toowoomba
recently held a gathering as a fund
raiser for Catholic Mission.
The ‘Food for Thought’ International Food
Fair was in aid of the Bushalo Health Centre
in Ethiopia which is supported by Catholic
Mission. The centre runs feeding programs
to help more than 26,000 malnourished
nursing mothers and their children each
year. The Bushalo Health Centre is run by
Australian born Sister Maureen Elliott.
The Food Fair featured a wide range
of multicultural dishes, all cooked and
donated by community members of
culturally diverse backgrounds.
Around 90 people attended the event and
Hiram Philp Funeral Services donated
$3,000 to Catholic Mission so that
they can keep Sister Maureen and the
Bushalo Health Centre in operations.
Somerville Funerals on the Gold Coast helped The Migrant Centre Organisation Inc
celebrate its 10 year anniversary at their offices at the TAFE building in Southport.
A special event was held, with invited
guests from the Queensland Department
of Multicultural Affairs, local councillors
and representatives from the various
different cultural groups living on the
Gold Coast. Somerville Funerals provided
flowers as gifts for the visiting VIP’s.
work on a publication project called “The
Final Journey”. The publication is intended to
assist older, culturally and linguistically diverse
migrants to make end of life decisions in
their new country. It addresses a variety of
subjects from organ donation, preparation
of wills, to planning a funeral ceremony.
Somerville Funerals has supported several
activities that promote the diversity of the African
communities within the Gold Coast, and Jenny
Crewes, Location Manager Somerville Funerals
Southport, is well known to representatives
of The Migrant Centre Organisation Inc.
Southport Mayor, The Honourable Ron Clarke
officially launched the publication at a special
event at the Migrant Centre in Southport. Jenny
provided a range of “props” for their display,
including a LifeArt coffin, a floral display, plus
much more. The LifeArt coffin generated much
interest from people attending the event.
The Migrant Centre Organisation Inc. is also
involved in the Gold Coast Griffith University’s
Humanities Industries Partners Program, providing
social enterprise experience for students.
Jenny Crewes was recently invited to meet
with two students who were selected to
“It was a great experience working with the
students – they took their research very
seriously and prepared their publication in
a very thorough manner”, says Jenny.
Police Service Multi Faith Dinner
George Hartnett Funerals was the major sponsor
of the 4th annual Queensland Police Service
Metropolitan South Regional multi-faith dinner, held
recently at the Greek Club and Convention Centre.
s Ms Sue Pandey who spoke about Hinduism
The event, hosted by the Police Commissioner,
brought religious and community leaders from
many faiths together to promote cultural harmony
and a positive relationship with people of all
backgrounds, religions, faiths and beliefs.
s Ms Kerrin Benson, Chief Executive Officer of
the Multicultural Development Association who
spoke of the good work being done in settling
refugees in the country despite the ongoing
political debates currently being played out.
A commemorative plaque was given to all attendees,
including Barry McIntosh, Location Manager George
Hartnett Funerals Holland Park.
George Hartnett Funerals is proud to
have a long standing relationship with the
Queensland Police Service and looks forward
to supporting more events in the future.
Amongst the speakers on the night were:
26
s Mr Malotoa John Pale, President of the Voice of
Samoan People, who gave a passionate history
of the Samoan religious beliefs, and
InvoCare CEO, Andrew Smith, welcomes the Bondi Junction community to the new Guardian Funerals location.
George Hartnett Funerals were proud to take part
in Dayboro Day.
Guardian comes to town
Dayboro Day
In the late 1880’s, when the tramlines going
down to Bondi Beach, Charing Cross and Bronte
were extended, Bondi Junction was born.
A lot has changed since then; life has changed,
Sydney has changed, and Bondi Junction
has changed too. But one thing that hasn’t
changed is a family’s need for guidance and
care whenever a loved one passes away.
At around about the same time that Bondi
Junction was created, so too were some
of the state’s most experienced funeral
directors beginning their journeys to earn
the trust of the people of New South Wales.
Names such as JW Chandler Funerals (1885)
and Metcalfe & Morris (1890) Funerals will
be new to the people of Bondi Junction and
Waverley; but for the people of Windsor,
Parramatta and Lismore these names have
been the hallmarks of funeral service providers
with the very best of reputations. It is these
funeral directors, along with many others, that
have come together to form the Guardian
network of funeral service providers.
Silver linings
create prevention
The Western Sydney Suicide Prevention
& Support Network held a fundraising
dinner in Penrith recently to raise money
to increase community awareness of
suicide prevention programs and to
support bereaved family members.
The Western Sydney Suicide Prevention
& Support Network (WSSPSN) was
In funeral services reputations are built not only
on the cornerstones of professionalism, respect
for all, compassion towards those experiencing
grief and integrity, but also, and importantly,
by playing an active part of the community.
Guardian Funerals experience in this
regard stretches back to 1882.
Bondi Junction will benefit from the opening
of the new Guardian Funerals location in many
ways. The funeral home has a full service
chapel attached, so that families can have the
convenience of a service held in a beautiful,
local chapel that comes equipped with the latest
audio-visual equipment so that they can share
music, video and photos of their loved one.
The locality will also benefit by having such
an experienced and trustworthy team of
funeral directors on hand to support both
families in need, and the vibrant life that
goes on throughout the eastern suburbs.
Guardian Funerals very much looks forward to
supporting the families and communities around
Bondi Junction and Involve wishes all at the location
the very best in the delivery of their services.
established at the initiative of Genean
Beetson, Location Manager JW Chandler
Funerals – A Guardian Funerals Provider.
Having seen first hand how a person’s suicide
can affect their family members and friends,
Genean began the Penrith Suicide Prevention
and Support Forum in October 2008. The
commitment and zeal of the stakeholders
who became involved in that initial forum
led to the development of the WSSPSN.
“The Western Sydney Suicide Prevention &
Support Network provides mutual self-help
support groups led by trained facilitators
George Hartnett Funerals were
proud to attend Dayboro Day – an
annual festival which incorporates an
Antique & Collectables Fair.
The Dayboro Day Festival began in 1991
and attracts over 20,000 visitors from the
Brisbane metropolitan area and Moreton
Bay Shire to their beautiful country town,
located at the foot of the D’Aguilar Ranges.
Road closures around Dayboro now
have to be put in place as the event has
grown each year; stalls, entertainment,
food festivals and fundraising events
are all part of the colour on the day.
Just one of the fantastic attractions is
the Street Parade in which all of the
community’s groups and organisations get
involved, and is really something to see.
Patsy Cains, Location Supervisor George
Hartnett Funerals Albany Creek, sponsored
another of the Day’s attractions, the
White Water Raft Race with a donation
of $500, as well as providing a hamper.
as a free service for the Western Sydney
community. We aim to provide emotional,
psychological and moral support for
members,” says Genean Beetson.
“We are also raising public awareness of the
services that are available to assist in suicide
prevention, providing a voice for those affected
by suicide and supporting bereaved families.”
The theme for the evening was “Wear Silver
Start Preventing Suicides Now” which is made
up of the Western Sydney Suicide Prevention
& Support Network’s initials – WSSPSN.
I N V O LV E
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Julie Zilic of Le Pine Funerals is proud to have
received the Royce Abbey Award.
Les Twentyman, John Fowler, Roy Higgins, Danny
Brereton and Bobby Skilton at the Le Pine Dinner.
Barry McIntosh and Davina Alston of George
Hartnett Funerals with Kurt Williams.
Royce Abbey
Award
First annual
dinner
Julie Zilic, Location Manager at Le Pine
Funerals Footscray, was recently awarded
the prestigious Royce Abbey Award at the
Rotary Club of Footscray change over dinner.
Le Pine Funerals gathered
together staff and community
stakeholders recently for the first
Annual Le Pine Luncheon.
Professional
Year Student
Award
Julie Mason, Assistant Governor General,
presented the award to Julie, which
acknowledges her enthusiasm and
commitment to the ideals of Rotary.
Royce Abbey AO. DCM. was Rotary
International President between 1988-1989
and is the only Australian to have held that
position. The award supports the Royce
and Jean Abbey Scholarship of the Rotary
Foundation in conjunction with the Crawford
Fund. The Fund provides opportunities for
teachers and researchers from developing
countries to enhance their capabilities
in agricultural activities and providing
new skills for use in their countries.
Local community leaders and Victorian
sporting legends including Les Twentyman,
Roy Higgins, Danny Brereton and
Bobby Skilton gathered at the Lobster
Cave Restaurant in Beaumaris.
The event was a great way to bring people
together, to thank them for their support
and to unwind in a social setting.
The event was such a success that it
is sure to be repeated next year.
The 2011 George Hartnett Funerals
Professional Year Student Award for
Queensland Ballet went to Kurt Williams.
The Award was presented by Davina Alston,
General Manager Queensland Funerals
and Barry McIntosh, Location Manager
George Hartnett Funerals, Holland Park
as part of the Vis-à-vis Studio Series
held at the Thomas Dixon Centre.
The Professional Year course is unique
in Australia as it combines professional
dance company experience with ongoing
training. This combination allows the
students to gain the experience needed
to transition into professional dancers.
The dance curriculum enables students
to take daily class with the Company
including undertaking further pointe work
and pas de deux classes, and developing
their solo repertoire through choreography,
improvisation, drama and percussion.
Julie has been a member of the Footscray
Rotary Club for over 4 years.
Involve sends its congratulations to Julie.
Involve congratulates Kurt Williams and wishes
him all the best for his Professional Year studies.
Rotary service and family service
At a recent Narrabeen Lakes Rotary Club
Dinner, two long-standing employees of
Ann Wilson Funerals, Sandy Trout and Alan
MacRae, were each presented with a Vocational
Service Award. The Award recognises Rotary
members who commemorate ten years of
continuous service with their company.
President, Bill Crowe, also an Ann Wilson
team member, stated on the night that he felt
28
immense pride to be presenting these prestigious
awards to two such deserving recipients.
The function was attended by Ann Wilson,
as well as a number of Sandy and Alan’s
work colleagues and friends.
“It is a pleasure to have worked with both
Sandy and Alan over such a period. Ann Wilson
Funerals is lucky to have them and I am very
proud of their involvement with Rotary as well.
“It is also a privilege to have Bill Crowe working
with me as well. As the President of this
Rotary Club and as a funeral director, Bill’s
contribution to the community is plain to see.”
Both Alan and Sandy were also congratulated
on the night by The Hon. Rob Stokes MP,
Member for Pittwater.
Blackwell Funerals are proud to sponsor this
important cultural event.
Adelaide’s Italian community at the 56th annual Festa Di Madonna Di Montevergine.
Blackwell continues its support for the Festa
Blackwell Funerals was proud to both
sponsor and participate in the 56th annual
Festa Di Madonna Di Montevergine, held
at St Francis of Assisi Church, Newton.
“Blackwell Funerals has supported the
Festa Di Madonna Di Montevergine for
many years now as part of our wholehearted commitment to the community
in which we operate,” says Jason Maher,
General Manager, Blackwell Funerals.
“It’s a great day out on the Adelaide calendar
and a wonderful celebration of religion, food,
entertainment and the Italian way of life.”
The Festa commences with prayers said each
evening at Newton’s St Francis of Assisi Church
for the week leading up to the Festa. On the
day of the Festa, a procession takes place from
the Church of the Annunciation in Hectorville,
finishing at the St Francis of Assisi Church.
The subsequent festivities, attended by
around 10,000 people include musical
entertainment, Italian food and a dramatic
fireworks display to conclude the evening.
The Festa began in Adelaide in 1956 when
a painting of the Madonna of Montevergine
was placed in the St Francis of Assisi Church
at the request of a group of immigrants from
Campania, Italy. Devotion to the Madonna
of Montevergine is prevalent in Campania
and several thousand immigrants from this
region have now made Adelaide their home.
“Blackwell Funerals is proud to be involved in
the Festa Di Madonna Di Montevergine and we
would particularly like to thank the Holy Mary
of Montevergine Association for organising
such a wonderful Festa,” said Jason Maher.
Blackwell Funerals looks forward to
supporting the 57th Festa next year.
Utensils at ten paces
If you were walking through King George
Square in Brisbane recently you may have
thought you were walking into a Mexican
stand-off, or maybe it was a Chinese,
Indian, Italian or French stand-off depending
on what ingredients you had with you.
Metropolitan funeral directors, InvoCare
staff and one Australian Olympian,
swimmer Julie McDonald, combined
to form Team Heavenly Chefs to take
part in the Kidsafe Cook-off 2011.
Kidsafe is a non-profit, non-government
organisation that dedicates itself to keeping
kids out of hospital. For more than 30 years
it has worked to inform the community and
governments about the hazards children face
to prevent unintentional injury and death.
Metropolitan Funerals was pleased to be
able to show their support for Kidsafe
by participating in the cook-off.
The only kind of results Team Heavenly
Chefs were interested in securing was
some fun during the cook-off and no upset
stomachs at the tasting. Involve is pleased
to report that both goals were achieved.
First up was a recipe challenge, featuring a
challenging Crepe Suzette. Then came the
secret ingredients challenge which resulted in a
plenty of creativity being expended in order to
produce a Greek/Italian lamb and halloumi dish.
Great team work was displayed by all members
of Team Heavenly Chefs, with a special
acknowledgement going to InvoCare Master
Chef, Marcus Hill for his inspired cooking.
Team ‘Heavenly Chefs’ simmer away for a good cause.
I N V O LV E
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Left: Warwick Hansen of Hansen & Cole Funerals
at the reunion.
Korean War
Veterans
Memorial
Reunion
A Korean War Veterans Memorial
Service and dinner was held recently
in Canberra, where invited guests,
family and friends attended a
commemorative service and function.
Warwick Hansen, Location Manager Hansen
& Cole Funerals, attended the special
event and had the pleasure of meeting his
Excellency Mr Taeyong Cho, Ambassador
for the Republic of South Korea.
Also in attendance was Nel Jackson,
President of the NSW Naval Association;
Bob Morris, President of the Korean War
Veterans Association NSW Division, and
the military attaché to the Ambassador.
The Korean War began on 25 June 1950
when the forces of North Korea invaded
South Korea. 17,000 Australians fought
under the command of the United
Nations until the armistice in 1953.
The dinner was enjoyed by all who
attended and next year’s event is eagerly
already being looked forward to.
Veterans and their families came to commemorate Victory in the Pacific Day at Drysdale Funerals.
Victory in the Pacific
A candlelight service was held at the Drysdale Funerals Chapel in Nambour to
commemorate the 66th Anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific, known
as Victory in the Pacific (VP Day).
VP Day commemorates Japan’s acceptance of
the Allied demand for unconditional surrender on
the 14th August 1945. For Australians, it meant
that the Second World War was finally over.
It is a very important day for the returned
servicemen who fought in the Pacific as some
are still grieving for their mates who died
serving their country. The Pacific theatre of
WWII is one that is not often talked about.
The day was well supported by the RSL, Legacy
and the National Servicemen’s Association. The
service gave the veterans and their supporters
an opportunity for reflection, the sharing of
stories and the renewing of friendships.
Launching Good Grief
InvoCare was pleased to provide its support to the Order of the
Sisters of St Joseph recently in relaunching their Seasons of Growth
– Good Grief program.
The Sisters of St Joseph religious order,
which was founded by St Mary of the Cross
Mackillop, and their Seasons of Growth
program have been providing a faithbased message of comfort and hope in
the face of grief, regardless of its source.
The Good Grief program represents an
updated version of Seasons of Growth. The
program emphasises connecting grieving
people back with their communities, the
universality of grief, as well as the healing
that comes from the passage of time.
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It is appropriate that Drysdale Funerals
commemorates VP Day in their chapel
each year as the present site of the funeral
home was headquarters to the 2nd 14th
Field Artillery Regiment during WWII.
The program also recognises that grief
can be caused by a variety of losses,
and not just bereavement caused by the
passing of a loved one. Grief can have just
as significant an effect when it is caused
by the loss of a job, the break up of a
marriage or other significant relationship,
or by a wide range of other factors.
InvoCare wishes the Order of the
Sisters of St Joseph all the best in the
delivery of the Good Grief program.
Middle: Brian Bennett of Le Pine Funerals is installed
as Master of the Victory United.
Members of the Brunswick Mark Lodge in the regalia for Brian Bennett’s Installation ceremony.
Sticking with the masons
Victorian Shared Services Manager, Brian Bennett, was recently
installed as the Master of the Victory United, Brunswick Mark Lodge.
Freemasonry’s history extends back over
several hundred years and now exists all
over the world in several different forms.
It is estimated that global membership
is currently around six million strong.
Freemasons are a major source of charitable
donations and community service. One of
the main reasons why Freemasons meet
is to be able to make a positive impact
on the communities around them.
But becoming Master of the Victory United is
not something that happens overnight. Brian
has been a Freemason since 1980 when
he joined the Tasmanian Re Union Lodge.
Over the last thirty years Brian has
served the lodges of which he has been
a member in a wide range of positions
including Assistant Director of Ceremonies,
Lodge Companion, Assistant Principle
Sojourner and Grand Standard Bearer.
During this time Brian has also been active
in a range of other organisations, providing
community service and assistance as a
Justice of the Peace, a member of the
Retired Tramways Association, Tramways
Fidelity Club, and Councillor for the Australian
Funeral Directors Association (AFDA).
Brian’s Installation was performed by the
Most Worshipful Grand Master of Victoria,
Robert G Paroissien and by the Officers of
The Victorian Grand Installation Team.
Fellow Le Pine staff member and
Freemason, Damon Whitemore, was
on hand to witness Brian’s Installation.
InvoCare staff at the forefront in New Zealand
At the recent Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (NZFDA) half yearly general meeting, two InvoCare New Zealand
staff members were accorded top honours.
The first honour went to Graeme Rogers,
Assistant Manager at Forrests Funeral Services,
Auckland. Graeme has been studying for
his National Diploma in Funeral Directing
under the supervision of fellow InvoCare New
Zealand team member, Andrew Blanche
of Cleggs Funeral Services, Hawera.
The National Diploma course is spread out
over a fourteen month program of study. To
complete the qualification requires a mixture
of classroom work, which is completed at the
Weltec campus in Wellington, and practical and
theory work carried out in the funeral home.
Graeme’s award at the NZFDA general
meeting was for his achievements during
his studies where he received top marks
for his funeral directing papers, and shared
top-mark honours for the overall course.
The other InvoCare award winner on the night
was Michael Wolffram, Assistant Manager
at Lychgate Funeral Home, Wellington.
Mike won the NZFDA Presidents Essay
Award. The topic of this year’s essay was
“Are funerals for the living or the dead”.
Mike is a very experienced funeral director
and embalmer. He has previously tutored
students during their funeral services
studies and is a former President of
FDANZ. Mike’s award comes with travel
and registration to the 2012 Asia Funeral
Expo, which will be held in Hong Kong.
Both Graeme and Mike’s awards were
presented by current FDANZ President,
Tony Garing, who is the Southern General
Manager for InvoCare New Zealand.
I N V O LV E
31
Middle: Penny Taylor of Metropolitan Funerals
getting clucky with the chicks.
George Hartnett Funerals and Allambe Memorial Park staff members Julia Benson, Patsy Cains, Norma Gill
and Sharon Pimm Regional Queensland Family Service Manager with the trees to be given away.
Whose chicken?
Growing season
The residents and staff of John Wesley
Gardens in Geebung were delighted
when Penny Taylor, Location Manager
for Metropolitan Funerals Aspley,
generously donated a brand new,
aluminium chicken coop to their facility.
Three thousand native trees were given
away to the community by George Hartnett
Funerals, Allambe Memorial Park and Mt
Thompson Memorial Gardens recently as part
of National Tree Day.
George Hartnett Funerals staff encouraged
members of the community to plant the native
trees in their backyards and near local creeks
and wildlife reserves, particularly those areas
damaged by flooding earlier in the year.
The trees were given to the community to
celebrate this nationally recognised event. There
were eight sites chosen from around greater
Brisbane as distribution points, with each site
offering native plants specifically chosen to suit
the requirements of the local area and its wildlife.
Participating in the environmentally-focussed
event also gave staff an opportunity to promote
the environmental advantages of the new LifeArt
coffin range, which re-enforced George Hartnett’s
on-going commitment to a greener future.
Metropolitan Funerals also covered the
cost of the eggs and an incubator, lamp
and food while the chicks were hatching.
The company that provides the eggs
normally sources suitable homes for the
hatched chicks with smallholders or country
farms, but John Wesley Gardens hopes
to keep some of them permanently for the
residents to interact with and look after.
“The chicks have already hatched
and are happily living in the incubator
and being attended to by nursing
home residents,” says Penny.
“Caring for animals can provide comfort,
support and companionship to people
living in residential aged care facilities,
and in fact research has shown that for
dementia patients it can even help with
reducing blood pressure and anxiety,
and improving their social interaction.”
From about four months of age the
hens will also begin to lay, providing
the nursing home’s residents with
delicious eggs for their breakfast.
“As a local business, Metropolitan
Funerals is always looking for ways to
give back to the community in which
we operate – whether that involves
Christmas gift hampers for the less
fortunate, fundraising for a good cause,
or making a more unique contribution,
such as a chicken coop,” Penny says.
The Volunteering Gold Coast ‘Voices in Harmony’ Choir.
Volunteering Gold Coast
Somerville Funerals has been a long term sponsor
of “Volunteering Gold Coast” (VGC). VGC forms an
integral part of the Gold Coast community by providing
volunteers to over 350 community organisations.
Each year Somerville Funerals, Southport
assists VGC by funding the annual “Volunteer
of the Year Awards Day Ceremony”. This
event is held on “International Volunteer Day”
and recognises outstanding contributions
by individual volunteers, volunteer groups,
and a range of other volunteer services.
A sub group of VGC is a choir called “Voices In
Harmony” which is made up of “Seniors Who
Love To Sing”.
Throughout 2011 Jenny Crewes, Location
Manager of Somerville Funerals Southport, has
32
assisted the choir by facilitating a new practice
space. Jenny introduced the choir to a local
retirement facility. The new space provides for
rehearsals with much easier access to parking
than the previous location. Additionally, Somerville
Funerals assists the choir with the printing of
sheet music for rehearsals and performances.
During Seniors Week 2011, the choir performed at
a number of locations on the Gold Coast including
performances held in the Surfers Paradise RSL, a
Melbourne Cup Day Concert and an afternoon tea
held at the Lady Small Haven Retirement Community.
Somerville Funerals is proud and excited to
support Volunteering Gold Coast and to assist
the choir to provide “Voices in Harmony”.
Give-aways and door prises were on offer for guests
at the fashion parade.
The Booragoon community at the ‘Fashions to Die For’ fund-raising event.
Fashions to Die For
Oakwood Funerals, Booragoon recently hosted a
charity fashion parade at their Booragoon chapel.
Fashions To Die For is an annual fashion
parade in support of Alzheimers Australia
WA, Cyril Jackson Senior Campus, the Addis
Ababa Outreach Centre and other projects
supported by Soroptimist International,
a charity that aims to empower and
transform the lives of women and girls.
“Oakwood Funerals is proud to support
these worthy causes. Our partnership with
Soroptimist International enables us to make
Fashions to Die For an entertaining annual
event that also raises a significant amount
of money for their charitable projects and for
other Perth-based not-for-profit organisations,”
says Don Chipper of Oakwood Funerals.
Harvey Deegan from 6PR was the event’s
MC, with stylish outfits from Perri Cutten’s
spring/summer collection and Clementine
Sleepwear and Robes showcased by models
from the Rita Munro Modelling Academy.
In addition to the fashion parade and delicious
refreshments, guests had the chance to win a range
of wonderful prizes and give-aways, including an
overnight stay for two people at the Parmelia Hilton,
a silk nightgown and robe, jewellery and perfume.
“It’s always a fun afternoon, and an opportunity
to relax with your friends and enjoy a salon-style
fashion parade. Last year even I got up and
took a turn on the catwalk!” Don Chipper says.
Lions WA District Conferences
Purslowe Funerals were proud to support the Lions District Conventions
recently held in Cannington, Perth and Mandurah, Western Australia.
Cannington Lions Club played host to
over 150 Lions and partners for the annual
Lions District W1 convention held at the
Canning Agricultural, Horticultural and
Recreational Society Inc, Cannington.
The convention was opened and addressed
by the newly appointed Governor of Western
Australia, the Honourable Malcolm McCusker.
Andrew Hogan, General Manager Purslowe
Funerals represented InvoCare and was a
guest speaker at both conferences. Andrew
spoke about InvoCare’s involvement with Lions
and the Recycle for Sight programme. He
also spoke about InvoCare’s brands and the
services that they provide.
The keynote speaker was well-regarded
Melbourne youth outreach worker, Les
Twentyman. Les spoke about the hardships
suffered by homeless youth in Victoria and
spoke a little of the gang culture in the United
States. He thanked Lions for their efforts
for the underprivileged and emphasised the
importance of helping the very young before
they become statistics.
Colin Purslowe, Area Manager Chipper
Funerals and Narelle Lichfield, Location
Manager Simplicity Funerals Mandurah also
attended the opening civic reception.
Far Right: Andrew Hogan, General Manager Purslowe
Funerals arranged for Youth Activist, Les Twentyman (far
left) to attend the Lions Conference as guest speaker.
The Mandurah Lions Club also saw almost 300
Lions and partners gather for the 40th annual
Lions District W2 convention at the Ac-cent
community buildings.
I N V O LV E
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White Lady Funerals and Mareena
Purslowe & Associates are staffed
entirely by women bringing
a refreshing, modern touch
to the funeral industry.
It could be Ladies Day at White Lady Funerals, Kelvin Grove.
They:
s 5
NIQUELYFEATUREALLFEMALE
staff, elegant white uniforms
with burgundy hats and a
fleet of white vehicles
s /
FFERFUNERALSERVICESFORTHOSE
who want greater diversity in
honouring the life of a loved one
s 2
EmECTANEYEFORDETAILASTHEY
draw on a loved one’s life to
personalise arrangements as
well as producing attendance
cards and memorial books and
providing memorial candles to
families at the end of the service
s 0
ROVIDEANAFTERSERVICE
care that is second to none
throughout the White Lady
Funeral homes Australia wide.
whiteladyfunerals.com.au
mareenapurslowefunerals.com.au
A Melbourne Cup to remember
White Lady Funerals, Kelvin Grove had so much fun hosting a Melbourne Cup
party for the staff and residents of Cooper House Aged Care, Chermside.
The team from White Lady Funerals
donned purple boas for the afternoon’s
event and provided gifts for the
‘Fashions on the Field’ competition and
joined in the fun of novelty races.
Marilyn Morse of White Lady Funerals,
Kelvin Grove accompanied the sing-a-long
on the piano which was enjoyed by all.
Jo Smith, Location Supervisor, Kelvin Grove
and Marilyn Morse have formed a special
bond with the residents at Cooper House
Aged Care, Chermside and have supported
them throughout the year providing gifts,
entertainment and pampering days.
White Lady Funerals Kelvin Grove looks forward
to continuing their support for Cooper House.
A helping hamper
Christine Wellfare of White Lady Funerals
Warana in Queensland has been sticking to
her commitment to assist local nursing homes,
groups and community organisations by
creating and delivering an eye-catching range
of hampers at important times of the year.
Take a look at a selection of some of the
hampers she has made and distributed this
year. From Easter to Mother’s Day, from
Seniors Week to prizes for raffles, Christine has
been there to help those in her community.
Well done Christine!
Christine’s hampers always bring a smile.
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Singing
in the Rain
White Lady Funerals, Warana
visits eight different nursing
homes each week to meet with
and engage the residents.
White Lady Funerals has recently purchased
around 26 DVDs which they deliver to
the nursing homes in the local area.
The DVDs are mostly old musicals
such as ‘Sound of Music’, ‘Singing in
the Rain’, ‘Oklahoma’, ‘South Pacific’
and ‘Carousel’. Others include ‘Little
Woman’, ‘Casablanca’ and ‘Ben Hur’.
Juliette Frame, Community Relations Manager White Lady Funerals, speaks to Qantas staff.
White Lady’s insights for Qantas
White Lady Funerals in New South Wales was invited to host a “Deep Dive”
session as part of the Qantas Ground Operations Service Culture Design Forum.
Qantas Ground Operations selected a
number of reputable organisations to
help them design their Service Culture
in order to deliver a consistently great
experience for their customers and staff.
White Lady was selected amongst other
well recognised brands such as Apple,
Sofitel Hotels, Neil Perry’s Rockpool
restaurant and Lexus cars to share relevant
knowledge and expertise and to lead a
discussion in their areas of expertise.
Juliette Frame, White Lady Funerals
Community Relations Manager, was asked to
Christine’s hampers ready for sharing.
provide information on White Lady’s “Culture
of Service” to a group of ten Qantas delegates.
The event was an exciting opportunity for
White Lady to present the importance of
excellent customer service through the
recruitment and training of caring staff.
Feedback from the group was very positive and
one of the points made by the team was no
matter what a White Lady is doing or saying,
whether looking after families or on personal
time, she is proudly representing the name
of White Lady Funerals in the community.
Everyone loves a box of treats and Christine enjoys
giving them.
“It’s lovely to see the residents responding
to the musicals - it takes them back to
a special place and often they will sing
and dance along to them,” says Christine
Wellfare, Location Manager Warana.
“We have formed a special bond
with staff and residents and enjoy
seeing the residents’ eyes light up
when we bring in the new DVDs.”
Christine also uses the visits to pick
up donated glasses for the Lions
Recycle for Sight programme which
distributes the glasses to people in
developing countries who otherwise
would have no access to them.
The DVD initiative has been so well received
that White Lady will continue to build up their
DVD library and share the classic titles with
nursing homes in the area for years to come.
Sweet treats often accompany Christine’s hampers.
I N V O LV E
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Inside Guardian Funerals’ new Bondi Junction location.
Involve welcomes your contributions:
Locked Bag 8000, Crows Nest NSW 2065 Australia
or fax to: +61 2 9459 3906
or email: [email protected]
© InvoCare Limited ABN 42 096 437 393