COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS & UPDATES
Talking About Death Geelong is a free community conversation series presented by Kings Funerals in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries. Held at libraries across Geelong, the series brings together local experts to explore practical questions and decisions around death, dying and planning ahead.
These free community conversations are designed to provide practical information, encourage open discussion and help people feel more informed and supported in understanding their options.
Bring your curiosity and your questions. Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting someone you care about, or simply wanting to learn more, everyone is welcome.
WHAT TO DO WITH PROPERTY AFTER A DEATH
Corio Library
11–15 Cox Road, Corio
Wednesday 30 September
9.30 am – 11.00 am
After somebody dies, families are often faced with the emotional and practical task of deciding what to do with a lifetime of possessions and property. Whether you’re planning ahead or supporting someone after a death, this conversation will provide practical guidance to help make a difficult process a little easier.
Facilitator
Beth King, General Manager – Kings Funerals
Speakers
Brad Simonsen, Owner – Brad Loads It
Gareth Kent, CEO – Preston Rowe Paterson
Marion Ivermee-Villarosa, Founder, Director and Professional Organiser – A Place of Calm
Topics may include:
- Property valuations and preparing a home for sale
- Sorting, keeping and letting go of belongings
- Donating, recycling and responsible disposal
- Home organising and decluttering
- Estate practicalities and working with family members
- Planning ahead to reduce stress for loved ones
Register for your free ticket here
GREEN FUNERAL OPTIONS
Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library
20 Main Street, Armstrong Creek
Wednesday 28 October
10.30 am – 12.00 pm
As more Australians seek environmentally conscious ways to say goodbye, new funeral options are emerging and some traditional green options have returned. Join our panel as they explore sustainable funeral choices, innovative technologies and practical ways to reduce environmental impact while still creating a meaningful and personal farewell.
Facilitator
Beth King, General Manager – Kings Funerals
Speakers
Frank de Groot, Director Projects, Development & Innovation – Geelong Cemeteries Trust
Ross George, Managing Director – Austeng
Briohny Fitzgerald, Senior Operations and HR Manager – Kings Funerals
Topics may include:
- Green cemetery options such as natural burial and shrouded cremation
- Sustainable coffin and shroud choices
- Emerging technologies such as natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis
- Reducing the environmental impact of a funeral
- Balancing sustainability with personal wishes and family traditions
- Green funeral options currently available in Australia
Register for your free ticket here
THE WEEK BEFORE AN EXPECTED DEATH
Belmont Library
163 High Street, Belmont
Wednesday 25 November
2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
When a death is anticipated soon, families may have time to prepare but many don’t know what to expect or who can help. This panel will discuss the practical, emotional and medical support available during the final days of life.
Facilitator
Beth King, General Manager – Kings Funerals
Speakers
Rob Grundel, Chair – Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine
Kerryn Viner, Advance Care Planner – Barwon Health
Topics may include:
- What to expect during the final days of life
- The roles of GPs, palliative care and community support services
- Spiritual, emotional and practical care for patients and families
- Advance care planning and communicating wishes
- Understanding voluntary assisted dying options
- Preparing for the days immediately following a death
Register for your free ticket here
The Avenue Duo from Shedding the Blues
Live music, great company and an afternoon to celebrate!
Join us at Kings Funerals Newcomb for a warm and uplifting afternoon of live music as we celebrate the Geelong Seniors Festival with The Avenue Duo from Shedding the Blues.
Shedding the Blues is a local community music group dedicated to connection, inclusion and wellbeing through music, and The Avenue Duo know how to bring a room to life with familiar songs, plenty of personality and music you’ll want to sing along to.
Come along to listen, laugh, reminisce and enjoy an afternoon celebrating great music and great company.
Whether you come with friends, bring a group or simply come along on your own, everyone is welcome.
Wednesday 7 October 2026
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Kings Funerals
130 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb
Tickets are FREE but limited. Afternoon tea will be served after the show.
Bookings are essential. Use the RSVP form, email rsvp@kingsfunerals.com.au, or call 5248 3444 to secure your place.
Come along, sing along and celebrate with us!
For catering purposes, please RSVP by October 2
A Dying to Know Day Community Information Afternoon
For many people, the funeral is only one part of saying goodbye.
The decisions that come afterwards – what to do with cremated remains, how to remember someone, or whether to create a lasting memorial are often made weeks, months or even years later. Many people tell us they simply didn’t know what their options were.
That’s why we’re opening our doors this Dying to Know Day.
What is Dying to Know Day?
Dying to Know Day is a national initiative that encourages open, honest conversations about death, dying and end-of-life planning.
Held annually across Australia, it provides an opportunity for individuals, families and communities to ask questions, share knowledge and become better informed about topics that many of us avoid until we have no choice but to face them.
At Kings Funerals, we believe open conversations about death and remembrance can help people feel more informed and confident when making decisions in their own time.
What is Ways to Remember?
Ways to Remember is a relaxed community afternoon designed to share information about the many meaningful choices available after cremation.
Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting someone after a death, or simply curious about the options available, you’re welcome to visit and explore at your own pace.
Throughout the afternoon, you’ll discover ideas, inspiration and practical information about remembrance after cremation, including:
- Memorial vessels and urns
- Memorial jewellery and keepsakes
- Scattering options
- Community memorials
- Other personal ways people choose to remember
Our team will be available to answer questions and provide information, but there are no presentations, no formal schedule and no expectation to make decisions.
This is simply an opportunity to learn more in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Event Details
Saturday 8 August 2026
Drop in anytime between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm
Kings Funerals – Newcomb
130 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb
No bookings are required.
We look forward to welcoming you.
What is an Eco Friendly Funeral?
An eco friendly funeral prioritises low-impact practices, biodegradable materials, and natural processes wherever possible. This approach doesn’t mean compromising on dignity, tradition, or personalisation; it simply focuses on reducing environmental harm while celebrating a life with respect and care.
Many families are exploring options such as:
- Biodegradable coffins and caskets Made from sustainably sourced timber, wicker, wool, cardboard, or other natural materials.
- Shrouded cremations or burials A gentle, natural approach that minimises chemical use and supports the environment. Kings Funerals is proud to be the first and only Geelong funeral home to offer this service.
- Hybrid and electric hearses Reducing emissions while transporting the person who has died. We now operate the majority of our hearses as hybrid or electric vehicles.
- Gentle mortuary care Where embalming is entirely optional, allowing families to choose low-impact preservation methods.
By combining these practices, families can create a farewell that respects both the deceased person and the natural world. Even small decisions like choosing local flowers or reusable service materials can have a meaningful impact.
Planning Your Eco Friendly Funeral
Planning a sustainable funeral involves thoughtful decisions across every aspect of the service. Here are key steps to guide you:
Consider the type of service
Decide whether a traditional burial, natural burial, or cremation suits the deceased and their environmental priorities. Each option can be personalised with rituals, readings, or music that celebrate life meaningfully. For example, a ceremony in a natural setting or a private garden can offer intimacy while minimising environmental disruption.Select biodegradable materials
Coffins, caskets, and urns made from natural or recycled materials help reduce environmental impact. Our funeral directors can advise on options that balance sustainability with elegance. Choosing biodegradable fabrics or finishes for coffins can also make a difference, offering a respectful and environmentally conscious tribute.Choose low-impact transport
Where possible, Kings Funerals utilises hybrid or electric hearses to help reduce environmental impact while maintaining dignity in transit. Our operations team carefully manages hearse allocation based on service requirements, distance and venue accessibility.Embrace local or natural venues
Outdoor memorials, local cemeteries, or venues with sustainable practices can complement eco friendly funerals while offering a beautiful, serene environment for reflection. These locations may allow families to incorporate personal touches such as planting trees or creating living memorials that endure for years.Involve family and friends
Encourage them to contribute sustainably through eco-conscious flowers, digital invitations, or donations to environmental causes. Families may also choose to involve children or younger relatives in planting ceremonies or other natural tributes, creating lasting memories and teaching environmental stewardship.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide to arranging a funeral, including eco friendly considerations, see our Funeral Planning Guide.
Preserving Meaning While Being Sustainable
Some families worry that choosing eco friendly options might feel less personal. Our funeral homes ensure every service reflects your family’s wishes, values, and the personality of the person who has died. From music and tributes chosen to suit them, to ceremonies designed around their life, we help create a meaningful farewell.
You can incorporate symbolic gestures that honour a life while remaining environmentally conscious, such as planting native trees, creating memory books with recycled paper, or choosing natural floral arrangements.
Create a Thoughtful, Eco Friendly Service with Kings Funerals
Planning a funeral is never easy, but with the right guidance, it is possible to arrange a meaningful service while protecting the environment for a greener future. Our team works closely with each family to understand their values and create personalised ceremonies that celebrate life in a way that feels authentic and respectful. You can also explore our eco friendly coffin options as part of planning a sustainable farewell.
To learn more about how we can support an eco friendly funeral for your family, get in touch with our team today.
"The shed is full; I'm clearing it out; the shed will never be empty.
my mum was the best; my mum was the worst.”
A modern gothic tale of grief, tenderness and myth-making after loss.
A NEW SOLO CABARET WORK FROM DELIA OLAM
Fresh from the Adelaide Fringe festival, South Australian artist Delia Olam is an award-winning cabaret performer, musician, and theatre maker with another original tour-de-force solo show that is bound to thrill your ears, warm your heart, and move you (as always) to tears.
Saturday 25 October
6.30 pm
Kings Chapel
130 Bellarine Hwy, Newcomb
Performance: approx 60 min.
General Admission $25 (Concession $20)
Follow the link below to purchase tickets
Swedish Death Cleaning vs EVERYTHING (the shed) – Geelong
Artist’s comments
This play is tailored to village audiences from 9 to 99 – for all who are curious about the questions that arise from loss and the process of myth-making that occurs afterwards but perhaps especially resonant with anyone who has experienced the grief of loss – especially of a parent or grandparent, and/or for those who have begun to think about how they might arrange their own affairs for an inevitable end.
It was inspired by Delia’s personal experience over 3 years since her mum suddenly died – sorting through, on the one hand a literal shed FULL with a life’s worth of special interests and curiosities, and – on the other hand a more metaphorical ‘shed’ of memories and “every story ever told about my mum” – including the ones she told about herself (via diaries from different decades of her life) and trying to make sense of and reconcile how different people experienced her so wildly differently from each other and she experienced herself another way again entirely.
It became a kind of modern gothic tale in which it appears that Delia is endlessly sorting boxes yet the shed is still (and always will be) full and in which the strange privilege of choosing what her mum’s legacy will be, is shared with the audience (‘cast’ upon entry into the theatrical space, as “friends” who have come over to “help with sorting the shed”). The choosing is done via the radical ethos/device of Swedish Death Cleaning (“select only what is most essential or most meaningful, and let the rest move on”) and the use of Delia’s mum’s infinite collection of miniatures – used here as keepers of story.
There is spoken word poetry, live music (original and ‘popular’ – if you were a teen of the 70s) on guitar and dulcimer, immersive relaxed interaction between performer and audience and touching on themes of not only grief, loss and myth-making but also the generational trauma related to undiagnosed neurodivergence, how that affects identity and the stories a person believes of themselves, and what that means to the stories that are ultimately chosen to be kept and shared.
It’s a show that inspires tenderness and a desire to sit and yap afterwards and share and reflect; a show that “makes space” for grief, and feeling it, which – as it turns out – is a far too rare thing; and it does so in a way that is far less scary than most of us may think.
It’s one of those shows that manages to be incredibly personal about an experience that is truly universal and becomes a beautiful invitation to reflect upon and to cherish – life!
Media from 2025 Adelaide Fringe season
Article:
festmag.com Shedding Tears – Fest mag
Review:
list.co.uk Swedish Death Cleaning vs EVERYTHING (the shed.) theatre …
Join us for a series of FREE panel conversations about death featuring Kings Funerals topic specialists and other local experts.
Bring your curiosity and questions.
All welcome.
THE ADMIN OF DEATH
Wednesday, March 12
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Newcomb Library
In this session, we will discuss legal, financial, and practical steps people can take to better prepare for a future death (themselves or a family member).
Facilitator
Beth King, Kings Funerals, General Manager
Speakers
Sarah Murray, Mast Lawyers, Lawyer
Zac Dodds, Muirfield Financial Services, Certified Financial Planner
Samantha Voyle Hallihan, Kings Funerals, Pre-Paid Funeral Consultant
Topics may include
Preparing a will
Choosing an executor
Estate administration
Financial options to consider when preparing for a future death
Saving Family Stories – how to convert your photos and movies to digital formats
Register for your free ticket here
THE FIRST WEEK AFTER A DEATH
Wednesday, March 19
10:00am – 11:30am
Waurn Ponds Library
We will discuss common experiences and decisions that need to be made in the first week after a death. These will include things such as the coroner process, transferring the deceased person, whether to have an attended service, whether to advertise the service, options for the body and more.
Facilitator
Beth King, Kings Funerals, General Manager
Speakers
Dean Matthews, Geelong Cemeteries Trust, CEO
Kristy Harmon, Funeral Celebrant and Chaplain
Shannon Alexander, Kings Funerals, Funeral Arranger
Topics may include
Spending time with the person who has died
Types of attended and unattended funerals
Working with a celebrant to create a personalised service
Grave selection
Witnessed cremation
Biographical information required to register death
Creative options for venues and ceremonies
Register for your free ticket here
SPEAKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT DEATH
Wednesday, March 26
10:00am – 11:30am
Leopold Library
In this session we will talk about the importance of using clear and accurate language when talking about death and how having conversations about death with children during everyday life can help prepare them to understand and share their feelings when a person or animal in their life dies.
Facilitator
Beth King, Kings Funerals, General Manager
Speakers
Jo Betz, Anam Cara House, Spiritual Care
Dr. Alicia Kennedy, Cherished Pets, CEO
Renae Brander, Trained Counsellor and Kings Funerals, Operations Assistant
Topics may include
Ideas for language to use when speaking about death with children (eg “died” instead of “went to sleep”)
Conversations about pet death and how these can connect to discussions about human death
Books from the Geelong Regional Library collection that can help support children’s understanding about death
Children attending funerals and viewings
Questions children may have about death
Register for your free ticket here
A memorial for anyone remembering someone this Christmas.
Kings Funerals invites you and your family to our complimentary
‘Caring at Christmas‘ memorial event.
Join us at our Newcomb Chapel for our annual memorial gathering, where there will be formal and informal opportunities to reflect and share memories over light refreshments.
WHERE:
Kings Funeral Chapel
130 Bellarine Hwy, Newcomb 3219
WHEN:
Tuesday November 26 2024
TIME:
6.30 pm Start
Gathering to conclude by 7.30 pm
For catering purposes, please RSVP by November 20
You are welcome to submit a photo of your family member or friend to be honoured during our memorial.
Please submit your photographs by November 20 using the RSVP form.
Kings Funerals is celebrating the Victorian Seniors Festival and Positive Ageing Month in October,
and we invite you to join us for afternoon tea and live music.
Andy Pobjoy will perform your favourite songs, and complimentary tea, coffee, savoury, and sweet treats will be provided.
Songs to Remember with Piano Bar’s Andy Pobjoy
SOLD OUT
VENUE:
Piano Bar Geelong, 90-92 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220
DATE:
First Session, Wednesday 16 October 2024 SOLD OUT
Second Session, Wednesday 30 October 2024 SOLD OUT
TIME:
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
COST:
FREE
Bookings essential via rsvp@kingsfunerals.com.au or 03 5248 3444.
Please note number of guests and any dietary requirements with RSVP.
Join Kings Funerals at the Muirfield Financial Services Aged Care expo
WHERE:
Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre,
1-9 Cox Rd, Norlane VIC.
WHEN:
25 July 2024
TIME:
10.00 am to 1.00 pm
COST:
Free
PARKING:
Free parking with entry via Cox Road
The 2024 Aged Care Expo is a free event designed to bring together a comprehensive range of services, resources, and information related to aged care.
Over 20 service providers from the Geelong and Surf Coast area will have stalls set up, providing a unique opportunity to speak directly with industry experts covering permanent care, home care, Commonwealth Home Support Programs, estate planning, medical assessment processes, financial planning, and support networks available for you or your loved ones.
Whether you are currently considering care assistance, planning for the future, or simply want to learn more about the options available both inside, and outside the home, this event is for you.
Key Features of the Expo
Learn about the steps involved in the aged care process and hear from industry experts who will provide insights to effectively navigate the aged care system.
Speak directly with aged care professionals, healthcare providers, estate solicitors, financial advisers, and other industry experts.
Learn about the costs and financial implications of care.
Connect with care providers to better understand the support and services they offer.
Who Should Attend
Individuals, family members and carers: Those seeking to understand their options and prepare for the future.
General Public: Anyone interested in learning more about the aged care process and the services available for support.
Industry professionals: Those wanting to network with other participants in the aged care industry.
By attending the 2024 Aged Care Expo, you will leave with a clearer understanding of the complexities of aged care and the support available to assist you now and in the future.
Don’t miss this chance to empower yourself and those around you with essential knowledge and resources.
Say hello at the Kings Funerals table where you can learn about how pre-planning can bring peace of mind at any age and receive a free gift.
Free entry available on the day or you can register early to enter the draw to win a hamper
https://www.muirfieldfs.com.au/aged-care-expo-2024/
A safe, confidential and friendly space where people, come together to talk openly about death, dying, grief and life.
On Dying to Know Day, Barwon Health’s Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning teams, together with Kings Funerals invite you to join us in a relaxed setting to discuss death.
Death Cafés are gatherings to share thought-provoking, engaging and respectful conversations on death.
There is no agenda or objectives, the conversation is simply led by the people in the group. We sit in small groups so it’s easy to participate. It is a place to talk and share (or just listen).
Dying to Know Day is an annual campaign that encourages all adult Australians to plan, record and advocate for their end of life preferences.
WHEN: Tuesday 8 August 10.00 am
WHERE: Café Palat, 1/6-10 Apparel Close, Breakwater
Coffee, Tea and a selection of slices provided.
For catering purposes, Please RSVP by Friday August 4
From May 21st to May 27th, 2023, National Palliative Care Week will be held in Australia, with the aim of bringing attention to the importance of ‘Matters of Life and Death’. To further this message, there will be the world premiere of ‘Live the life you please‘, a documentary produced by Moonshine Agency. The film tells the personal stories of real people from all over Australia, including Geelong, sharing their experiences with palliative care. The documentary is emotional, heartwarming, and occasionally tear-jerking, as these diverse Australians share the last chapter of their lives with us.
Barwon Health’s palliative care team is dedicated to supporting those with terminal illnesses, as well as their families and friends, across the entire Geelong Region. Palliative care is focused on improving a person’s quality of life by managing symptoms and meeting their social, emotional, and spiritual needs. Additionally, it provides support, advice, and education to family and friends.
Barwon Health’s Palliative Care team strives to provide inclusive care for everyone, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Kings Funerals has been working closely with Barwon Health’s palliative care team for a significant amount of time.
Two showings of the documentary will be held at Village Cinemas Geelong on Tuesday May 23rd, and Sunday June 4th. After the Tuesday screening, a Q&A panel featuring some of the documentary’s participants, members of the palliative care team, and Julie, Kings Funerals pre-paid consultant, will be available to address any questions that may arise.
We hope to see you there.
Book your Tickets HERE
At 11.00 am on the 15th of March 2023, Kings Funerals invited friends and families to join us for a memorial service to share memories and reflect on the many families who had held funerals at our chapel over the decades. We invited everyone to place a flower in our farewell wreath honouring someone they love.
Thank you to all that attended.
If you weren’t able to attend, the service recording is below.
Warm regards, Michael, Louise, and Beth King and the team at Kings Funerals
Follow the link below if you wish to leave a tribute for a loved one.
Farewelling our Myers Street Chapel
When: Wednesday, 15 March 2023
Time: 11.00 am
Where: Kings Chapel, 25 Myers St, Geelong
Service Recording
Order of Service
Visual Tribute
Photo Gallery
Dying to Know Day is an annual campaign that empowers Australians at all stages of life to live and die well. Dying to Know Day seeks to radically reshape how Australians approach death, dying, and end-of-life planning. This year's campaign asks Australians to ‘get dead set’ by taking simple steps to plan for end-of-life.
Kings Funerals teamed up with Barwon Health for a live-streamed discussion answering your questions about death and dying and shared insights into the work of funeral homes and palliative care.
Watch the playback on demand below. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out or add comments to the Facebook thread from the live stream located here.
Get Dead Set Panel:
Beth King, General Manager, Kings Funerals
Julie Cantwell, Prepaid Funeral Consultant, Kings Funerals
Tim Fitzpatrick, Barwon Health Advanced Care Planning Team
Amanda Myring, Barwon Health Spiritual Care
Carol Treyvaud, Barwon Health Community Palliative Care Nurse
With thanks to the Piano Bar, Geelong for hosting us, and Andy Pobjoy for his musical delights.
Leading not-for-profit, The Groundswell Project Australia, calls on Australians to ‘get dead set’ around death and dying as part of its annual Dying to Know campaign.
This year, the national campaign asked people of all ages and stages of life to prioritise compassionate conversations and ‘get dead set’ around the reality of death and dying – because it’s going to
happen to us all. It outlines simple steps people can take around end-of-life planning, which is personal and unique to everyone.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we live, die, and grieve. Early studies suggest that people in Australia who lost a loved one during the COVID pandemic (from any cause) are experiencing more grief, anxiety, and depression than before the pandemic.
Research shows there is a risk that the support received by Australians dealing with death and dying is less than what is needed.
The Dying to Know campaign (which culminates on Dying to Know Day on 8 August) helps bridge this gap by improving death literacy and positivity in individuals, communities, healthcare workers, and other professionals through local and community events. Death literacy is the knowledge, compassion, and practical skills that enable supportive action and active decision-making around someone’s end-of-life choices.
To ‘get dead set’ is to prepare for the unique circumstances every person will face at the end of their life. By asking Australians to ‘get dead set’, the campaign invites Australians to overcome their
fears or discomfort around death and take action on end-of-life planning in a way that is right for them.
The benefits of planning for end-of-life are clear in the wake of necessary pandemic restrictions – which impacted people’s ability to see dying loved ones, arrange or attend important rituals like
funerals and see friends and family for support. By being ‘dead set’ and prepared for end-of-life, Australians can:
- Have a ‘good’ death that reflects what mattered in life.
- Have conversations to ease the anguish of loved ones through the distress, uncertainty, and finality of death.
- Leave a positive legacy that is consistent with how we want to be remembered.
- Have their lives celebrated/remembered the way they choose.
Sentimental favourites made an appearance such as ‘Time to say Goodbye’ and ‘My Way’, mixed in with songs that lean towards a celebratory feel for someone’s life, often including humour (‘Highway to Hell’ by ACDC, ‘Burn for You’ by John Farnam – noting the personality of the individual, they wouldn’t have it any other way!) and, positivity (‘Walking on Sunshine’). We’ve included a selection below. To see the full post visit the Bay 93.9 facebook page.
Article Photo by Mike Giles on Unsplash
Your hamper includes these locally sourced products for you & your family to enjoy over Christmas, worth $395.
- Gamekeepers Christmas Ham (4-5kg)
- Whole side of Huon River Smoked Salmon
- Pork & Pistachio Terrine
- Roast Chat Potatoes with Garlic & Rosemary
- Christmas Pudding (Serves 6-8)
- Bayside Boys Christmas Macarons (6)
- Lighthouse Olive Oil
- Lard Ass Cultered Butter (150g)
- Born & Bread Sourdough Loaf
- Australian Cherries (1kg)
- Bottle of Oakdene Wine
To enter, go to our Facebook page, like our post and tell us your favourite Christmas tradition in the comments box.
Good luck!
PROGRAM:
- Welcome music from Andy Pobjoy, The Piano Bar Geelong
- Words from Michael King, Managing Director, Kings Funerals
- Words from Womble, Comfort Dog, Kings Funerals
- Words from Louise King, Funerals by Women, Kings Funerals
- Grief during the Christmas season from Trudie Vos, The Grief Centre
- Reflection with Philip Christian, Celebrant, Kings Funerals & Music from Andy Pobjoy, The Piano Bar Geelong
- Honouring family and friends – Name and photo display
- Closing Christmas Carols from Andy Pobjoy, The Piano Bar Geelong
REMEMBERING FROM HOME:
During the memorial service, we will invite your participation by focusing on something personally connecting. At the end of a life, what is left? Much has been shared, the meals, conversations and experiences, money lent or spent, the travel, the work all done. There are material things, plenty. And these can draw us to the intangibles that say so much more of character and personality, and impact. We can use items, objects to point us again to his or her values, interests, and beliefs. Here are some prompts to help;
- You may have a candle to light, a bowl with water upon which you may float a flower petal or some tea-light candles.
- Think about symbols – a chair or other furniture, a treasured possession, jewelry, or badge, a certain way of organising things, a book, or magazine, quotation or CD, favourite drink or food, a hat or scarf, scent, flower or herb or fruit, a tool, utensil or sports item, craft or artwork, photo or print.
Have these things around you. During the ceremony, you will have the opportunity to consider these things and how they still speak to you.
MANAGING GRIEF DURING CHRISTMAS:
Download our support guide for dealing with Grief at Christmas, from our partners, The Grief Centre.
Awareness
- Awareness means possessing knowledge, the experience of a particular matter, being conscious, being informed.
- Awareness is about having the ability to perceive, feel, and be in touch.
- Awareness helps us prepare and plan
- Awareness helps us seek and discover opportunities within our present reality
Readiness
- To be ready is to reduce the element of surprise or shock.
- To be ready, allows us to envisage a best-case scenario, whilst considering all the potential outcomes, thereby being better prepared.
Creativity
- Our circumstances allow for creative and personally appropriate responses to loss and grief, ensuring that our needs are embraced in a language that we understand
- Creativity is enhanced through awareness, readiness, and exploration, and especially through knowing ourselves, our heart, and our soul.
Support
We at Kings are here to help – and so are many professional and caring organisations like the ones listed here. We encourage you to see what services they have to offer and to call on them for assistance when needed.
For information and helpful guides regarding funeral services in relation COVID-19, learn more here.
Kings Funerals offers our families complimentary bereavement support; learn more about this service here.
Read more on Dealing with Bereavement in a COVID-19 World here
Image Credit: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
It challenged what we thought of as ‘normal’ and forced us to recognise how connectivity plays a role in our wellbeing where, previously, many of those actions and daily rituals were sitting within our subconscious.
For those dealing with grief from the loss of a loved one, COVID-19 created an added layer of loss – the ability to be close and seek comfort in those around us in traditional ways. For this reason, we were asked to think of new ways to bridge the uncertainty, create connection and learn to adjust.
Philip Christian – Kings Funerals Celebrant, believes that social distancing doesn’t necessarily mean loss of connection;
“Our purpose under the pressure of change is to support and empower family and friends to fully remember those who we have lost, to grieve together, and find comfort in ritual and meaningful acknowledgment in different but important ways. We don’t need to lose our human side, our gifts of emotion and creativity, and the power of personalities, unique and special. It’s about caring and being present.”
Despite the COVID-19 regulations and an emotionally challenging time, Kings Arrangers and families have sought creative ways to pay tribute and create connection whilst adhering to strict safety and COVID-19 guidelines;
‘Chairs were changed into a horseshoe shape for the service to create a sense of togetherness. ‘Nanna Joy Roberts’ had been a hand-knitter of socks all her life, right up to her 100th year. To acknowledge their personal Nanna Joy sock collections, all the guests wore a pair of these colourful socks to the service. For a bit of fun at the beginning of the service, they all took their shoes off for a sock display. It was a light-hearted and touching tribute to their Nana Joy, and an intimately shared moment’
‘Friends, family and the community created a massive tribute on the sand at Ocean Grove. A huge drive-by was mapped out where friends and the community lined the streets in their driveways to pay tribute and in a show of support to the family.’
‘A cousin requested to organise a presentation of balloons attached to names and photographs of those who couldn’t be present, as a reminder of their support. It was such a lovely gesture as they have a large extended family.’
“When the COVID-19 restrictions began, initially families were worried that they wouldn’t be able to grieve and have family and community connection to help them mourn. But the evidence and feedback suggest that this in fact wasn’t the case.” Says Briohny Fitzgerald, Kings Funerals Operations Manager.
“Lowered numbers at services resulted in more intimate, meaningful occasions, with only close family involved. People were more confident with their eulogies; happy to speak in front of a small gathering rather than a large crowd. There was increased engagement with each other during the service, with more people speaking and interacting. Digital webcasting allowed those who wouldn’t usually be able to attend to take part and even read eulogies. Overall, many families have found it less stressful to organise and were able to mourn with a fulfilling and meaningful service.”
Briohny explains that the most important thing is ensuring upfront and honest conversations on the possibilities. “We don’t want to say ‘no’, it’s about offering alternatives and helping adjust our mindset to be creative in delivering a service that maintains all the valuable elements that make a meaningful funeral.”
Support
We at Kings are here to help – and so are many professional and caring organisations like the ones listed here. We encourage you to see what services they have to offer and to call on them for assistance when needed.
For information and helpful guides regarding funeral services in relation COVID-19, learn more here.
