Celebrations 1ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016 www.afcc.com.au

ISSUE 95 – 2016 Celebrations

2 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

Contents1 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK2 EDITOR’S EXPOSE3 NATIONAL

CONFERENCE NOTES4 KEEP THE DATE!4 AFCC STATE

AND TERRITORIES LIAISON4 ANNUAL REGISTRATION FEE5 WITH THANKS

VALERIE COSTARELLI6 “THAT WAS EASY...”7 A NIGHT IN THE LIFE OF A

FUNERAL CELEBRANT8 INTRODUCING...9 AROUND THE NETWORKS9 IS YOUR PROFILE UP

TO DATE?

9 AFCC OPD NEWS10 PROFILING THE AFCC

MANAGER OF OPD 11 WHAT COST THE MARRIAGE

CELEBRANT?13 ART FOR THE HEART14 YAHOO FORUM15 AFCC FACEBOOK16 AFCC RESOURCES18 WINNERS ARE GRINNERS!18 QUIZ19 AFCC MEMBERSHIP CAN BE

PAID NOW!19 WEDDING RESOURCES GUIDE19 NEXT EDITION OF CELEBRATIONS19 HELP!20 AFCC NEW MEMBERS

Celebrations 1ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

Once again, we have hit the busiest time of the year for all your hard working National Committee members, with the 2016-18 Committee election processes, online registrations for AFCC-hosted OPD events, settling the final arrangements for the 2016 National Conference in Adelaide and building functionality for annual membership renewals (due by 30 June 2016). We are also re-negotiating annual premiums for members’ insurance and Copyright protection.

Decisions and directions on most of the management and administrative matters have been settled and members can expect e-Blasts and emails about them over the next few weeks, together with regular updates on the AFCC website and articles in your Celebrations magazine.

As we’ve had in previous years, we have a very enthusiastic and hard working sub-committee putting together what is looming as another successful National Conference in Adelaide in July. Attendance at the Conference from Monday morning 11 July to the formal close on Tuesday afternoon 12 July will provide for delegates to be credited with their full 2016 OPD compliance obligations.

In addition, we are now well supported by volunteer members of two new sub-committees, dedicated to looking after members’ interests in all States and Territories, and exploring educational opportunities and even more new resources. More information about our increasing reliance on volunteer sub-committees will be provided at the AGM in Adelaide in July.

In the face of increasing ‘third party’ costs, annual membership fees have not been increased for four years. Decisions to increase the fee have not been taken lightly, but for any new memberships on or after 1 July 2016, there will be a small increase from $195 to $205. That increase will also apply to any membership renewals for existing members that are not paid by 30 June 2016.

That said, in consideration of the substantial advantages, benefits and savings that come with continuous membership, members are asked to seriously consider the consequences of not renewing by 30 June 2016.

I continue to be very proud and appreciative of the strong commitment all members of your National Committee and sub-committees have, to ensuring your association remains the premier Australian celebrant association.

All we can ask is that you continue to support the association that supports you.

Cheers!

BRIAN RICHARDSON AFCC National president

From the

President’s desk

2 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

Editor’s ExposeWelcome to this edition of Celebrations which has lots of news and information and is also based around a general theme of “AFCC resources”.

The AFCC resources available on our website, provide excellent support to you in your work as Celebrants.

Whether you conduct wedding ceremonies, funeral services, baby namings, renewal of vows, commitments or civil partnerships, or any of the other ceremonies and services our clients want or need from us, you will find many resources on the AFCC website, which may be of assistance to you.

If you haven’t done so for a while, then take a look and see what is available. For example, at the 2015 National Conference, the Funeral Resources Guide and some sample certificates were launched. These are excellent and popular resources and are easily available for download.

In this edition, you’ll find an outline or explanation, on some of the items available to you as an AFCC member.

Judy Zilber, a Canberra Celebrant, has provided an excellent explanation of the real cost of being a Celebrant – as you’ll see, we don’t just earn our money by standing in front of a group for twenty minutes and providing a legal ceremony for a couple (I’m sure you’ve heard THAT one before!!!)

It’s only a few weeks now before our next National Conference being held in Adelaide. The last edition of Celebrations gave wonderful information about what is happening, and the next edition due out in late August/early September, will give a “wrap-up” of what has happened, as well as once again, it will include information of value to you as Celebrants. Hopefully, it will also contain stories and information from AFCC members, so please send me any contributions you would like to make.

Thank you to all those who have made a contribution to this edition and hopefully it will inspire other AFCC members to send in some contribution.

However, in the meantime, happy reading in this edition!

IRENE HARRINGTON Celebrations Editor

Celebrations 3ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

National Conference Notes

More than 100 of your fellow members have already booked and will qualify in full for their 2016 OPD by attending this year’s National Conference being held in Adelaide. They are also going to enjoy an exciting social program, fantastic networking opportunities, an informative, stimulating and entertaining program and the opportunity to add to their professional development and ultimately enhance their celebrancy practice.

They are also getting a wonderful mid-winter break on absolutely beautiful beachfront at South Australia’s premier seaside destination, Glenelg, a Mecca of trendy shopping, restaurants and coffee shops.

You can’t think of an excuse? Then there is still time to book through ‘Events’ in the Members’ Section of the AFCC website.

For assistance or more information email conference@afcc.com.au, or log into the conference web pages, accessed from the front page or members page of the AFCC website.

Sign in on Sunday afternoon from 3pm and collect your exciting gift from our organisers.

Meet AFCC National Committee members to answer any queries you may have about access to AFCC member benefits and savings and any other aspects of membership and administration of your AFCC.

On Sunday evening enjoy the Winter Wonderland Welcome cocktail event, in an awesome and very novel venue – party from 5.30pm, sponsored by Cindy’s Classic Gourmet.

Spend Monday and Tuesday listening to and interacting with, a diverse range of speakers and presenters. There will be several plenary sessions on both days and a choice of special interest and interactive concurrent sessions available while each group attends their designated OPD session.

Visit the trade tables to collect information and resources.

Look forward to networking with your colleagues and making new friends and great contacts for the future.

Enjoy a choice of 2 exciting events on Monday evening: a Government House reception with the South Australian Governor, or a tour of the iconic redeveloped Adelaide Oval.

Glam up and dance to awesome entertainment at our “Bling in the Ballroom” Gala Finale Dinner on Tuesday – an evening of great musical entertainment including a very special opening act, fine food, the draw of our conference raffle and endless fun, friendship and good conversation. Sponsored by A Moment in Time Wedding and Party Planners.

Enjoy a wonderful day of reminiscing, sightseeing, fine food, wine, coffee and fun on the Southern Vales Wine Region day trip, enjoying the sights and tastes of the region including a delicious lunch at Oliver’s Chaff Shed in McLaren Vale.

10 -13 JULY 2016

Contributed by Conference Coordinators SANDIE EBLEN & CHRIS BYRNES

There are some very exciting reasons why you should give serious thought to attending this year’s conference:

• OPD obligations fully covered along with 2 full days of wonderful learning

• Inspiring keynote and main speakers• Educational workshops• Opportunity to network with Celebrants

from all over Australia• The opportunity to renew old friendships

and make new ones• Fantastic social events • Two days of scrumptious morning and

afternoon teas and lunches• The opportunity to be hosted at

Government House by SA Governor• It’s tax deductible

Check the conference information pages on the AFCC website for more information

Plan now to attend the “You’re the Voice – the Voice of Celebrancy” 2016 AFCC National Conference and celebration.

Look forward to a rewarding and educational experience with your peers and colleagues!

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IMPORTANT REMINDER

Annual Registration FeeThe Attorney-General’s Department will once again this year, send invoices by email to registered Celebrants, requesting payment of the $240 annual registration charge for the 2016-2017 year.

AFCC members are reminded to ensure they have a current email address registered with the AG’s Department to ensure they receive their invoice. If the annual registration fee is not paid within the time outlined by the Department, Celebrants will be de-registered for not paying their fee. The current Legislation does not allow for any variance of non-payment of your fee.

Keep the date!The dates for the 2017 AFCC National Conference will be Sunday 9th, Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th July, 2017. Plan to be there to meet and greet your fellow celebrants, enjoy the socialising and undertake some great professional development.

The location and venue for the next Conference will be announced in Adelaide, at the conclusion of this year’s National Conference.

AFCC State and Territories LiaisonAs previously mentioned, the AFCC has created a States and Territories Liaison Sub-committee. In the last edition, we provided a list and photos of everyone except for the Northern Territory and South Australia. I apologise for the oversight of not including the Northern Territory’s representative Wendy Pelizzo.

I can also now announce that Linda Kelly has taken on the South Australian representative position. We congratulate and welcome her to the Sub-committee

As a way for everyone to get to know members of the Sub-committee, I have asked three members to provide an article for your information.

Celebrations 5ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

Early on this year I was given the honour on behalf of the AFCC National Committee, to present a long overdue Certificate of Appreciation to a past National Committee member, Valerie Costarelli.

I met Valerie for the first time when I took over the role of National Treasurer in 2012 and as you are all aware, I have been the Treasurer ever since.

I shared a lot of happy times with Valerie and also some interesting times, whilst learning this very important role. Valerie showed a lot of patience with me and nothing was ever too much trouble.

Valerie was elected onto the committee from 2009 to 2013 to represent the interests of members in Tasmania. She also assumed responsibility for representing members in Victoria for a year while that position was otherwise vacant.

In that time she also worked as the Secretary during a time of significant change and challenge and was part of the team that delivered a progressive new program of benefits for members.

In 2010, Valerie became the National Treasurer until 2012 and as already mentioned, this is when I came onto the Committee and took over this role. Valerie then took over the challenge of the Membership portfolio and during this time, membership rose by more than 50%.

Valerie was heavily involved in the transition from one AFCC website provider to another in 2012, along with Robert Campbell. In my first year on the Committee I was also involved in a smaller capacity due to the financial part of the new website. That year being my first year, was very hard to say the least and it was also very stressful for Valerie and Robert, but we survived.

Sadly due to personal reasons, Valerie decided not to continue her role on the National Committee beyond 2013, but volunteered to take-on an ex-officio role as Moderator of our Yahoo Discussion Forum.

I was very sad to see her go when she finally relinquished all roles late in 2015, but I could understand why and wished her happiness at the time.

I recently met up with Valerie to present a Certificate of Appreciation to her. She had no idea. It was a great surprise and she was very happy to accept the certificate from the AFCC.

Contributed by SUSAN CADE, AFCC National Treasurer

With thanks...

Valerie Costarelli

Valerie Costarelli with her Certificate of Appreciation

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“That was easy...”Death, Grief and Rebirth

(copy of an article written by Ron Thomas, which appeared in the Australian Funeral Directors Association Journal)

“That was easy wasn’t it Ron?” asked a Funeral Director friend after the coffin had been lowered and we were walking back to the hearse.

“Yes,” was my reply “but each of us carried out our duties as requested by the deceased.”

The occasion was a pre-paid funeral. The deceased had left explicit instructions via her solicitor as to what, where, why, when, who and how her death was to be handled.

I was named in the arrangements. Her solicitor handed me an envelope containing the eulogy and service format; nothing was to be added. There were no mourners present – just myself, three funeral company employees and the cemetery attendant.

It was a simple service devoid of any florid passages and yet, to this day, it has had a profound effect upon me as I have pondered the age old questions: “what’s it all about?”

I was paid the normal fee and yes, I could join with my Funeral Director friend in saying “that was easy money”. No interviews, no telephone calls, no witnessing the collective shared grief of family and friends, no prolonged writing out of a eulogy, little travel, no revisiting to check doubtful information – yes it seemed easy.

It was easy for my Funeral Director friend and his company. No long drawn out interviews. No decisions re the coffin, burial or cremation, church service or civil celebrant. No debate re flowers and newspaper announcements. No refreshments or courtesy car. No staff tied up for three hours. Just simply carry out the instructions of the pre-paid contract.

Maybe it was “easy money” for the funeral company – objectively it was for all parties – but it did not lower the professional manner in which the contracted parties carried out their tasks.

To the casual observer, each of us received “easy money”, but that situation is a rarity. Two weeks later I was engaged by the same Funeral Director to conduct a funeral, with the comment “Ron, this one will be totally different. We will both earn our money and more”.

It was a tragic accident. A mother of four was killed in a road accident with her two-year old daughter.

Three older children had survived with minor injuries. The mother had recently separated from her husband. For both myself and my Funeral Director friend, the interviews with two different families were long, intense and emotionally charged.

Grandparents blamed the estranged husband: “If you had been around this would not have happened.” Anger, remorse and blame were prominent emotions and the “if only...” statement was continually heard.

Telephone calls were frequent and many.

It was a dual service with refreshments in between. A dual burial service followed (the child was buried in another separate family gravesite).

The preparation of the eulogy was a long and drawn-out process requiring constant cross-checking with three different family groups. The emotional impact was heavy for all concerned.

Leaving the cemetery, my Funeral Director friend remarked: “we both earned our money today”.

And yes, we did. We both were living out the principles laid down by William Gladstone who wrote:

“Show me the manner with which a nation or country cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical correctness the tender sympa-thies of its people, their loyalty to high ideals and their respect for the laws of the land.”If we in the funeral industry stray from that statement and just look for “easy money”, then it is time for us to get out – we have ceased to be human and we are dead.

Contributed by AfCC Patron #1 RON THOMAS

Celebrations 7ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

Goodbyes are never easy no matter how old your loved one is, but when it is an older person that has passed, a lot of people accept that this is a part of life – the circle of life – but it is never easy to say goodbye to someone we love no matter how old they are!

Recently I headed down the road to go and see a family about their Dad’s funeral which was to be held the next day.

I put my GPS on (what would we do without a GPS?) and drove down unknown streets. It was cold and the mist was hovering over the road, it was dark, very dark, there were no street lights and kangaroos were trying to get some warmth from the bitumen road so I drove slowly to avoid hurting the kangaroos and my car.

For the first time ever, I was a little frightened driving down that road on my own and I could feel my breathing change – crazy thoughts popped into my head: “what if the GPS is wrong”? “What if I am going in the wrong direction”? “What if I crash into a kangaroo or worse still another car – who would find me”? “Should I go home and ask my partner to come back with me”?

Something gave me the strength to go on down the road and I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard my GPS say “you have reached your destination”.

I was exactly on time - it was 7pm. I remembered the daughter telling me “it is the first driveway in the street so go slow”. I put my indicator on to turn left into the driveway (I have no idea why, because there wasn’t a car around anywhere and it was pitch black).

As I turned into the driveway I noticed a heavy wire gate and then I saw him – there was a big man standing there in a big coat with a big hat on. I reluctantly put my window down and then I heard him say “Hello xxxxxxxx” – he scared the living day lights out of me!!

I soon discovered he was the son-in-law of the much loved man who had recently passed away and he wasn’t scary at all. In fact he was very jolly and made me relax and laugh straight away when he exclaimed “My god you are a gutsy little girl coming out this time of night in the dark, to a strange house – I could be an axe murderer”! So I immediately replied “and so could I”. We both laughed.

I spent the next two hours with the son-in-law and his lovely wife as they told me their Dad’s life story. No wonder they were both so sad, because he sounded like such an amazing man and they had lots of precious memories of the times they had spent with him.

After gathering lots of information from them both, we hugged. The son-in-law walked down to the gate to let me out and I was on my way once again down the dark and scary road.

I put on my faithful GPS to HOME and phoned to tell my partner I was on my way. It was after 9pm by this time and I was starting to get hungry. I was so lucky that my partner had dinner ready for us both when I arrived home.

I really wanted to get started on the ceremony while it was all fresh in my mind, so straight after dinner I sat down and began to type and type and type. Before I knew it, I looked at the clock on my computer and it was 1.30am.

I could hear my partner snoring on the lounge, but as I walked back into our family room, both the cat and my partner woke at the same time.

I put the kettle on and made us a hot drink (yes I do drink coffee at 1.30am in the morning), because I knew if I went straight to bed I would not be able to sleep.

As I lay in my bed with my head on my partner’s chest I instantly thought of the families I see and I thought about their loved one’s funeral. I never think to ask what sort of car they drove, or how big their house was, or how much money they left behind?

We talk about their wife or their husband, how many children they had, if they had grandchildren and what they loved to do – did they travel, did they have any hobbies, what did they do for an occupation and most of all what did their families love about this person, as well as what traditions and things did they teach the ones they have left behind?

I meet the most incredible people being a celebrant and some people often say to me “how can you do funerals. It must be horrible”?

I can truly say it is an honour, to tell these stories and I hope in some small way I can help the families through a really sad and difficult time.

A funeral is no longer a sad and sombre event – it is a celebration of that person’s life.

With their passing a special page of history has now closed, but the lives of all those who loved, liked and respected this person at any level, have changed the day they slipped away....and I get to help a family say goodbye to a wonderful man, a caring and protective father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather and a good friend to many – he had worked hard all his life and he is now at rest.

A night in the life of a FUNERAL CELEBRANTContributed by an anonymous AFCC member

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Northern Territory: Wendy PelizzoMy name is Wendy Pelizzo and I was born in Queensland and came to the Northern Territory after I married. My husband asked me to come to the Northern Territory for five years. “Just give me five years” he said. Thirty years later we are still here and loving it. I have lived in many communities across the NT and also spent a year living in Bali. I wanted to become a Celebrant as one of my friends and I had this dream that we would retire to Bali and set up a One-Stop-Wedding-Place for anyone wanting a wedding in Bali, particularly Australians. This fell through for many reasons. However, I’m glad I am now a Celebrant! I have four daughters and three granddaughters, all of whom live within 10 minutes’ drive and I love spending time with my family.

I have been a Celebrant since December 2014. I started my training back in mid to late 2012, but ended up in hospital at the start of 2013, for almost nine months with a life threatening illness. I’m all totally fine now. This stalled my training and I didn’t get to finish until June 2014. I was a bit stunned at how long it took to become registered, but I believe the wait was worth it. I have only performed three marriages so far. The first being for my nephew and his wife, the second for my niece and her husband and the third being a second marriage for one of my friends and it was her husband’s first marriage. I have another wedding booked for November this year and that too is for my nephew, the younger brother of my first wedding service.

Introducing...

New South Wales: Kathy PynsentMy name is Kathy Pynsent. A former Celebrant, the late Barbara Wallace from Sydney, inspired me to become a Celebrant. However, by the time I was actually appointed as a Celebrant in 1991, I had two children under two and was working full time as a teacher in an executive role. Because there were so few Celebrants in my area – the Hunter Valley vineyards – at the time, there were many, many weekends where I had six or seven weddings over the two days. Life was certainly hectic!! Twenty five years later and my sons are now 25 and 26 and have very successful careers; I am still teaching on a temporary basis; my husband is the Mayor of Cessnock (which consumes quite a bit of our time) and, I have conducted in excess of 2800 ceremonies. I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting hundreds of couples from all over the world and helping them to fulfil their dreams – for me, every ceremony is different and unique. I am so fortunate to still call the Hunter Valley, NSW my home and feel immensely privileged to have some of the top wine and wedding destinations right here at my fingertips. Being a Celebrant is a wonderfully rewarding opportunity – I love it!”

South Australia: Linda KellyIn 2012, I became a marriage celebrant because I’m a hopeless romantic who loves helping people. The wedding industry is full of happy couples brimming with excitement and I feel privileged to be part of such an intimate moment in people’s lives. With a background in education, I enjoy the planning, the creativity and the responsibility for ensuring that my beautiful brides and grooms have a perfectly gorgeous wedding day.

Celebrations 9ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

AFCC OPD NEWSThe 2016 AFCC-hosted OPD events are now in “full swing”.

Our first event was held on Sunday, 17th April 2016 at a new venue, The Gravity Meeting and Board Room, in the CBD in Brisbane. Twenty-six of our members attended on the day and they appreciated the location of the venue and the fact that they could catch public transport without having to worry about paying for parking.

Our second event was held on Sunday, 1st May 2016 in Hobart at The Old Woolstore Hotel, with 16 members attending that day. The AssentTECS Trainer, Toni Richards emailed me the day after to say what a happy and wonderful group of Celebrants attended the Hobart OPD.

We then had another two AFCC-hosted OPD events at the Dandenong Club in Victoria with Cheryl Landsberry as the trainer and Parramatta RSL Club with Melissa Halliday.

A further OPD event was held for South Australian members at the Glenelg Golf Club in Novar Gardens, on Sunday, 29th May with just on full capacity. This is the only AFCC-hosted OPD event being conducted in South Australia, besides of course, our National Conference being held on the 10th to 13th July 2016.

Our chosen elective of Networking with Social Media, has proven to be very popular with our attendees who have found this session to be very beneficial.

We thank you for your continued support and loyalty by choosing to complete your OPD through the AFCC. We can only continue to offer our highly discounted price of only $125 for our face-to-face OPD events, by having you, our members, register and attend.

I will look forward to seeing you at the National Conference in July.

Contributed by JULIE CHESSON

Around the networksThe Northern Celebrants’ Network held a meeting in Ivanhoe, on 18th May, with 12 in attendance. Whilst predominantly set up as a networking night, a number of AFCC events and resources where discussed. It was a great chance for everyone to have a say and enjoy meeting Celebrants who have not been involved in the group before. With a lot of new members, a “getting to know you” exercise was conducted with some laughter and stories! The next meeting of this group is to be held on 22nd August. More information can be obtained by emailing harri@gravity.net.au if you live in and around Melbourne’s northern/north eastern suburbs.

At the time of preparing this magazine, another networking night has been arranged by Sharon Guest Wallace the Victorian representative on the State and Territories Liaison Sub-committee. If you live in the Melbourne metropolitan area and would like to attend this group on 2nd June, a guest speaker Megan Iemma, from TECHCOACH HQ will be speaking on “All things Social Media to Build Your Business”. It starts at 6pm until 9pm, at Keilor East RSL, Regan Room (Private Entry – will be signed) 12-22 Hoffmans Road, Essendon. There is ample free parking either in RSL carpark or on Hoffmans Road. There is no charge to attend and there will be some light refreshments served. For more details contact Sharon on Email: vic@afcc.com.au, or Mobile: 0407 849 420.

Is Your Profile Up To Date?Just a reminder that if you currently don’t have an updated profile and photograph included on the AFCC website, it is worth considering having one. If a couple is looking for a celebrant and they go to “Find a celebrant” on our website, it is unlikely they will choose someone with no information or photograph. Just a thought!

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As you may be aware the AFCC Strategic Plan was launched in July 2015. It is designed as the road map for the AFCC and a guide for the National Committee, to enable it to drive our professional association forward for the benefit of all members. The Strategic Plan can be found on our website.

As members of the AFCC we are committed to professionalism and integrity in the ways in which we conduct ourselves, our business and our relationships with clients and colleagues. We are all keen to maintain currency of knowledge as it relates to our celebrancy work, business management and the relevant laws and regulations. Moreover, we have an obligation under the Attorney-General’s requirements to engage in ongoing professional development (OPD). All professional associations whether they are associated with medicine, education, sport etc, require engagement in on-going professional development. It is important.

The AFCC is very proud of its achievements, strength and determination to work to enhance the ethical and professional practices of Celebrants. To support this work and the achievement of the goals of the Strategic Plan, we have a National Co-ordinator of On-going Professional Development. Julie Chesson, who is a long-standing and highly experienced Celebrant residing in Western Australia, is our current Co-ordinator.

So what is this Portfolio and what will the Co-ordinator do?The aim of this role is to coordinate and work in conjunction with AssenTECS to provide professional and viable AFCC OPD face to face sessions for our members around the country.

Currently, the AFCC has a commercial agreement with AssenTECS to deliver our OPD and while this agreement is in existence, Julie liaises with them and the State and Territory Representatives to facilitate OPD sessions in appropriate venues in all States.

The responsibilities of this portfolio are far-reaching. The Co-ordinator:

• answers any enquiries/questions regarding AFCC OPD through phone calls, emails and AFCC Facebook messages

• organises, five-hour face-to-face OPD events in each State/Territory in each calendar year

• coordinates and manages the AFCC OPD in conjunction with AssenTECS at the AFCC National Conference each year

• manages all marketing/promotion of AFCC face-to-face OPD events

• arranges the training locations, books the venues and organises catering for each event, keeping within the budget

• reminds AFCC members of upcoming OPD events and sends reminders to members who will be attending an OPD session in any given week

• sends through to AssenTECS, an accurate spreadsheet showing attendees’ names and celebrant “A” numbers, at least fourteen days before the event

• checks and forwards any invoices regarding OPD, to the AFCC National Treasurer for payment

In order to carry out this portfolio effectively and efficiently, the Portfolio Manager works as part of a team with:

• AFCC National Committee members

• AFCC members and non-members (Celebrants wishing to attend an AFCC OPD session)

• AssenTECS training staff and administration staff; and

• function managers/venues for AFCC OPD in all States

As with all of the work undertaken by the AFCC, this specific work is voluntary. It is key in enabling our members to not only remain current with their professional knowledge and practice in relation to all celebrancy work, but to meet the requirements of Registration with the Australian Attorney- General’s Office.

Contributed by GILLIAN POTTER, AFCC Manager Strategic Development

Profiling the AFCC Manager of OPD (On-going Professional Development)

Celebrations 11ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

What cost the Marriage Celebrant?

Contributed by JUDY ZILBER, ACT

Occasionally it’s heard said in ‘Celebrant circles’ that some marrying couples question why a Marriage Celebrant charges “so much”! So let’s now consider what goes into the “making” of a Registered Civil Celebrant and their provision of a civil marriage ceremony here in Australia.

Studying/trainingTraining can be done online or in some cities face-to-face, within the TAFE system. The requirement since February, 2010 is a Certificate IV level. This will cost a student considerable tertiary fees.When training has successfully been completed, the qualified person must then undergo the government registration process which takes at least three months. This will include a police check and presenting personal references from very specific individuals.If successful through this process, the person then pays the government a fee to be registered as a Civil Celebrant. Currently this fee is $600.

Marketing the Celebrant’s BusinessTo be able to attract potential clients in this technological age, most registered Celebrants find a need to establish their own personal website/Facebook/Twitter accounts to advertise their services. The costs in establishing these can vary greatly and the quality of what they create varies greatly too. Of course there is not just the set up costs but often the ongoing costs to maintain those sites – internet connections, registration of domain name, monthly webhosting fees etc, etc.Some celebrants choose to advertise through “wedding” websites. Again the costs involved depend on the website they join. A quality website that will bring real clients to their business, can cost around $1200 per annum. Some Celebrants choose multiple websites which all charge fees to advertise.

The same with wedding booklets, which usually must be renewed annually at considerable cost.Then there is the yellow pages (online) advertising which have annual fees and may cost from $500 - $2000.There are opportunities several times every year for Celebrants to host a booth at local “wedding fairs”. The average cost for the booth alone can be from $550 - $700 per fair. Then there are costs associated with putting together their personal booth. Depending on what the Celebrant wants to display and give away will determine those extra costs. This could be upwards of an extra $200 per fair. Celebrants need to be booking clients directly from these fairs if they are to recover any of these costs.Most Celebrants hand out printed materials to advertise and inform potential clients. Professional printing of these materials can be expensive. Even if printed on the home printer there are ongoing costs associated with these materials.The type and quality of marketing advertising for Celebrants businesses can often be the “point of difference” as to whether potential clients choose to make that initial appointment to meet the Celebrant. Do they look professional and experienced; do they give the potential client enough information at first view; is the Celebrant easy to contact? Couples generally have a long list of Celebrants from which they can pick and choose – it’s a competitive market for every Celebrant.

Meeting with and engaging clientsCelebrants usually do not charge couples for their first meeting together. This meeting can be likened to a tradesman coming to give a quote to do a job – obligation free! Also to be added to the overall costing strategy, are the phone costs and any mailing costs. Many celebrants spend a good deal of time on their phone (often mobile phones) with prospective clients giving information and answering questions. This time spent does not always translate into the couple booking that particular Celebrant, in which case no money is recovered for this time.Once engaged by the couple to conduct their marriage ceremony, any extra efforts and services each celebrant may provide can again vary greatly. Celebrants who offer inclusions/extras such as use of their PA system, their signing table and chairs, a rehearsal time, extra meeting times etc, all cost the Celebrant for the initial purchase, for ongoing upkeep/replacement and for their time. Materials the Celebrant gives or lends to their couples to assist in preparing their ceremony, cost the Celebrant to produce and/or buy.Some Celebrants choose to meet in the client’s home, at a café etc, therefore costing the Celebrant their travel costs as well as their extra time for each visit. The same can be said for the rehearsal time, usually conducted at the wedding site.

One thing that remains a constant for each and every Celebrant is the LEGAL paperwork that must be provided to each couple and then submitted promptly after every ceremony, to the state Office of Births Deaths and Marriages.

12 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

What can vary in these documents, is that now several of the legal documents can be downloaded online and printed by the Celebrant thus costing them their printing materials. The ‘Presentation’ Marriage Certificate (Form 15.) provided to every couple at their ceremony can ONLY be purchased from the government printer (located in Canberra) at a cost. Some Celebrants choose to also purchase some of the other legal documentation from CanPrint, at a cost.Many Celebrants choose to use different forms of marriage computer software to hold and help control all their documentation for each wedding. This software may come at a cost.The time each Celebrant chooses to spend with their couples, once they have booked their services, varies and is generally dependent on each couple and their “needs”. Some couples will require only minimal contact once they engage their Celebrant, while others will require several meetings with their Celebrant. There is also time to email or have phone conversations with clients. Like any other profession a Celebrant must figure into their overall fee structure, their “time spent” with their couples – anywhere from 30 mins to three hours per couple can be the norm!

Ongoing Professional Devel-opment and RegistrationA LEGAL requirement for EVERY registered Celebrant is that they must undertake annual professional development (OPD). The cost to do this annual training either online or face-to-face, is currently around $200. If a Celebrant does not complete this OPD each year, they can be de-registered by the Attorney- General.Every Marriage Celebrant must pay an annual government registration charge which is currently $240. If the fee is not paid on time, the Celebrant will be deregistered.

Professional InsuranceAs with a lot of other professions, Celebrants are advised to consider Professional Indemnity as well as Public Liability and Copyright insurances. Costs for these vary and again must be included in the celebrants pricing structure.

Professional Association MembershipThere are many celebrant associations located around Australia and the largest of these is the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants. Membership to any of these associations is purely voluntary. However, a great majority of Celebrants find membership to one or several local associations, is invaluable for professional networking, friendships, exchange of advice, ideas and experiences and many other included benefits. The cost of membership varies and can be up to $200 per year.

Preparing the marriage ceremonyA Celebrant’s preparation for each ceremony will be different depending on what and how much each couple require the Celebrant to contribute. But the amount of time spent by the Celebrant on preparing the legal documentation, should be about the same for every marriage – around one hour to correctly prepare and review JUST the legal documentation (not including actual writing of each ceremony). Does a Celebrant write the entire ceremony themselves (with couple’s input of course), or do they have ‘prepared’ ceremonies they customise for each couple – whatever method, these take the Celebrant time to prepare, review with the couple and finalise.

The Wedding CeremonyEvery marriage ceremony is different for every Celebrant. They are different in what they individually provide to the couple on the day as part of their package:• how long the actual ceremony takes• where they will go to conduct a

marriage ceremony – near or far• the time they allot to each ceremony

including travel time• finalisation, checking and mailing/

hand delivering/online delivery of the legal documents after the marriage

• any further contact with the couple after the wedding

Some Celebrants have a ‘roadie’ to assist them set up their equipment at the ceremony venue. The ‘roadie’ will often take responsibility to play the couple’s music for their ceremony – often at no extra charge to the couple. The playing of their chosen music, all at the appropriate time, adding ambience to their ceremony, is one less item the couple then need to worry too much about for their wedding ceremony.

In summaryIt therefore can be stated that every registered Civil Celebrant will encounter different costs to run their business to conduct marriages. The above general information is to provide some insights into what costs each Celebrant must put into their costing strategies in determining the fees they charge. Clearly, Celebrants do more than what is sometimes seen and commented as “just spending a half hour delivering a marriage ceremony” for their fees!

No doubt some celebrants will have different opinions on what constitutes THEIR fees and therefore they might like to add them into this article! This is an opinion piece to promote thoughts and discussion among AFCC Members and should not be taken as professional advice.

Celebrations 13ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

The Dragonfly by Michael Dillon

The beetle community lived in a pond, fed by a beautiful stream They had no care in the world; their life was a living dream But sometimes unhappiness came and left them feeling sad When a beetle went and climbed the stem of a lily pad.

It happened often, but they never knew why or when Only they knew, they would never ever see them again One day a beetle felt a strong urge, instead of a walk And he had to climb up that long green lily stalk.

He decided he wouldn’t leave forever, never stop And come back and tell his friends just what was at the top He climbed out of the water and the sun was just so warm And had to take a nap as his body changed its form.

He turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with wings Oh! The joy of flight, how the heart sings He flew up into the sky, a balance of life and love And he smiled down on the pond, as he viewed it from above.

He remembered his beetle friends, sad in their watery bed Unfortunately the fact that I’m gone is what they dread He wanted to tell them, that he never felt so much alive But into the deep dark waters, he just could not dive.

His new form could not go back, into the water so deep He couldn’t tell his friends; although they would weep Then he knew that their time would someday come And soon they would fly together, in the bright noon day sun.

The purity of life, all heartache now ended His life had been rewarded, rather than ended.

Art for the Heart is an art exhibition that honours the use of creativity as a powerful source of healing and expression during the process of grief. It offers a space for people to tell their stories of loss, love & hope in new ways and to bring the community together to share the often hidden experiences of grief and depression. The exhibition is a visual and written expression of people’s grief, to help remove the shame and disapproval of losing a loved one, that can isolate people and warp grief into something that is wrong. This year it was held in Parliament House Melbourne. Co-incidentally, I had just written a poem to help children understand where their Nana or Pop had gone. I’ve often wondered how to explain the concept of dying to children when (a) how much do we really understand as adults, and (b) with what little we do believe, how can this be articulated to a child?I came across this idea and felt compelled to write it as a poem using childlike words.

Contributed by MICHAEL DILLON

14 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

Yahoo Forum

It has become necessary for the AFCC to close the Yahoo Forum. There have been some disappointed, but very understanding Yahoo followers, as can be seen in this email from Berrie Cameron-Allen:

My thanks to you and Sarah for your efforts to maintain the Yahoo Forum – it would seem that they don’t really want our business! A ridiculous situation. I know you have both done your very best to deal with the issues and you both deserve medals for patience in adversity!! Over to Facebook - which is not too much of a stretch as most of us have FB Accounts I would imagine. Onwards and upwards!!

A wise man once said that everything is impermanent and that much suffering comes from grasping or trying to hold on to something too long. So it is with great sadness and a bit of grieving that the relinquishing of the old email discussion Forum, must be accomplished.

I started the first AFCC email discussion forum back in the middle nineties, when we were getting those (bing/dzsing/bong) dial up tones on our “new fangled” personal computers connected to our home phone lines. It was so very basic, with all emails coming to me and then me disseminating the replies back to everyone.

Peter Mery vastly improved upon my pioneering efforts when he transferred us all to the Yahoo group, but it was not without some controversies.

As I remember it, we had to eventually decide if we wanted colour and advertisements and how it was to be transparently moderated. It then was taken over, again with some controversy by our then President, Lance Tapsell and subsequently, by other dedicated volunteers who have ably lightly monitored/moderated down through the years.

It wasn’t long before many other Celebrant associations/networks sprang up with their own versions of an email discussion forum. AFCC, as with many other Celebrant issues and events, was the Celebrant association leader.

I am proud to say that I have been a continuous member of the AFCC, since first joining over 20 years ago and have been an avid contributor to the Yahoo and now Facebook discussions. Let us strive to continue to be collegial and courteous with each other.

You guys have done an awesome job on our behalf and for this I would like to say a very big thank you. When I first started out as a Celebrant four years ago, this Forum was my lifesaver and I made some lifelong friends from it (well I hope they will be – bit early to tell after only four years!!).

I’m sure the Facebook group will do the same, but there’s nothing quite like a letter and an email is the closest thing we get to it now, so I will miss the opportunity to communicate that way. However just wanted to take a mo’ to express my personal gratitude to you, Brian, over the years and Sarah, for the mighty job you have done in recent times.

Another thought, received from Charles Foley

And a final word from Yvonne Wood

To those who have supported the Yahoo Forum, many thanks and in particular to Sarah Aird for her assistance.

If you would like to join the Facebook page, logon to the website and follow the instructions. www.facebook.com/groups/1521131231435889/

Celebrations 15ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

The AFCC Facebook group was first created by Anthony Burke, National Vice President just over a year ago.

With many celebrant social media networks already established across Facebook, some could say this was a belated challenge but it has certainly been worth the effort. The diversity of membership takes us right across Australia and includes both wedding and funeral celebrants with some being dedicated to funerals only.

The group currently has 560 members and continues to grow each month and would grow even quicker if we approved every request received including those from many foreigners.

If I was to take a guess at the most published word on the page it would be “love” - members love their role, love the great locations they get to work, the couples and children they meet, those they are chosen to honour, those who have left their loved ones and friends behind and they love learning.

Many subjects have been shared over this time including challenges such as writing the varying types of ceremonies we do, including funerals, weddings, namings, divorce and renewal of vows; where to stand; paperwork; dealing with Birth Deaths & Marriages; tips on using various software including Celebrant Suite, Celebrant Manager, BDM links, etc; debates; and always encouraging words on why we became Celebrants or when the frustrations of being independent business owners get to us.

Yet I think the group’s biggest asset is our members who freely share their time, ideas, loves, losses, resources, moments, applause, tears, hugs and sighs as we each individually continue to grow our businesses, our ideas and our individual selves all while doing it alone ....... but with the AFCC family.

So if you haven’t joined the group yet, please do so because it is not only a case of the more the merrier but also an opportunity to learn and to continue to grow together.

To find us, just search Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC) or use this link: www.facebook.com/groups/1521131231435889/

Contributed by STACEY MAGUIRE

AFCC Facebook

16 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

AFCC Resources(found on the website)

There are a number of valuable resources to be found on the AFCC website. In an effort to make it easier for you to know about some of these resources, some of these have been highlighted for you.

If you want to know more, just head to the website and check it all out.

AFCC Sample Certificates If you are a an AFCC member who does Baby Namings, Renewal of Vows or Commitment Ceremonies check out our resources on the AFCC website. Free sample certificates are available for use in any of these ceremonies. The original certificates for Renewal of Vows have now been updated to allow for the Celebrant’s signature and the opportunity for the date and location of the original marriage ceremony to be included. The certificates for Commitment Ceremonies have also been updated to allow for the Celebrant’s signature.

Apostille verification informationIf a couple who live in Australia are married in Australia, staff at banks and government offices are very familiar with the appearance of our Marriage Certificate and will accept the BDM issued Marriage Certificate to update personal details. But what about a couple who usually live overseas? How do their government officers know that an Australian document is legitimate?

The information provided will assist you in discussions with your couples.

Celebrations MagazinesPast copies of the Celebrations magazine are available to download from the website. There are many interesting and informative articles, as well as poems etc that you can use in your celebrancy business.

For

who was born on

This Namegiving Ceremony was celebrated at

on

in the presence of

Signature

Signature

Celebrant

Signature

Certificate of NamegivingChild's Name

Date of Birth

Ceremony Location

Date

Godparent's Name

Godparent's Name

Godparent

Godparent

Celebrant's Name

I, <Insert Celebrant's Name> hereby certify that on the

Date of Ceremony

Couple's Name

Location

Celebrant Closure KitThink about what would happen if you were to become ill suddenly and were unable to fulfil your celebrant responsibilities, decided to resign as a Celebrant or suddenly passed away. Would you know what steps to take or what information another person might need about your celebrancy business, role and responsibilities?

The AFCC Closure Kit has been endorsed by the Attorney-General’s Department and provides for information to be recorded for others in the event something unforeseen happens to you. It allows you to keep a record of all your business and personal celebrancy information.

Whether you have a celebrant ‘buddy’ or someone else to look after your business for you in the event of something happening, the Closure Kit is intended to provide them with the initial information they need.

Celebrations 17ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

A child of mine – Edgar Guest

I’ll lend you for a little while

A child of mine, God said

For you to love the while she lives

And mourn for when she’s dead

It may be six or seven years

Or twenty two or three

But will you, till I call her back

Take care of her for Me?

She’ll bring her charms to gladden you

And should her stay be brief,

You’ll have her lovely memories

As a solace for your grief

I cannot promise she will stay

For all from earth return

But there are lessons taught below

I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over

In my search for teachers true

And from all beings that crowd life’s

land

I have chosen you.

Now, will you give her all your love

Nor think the labour vain.

Nor hate Me when I come to take

This lent child back again.

I fancied that I heard you say

“Dear Lord, Thy will be done

For all the joys Thy child will bring

The risk of grief we’ll run.

We will shelter her with tenderness

We’ll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we have known

Forever grateful stay.”

But should the angels come for her

Much sooner than we’d planned

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand.

Her role down here is done

Her little soul has touched us all,

She didn’t need to stay:

Her spirit touched each one of us

Before it sailed away.

We all know souls arrive on earth

With special roles to fill.

And hers has fully played its part,

Her memory guides us still.

She had a very special soul

She stayed but just a while;

So if, or when, you’re feeling sad

Recall her with a smile.

For then you’ll know inside your heart

The reason why she’s gone;

And never feel too empty that

Her role down here is done.

Her spirit touched each one of us,

No other ever could.

Forever we will cherish her

The way we know we should.

FUNERAL RESOURCES GUIDE 17

Copyright: 2015: Austral ian Federation of Civi l Celebrants Inc.

Certificate of faithful performance by interpreterIf a translator is required at a wedding ceremony then the interpreter must complete a “Certificate of faithful performance by interpreter” to affirm that they have honestly and accurately translated what the authorised celebrant has said during the ceremony. Immediately after the ceremony this Certificate must be given to the celebrant who will send it to the relevant BDM Register with the appropriate wedding documents.

Code of EthicsThe AFCC Code of Ethics states that AFCC members/Celebrants will agree to comply with the spirit, intent and provisions of the Code of Ethics and accept the responsibilities of such. This document is available for download and has a space for you to sign and give to your clients as an indication of your professionalism.

Copyright – what you should know!In response to members’ queries, the National Committee sought advice in 2011 from the Australasian Performing Rights Association (APRA) and their affiliate Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS), about the playing of pre-recorded or live commercially available and copyrighted music and songs. Generally speaking, licences need to be applied for and paid to protect the music/songs of copyright owners and to provide them with a small ongoing income from what is their ‘intellectual property’.

APRA, however, agreed with the AFCC initiated proposition that celebrants should be exempted from licence requirements on the basis that weddings and funerals (wherever conducted) are ostensibly private events as distinct from public performances of copyrighted material. APRA had already stated such a licence exemption for weddings and funerals (and other ceremonies) held in churches, and agreed with our proposition that weddings conducted by civil celebrants (i.e. outside a church) were still ‘private’ in nature and should be subject to the same licence exemptions.

An excellent ‘Copyright’ session was conducted by Virginia Morrison from Copyright Australia Limited (CAL) at the 2014 Gold Coast conference. In response to a question from the floor (about music at weddings), she admitted that it wasn’t part of her agenda, but understood APRA had no licence fee interests in the playing of music at weddings.

A copy of that presentation is available on the AFCC website.

Funeral Resource Guide The Funeral Resources Guide has been compiled from a variety of sources, including contributions from AFCC members, AFCC National Committee members and outside organisations.

The Guide includes information on various aspects of the role of a Funeral Celebrant including, but not limited to: sample order of service, relationship with the Funeral Director and information on working with the Funeral Director, how to create the eulogy, interview with the family as well as many readings and poems, various tributes and rituals and examples of a service run sheet. And much, much more!

Marriage Act GuidelinesGuidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants have been provided by the Attorney-General’s Department and contain essential information for all authorised celebrants on the solemnisation of marriages under the Marriage Act 1961 and in accordance with the Marriage Regulations 1963. The material is the most reliable information and guidance available on the subject matter it covers and all authorised celebrants are expected to follow the general information and guidance provided in this document. The latest version (July 2014) is available as a resource on the AFCC website.

Name BadgesThe AFCC name badge has been produced with the title ‘Celebrant’ under the member’s name. This is a generic title used for all celebrants. The badge colour is gold and comes with a magnetic clasp. If prefered a brooch (pin) can be provided by contacting the Membership Manager at membership@afcc.com.au. Each new member joining AFCC receives a free name badge of their choice. Existing members may order badges at a cost of $20.00 including postage. For more information, check the website.

1 FUNERAL RESOURCES GUIDE

Copyright: 2015: Austral ian Federation of Civi l Celebrants Inc.

FUNERAL RESOURCES

GUIDE

Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants

18 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

QuizThe winner of this edition’s quiz will receive another great prize, so why not get involved and see if your name can be listed as the lucky winner in the second edition for 2016 of “Celebrations”. Entries should be sent to celebrations@afcc.com.au.

As always, current members of the National Committee are ineligible to enter.

No entries will be accepted before 1st June, 2016.

1. What IMPORTANT REMINDER was included with this edition of Celebrations?

2. Name two of the Celebrants who wrote about the Yahoo Forum?

3. Who won the last quiz?

4. Name two AFCC resources from our website highlighted in this edition?

5. What is the deadline for the next edition of Celebrations?

6. Name members of the States and Territories Liaison sub-committee, who were introduced in this edition of the magazine?

7. What should you do if your AFCC website profile is not up to date?

8. Name the celebrant who has talked about the cost of being a Celebrant in this edition of Celebrations?

9. What type of name badges are available from the AFCC and who do you contact?

10. When can AFCC memberships due be paid?

Winners are grinners!The last winner of the AFCC Celebrations magazine quiz was Gail Florence from South Australia, who received a Coles Myer voucher for her success in answering the quiz questions.

1. Which celebrant reminisced about “Little Windows”? Michael Dillon

2. Who presented a session on marketing to Victorian Celebrants in November last year? Joanne Marriott

3. What Celebrant is interested in starting a network in Gippsland Victoria? Julie Duffy

4. Who had a watery wedding? Sue Lee Archer

5. Name the three main speakers scheduled to speak at the next National Conference in Adelaide? Robyn Moore, Hon Penny Wong, Barbara Chappell, Grant Pearson

6. In Western Australia, where do you need to go to get an Apostille Stamp quickly? The Celebrant or the applicant/s, must go into DFAT’s office in Perth CBD in person

7. What is Gillian Potter’s role on the National Committee? Strategic Development Manager

8. Who is preparing to conduct a Celtic wedding? Mel Lindsay

9. Who is the ACT representative on the State and Territories Liaison Sub-committee? Carmen Langbridge

10. What is the name of our Irish connection? Dr. Lorraine Mancey O’brien

GAIL FLORENCE

Celebrations 19ISSUE 95 – 2016ISSUE 95 – 2016

Next edition of CelebrationsThe next edition of Celebrations has a deadline of 15th August, 2016. This edition will include a summary of the National Conference, but will also contain information and articles of interest to AFCC members.

If you have any thoughts that you would like to pass on, a good story, readings/poems or anything else you think will be of interest to your fellow members, we would love to hear from you. Please send articles and photos to celebrations@afcc.com.au.

www.afcc.com.au

ISSUE 93 – 2016

Celebrations

Help!AFCC members who have enquiries, can request help by contacting the AFCC Helpdesk at: helpdesk@afcc.com.au.

Members requiring assistance about such things as website access, membership, payment problems, resources or any other concerns/questions, will have their queries directed to the relevant portfolio manager, who will respond as soon as possible.

Please remember though, we are all volunteers and undertake to answer queries as quickly as we can, at our earliest possible convenience.

AFCC membership can be paid now!Just a reminder, membership renewal invoices have now been sent to all members, so don’t forget to pay your membership fees. Access to resources such as Celebrant Manager or Celebrant Suite, insurance and copyright cover, cease to be available for non-members.

Wedding Resources GuideOn behalf of the National Committee, the Celebrant Education Sub-committee, I would like to sincerely thank all members who have made contributions to the AFCC Wedding Resources Guide. I have received some wonderful and diverse contributions from readings to ceremonies, wedding rituals and ring verses...the list goes on! Now the hard work of collating, designing and writing begins! I will keep you updated with the progress along the way.

Contributed by KIRK GOODSELL

20 Celebrations ISSUE 95 – 2016

AFCC New Members

Narelle Adams Wentworthville NSW

John Andrews Castle Hill NSW

Colleen Brunsdon Cooranbong NSW

Jean Cook Tweed Heads NSW

Elizabeth Edwards Jerrabomberra NSW

Angela Finn Panania NSW

Jenny Jim Chatswood NSW

Peter Johnson Rosebery NSW

Jung Yun (James) Kim Enmore NSW

Silvana Marin Chinderah NSW

Kate McDonough Maroota NSW

Susanne Middlewood Tathra NSW

Julia Muir Hamilton NSW

Kimberley Oakhill Medowie NSW

Janne Sverdloff Ashfield NSW

Fergus Taylor Glenning Valley NSW

Fran Thompson Gwynneville NSW

Xuan Wang Merrylands NSW

Jeremy Watson-Hunt Kyogle NSW

Nerida Kickett Parap NT

Brendan Anning Beenleigh QLD

Carolina Banks South Bingera QLD

Margaret Bell Jensen QLD

June Best Thorneside QLD

Belinda Booth Fig Tree Pocket QLD

Annette Busby Thabeban QLD

Rhonda Callow Kingaroy QLD

Gwynneth Clayton Burpengary QLD

Roedolf Coertzen Wakerley QLD

Jana Dhu Keperra QLD

Jacqueline Derrick Chapel Hill QLD

Lorraine Dyer Hawthorne QLD

Patricia Frick Moorooka QLD

Tracey Gibson Logan Central QLD

Sylvia Gollan Redridge QLD

Denyse Hazzard Tamborine Mountain QLD

Rebecca Kesby North Tamborine QLD

Tracey Kriz Currumbin QLD

Kaye McLean Logan Village Brisbane QLD

Noelene Owen Main Beach QLD

Jane Payne Minden QLD

Deborah Power Newmarket QLD

Naveen Sharma Mount Ommaney QLD

Elizabeth Sorenson Surfers Paradise QLD

Paepae Stanley Berrinba QLD

Evie Teasdale Mount Archer QLD

Cheyenne Trevor Malanda QLD

Chloe Wigg Rochedale South QLD

Lisa Bunn O'Halloran Hill SA

Lauren Khabbaz-Duncan Torrens Park SA

Susan Gallina Salisbury SA

Jacqueline Kilby Willunga SA

Dianne Kenyon Clare SA

Raeleen Lawson Henley Beach SA

Sophie Mibus Royston Park SA

Bruce Rankin West lakes SA

Melanie Schubert Langhorne Creek SA

Anne Somerford Middleton SA

Sandra Bamford Primrose Sands TAS

Diane Burrows New Town TAS

Alison House Wynyard TAS

Julie Poole Somerset TAS

John Beck Wonga Park VIC

Maria Bonham Port Melbourne VIC

Karen Cramer Box Hill VIC

Mathew Cummins Stratford VIC

Michael Fogarty Strathfieldsaye VIC

Gwendolyn Ford Torquay VIC

Pam Lewis San Remo VIC

Pam Nelson Walpeup VIC

Robin Nemeth Elsternwick VIC

Cathie Reeve Carrum VIC

Kate Ritchie Cardigan Village Ballarat VIC

Beverley Robinson Croydon VIC

Stewart Smillie Gisborne VIC

Patricia Williams Devon Meadows VIC

Esther Bliss Northam WA

Lynne Craigie Newman WA

Deborah Featherby Baldivis WA

Ferdinand Gere Noranda WA

Helen Kinsella Marangaroo WA

Alastair Lyon The Vines WA

Donna McClelland Margaret River WA

Lady Catherine McGivern Kinross WA

Jenni Rosenberg Perth WA

Debra Smith Rivervale WA

T 1300 555 875 E afcc@afcc.com.au www.afcc.com.au

As can be seen by just some of the highlighted resources on the AFCC website, we are proud of the wonderful benefits available to members. We are delighted to welcome 86 new members who have joined since March this year. In welcoming you all, we encourage you to utilise all the benefits available and to make the most of your membership. Don’t forget, any queries can be sent to helpdesk@afcc.com.au.