Funerals Sunshine Coast & Regions Qld

Today marked the final session of the 2024 Changemaker Experience with the Tamarack Institute, ‘Applying the Learning', where we brought everything together. As Changemakers, we’re deeply committed to creating positive change for future generations. It’s challenging work, but we’re in this together—to stretch, grow, and offer each other ongoing support. Let’s keep the momentum going!

🌟 New Video Alert: Uplifting Tales from a Sunshine Coast Cemetery 🌟

We are thrilled to share our latest video, capturing the essence of community service and artistic change.

🎨 Community service as worship - See how acts of service elevate our community in meaningful ways.
✨ Art transforming society in new ways - Watch how creativity offers fresh perspectives on societal issues.
🕊️ Reflections of a changemaker in the chapel - Experience intimate reflections and insights from a changemaker’s journey.

Dive into the video and discover how art, service, and personal reflection come together to create a more connected and transformative society.

🔗 https://youtube.com/shorts/G60DU9__WAc?si=RgoQv2UfDiHblQB1

🌿 New Newsletter Release: Enhancing End-of-Life Care Through Collaboration 🌿

We're pleased to share our latest newsletter, which explores the progress we've made in strengthening end-of-life care through collaboration, equity, and inclusion. This issue highlights our recent presentation to Minister Mick de Brenni, reflects on lessons learned, and discusses how we can continue to create meaningful impact together.

This work, deeply personal and sensitive, exemplifies the human spirit and the power of compassion. We are grateful for the support and dedication of everyone involved. We invite you to read, reflect, and foster a more compassionate and inclusive approach to end-of-life care.

Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/8f4773118a0e/funsc-community-cabinet-insights-next-steps

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,
Gillian Hall

Without a doubt, this has been the biggest year of my life so far! As I prepare for the final Changemaker Experience Cohort (on my birthday!), I’m reminded of the significance of truly engaging with the self-assessment tasks. It's not just a formality; it’s an authentic gesture that speaks to the importance of place, perspective, and the lived experience.

For years, I wondered if a community leader with a lived experience like mine could make a difference. This was my final attempt after years of sacrifice and pain. But our stories, rooted in real-life experiences, have power. Once you hear them, you can't unhear them. And while doing nothing is always an option, it's not one I'm willing to choose.

I can contribute to lifting and centring our community thanks to a scholarship. We're working towards meaningful change, especially in areas often labelled as 'end-of-life' care—though, depending on your beliefs, there may be no such thing.

This journey began long ago, inspired by the Tamarack Institute as we crafted our guiding principles. Completing the self-assessment tasks isn’t just personal; it’s political. A business-as-usual approach excludes us, yet research highlights that more inclusive strategies, cultures, and ways of 'working with marginalised and vulnerable groups as equal partners are urgently [needed] to protect against exclusion'.

As Marianne Williamson so beautifully puts it: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure... As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Let’s continue to walk with place, live our experience of space, and shape the future together.

Photo Collage: Beginning in the top left corner, a slide from a presentation to the Sunshine Coast Council on 15 September 2020—a reminder of the challenging and slow process this journey has become. The self-assessment task was undertaken at the Council-managed Kulangoor Cemetery.

Take good care,
Gillian Hall

Thank you for an incredible week!

✨ Crafting activism-inspired earrings
✨ Sharing insights on 'End of Life Care...Is Better Care of Life and Its Ripple Effects'
✨ Staying current on sector news
✨ Reimagining cemeteries as socially and culturally activated public spaces
✨ Collaborating on our impact story—so far
✨ Presenting our story at the Sunshine Coast Community Cabinet with Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Energy and Clean Energy Jobs
✨ Exploring Mount Gravatt Cemetery and burial choices

Better options and care are possible thanks to your ongoing support. Looking forward to what next week will bring!

Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend.

Today, I am pleased to have completed some homework from the Changemaker Experience with the Tamarack Institute, writing our collaborative impact story. It’s been rewarding to apply what I am learning in preparation for tomorrow's Sunshine Coast Cabinet meeting with Mick de Brenni, the Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs.

Working together to build a cleaner, more sustainable future in our sector of the economy would be incredible.

Thank you to everyone for your contributions and support in reaching this milestone. A special edition newsletter will be sent out to mark this occasion and share the news with our network.

-- Gillian Hall

🌟 Reflecting on Our Journey 🌟

Sometimes, you need to look back to appreciate your achievements.

During a global pandemic, we hosted a picnic in the cemetery to stay connected and address social isolation. Despite the hurdles, we persevered, demonstrating our community's resilience.

We had insightful discussions about engaging with a secular retirement community and decided to offer a portfolio of photos for creating a flyer, avoiding the divisive word 'chapel'.

To access the facility, we requested Sunshine Coast Council to remove the fee for not-for-profit groups. The pricing initially followed the funeral industry's unreasonable extra fees, but not-for-profits can now access the facility free of charge. However, the chapel fee is $247, and $142 for burial or ashes service with interment at a Sunshine Coast Council Cemetery.

Every step of the way, it's hard work but so worthwhile. Our collaborative impact approach ensures everyone's voice is heard, addressing issues that matter in a community facing social isolation and loneliness daily.

The picnic was especially meaningful, bringing us together outdoors with music by the "Rolling Bones" and delicious food prepared by Judy, who used to cater to high-end functions in New Zealand. It reminds us that we all need a purpose in life.

Here's to our community and the journey we've shared! 🌿💚

"What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for some goal worthy of him. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost, but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him." – Viktor Frankl.

So, what conversation will you be proud of yourself for having, even if it doesn't end with the outcome you want? Take the initiative and start that conversation.

On Wednesday, I endeavoured to initiate a conversation that matters to our community. Sacrifices had to be made to prioritise a journey to be in the room with esteemed individuals who are influential in shaping our lives. Unseen are the people who supported me, sending positive messages of encouragement and providing transport to and from the station. Believing our voices and stories need to be heard, I arrived home to find a handwritten letter addressed to me.

This gesture touched me so much that I looked at the envelope for a day and a half before opening it today, at the end of the week. What stood out was, "Thank you so much for following through and writing such an encouraging letter. To know that my efforts have inspired a few handwritten letters means so much to me and propels me onwards... Thanks again for your support."

I hope the goal you're striving and struggling towards brings you as much joy and love.

Take good care,
Gillian

🌟 Bold Steps Create New Stories 🌟

Our August newsletter has arrived, and it's packed with inspiring stories and updates! 🚀

We stepped up with a sunny celebration of Space Exploration Day in a cemetery, explored the power of community with our Thursday Social Group, and had an amazing time at the 2024 UniSC Social Media Networking Event. Plus, our Changemaker Experience continues to inspire us to focus on justice, equity, and reconciliation.

We also had the pleasure of attending 'The Social Life of Death' public lecture, which reminded us of the value of immersing ourselves in life and learning from each other.

Dive into our latest edition and join us on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and healing. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding world.

🔗 https://mailchi.mp/8a1b766a8885/funsc-bold-steps-create-new-stories

The learning is in the journey! Instead of attending 'The Social Life of Death' public lecture online, I enriched my experience by taking the train from Nambour on the Sunshine Coast and walking through a transforming city to QUT (Queensland University of Technology). Immersing ourselves in life can lead to valuable insights.

Thank you to everyone who organised this event and to Alex for generously sharing his wisdom to improve wellbeing. Hearing that Alex's work is 'in collaboration' was particularly inspiring. The lecture was fantastic, but so was the chance to connect with guests and engage in incredible conversations. I particularly appreciated the creative approach to storytelling.

When I returned home, I opened C. Wright Mills's 'The Sociological Imagination' to remind myself why I love being a lifelong learner and the importance of sociology in understanding our roles and responsibilities.

--Gillian Hall

On Friday, 26 July 2024, we were grateful for a meeting with Cr Joe Natoli at City Hall. Cr Natoli holds the portfolio of 'resilient economy'. Our community project, an evolving model of culturally responsive, community-owned, and led not-for-profit funeral services, aligns with Cr Natoli's areas of responsibility in innovation, industry, and local business development at Sunshine Coast Council.

We have advocated for 24/7 access to transparent information, costs, and requirements for years. Independent research indicates significant increases in funeral costs, with some local governments explaining the 2024-25 fees. Regrettably, no explanatory statement has been provided to shed light on the 2024-25 cemetery fees, leaving us and the community needing help accessing crucial information.

Despite our best efforts, we could not locate the fee for a natural burial. This is a frustrating and concerning obstacle in our quest for transparency and raising awareness of sustainable options. The lack of access to online records, coupled with a fee of $56.00 ('per record') for an enquiry, further hinders our efforts to access information.

The upgraded website reflects communication problems. Language was discussed at a meeting with the website project team in 2022. A case study and a selection of materials were supplied. However, no one is listening to the public, and what the Council rules is a 'fact'. This indicates a tokenistic engagement approach where decisions are made without input.

There should be evidence of an evolving, innovative, socially, culturally, environmentally, and financially responsible cemetery model.

Do you have any suggestions on how to move forward? We would appreciate your feedback.

Say Yes to Life! Even when the bank account is overdrawn, you're juggling tasks like walking the dog or cleaning up, and then you reach a new milestone—10k views on your YouTube channel! Celebrate the small victories and stay positive through the challenges. This journey started from raising awareness of cemetery trees at risk, which is priceless.

We had a fantastic time at BrisWest Centre in Paddington, joining a great gathering and conversation with Leanne Levinge from Big Hill & Oyster. A big thank you to Mel Syron from Black Wattle Professional Services for this wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded people!

What a fantastic morning at Old Nambour Cemetery on Space Exploration Day! We're excited to share our pioneering story and progress with the community. Thank you for supporting us and sharing your stories with us while enjoying some Minties. We received such a warm welcome! We're here until 11.

🌟 Join Us for Moments Like These at Old Nambour Cemetery! 🌟

We are thrilled to invite you to Moments Like These! 🍬 this Saturday at Old Nambour Cemetery! 🎉

Recently, we had an unexpected opportunity to share our story with a global audience, and we want to celebrate this milestone with our amazing community. This event is a chance to share our progress, express gratitude, and listen to everyone who will benefit from our work.

Your stories shape our story, and we can't wait to hear from you! Let's come together, reflect, and look forward to the future.

📅 Date: This Saturday 20 July
📍 Location: Old Nambour Cemetery

See you there! 💫

There are many ways to make a mark in the here and now. As Barad states in "Meeting the Universe Halfway," "agency is a matter of intra-acting." By exploring how we can change possibilities, expressing gratitude, and sharing back with others, such as through a Google review, we build confidence and encourage continuous learning together.

Who cares about care?

Across my career, and particularly in the past decade, I have seen how care can be an uplifting force.

I’ve seen it in reform of workplaces, where inclusion and respect now prevail.

I’ve seen it in our renewed focus on the roles of teachers, nurses, care workers, and all frontline workers — not just during the crises of bushfires, floods and COVID-19, although very much amplified by those times.

I’ve seen it in the advancement of women in all parts of our society. In leadership roles. In sport. In economics and our regulators. Even, slowly but importantly, in the trades and on building sites.

While too much paid and unpaid care still falls to women, we are now focused on addressing that challenge, while also encouraging men to confidently take on care roles and responsibilities with pride.

That’s good not just for women and men, but for our economy and our entire Australian society.

Care is at the heart of our distress at the shocking number of deaths of women through family violence.

And at the heart of our growing acceptance and celebration of cultural, sexual and gender diversity in all its forms.

Our focus on mental health, particularly for young Australians, is an act of care. As is the focus on our aged and disability sectors, where respect and dignity will define that care.

I hope we can continue to extend that sense of care to our stunningly beautiful continent, landscapes and natural environment.

But also to our institutions, public debates, and sense of civic responsibility.

To the way in which we challenge ourselves and one another, and engage in the contest of ideas that will guide the tough decisions that are needed for our country to thrive.

Care has a deep and resonant place in our Australian identity. Care is the gentle thought and the outstretched hand that Australians have always been ready to share when great challenges present themselves. Care is the quieter, better part of ourselves. And it is that sense of care that Simeon and I will seek to depict and amplify as we take on this role.

I could not have attained this position, or any position I have been lucky to fill, without the friendship, loyalty and care of people around me.

https://www.gg.gov.au/about-governor-general/media/governor-generals-swearing-speech-parliament-house-canberra

There are things we'll always remember. Thank you very much! ❤

This week, have you been listening to the Kilkivan community's story on ABC Radio Sunshine Coast about their efforts to make real progress with ageing in place? In support, I contacted the ABC and am sharing my comments with you.

📻💬
Good morning, ABC Sunshine Coast!

This week, we've been following the unfolding story about ageing in place in Kilkivan. As a community leader who has worked tirelessly in this space for years, and now recognised as a global Changemaker with the Tamarack Institute, I fully support the community's concerns.

For decades, all levels of government have been aware of the challenges posed by an ageing population. We must learn from the story the Gympie Mayor quoted in his interview. It is unacceptable that some funding takes two decades to reach community initiatives. Continuing with the same approach will not bring the desired results; it requires a collaborative effort.

We must move beyond old arguments and recognise that the government's unrestrained approach in some matters contrasts with ageing in an ageist society. It is clear that a new strategy and a shift in mindset are urgently required.

I applaud the community's efforts and encourage them to keep raising their voices. It is possible to make a difference! Funding does not trickle down and reach communities. We are expected to do critical change work on fresh air.
We are also facing issues with Queensland local governments' cemetery management and are working on addressing these issues.

Thank you,
Gillian Hall

💌

Invitation to Moments Like These! Join us for "Moments Like These," a special event celebrating storytelling and community on July 20th, as we honour our collective achievements and embrace genuine connections.

A worthwhile day focusing on a fascinating collection of displaced items found in our local cemeteries. Every item tells a story and symbolises a bond with the cemetery. This project is all about understanding these connections and figuring out how to create more meaningful and welcoming spaces in our everyday lives. If we can grasp the meanings behind these items, can we design better places that meet everyone's needs?

(Broken pieces of plastic flowers go in the bin)

🌿 Can you spot the difference? 🌿

Take a closer look at these side-by-side photos of the Kulangoor Cemetery entrance. The photo on the left was taken in 2019 during the development of the new Sunshine Coast Council Cemetery Plan 2019-2028, while the one on the right was captured recently on National Sorry Day.

Understanding our connection to our histories and the land is vital to centring equity, inclusion, and a sense of connection across all people. These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to building a vibrant, united community. 🌏❤️

🌟 Highlight from Our Collaborative Leadership Session! 🌟

Thanks to Liz Weaver, co-CEO of the Tamarack Institute I had the incredible opportunity to share our story with global changemakers during a session on Collaborative Leadership and Governance. Our story resonates deeply and has now reached a global audience, inspiring leaders worldwide.

Our story resonated deeply, receiving positive and fantastic feedback from leaders, including those at the Central Otago District Council. Anne-Marie Parent, Manager of Engagement and Mobilization at the Canadian Institute for Health Information, was reminded of a fascinating story about a town where everyone talks about death. Read more about it here: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2014/03/05/286126451/living-wills-are-the-talk-of-the-town-in-la-crosse-wis #:~:text=The%20Town%20Where%20Everyone%20Talks%20About%20Death%20%3A%20Planet%20Money%20In,other%20place%20in%20the%20country

Liz highlighted several similarities between Building Strong Brains in Elkhart County, Indiana, and our journey:
💡 A collaborative governance process that begins with 'data points'
💡 A horizontal structure that evolves
💡 Recognising there is no one-size-fits-all approach
💡 Embracing courage and messiness
💡 Working collectively towards our goals (action groups)

But that's not all! We're proud to be a 'field catalyst' by:
Understanding the field and engaging system actors
Strengthening the capacity of local collective impact initiatives
Making the work of collective impact initiatives more visible, coherent, and robust
Nudging systems to catalyse systemic change

Together, we’re making a difference! 🚀

🌟 FunSC Winter Reflections: Engaging with Our Community 🌟

Dear Friends,

As winter arrives, we reflect on the importance of community engagement and collaborative governance. Join us in our latest newsletter where we discuss:

🗨 Challenges and solutions in community engagement.
🗨 Updates on Council initiatives and our shared values.
🗨 Upcoming video story: Cemetery Heritage: Symbolism and Design Explored.

Your involvement is crucial for success. Share your thoughts and stay connected!

Warm regards,
The Newsletter Team

Winter Reflections: Engaging with Our Community Discover the latest updates and community highlights in our Winter Reflections newsletter from FunSC!

What song has Amy Taylor selected to be played at her funeral, and why?
Now, let's ask you: what song have you chosen, and why?

The song Amy Taylor wants played at her funeral Amyl and the Sniffers vocalist Amy Taylor once named the song she wants to be played at her funeral, a jubilant celebration of life.

On Saturday, we participated in a session to provide feedback on the draft refreshed Community Strategy. Some changes seem promising, but more work remains. If you'd like to provide feedback, find a link to the Have Your Say webpage. Our sincere thanks to the team from Sunshine Coast Council who did a great job of hosting our session.

Today is the first day of winter. Have a great day! I'll participate in the Draft Refreshed Community Strategy – Community Session at North Shore Community Centre hosted by Sunshine Coast Council.

Citizenship needs to be better understood. How people die has changed radically over recent generations, shifting from a family and community setting to primarily the domain of health systems. However, many people are dying from the health implications of social isolation and loneliness in a deeply ageist country. A community strategy must include all citizens and focus on how we can truly nurture caring, compassionate communities. The Sunshine Coast is a great place to retire, but is it a great place to die?

-- Gillian Hall