Celebrating this precious life.

 

Supporting people to celebrate, mourn, and connect with each other in integrity and with compassion

Wendy’s voice is full of love and laughter, honest and deep, daring to go to places many others avoid. Her voice shares the beauty in nature, people and life in all its imperfection and purity. Her intelligence, wisdom and kindness are revealed with her words, a joy to those blessed to read or hear them. Dr Georgina Gibson

Nurturing curiosity, deep listening, joy and peace especially when it feels like you are walking on the wild side of life!

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Image: Doris Zagdanski and Wendy Haynes

A Space of Safety and Belonging

Mourning and Celebration Circles

A mourning and celebration circle or ceremony is a space to mourn and celebrate with safety, care and a tangible sense of intimacy and presence whether the ceremony is face to face or online.  The intention is to create a safe and confidential space where family and friends can come together to share stories and reflections, mournings and celebrations. Expressions of love and sadness that might not be possible to share in usual circumstances. The mourning and celebration ceremony is for mourning, for connection, ease and getting clarity. A space that is nourishing and supports a sense of belonging and friendship, and holds the tears and laughter.

Wendy provided us with support and guidance after Greg’s sudden death. Part of what she offered was a private ceremony for the direct family. There were 20 of us. The ceremony was totally unplanned from our side apart from a little supper afterwards. Each of us got the opportunity to express what was on our mind in the moment; what we shared wasn’t prepared or curated, so it was very spontaneous, raw and open as it was a close circle. I think it has been an  invaluable experience for many of us taking part. —Sophie Warburton

Click here for more information or call me to have chat

Get Your Affairs in Order—free information to assist you to plan and discuss death and dying. Click here.

Upcoming program, Finding Peace as We Grow Older

18 January 2026

Aging is happening to me not as a problem to solve, but as a lived, unfolding conversation, one I am learning to meet with kindness. There are lots of things to celebrate and a few things to mourn. My Ongo colleague, Jeff Joslin, and I will guide an online gathering…

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Returning to the Elements… Interment of Ashes

11 January 2026

Ideas for a Simple Ashes Interment Gathering I’ve been reflecting on what can be helpful when families and friends gather to inter ashes, especially when the group is small and the intention is to keep things simple, meaningful, and unforced. An ashes interment can be an informal ceremony at the…

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The Light on Kakadu Escarpment, 17-25 August 2026

11 January 2026

We have our dates confirmed for the 2026 Mindfulness Bushwalk on Kakadu Escarpment. 17th-25th August.  Click here for more information and to register.  There is something about Bilkbilkmi Gorge that naturally slows the pace. Days unfold with walking, cool clear water, dusk and dawn firelight, and long stretches of simply…

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101 Years Living and Loving

6 January 2026

Opening Song: Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwoʻole “Today we gather to remember and farewell Grace Dorothy May Fletcher, a woman who showed her love not through fuss or flourish, but through showing up, getting on with things, and being there.” “On behalf of Grace’s family, I would like to welcome…

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A Different Taste of Ongo

5 January 2026

Ongo has given me so much — connection, learning, and a sense of steady practice over time. As I step back a little this year to listen more closely to ‘what is mine to do’, I want to warmly share an offering from my dear friend and Ongo colleague Anne,…

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Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes

4 January 2026

“On behalf of Rosie’s family, I welcome you here today….We gather to honour and remember Rosemary Victoria Pearce, who died on her birthday, the 4th January, a day that already carried meaning, now holding both love and loss. There is something tender and poignant in that: a life completing its circle…

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Events 2026

10 December 2025

What a year it has been. I welcomed a new grandson, little Ishaan, into our family, and spent treasured time with my other two grandsons, my adult children, and the people I love. My heart feels full. This year also marked a big transition. I conducted my last wedding, a…

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Releasing Doves for Joyce Spillett

19 November 2025

I met with Joyce’s family on a wild and stormy Sunday afternoon. Our original venue fell through at the last minute, there simply weren’t enough tables for everyone, so we shifted to the local tavern. By some small miracle, we managed to gather around two long tables tucked away in…

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Jim and Helen Gorman

17 October 2025

Nearly two years ago, I had the honour of conducting the funeral ceremony for Jim, Helen’s beloved husband. Walking back into the family home last week, this time to farewell Helen, was tender and like visiting old friends. Even in their grief, it was lovely to see them again, to…

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An Intimate Ceremony for Sharon Ford

17 October 2025

Aaron and Brock wanted to keep the ceremony for their mum, Sharon, informal and relaxed, especially with only around 15 people attending. I suggested we gather in a semi-circle in front of Sharon’s casket and begin with an opening song to help everyone settle into the space together. “Your coming…

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