19 Nov 2025 | Ceremonies

Releasing Doves for Joyce Spillett

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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17 Oct 2025 | Ceremonies

Jim and Helen Gorman

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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08 Aug 2025 | Ceremonies

Celebrating the Life of Patty Sharp

Patricia Narelle  (Patty)  Sharp I’ve known Patty for almost three decades, ever since I first arrived in Emerald Beach. In those early years, I’ll admit, I was far too intimidated to step into her Iyengar classes,  a confession that always made us both laugh whenever I visited her at her…

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12 Jul 2025 | Ceremonies

Crocodiles, Vows and My Last Wedding in Katherine

Some weddings feel like a celebration long before the ceremony begins, and Sam and Joe’s was absolutely one of them. Planning a wedding in Katherine, NT, has its advantages. The climate, at that time of year, is hot, dry, and wonderfully predictable. You can set everything out a few days…

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03 Mar 2025 | Ceremonies

Wendy’s Retirement from Marriage Celebrancy!

30 years! The story of my retirement as a marriage celebrant, the rituals, the party, the photos and the music!  (PS I will still be conducting funeral ceremonies by request!) A few photos as a teaser for the story next month!    

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14 Jan 2025 | Ceremonies

From Warrior to Elder

I received an inquiry online today: “I’m wondering if you’ll be hosting any upcoming elderhood weekends. I’ve done the … boyhood-to-manhood rite of passage, among other things. However, strangely enough, while they have an elder community, no one has as of yet come up with a warrior-to-elder rite of passage…

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20 Jun 2024 | Ceremonies

Kava Ceremony in Fiji

My partner and I had ten days in Fiji this month. The Fijians friendliness, care and kindness were an elixir of connection, nourishment and joy. Our niece, Mireille, also lives in Suva and she joined us for a short time for wonderful late into the night conversations and hugs. Aside…

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20 May 2024 | Ceremonies

No Written Words

I do love a spontaneous ceremony…one that has a light sense of structure to hold a grieving family. The matriarch of the family was 102 when she died. This glamorous and gregarious old lady had lived a great life. Not everyone in the family wanted a ceremony but once again,…

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20 May 2024 | Ceremonies

Grief Circle

“Imagine the feeling of relief that would flood our whole being if we knew that when we were in the grip of sorrow or illness, our village would respond to our need. This would not be out of pity, but out of a realization that every one of us will…

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17 May 2024 | Ceremonies

Laurie Quinn—100

Jack of All Trades Late of Fernmount in the house he built himself in 1993 when he retired to work as a local jack of all trades for the next 25+ years. Born in Boort, Victoria, raised and worked around Barellan, New South Wales, RAAF service in the jungles of…

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