INSIDE THIS ISSUE

President’s Report   1

Meeting with the Attorney

General’s Office  2

Reflecting on Changing Times

for Celebrants  3

Wot’s in a name?   3

Same Sex Marriage Bill 2012  4

EcoNaturalFunerals  4

How to Get Started  5

AFCC National Conference  5

Testimonials 6

Galaxy Design AD 6

What to do about the ‘Unknown’  7

Q and A from OPD sessions 7

The Gordon Offer & AD 7-8

Darwin Mini-conference:

February 2013 9

New Members of the AFCC  9-10

AFCC Member HotlineTel 1300 555 875

Email afcc@civilcelebrants.com.au

www.afcc.com.au

ISSUE 80 – DECEMBER 2012

Celebrations

President’s ReportThe past few months have seen continuing growth in new members from every State. We welcome new members, and a few returning members as well. Their names are listed at the end of this edition. We encourage existing members to make contact with new members listed in their area and make them feel welcome. There are lots of opportunities for co-operation and getting to know one another is the first step.

In October, Alan Milson and I had a very productive meeting with the Marriage Law and Celebrants Section (MLCS). It was an opportunity to receive information, ask questions and raise matters of concern to our membership. We have a healthy and robust relationship with the MLCS and they welcome the opportunity to hear from us as representatives of the largest national professional body.

Questions put to the MLCS about the professional fee and OPD changes are included in this edition, while a full report was sent out by eBlast immediately after the meeting. We aim to represent you in Canberra, and when members raise issues that need further clarification we do seek answers.

We have had some very detailed discussions about the changes in regulation and their impact on members, and will continue to have regular meetings.

As the contributions in this edition attest, we are active and have a substantial base in every State. From the wheatbelt of Western Australia we have an article about the changing times for celebrants; from Tassie, an update on the Marriage Equality Bill; form the national capital a question of the titles we use in a professional capacity; and from regional Victoria, some ideas about promoting your business in rural areas.

We also aim to keep you informed of industry trends and to answer questions that will assist you in your work. The information on EcoFunerals will be of interest to those involved in the funeral industry. For marriage celebrants, the difference between ‘unknown’ and ‘not known’ in the NOIM is explained with some help from the MLCS.

From an OPD perspective, Leslie Mackee has kindly submitted an article on matters raised during training sessions that needed further explanation; and

information on the Gordon’s Cert IV course is also included.

The change in direction on OPD has meant that Brain Richardson (OPD portfolio) is currently negotiating with training providers to get the best possible arrangements for our members. You will be advised by eBlast as soon as the details are available, and you will get to register on the easier to use website.

The new website is being finalized as this edition goes to press. As members, you identified it as an area that needed improvement and we have been fortunate to have Bob Campbell (website), Valerie Costarelli (membership) and Susan Cade (treasurer) working hard on its introduction.

I’m just going to get another Pina Colada to sip by the pool.

I would like to wish all our members, their families and friends, a happy and safe Festive Season, and I look forward to a productive 2013 on your behalf.

Lance TapsellAFCC President

Celebrations

2

Meeting with the Attorney General’s OfficeLance Tapsell and Alan Milson met with the Marriage Law and Celebrant Section in October to clarify matters relating to pending changes for Marriage Celebrants. A report of the meeting has been sent to all members via eBlast. The response to formal questions submitted prior to the meeting is reproduced below.

❤  Will payment of the $600 ‘new application charge’ for aspiring celebrants include (if approved) an Annual Registration Certificate or will new celebrants have to pay an additional $240 for their first annual registration charge?

Aspiring applicants will be required to pay the $600 application fee and then, if successful, they will also need to pay the annual registration of $240.Existing celebrants will only be required to pay the $240 fee. 

 ❤  If a new celebrant application request is rejected, will the $600 fee be refunded?

The new application fee will be non-refundable as the work is done to process the application whether it is successful or not.

❤  When and how will the annual registration charge be levied and paid?  Can associations collect the charge on members’ behalf and make a ‘bulk’ payment to A-G’s?

 Existing celebrants will be invoiced from 1 July 2013 and asked to pay using various means.  Celebrants will be required to pay individually direct to AGD (not via associations).

❤  The 2 hour compulsory OPD units will be subject to ‘assessment’.  Who will assess completed units, how will that be done and what will happen with celebrants who don’t ‘pass’? 

We are currently exploring a range of issues relevant to OPD, including how the two hour compulsory subject is assessed.  At this stage, we do not envisage that it will be formally assessed with subsequent consequences.  It is likely that the assessment will be classroom based and assist students and trainers to identify gaps and areas for development.  We are happy to discuss OPD issues with you further at our meeting.

 ❤  What will happen to celebrants who fail to complete the compulsory units  (and/or the balance of their annual obligations) by the end of the relevant OPD year?

 The Department will use OPD non-compliance both now and after the introduction of the reforms to regulate marriage celebrants.  We take OPD non-compliance seriously and hope that the reforms will encourage those celebrants who wish to remain registered to fulfil their yearly obligations, including completion of five hours of OPD.

 ❤  How will attendance at an association conference be recognised as contributing to annual OPD compliance?

 We are exploring this issue in detail with the OPD panel of providers and CoCA.  We are happy to discuss this issue with you further at the meeting.  We intend to finalise a policy on this issue shortly. 

 ❤  Will association conference programs (the agenda) be subject to MLCS approval or scrutiny for content relevance to the MCP?

It is likely that the MLCS will need to approve conferences that wish to be recognised as OPD attendance.  However, we are seeking views on this issue.

❤  How will MLCS know which association members (and non-members) attend association conferences and will attendees have to ‘prove’ their attendance to demonstrate that they have complied with the balance (3 hours) of their annual OPD obligations?

Like the current OPD panel of providers, association conference providers will be asked to formally report to MLCS on the attendees at their conference.

❤  The contracts with the 3 current OPD Panel have apparently been extended to 30 June 2013. The AFCC, since 2010, has negotiated with Panel members to provide beneficial OPD schedules, delivery options and costs for AFCC members. We are mindful of the need to do likewise for the 2013-14 OPD year and beyond and need to commence negotiations with providers, at least in good time for our Canberra National Conference in July 2013.The OPD panel provider’s contract will now be extended to the end of 2013.  This is to align with the decision to revise our decision and keep the OPD year on a calendar year basis.  The Panel will remain the same for 2013 with more decisions to be made about the future of OPD from January 2014 and beyond. ❤  Will the new 2 hour compulsory units for 2013-14 be approved and available for delivery from Sunday 7 July 2013 [the day proposed for OPD as part of the AFCC annual National Conference] and will members’ attendance at that conference be recognised for compliance with the (other) 3 hours of OPD obligations?

 As we have now made a decision to keep the OPD year on a calendar basis, the compulsory will be available from the beginning of 2013.  As noted above, the issue of conference attendance is being developed and we are happy to hear your views on this.

Celebrations

3

Reflecting on Changing Times for CelebrantsI live in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia and my service includes Weddings, Funerals, Namings, Renewal of Vows and Commitments. I will travel anywhere but the majority of my ceremonies take place in the Great Southern or Perth and the Metropolitan area.

I absolutely love this job and really enjoy meeting so many people and hearing their stories. I believe one of the most important changes that Celebrants have had to embrace is the use of the internet and social media. If we don’t offer our service on these mediums we will not be in the marketplace, most people (myself included) Google as a first point of reference for any commodity, service or information. The technology is instant and both good and bad reviews can be out in the cyber world within seconds of a ceremony having been performed or an interview conducted. Clients can compare and review instantly. Photographs will appear anywhere and it is extremely important that we have permission to use them in our advertising, including Facebook pages.

Now that the Federal Governments new fees are a reality I think we should look at them as a way of asserting our Professionalism. We could have a copy of the payment details on

display and perhaps all Celebrants, when they pay the fee, will take a moment to reaffirm their desire to be in the industry.

The service we offer is extremely important and there is no room for complacency as our society is constantly changing.

One issue that is very close to my heart is that of Marriage Equality and I hope that in the very near future politicians of all political persuasions will have the strength of character to demand a conscience vote. Until this issue is resolved too many people are being denied their right to equality. I look forward to the day when I can offer same sex couples the joy of a Marriage Ceremony. I respect the right of those Celebrants who will not feel comfortable offering this service but I know there are many of us who are just waiting for the day!

I am also a farmer and as the seasons become increasingly tight I think that my Celebrancy business may become my main source of income. If this eventuates then I will need to concentrate more on marketing as there is a lot of competition in our industry. Lowering the fees is not viable so we have to ensure that the service we offer is worth every dollar.

Somehow, we have to become one of the first and most important people that the marrying couple choose to book. Only too often the dress, the flowers, the cars and even the cake take precedence.

Yesterday the mother of a potential bride said to me; ‘the Celebrant is the last thing to worry about’!!!

How do we become the ‘FIRST THING TO WORRY ABOUT’ when a couple plans their wedding day?

LINDSAY TUCKWELL CIVIL CELEBRANT KONDININ WA 6367   Member of The Growers Advisory Council for CBH Member of AFCC and MCA (Inc) est WA Member of the Wheatbelt Business Network Facebook Page: Civil Celebrant - Lindsay Tuckwell

“Wot’s in a name?” she sez ... An’ then she sighs,An’ clasps ‘er little ‘ands, ans , rolls ‘er eyes.“A rose,” she sez, “be any other name Would smell the same. ...”

These are extracts from the words of ‘Doreen’ in C.J.Dennis’ poem “The Play”, published in 1915 in his “The Songs of A sentimental Bloke”

Waxing lyrically with (another) glass of red in my hand, I’ve somehow turned my mind to how most of us describe ourselves. 

I have more recently taken the word ‘civil’ out of my standard monitum wedding introduction.  There is no mention of the words ‘civil’ in the Marriage Act 1961 or the Marriage Regulations 1963, nor does the word ‘civil’ appear in the Registrar’s notice to me of my appointment as a marriage celebrant.  The only reference I’ve found to ‘civil’ is in the Attorney-General’s

website register of marriage celebrants, showing I am registered to solemnise marriages in ‘civil ceremonies’.

I am not suggesting I am other than ‘civil’ (in the ordinary sense of the word), but why do I and why do we continue to describe ourselves as ‘civil celebrants’?

Most of us have as part of our signature handles “CMC”, an acronym for “Civil Marriage Celebrant”.

I’ve decided to refer to myself as an “Authorised Marriage Celebrant” (AMC) .... maybe even “Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant”.

Perhaps I’m really a “Secular Marriage Celebrant”?

We are members of the “AFCC”, the “Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants”, but our slogan suggests “professional celebrants”.

Maybe we are the “Australian Federation of Professional Celebrants”?  Maybe just the “Australian Federation of Celebrants”, or even the “Australian Federation of Authorised Celebrants”, but perhaps not the “Australian Federation of Secular Celebrants”.

Either way, one more glass of red and I’m off to bed.

“Wot’s in a name?” she sez. ‘Struth, I dunno.Billo is just as good as Romeo.She may be Juli-er or Juli-et -‘E loves ‘er yet.If she’s the tart ‘e wants, then she’s ‘is queen,Names never count ... But ar, I like “Doreen!”

Contribution from Brian Richardson (with apologies to C. J. Dennis)

Celebrations

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SAME SEX MARRIAGE BILL 2012In the Tasmanian Parliament

After the passing of this Bill through the House of Assembly earlier in the year, the Same Sex Marriage Bill 2012 was introduced to the Upper House (Legislative Council) by the Hon Ruth Forrest MLC on Wed 26 September 2012.

This event was preceded by a period of feverish lobbying by all sides of the debate, and a full morning of briefings with advocates behind closed doors. In the preceding weeks ‘yours truly’ were both very active in seeking meetings with local members, with mixed success. Members said they had never experienced such a volume of mail, such requests for meetings, such pressure from their constituency.

The introduction of the Same Sex Marriage Bill 2012 by Ruth Forrest (in a speech lasting two hours) showed her compassion and humanity, her deep understanding of both the stigma of being ‘same sex attracted’, and the broader community acceptance that this issue must be addressed without further delay. The next two days of debate saw the best and worst of politics, with the most eloquent speakers showing their deep understanding of the issues, being juxtaposed with shallow, badly researched and fear based arguments in favour of retaining the ‘status quo’.

Such a roller coaster of emotions it was, to be present in the House for this marathon sitting; such a privilege it was to be seated in the President’s Reserve with Australian Marriage Equality Convenor, Rodney Croome who has devoted his adult life to this cause, and several other advocates for whom this was a deeply personal matter.

Our thanks to those Members who has the courage, the compassion and the vision to put their support behind the Bill. We encourage our colleagues to access Hansard and read the speeches of the Honourable Members, Ruth Forrest, Craig Farrell, Kerry Finch, Michael Gaffney, Tony Mulder, and Rob Valentine.

Those opposing the Bill largely based their argument on Constitutional grounds, and cited a risk of exposing Tasmania to the cost of a High Court challenge. Not one Member cited the Christian lobby argument or the ‘sanctity of marriage’ as the basis of their argument.

It is intended to introduce a Bill requesting that a Select Committee be formed to investigate the constitutional concerns so that the Bill may proceed as soon as possible.

This was a historic debate, the vote was narrowly lost, 8 votes to 6. Other states are likely to use the legislation drafted in Tasmania to move on same sex marriage legislation. We found it a wonderful experience to witness such an important debate and feel sure that while the battle was lost on this occasion, the war will be won!

Maxine Lowry (Hobart)  Barb Youd (Launceston)

EcoNaturalFunerals    

John Dendy, a member of the AFCC living in Perth, has set up a relatively new Face Book (FB) page called EcoNaturalFunerals (as typed)

It was started to promote the Natural Burial Ground movement, and is open to all categories concerned with the funeral industry with a “leaning towards the “natural”. It is a Blog page and John hopes that people, particularly celebrants, will view the page, “like” it and help promote it by expressing their ideas and concerns with regards to this industry.

The page has had interest from Europe, the UK, and America as well as Australia. In WA, the CEO of the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board, has “liked” the page. Multi-National companies, such as Invocare, have embraced the idea with the start of “Green Endings” in WA through Oakwood Funerals. There may be similar arrangements in other States..

John is very passionate about promoting eco-funerals, and he believes that Celebrants need to be aware of the increasing trend toward them.

So, if you are interested, I encourage you to have a look at the page, “Like it” if you see fit to, and help utilise the page to spread the word about this amazing concept. It is important for celebrants need to be in touch with all the latest trends and ideas, and this one may well become much more in demand.

Lynne DalrympleFuneral Portfolio

Celebrations

55

How to Get Started… AnonymousAs a new celebrant in a fairly large regional centre in Victoria, I wondered how to get a kick-start into weddings and other ceremonies in my local community.

In my late 50s and recently retired from full time work, I didn’t have a lot of start-up money to spend on a website or advertising, other than a stack of 500 cheap business cards. In my first 6 months as a celebrant I didn’t get any work other than marrying my daughter at no cost, of course.

Like a bolt of lightning, I had an idea I thought would work.

I joined one of the local football clubs and answered their call for a game day timekeeper. I attended the club’s after game functions and all their social events, making sure that whenever I met someone new, I told them I was a marriage celebrant in my real life and gave them one of my business cards.

Football clubs are full of people in the 18-30 age bracket and you wouldn’t be amazed how many of them want to get married. My business started to grow, especially for weddings after the end of the football season.

The next year I was nominated for one of the club’s 4 vice-president positions and while

really loving the association with young sports people, the word spread quickly that I was a celebrant. That year I conducted 30 weddings and have a further 12 in my diary for this year, with couples linked to the football club, other football clubs in the district as well as with local netballers and basketballers.

Maybe my idea about getting started was a little “outside the dots” but it’s worked for me. Lots of work marrying great young people and I still haven’t spent a cent on advertising or promotion and I still don’t have a website. Maybe I just need a fresh batch of cheap business cards.

AFCC National Conference: Canberra Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 July 2013“Marriage Celebrants Program – 40 Years and Still Celebrating”

The invitation is out for the 2013 annual national AFCC conference to be opened by a senior Federal Minister. The Keynote

presenter has been appointed and will speak on “The Importance of Ceremony”. Presenters have already been confirmed, to deliver a range of presentations on interesting and quite different topics. Presentations will include plenary and break-out sessions so delegates have plenty of choices.

With the conference in Canberra the Organising Committee has taken the unique opportunity to present some special highlights to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the commencement of the Marriage Celebrants Program in Australia. It’s the ‘Ruby Jubilee’.

2013 is also Canberra’s centenary year, so it will be great for the AFCC to be amongst those joining in the celebrations. The publicity for the AFCC to the broader public will certainly be a worthwhile feature!

Plan to buy up big on your celebrant stationery while you’re at the conference and avoid those

CanPrint postage costs. Arrangements to do this – also another unique opportunity - are well under way.

If you think you’ll be cold in Canberra in winter, don’t worry. The welcome cocktail party on Sunday evening is generously sponsored by the conference venue Rydges-Capital Hill and the Conference dinner on Monday evening will be a “Winter Wonderland” that will show just what fun winter can be!

A fantastic accommodation room rate is on offer at the venue, with a variety of nearby

accommodation options available, so your partners and all the family can join you. Extend your stay or stop over on your way to the snowfields or the east coast holiday places.

A full 5-hour OPD event will be available for members at the venue on Sunday 7 July, but, as with all other details, please keep an eye on the AFCC website, e-Blasts and the next issue of Celebrations magazine as all the boxes are ticked.

Early-bird registration details are being organised, with one lucky AFCC member winning a valuable prize for registering early. Note your diaries and plan NOW to be at the 2013 Conference!

We’re waiting to welcome you to Canberra in July 2013!

Canberra Conference 2013 Organising Committee

D E S I G N

creative | collaborative | responsive

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1. Stylish home page

2. Range of services you provide

3. Your expertise and accreditation

4. Gallery and testimonials

5. Contact details and enquiry form

... and launched in as little as four weeks.

Until 31st Jan 2013 get all this for only $1200.

Add our ‘Lift Off’ web and email hosting for just $9 per month.

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“ I am so happy to be back with the AFCC again.”[Pauline: Glebe NSW]

“I recently joined the AFCC and am increasingly impressed with the support it offers.”

[Heather: Marrickville NSW]

“Delighted to hear the AFCC is still looking after members’ interests AND their pockets” [Robyn: Ormiston Qld.]

“Are you sure you’re all volunteers? Fantastic new website and terrific OPD offers.

A VERY professional association!”[Janet: Frankston Vic.]

CelebrationsTestimonials

Stop Press: Exclusive Offer to AFCC Members $90 Discount on this Course

The Gordon has developed an Accelerated Learning Program, for experienced celebrants  looking to have their skills recognised with a formal qualification.  Accelerated Learning is designed for students who already have knowledge and experience in their chosen field. It is an opportunity to enhance their skills, identify areas of potential personal development and attain higher training qualifications.

This course is designed to satisfy the needs of a range of celebrants.  They may have been practicing for many years without the Nationally Endorsed Certificate IV qualification or they may have been qualified for over three years and are hesitant to take their practice to the next level.

We acknowledge that celebrants will have varying levels of qualification and exposure to training.  Our package provides educational material relating to all aspects of Celebrancy including funerals.

Amanda MeathCourse Co-ordinator - Teacher

Certificate IV in Celebrancy

What to do about the ‘Unknown’         

A recent query about an apparent difference between advice on the ‘NOIM’ form and advice in the “Guidelines On The Marriage Act 1961 For Marriage Celebrants” was referred to the Attorney General’s Department.

The issue dealt with a difference between instructions on the NOIM and those given in the Guidelines relating to what to enter on the NOIM  when certain information is not known e.g. fathers name.

As authorised celebrants, we are instructed to complete certain of the details on the NOIM exactly as they appear on the party’s official (original) Birth Certificate.  Where, as in this case, the Birth Certificate shows the

party’s Father’s name as “Unknown”, the NOIM instructions are “If not known, write ‘unknown’”.

The Guidelines, however, suggest (at page 34) that if a party is unable to ascertain all of the particulars required, they should write ‘not known’ on the form, but also provide a statutory declaration as to their inability to ascertain the particulars.

The Attorney General’s Department agreed that the anomaly existed and pointed out that Section 42 of the Marriage Act 1961 and Regulation 38 of the Marriage Regulations 1963 provide that a notice of intended marriage must be in accordance with Form 13 in the Regulations (the NOIM). Therefore, as the NOIM

as a legislated form has precedence, a Statutory declaration is not required for items 9 to 12, Fathers/Mothers names and country of birth, or for that matter date of previous marriage ceremony under item 14.

The Attorney General’s Department has undertaken to adjust this information in the next edition of the Guidelines. 

Alan MilsonAFCC: Legal and Ethical Portfolio

Q and A from OPD sessions

- Leslie Mackee, Principal Consultant, AssentTECS

During recent delivery of OPD to AFCC members, questions were raised for which we sought clarification from the Marriage Law and Celebrants Section (MLCS). The questions and the MLCS answers are as follows:

Laminated original documents

Q:    Are marriage celebrants able to accept original documents which have been laminated?

A:    A laminated original document (i.e. an official certificate or an official extract of an entry in an official register showing the date and place of birth of the party) is acceptable.

Adding extra credentials to Form 15

Q:    On Form 15, can marriage celebrants add further credentials after their full name, i.e. J.P., C.M.C., or should marriage celebrants only write their name as it appears on the Register of Marriage Celebrants?

A:    No, it is unnecessary for celebrants to be adding post nominal following their name/signature on Form 15.

Other forms of photographic evidence for proof of identity

Q.    Page 5 of the Compulsory Activity 2012 and page 38 of the Guidelines advises that a Certificate of Australian Citizenship along with another form of photographic evidence is acceptable as proof of identity.  Please confirm that “another form of photographic evidence” also needs to be government issued.A.    As stated in the 2012 Compulsory Activity, the Marriage Law and Celebrants Section recommends celebrants should use government issued documents with photo identification as acceptable evidence of proof of identity.  This would mean that student cards and RSL cards etc should not be accepted as evidence of proof of identity.

D E S I G N

creative | collaborative | responsive

Want to be found andchosen more often?

Make it easy for prospective clients to find and choose you with an appealing, professional and engaging website including:

1. Stylish home page

2. Range of services you provide

3. Your expertise and accreditation

4. Gallery and testimonials

5. Contact details and enquiry form

... and launched in as little as four weeks.

Until 31st Jan 2013 get all this for only $1200.

Add our ‘Lift Off’ web and email hosting for just $9 per month.

To take up this special offer or to find out about our other services, call the Galaxy team on

Act now and get chosen sooner.

afccmember special

1800 425 299 (1800 GALAXY) • www.galaxydesign.com.au

$2200 $

1200

57

Celebrations

Are you an experienced celebrant looking to formalise your qualification? We have a fantastic new program designed just for you. The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) will give you the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Celebrancy qualification. This qualification can be completed in your own time easily within 10 weeks, using existing samples of your work and celebrations that you have conducted.

Cost $990.00

To receive your enrolment package or for further information please email the Celebrancy team on alpcelebrancy@gordontafe.edu.au and we will respond within one week.

New Members of the AFCCOn behalf of your National Committee, a warm and sincere welcome is extended to ALL new members, including the 218 who have joined since the last issue of Celebrations magazine was released in August 2012. We hope your membership of the most progressive, fastest growing and truly national association of professional celebrants will be worthwhile and enduring and that you take advantage of the many benefits and savings on offer.

Rosy De Ieso ............................................. Newton SA

Cathy Smith..................................... Malua Bay NSW

Mardi O’Donnell  ....................... Hunters Hill NSW

Lothar Ziemke  ...........................Murray Bridge SA

Lynette Lawson  ............................Mt Gambier WA

Robyn Cole  .......................................... Jindalee QLD

Trent Gainey  .................................. North Perth WA

Jennifer Parry  .....................East Victoria Park WA

Lynette Mattys ........................................Morley WA

Margaret Nevard  ...............Wembley Downs WA

Denise Shults  ...................................Valley View SA

Judy Sowter  ................................. Sawtell NSW

Judy Aulich .................................  Giralang ACT

Robyn Gordes  ...................................... Bendigo VIC

Pennie Looker  ..................................Little Bay NSW

Mark Carey  .............................. Caulfield South VIC

Deirdre Fitzgerald............... Bentleigh East VIC

Paul Sheng ...........................North Melbourne VIC

Penelope Daley ...........................  Wantirna VIC

Felicity Fritsch  ...................................... Donvale VIC

Louise Goodrem ............................ Balwyn VIC

Cheryl Webber  ..................................... Mitcham SA

Josephine Arnold  ..................................... Perth WA

Leigh Scully  ................................... Ermington NSW

Miriam Moody  ............................. White Rock QLD

Melodie Johnston  ..........................Glendale NSW

Diane Lester  .............................Canterbury Vic

Elizabeth Beard  ............................. Glossodia NSW

Cavelle Monck  ...................................... Success WA

Katrina Blanchflower  ...............Chatswood NSW

Nora Sanderson  .........................................Corio Vic

Deborah Jenkins  .............................Cronulla NSW

Peter Jones  ................................. Hampton East Vic

Wendy Marshall  .........................Pacific Palms Qld

Thea  Wale  ......................................... Swan View WA

Cheryl Evans  ................................. Caboolture QLD

Melissa  Fahey  ..................................... Newport VIC

Charyl Walsh  ................................ Carlingford NSW

Robyn Windeatt  ................................Corlette NSW

Lynn Stein  ........................................Lauderdale TAS

Fiona Nicholls  .................................. Richmond VIC

Matt Bartlett  ..................................Currambine WA

Dawn Turner  .....................................Joondalup WA

Janice Donnelly  ...........................Mooroolbark Vic

Carol Provan  ...................................Burraneer NSW

Denise Hyland  ........................... Scarborough Qld

Stephanie Bromley  .......................... Carramar WA

Cherie Curlis  ..............................Ferntree Gully VIC

Linda Clarkson  .................................. Frankston VIC

Christopher Naughton  .......... Wahroonga NSW

Tania Bannister  ................................... Ballarrat VIC

NT Tropical Celebrants ConferenceCome to Darwin on the 9th and 10th of February 2013 for the first ever, regional, AFCC sponsored NT Tropical Celebrants Conference!! Our key theme is ‘Explore the possibilities…’

Workshops, lunchtime sessions and modelled ceremonies will be provided to conference participants through these two strands:

Celebrating Relationships: and Business and Technology

With mandatory OPD promised by mid-January, Darwin will probably be the first cab off the rank in offering OPD for the discerning celebrant. Planned for Friday, 8th February, this gives celebrants time to fulfil OPD requirements for 2013 as well as enjoy the next two days of the conference.

The conference will cost $280 and full details for payment and timetable will be available by 1st December on the AFCC website.

With a myriad of recreational activities, and the Gateway to Bali, the Philippines

and Singapore (flights weekly), Darwin is at its most glorious

best in the Wet Season. With a short drive to Katherine and a short plane trip to the glorious Centre of Australia and Alice Springs,

Darwin in February is a good starting point for those looking

for a more unusual or adventurous holiday.

Photos of Darwin in the Wet… from Nancy Batenburg

Celebrations

Your new Celebrations Editor ....... Signing OnI hope you have enjoyed this 80th edition of Celebrations. It is the first I have edited.

My predecessor Brian Richardson did set a very high standard which I will try to maintain.Thank you to all those members who have taken the time to send an article for this edition.

The deadline for the next edition is 28 February 2013. Please send contributions of articles, stories, poetry and anything else you’re prepared to celebrations@civilcelebrants.com.au

Cheers, Julie Nelson

New Members of the AFCC Continued...Martin Ormond  .........................Sandringham VIC

Oceana Valentine  ................. New Brighton NSW

Michelle Scott  ...................................... Ballarrat VIC

Janine Meakin  .................................Redlynch QLD

Anne  Loughlin  .............................. Kenthurst NSW

Jody Matthews  .................................. Wickepin WA

Rosemary Arnold  ............................. Port Fairy VIC

Jenny Bradfield ..................  Goonellebah NSW

Jo Kilburn  ................................ North Lismore NSW

Debra Pisarskis  ..................................... Highton Vic

Susan Roberts  ...................................... Warilla NSW

Justin Henderson  .........................................Sale Vic

Christine Lindsay .........................Alstonville NSW

Kathryn Lowndes  ...............................Eltham NSW

Simone Taylor  ....................................Sandford TAS

Michael Ockerby  .....................Port Noarlunga SA

Marcia Thomas  .......................... Warrnambool Vic

Robyn O’Connell  .............................. Ringwood Vic

Donna Stace  ..........................................Karratha WA

Sally  Wallace  ...................... Sanctuary Point NSW

Christine Nicolescu  ..................Morphett Vale SA

Chrystabel Carter  ...............................Bowral NSW

Marjory Rowley  .......................... Victor Harbor SA

Vicki Delle Donne  ...........Alexander Heights WA

Kate Jowett  ...............................................Abbey WA

Sarah Lewis  ....................................... Narangba Qld

Richard Nicholson  ................ Cape Woolamai Vic

Joan Kavanagh  ..................................... Cranley Qld

Josephine Rulewski  ................Erskine Park NSW

Sharon Huckel  ............................. Happy Valley SA

Mavis Uldrrch  .................................Mornington Vic

Roger Buckley  ..................................Theodore ACT

Dale Hamlyn  ..........................................Bexhill NSW

Brian Plowman  ....................................... Hilarys WA

Bobbi Wolffenbuttel  ............ Lakes Entrance VIC

Geoffrey Baird  .......................................Elwood VIC

Allyson Andrews  ...............................Bentleigh VIC

Usha Dholakia  ................................. Landsdale WA

Alisa Melhuish  .................................Somerville VIC

Wendy Marston  ................................. Riverside TAS

Flocerfina Cruz  ................................. Killarney QLD

Diane Moore  ..............................Dunsborough WA

Mark Doggett ................................... Richmond VIC

Janette Owens  ....................................Grafton NSW

Sue Hayward  ................................ Potts Point NSW

Heather  Boundy  .........................Mt Martha NSW

Alison Bennett  ...................................Buderim QLD

Helen Webb  ....................................... Jurien Bay WA

Hilary Shepherd  ....................................Mogo NSW

Gail Florence  .................................Reynella East SA

Anthony Sinn  ...........................................Bli Bli QLD

Heather  Martin  ..........................Marrickville NSW

Pamela Lampropoulos  ................Claremont WA

Karen Faa  .......................... Pelican Waters QLD

Richard Heron  ....................................Ashwood VIC

Col  Cameron  ....................................Redlynch QLD

Brian Norman  ..........................Normanhurst NSW

Rowena Baisa  .................Brighton Le Sands NSW

Lynette Jordan  ............................. Wonga Park VIC

Robert  Millen  ......................................Portland VIC

Louise O’Brien  ...................................... Picton NSW

Sophie Dreise  ..................................... Branyan QLD

Rhonda Chessum  ............................. Royston QLD

Debra Keating  .........................................Eltham VIC

Hazel Balales  ..........................Hazelwood Park SA

Peter Mery  ......................................Chermside QLD

Christine Stephens  ..........................Corlette NSW

Penelope Merker  ...........................Whiteside QLD

Kubilay Genc  ......................................... Glenroy VIC

Catherine Zanella  .............................. Bargara QLD

Jamie Shadlow  ......................................Como NSW

Heather  Treloar  .....................Golden Beach QLD

Brodie Young  .......................................Hampton Vic

Sue Crompton  ..............................Nelson Bay NSW

Christine Smith  ........................Point Vernon QLD

Robert Whately ..........................Wanneroo WA

Barry Hayward  ................................. Newtown VIC

Jeanette Luddington  ........................ Howrah TAS

Jenny Noble  ................................. Toowoomba Qld

Deborah Booth  ................................... Aranda NSW

Kym Allen  .............................................. Buderim Qld

Annette Carroll ...................  Merewether NSW

Georgie Clarke  .....................................Mt Lofty Qld

Glenda  Curr  ................................. Toowoomba Qld

Wendy Nolan  ...........................................Echuca VIC

Tony Haining  ......................................Montrose VIC

Helen Ogston  ............................... Potts Point NSW

Judith Pilgrim  .......................................Ballina NSW

Stephen  Jones  .............................. Helensvale Qld

Brad Whitelock  ....................... Girrawheen WA

Mirielle Wescott  ............................. Warburton VIC

Ann Kinnear  ............................................Glen Iris Vic

Victoria  Eustace  ................... Camperdown NSW

Rob Grave  ...................................Chirnside Park Vic

Bronia Ramsay  ..........................................Derby WA

Lyn Rechnitzer  ......................................Glen Iris VIC

Alexandra Lollback  ................ Bellevue Hill NSW

Gary Johnston  ............................... Castle Hill NSW

Dianne Johnston  .......................... Castle Hill NSW

Elizabeth Forster  .................................. Benalla VIC

Zoe Galli Bathurst  .............................................NSW

Meera Finnigan  ................................Fremantle WA

Ivan Conway  ................................Cannonvale QLD

Margaret Wine  ...............................Gungaroo NSW

Lynne Voegt  .........................................Mentone VIC

Patricia Cooper  .......................................Morley WA

Reena Narayan  ...................... Camperdown NSW

Raymond Connor  .............................. Churchill VIC

Peter Phillips  .................................Sans Souci NSW

Giovanna Kozary  ........... Raymond Terrace NSW

Yvonne McPhie  ...........................Eltham North Vic

Danielle Stevenson  ...........................Mitcham Vic

Andrew Fenn  .................................... Somerville Vic

Andrew Warren-Nicholls ......Darlinghurst NSW

Carla Shute  ............................................. Boulder WA

Alison Bartlett  ...................Coffs Harbour NSW

Gabrielle Armstrong  .........Sackville North NSW

Liam Chapman  .............................Narrabeen NSW

Gail McGuckin  .......................................Oatley NSW

Mary Chayton  ................................... Armadale WA

Nicole Tanner  .......................... Deception Bay Qld

Marina Gardner  ..........North Rockhampton Qld

Carol Bowie  ................................................Dalby Qld

Kristen Bull  ............................................Para Hills SA

Judith Pyke  ..................................................Colac Vic

Des Kelly  ...............................................Lismore NSW

Kate Whitton  ...........................Meridan Plains Qld

510

Celebrations