N E W S
Australian Funeral Directors Association SA/NT DIVISION
ABN 33 007 331 580
Tim Mee
Divisional Executive Officer
President’s Report
Presidential change over
dinner at the Lion Hotel.
I am looking forward to the next two years
and will be making contact with all
members during this period.
Telephone:
08 8395 3572
Mobile
0418 814 856
I would like to congratulate Mark Forgie for
the significant role he has played in the
past two years as Divisional President.
Facsimile:
08 8395 3573
Internet:
www.afda.org.au
Email:
Tim Mee
[email protected]
Contents
1. President’s Report
2. Divisional Update &
AGM Seminar
3. AGM Dinner &
Centennial Park
Open Day
4. H M Quality Caskets
new paint booth
5. Seniors & Social
Media
6. Hyqual Australia In
House Testing
7. Graham James 50
Years with Alfred
James
8. Expression Coffins
& Audio Upgrade at
Enfield Memorial
Park
November
2012
Iain & Christina McQueen
President’s Report
Dear members
This is my first report since becoming
your Divisional President.
The AGM Weekend at the Adelaide Zoo
was a great success. Dinners at both the
British Hotel and the Lion Hotel in North
Adelaide were also well attended. Thank
you to those members who were able to
attend the AGM this year, I am sure it was
a little different, with a good mix of
education, networking and social contact.
It was great to see AFDA Members and
sponsors who had travelled long distances
to attend the AGM Weekend this year.
The seminar speakers (and there were lots
of them) were captivating and informative.
AFDA Sponsors support for the seminar
was fantastic. All of the presentations by
suppliers and sponsors were interesting,
with new innovations, products and
services abound. This was a seminar
program with lots to learn and new
products to use in our funeral businesses.
Remember the message from Andrew
Montesi of TGB encouraging us all to be
more connected to social media. Thank
you to all 14 industry suppliers / sponsors
who presented at the seminar, a great job
given limited time.
During the AGM Weekend we elected a
new Divisional Executive Committee. I am
pleased to report the following AFDA
Office Bearers this year.
Divisional Senior Vice President Jason
Maher, Divisional Junior Vice President
Tony Monte, Divisional Treasurer
Graham James and myself (Iain
McQueen) as Divisional President.
Christina and I were grateful for the
encouraging support we received at the
Mark, on behalf
of members,
thank you for
the hard work
and time you
committed to
AFDA. I am
sure you will be
satisfied with
the progress
made on a
number of projects, some great
improvements in our CPD program and
particularly the government relations/
legislative work recently achieved.
At the AGM weekend we elected National
Councillors to represent the SA NT
Division during the next 12 months, they
are Andrew Kleemann and Jason
Maher. Alternate National Councillors
are Don Sweet and Clayton Scott.
I would like to recognise the contribution
made by Clayton Scott to the division as a
National Councillor for the past 14 years
and of course as AFDA National President
between 2005 and 2007. This has been a
great contribution to the Association and
funeral industry. On behalf of members,
thank you Clayton for a job well done.
Looking to the next 12 months, we will be
involved in a variety of matters. The
Burial and Cremation Bill , the Advertiser
online lodgement of funeral notices, a
Divisional Regional meeting is being
planned in Wallaroo in April, and more
Grief Training sessions will be offered to
members early next year. Discussions
are also underway with the Victorian
division to hold a combined AGM Seminar
in 2013, possibly in Mildura.
Have a great Xmas and I hope a
prosperous year ahead.
Best regards, Iain McQueen.
Page 2
Australian Funeral Directors Association SA NT News November 2012
AFDA Divisional Update
AFDA AGM Seminar.
The Burial and Cremation Bill is currently being
amended by the government before it is tabled in
Parliament for debate. The Cemeteries and Crematoria
Association of SA and AFDA have proposed significant
changes to the Bill in our submissions. We are also keen
to obtain a copy of the Regulations to the Bill when
released for public comment.
The AGM seminar this year was held at the Adelaide
Zoo on Saturday 15 September,
Advertiser Newspaper– Online Direct lodgement of
Funeral Notices and other matters
Representatives from AFDA met with the Advertiser on
Wednesday 17 October to discuss:
•
Identification of any current problems
with the online trial with Simplicity
Funerals
•
Expanding the online trial to other funeral businesses (at least 9 members have
indicated interest in doing the trail).
Information session to be set up shortly
•
Incorrect funeral notices, service levels,
and customer service (some examples
of errors in phone and email notices
were discussed). (Funeral Directors are
requested to contact Sarah Gardiner - Sales &
Service Manager direct on 8206 3747 with any
problems in future)
•
A proposal by the Advertiser for Filler
Advertising to be discussed by AFDA/
Members and report back to the Advertiser.
AFDA Events & CPD Activities
Members are reminded that the current CPD year
concludes on 30 March 2013. A number of members
attended the recent AFDA AGM, Centennial Park
Open Day and AFDA Journalist Seminar all attracting
CPD hours. In early 2013 the Association and
Centennial Park will again be offering the two Grief
Training modules run this year. A regional meeting is
also planned in April next year.
PEV Inspections due in 2013
AFDA Member inspections for Premises, Equipment
and Vehicles are due in 2013 for AFDA accreditation.
Each Member will be contacted and an inspection
arranged.
The seminar program was in the form of a Funeral
Expo with all AFDA sponsors and industry suppliers
contributing to the day with presentations on
innovative new products, technical information and
new services offered to funeral directors. Thank you to
all sponsors who supported the AGM this year, it was
very informative.
Australian Funeral Directors Association S A NT News November 2012
Page 3
Centennial Park Open Day - Sunday 21 October
AFDA AGM Dinner - Presidential change
over - Lion Hotel Saturday 15 September
Help your employees
improve their financial health
AustralianSuper is one of Australia’s largest super
funds.
This means a better deal for your employees:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Congratulations to
Kevin & Jan Kleemann on
their Golden Wedding
Anniversary. 50 years celebrated at the AFDA Dinner
15 September 2012.
low fees: our administration fee - a flat $1.50 per
week (other fees apply)
strong long-term investment returns
a range of investment options
affordable and flexible insurance options
member education and communication services
access to additional benefits and services*, such as
competitive home loans, health insurance and commission-free fee-for-service financial advice.
AustralianSuper has been named as a default fund in
73 of the 109 modern awards with super provisions a
presence unequalled by any other fund.
www.australiansuper.com
Enquiries to Malcolm Kinter 0414 690 313
[email protected]
Page 4
Australian Funeral Directors Association SA NT News November
H M Quality Caskets
New Paint Booth installed - Adelaide
H M Quality Caskets have installed a new Paint
Booth and Drying Room at their Adelaide facility in
Regency Park. The booth will provide the ability to
spray paint coffins
and caskets with an
accelerated drying
process via a gas
heated temperature
controlled room.
Sonny Ridge (SA
Manager) indicated
“ the new equipment will greatly benefit local and
interstate customers with increased turnaround time
and next day delivery of HM Quality Casket products.
This is an investment for clients / funeral directors
serviced from our Adelaide factory”.
Call Sonny Ridge
Telephone
08 8345 5873
Fax
08 8345 5991
Mob: 0438 965 488
Email:
[email protected]
7 Wirriga Street
Regency Park
SA 5010
Australian Funeral Directors Association S A NT News November 2012
Funeral Plan Management (FPM)
Trevor Holst
Consideraons for Funeral Directors
While consumers are generally choosing
funeral insurance for affordability and
flexibility, they lack a general knowledge of the real costs they
are paying. In many cases they are purchasing life insurance
with no connection to a funeral. Advertising has, however,
increased community awareness about funerals and we can
all capitalise on this.
In the recent ASIC study it was indicated that overall, there is
a lack of knowledge about the option of pre-paid funerals.
Many who have not considered pre-paid funerals are simply
unaware that they exist and turn to the media and advertising
hits by insurance companies for information.
It’s perhaps time to embrace a new way of communicating
with our target markets. We can extend existing business
promotional effort by exploring social media. Seniors seem to
have no problem embracing technology.
Here are some interesting statistics released by Sensis.
Internet usage has become an almost indispensable way of
life for our seniors, 93% of those aged 65 and above, and 99%
of those aged between 50 to 64 years are online regularly.
97% of those aged 65 years and above, and 93% of those
aged between 50 to 64 years are Facebook users. LinkedIn,
Twitter and Google+ are also common for these age groups.
Social media is influencing buying behaviour . Researching
products and services online are one of the
top reasons why seniors use social media.
Page 5
AFDA members acknowledge the contributions made
by the following divisional sponsors in 2012/13
National Corporate Partners
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Page 6
Australian Funeral Directors Association S A NT News November 2012
Hyqual Australia’s In House Testing:
Hyqual Australia’s In House Testing:
Hyqual Australia’s 121 combustible fixed bar coffin
handle is the centre of attention in our latest video and
what a star it is. Whilst all of Hyqual’s coffin handles
are continually being independently stress tested,
we have never filmed any testing.
Please take a few minutes to go
online to www.hyqual.com click on
“SERVICES” and under the
“What’s New” button to find the
video. Let us prove to you that our
motto “OUR STRENGTH IS IN
OUR PRODUCT” is a statement
we live by and run our business
by. We are very proud to be Australian Manufacturers and we
strive to produce top quality products you can depend on.
Aaron Hyde decided it would
be a good idea to show our
customers just how strong our
Australian manufactured
products are. We spent about
an hour setting up in the factory and filming, using only 4
of our mighty 121 fixed bar coffin handle with the
rubber grip insert, four of Hyqual Australia’s strongest
and fittest and of course the strongest of them all - the
forklift and let’s not forget 20 x 25kg bags of granular
virgin ABS plastic totalling 500kg.
All the footage you see in the video was first take ONLY.
We did no trials or checking to see how far we could go
before we started filming. We did stop filming while “The
Boys” moved things around and set up the forklift.
If you bring the video up to full screen you can see the
look of concern on Aaron’s face as he begins the lift of
the coffin with ONLY 4 x 121 coffin handles and 500kg.
The results speak for themselves, we were all extremely
pleased.
Technical specifications:
· ABS virgin plastic 121 coffin handles.
· 4 x 25mm grabber screws & 2 locating pins per handle.
· MDF coffin - 25kg bags of ABS virgin granular plastic
and The Hyqual Team.
Australian Funeral Directors Association SA NT News November 2012
Graham James - 50 years with Alfred James
This is an extract from a speech by David Lawlor at a recent
company celebration for Graham.
—————————————-
“ Tonight we are here to acknowledge and celebrate Graham’s
50 years of service to Alfred James & Sons. As such it is an
appropriate time to reflect on Graham’s career to date.
It was not a foregone conclusion that Graham would join the
family business. He was considering at least two other
careers, one being a hospital administrator and the other a
clergyman. Graham had to apply to his father for a job, and
after being offered a position, at the age of 21 Graham began
his career as a funeral director.
On the 15 October 1962 Graham joined Alfred James & Sons.
Prior to this he was working at the Lyell McEwin Hospital and
when Grahams’ father purchased Partington’s business
Graham joined the company. He was employed there for two
years before being appointed General Manager at Unley in
1964. The following year Graham completed an Economics
degree from the University of Adelaide.
He was appointed Company Secretary in 1973 and Director in
1976. In addition to Graham’s employment and dedication to
the company, Graham has made a significant contribution to
the funeral industry at a local, national and international level.
He was a National Councillor of the AFDA for a number of
years and elected National President from 1978-1980. He was
made a life member in 1983 and is also a Life Councillor.
Graham was Chairman of the Pacific Group of Selected
Independent Funeral Homes for 27 years (1985) until he
stepped down last year.
Page 7
Graham was also an advisor to and
supporter of SOLACE (for widows and
widowers) and SANDS (still-born and
miscarriages). He was also the AFDA
representative to the Australian Institute
of Embalming. Graham also
established BES and our Memory Tree
Program.
Over the years, the ownership of the
business has changed. In 2007
Graham and Judy bought out the
interests of Graham’s sisters.
Throughout Graham’s career, a number of staff and family
members have been employed in the business , but there has
been one person present the whole time. For a family business
the boundaries between family and business life can overlap.
Thank you Judy for your commitment and support over this long
period, to both Graham and all the staff at Alfred James.
Graham, the guys in the factory (Casket Company of Australia)
have made a Wine Holder for you. Of course, it contains a
bottle of red wine and the wine was purchased from your
daughters Hotel, The Edinburgh.
As is customary at these career milestones, we also have a
service badge, marking 50 years of service at Alfred James.
On behalf of everyone at Alfred James, congratulations,
Graham, for the 50 years of great service to the company.
Your integrity and conduct have been a key part of the
Company’s success and reputation.”
———————————-
Australian Funeral Directors Association S A NT News November 2012
Page 8
Ashton - Expression Coffins
The culmination of hundreds of hours of research and development over 18 months at Ashton’s head office
What makes Expression Coffins unique?
Expression Coffins are a unique way to celebrate a life.
They are beautifully handmade and wrapped in Ashton’s
own CrystalCleer image wraps (photographic quality
images), utilising the latest
eco-friendly technology.
The richness of colour
across the Expression
Coffin range is stunning.
All Expression Coffins are
suitable for burial or
cremation. Expression
Coffins are a personal
choice and a special way
to mark the final event in
someone’s life. Visit our
web site to view new possibilities for your clients.
www.expressioncoffins.com.au
Contact Michael Ingerson Account Manager – South
Australia for more details. Phone: 0428 161 679
State of the art audio visual upgrade
at Enfield Memorial Park
The audio visual facilities in the Acacia and Folland
Chapels at Enfield Memorial Park have been upgraded
providing families and funeral directors with the latest
technology equipment.
This includes replacement of all speakers, amplifiers and
microphones, new digital DVD and CD players and multiple
cameras in each chapel. All the equipment can be
controlled wirelessly from a tablet anywhere within the
chapel. In the words of one funeral director ‘it’s as easy as
using my phone.’ “We are thrilled that we have been able
to deliver such a high
definition service
using the latest
technology ” Chief
Executive Officer,
Robert Pitt said.
Where there is an
overflow of mourners,
the new system
provides projection
onto each chapel’s
external glass wall, allowing mourners in the hearse driveway to see and hear all elements of a funeral service,
including Celebrating Life DVD presentations. The main
screen photo of the DVD is projected above the chapel
entrance prior to the service commencing, and provides a
unique and personalised element, especially as family and
mourners arrive.
“Response to the new system has been very positive from
both funeral directors and families”.