Local Celebrant Rhonda Voyzey often walks her 14 year old miniature Schnauzer Salty between Northbridge and Cammeray, crossing over Long Gully Bridge. But she wants to talk about a different kind of crossing over.
“Death is one of life’s events that we approach with the least amount of enthusiasm”, she says. “But if we can accept it as a natural part of life, we can break down the barriers of fear and trepidation. Death is as sacred as birth – the flipside of the same coin.”
Rhonda is trying to revolutionise the funeral industry as part of Picaluna, a network of civil celebrants and professional planners who work with families to create a more authentic funeral experience.
Rhonda, who plans as well as conducts funerals, explained, “I want people to know that they don’t have to have a traditional funeral – black suited attendants in top hat and tails with the high costs and cookie-cutter processes of traditional funeral companies. For example, Picaluna donates 10% of its profits to the family’s charity of choice.”
So what makes a great goodbye? “It can and should be a joyous occasion celebrating the life that’s been lived. It should be authentic, marking the years of contribution and joy, and the love that’s been shared. If people leave feeling comforted, uplifted and even content, that’s a good thing.”
So if you see Rhonda and Salty out walking, she’d love to stop for a chat!
Call Rhonda on 0407 180535, email [email protected] or visit https://www.picaluna.com to find out more.
