Taylor & Forgie Funerals Balaklava

02/04/2026

Balaklava Courthouse Gallery has turned 35 (officially last month), and what better way to celebrate this milestone with a new kitchen! It even has hot running water!
Gallery committee members met with representatives from local businesses who donated funds toward the project.
Pictured are: Cherie Cmrlec, Brenda Young from Balaklava Swap Shop, Leonie Enman (founding gallery member), Louise Michael from Taylor & Forgie Funeral Directors, Lenice Cox, Nancy Harrington, and patron Rodney Reid.
"Taylor and Forgie Funerals proudly supports many community and sporting groups with either sponsorship, or a donation of funds toward larger projects," local Funeral Director, Louise Michael said.
"We value the efforts of volunteers who provide a range of events, facilities and opportunities for community members, and the new gallery kitchen will be a huge asset for gallery drink nights, exhibition openings, Mother's Day morning teas, and more."
The current watercolour exhibition has some wonderful art works by very talented artists - and all items are for sale.
The gallery also holds movie nights (with drinks and nibbles beforehand) at Blyth Cinema, with the next one coming up on Friday, May 15. (Flyer attached)
These nights are really well supported, so book your tickets to see the entertaining movie, The Sheep Detectives.

02/03/2026

Words that mean the world, "thank you". It’s a privilege to support our community through the moments that matter most.

26/02/2026

Thanks Balaklava Bowls Club for hosting a fun sponsor's night last Thursday. Local Funeral Director, Louise Michael, is pictured in a selfie with local sign creator, Steve from Tads, in front of the Taylor & Forgie sign at the bowls club.
Louise, Steve and Kimberly are also pictured with their winning chocolates!

24/02/2026

The Taylor & Forgie Puzzle Book is now available — a special edition commemorating our 170th year of service.
What began as a simple idea has grown into a much-loved tradition. For many, these puzzle books have become part of a familiar routine — a quiet moment with a cuppa ☕, a pencil ✏️, and a page or two of puzzles to gently pass the time.
For 170 years, Taylor & Forgie Funeral Directors has been part of the fabric of your community, supporting families across generations. From our beginnings in 1855 to today, our focus has remained the same — providing care, dignity, and compassion to the families who place their trust in us.
The puzzle book is free, as always, and available from our office at 16 Scotland Street Balaklava or any of our chapels. Let us know if you'd like to collect a copy, or pick one up for a friend, neighbour, or family member who might enjoy a peaceful puzzle.
Thank you for continuing to embrace this little tradition with us, and for allowing us to be part of your lives for 170 years. We hope Issue 17 brings you enjoyment, gentle focus, and a few well-earned “aha!” moments.
Happy puzzling 🧩🤍

01/02/2026

Golf - Aussie style!
AFTER being called off due to the heat rule a week ago, Balaklava Golf Club managed to turn on a glorious morning on Saturday for its annual Australia Day 2-person ambrose.
The major sponsor for the ambrose was Taylor & Forgie Funerals, who put together ‘Aussie style’ goody bags for the winners.
Local Funeral Director, Louise Michael, joined in the fun, with everyone enjoying a morning tee off to avoid more hot weather!
Having a blinder of a round was the duo of David Coulter and cousin Andrew Coulter, hitting an impressive 67 off the stick.
Their playing partners, Louise Michael and Denis Eaton, were hot on their heels with 69, but ended up winning the nett prize scoring 63.25.
Dave and Ingrid Brice scored very well with 63.75 to be nett runners up.
Taking out the remaining nett prizes were Richard and Jill Taylor 64.25,Jarrad Mortimer and Nathan Starr 65, and Murray and Janice Smith 65.75.
Other scores were: Kelly Stott/Richard Maxwell 67.75, Clive and Tracey Summer 68, Tom and Angus Lemon 68, Brian Tiller/Adrian Ward 68.5, Lachlan Wright/Reuben Bell 69, Bryn Jones/Kate Green 69.25, Scott Michael/Andrew Lane 69.5, Richard and Caroline Sandow 70.5, Matt Hoepner/Chris Marshall 71, Rick Campbell/Austin Henstridge 72.5, Colin and Carolyn Mutton 73.25, Cherie Taylor/Graham Fleet 73.75.
NTP winners, taking home a bottle of Barossa’s Curator Wine’s red, were Richard Maxwell 3, Murray Smith 8, Denis Eaton on 10 and 15.
Vice captain, Dave Coulter, thanked Taylor and Forgie Funerals for their continued support of the fun event, along with everyone who helped run the day.
"We couldn't run events like this without our sponsors, and we are very grateful for their support," Dave said.

Pictures from the ambrose:
Gross winners with 67 off the stick: David and Andrew Coulter with their Aussie prize goody bags, donated by Taylor & Forgie Funerals.
Nett winners: with 69/63.25 were Taylor & Forgie Funeral Directors Balaklava based Funeral Director, Louise Michael, and Denis Eaton
Nett runners up David and Ingrid Brice, 5th nett Janice and Murray Smith, 3rd nett Richard and Jill Taylor. Absent 4th nett Jarrad Mortimer and Nathan Starr.
NTP winners : Richard Maxwell and Murray Smith, holding his Barossa's Curator Wine prize. Absent Denis Eaton
The winning playing group having a selfie: Dave Coulter, Andy Coulter, Denis Eaton, with Louise Michael in the front, sporting some sparkly Australia Day sunnies!

31/12/2025

Congratulations to Balaklava Bowls Club for hosting a Fours day on Tuesday. While initially scheduled for Monday, due to the heat the tournament was deferred to Tuesday which was a great move. Local Funeral Director Louise Michael was on hand for presentations and to watch some of the action. Well done to the organisers and all competitors who had a great day out!

31/12/2025

30/12/2025

A great day at the Balaklava Bowls Club today. Much better weather also!
Well done to the organisers, players and volunteers for putting on a fantastic event. 👏

23/12/2025

07/12/2025

The annual Christmas Service of Remembrance was conducted in the Balaklava Funeral Chapel today.
The service was to remember our loved ones in the Christmas season.
Funeral Director Louise Michael led the service, with assistance from Rev Flo Walters, and also Taylor & Forgie colleague Casey Clarke.
The family and friends present at the service hung a card on the tree, with a special message to their loved ones written inside.
Louise said the service is always very emotional as grieving family members and friends remember their loved ones at a time of year which is traditionally deemed a 'happy and joyous' time.
"Everyone is at a different stage of their grieving process, so we hope this service, with the messages given, provides some comfort and peace for everyone," Louise said.
Attendees were then invited to stay for a cuppa and time of fellowship.
"This service is conducted each year and everyone is welcome to come along, regardless of whether we looked after your family's funeral arrangements or not," Louise said.
And if you would like to meet with an independent grief counsellor, please don't hesitate to contact our office on 8862 2101 to make a free appointment.

04/12/2025

Recently we farewelled a lovely lady who loved her garden and her flowers.

With bunches of flowers, garden petals and roses, it was beautiful way to acknowledge her life and family.

03/11/2025

What a rain storm! This blue-tongue decided it was time for a little chapel visit. Probably just here for the good vibes (and dry floors)! 🦎💙