Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA)

18/07/2025

Speaker Call Out: AFDA 2026 National Convention

We’re inviting Members, National Corporate Partners and Affiliates to submit speaker proposals for our 2026 Convention. This is your chance to share your knowledge with attendees of the 2026 Convention at Novotel Sunshine Coast, 19-23 March 2026. Whether it's a breakout session, workshop or keynote we’re keen to receive proposals that introduce fresh perspectives and forward-thinking ideas that our Convention attendees can apply in their funeral home or business. We particularly welcome new voices who are yet to share their expertise on the AFDA stage. Successful presenters will receive one full Convention registration (valued over $1,000) including education sessions, dinners, and activities. Travel and accommodation not included.

Don't miss this opportunity, submit your proposal to AFDA by Friday 25 July 2025.

09/07/2025

We’re thrilled to share that AFDA Member Taylor’d Funerals has been awarded Most Outstanding Specialised Business in the Camden Business Awards. Congratulations to the entire team at Taylor’d Funerals – your work makes a real difference.

23/06/2025

Congratulations to AFDA Member R J Sidney Craig for being awarded Local Business of the Year, Community Services Award and Business Person of the Year – John Crooks at the 2025 Business 2580 Awards. A well-deserved recognition of the dedication, compassion, and service you bring to your community every day. What an incredible achievement!

30/05/2025

Another outstanding event for AFDA members – this time in Queensland! Last week our QLD members had the opportunity to hear from an incredible lineup of speakers, covering timely and important topics including navigating family conflict, managing psychosocial risks in the workplace, plus valuable industry updates. A special thank you to Stephanie Gallagher, QLD Deputy State Coroner for her insights into the Coroner’s Court of Queensland and how collaboration with funeral directors can support grieving families. A big thank you also to our other fantastic speakers: Ben Kelly, CEO of ACCA, Adrien March of Relationships Australia Victoria and Chris Tankard of Key Business Advisors who made a real impact. And of course, thank you to our wonderful QLD members for your engagement and to our sponsors and suppliers for your continued support.

28/05/2025

We’re proud to share this feature from The Western Weekender on AFDA National President Asha Dooley and her vision as she takes on the role.

The Australian Funeral Directors Association has announced the appointment of a Penrith Funeral Director as its new President.

22/05/2025

What a fantastic gathering for our SA/NT members in the picturesque town of Hahndorf last week! It was the perfect setting to share exciting news about a major sustainability initiative for our industry. The AFDA SA/NT Division is proud to announce our partnership with 2XE to roll out the Sustainable Funerals Program, made possible through the Green Industries SA, Lead-Educate-Assist-Promote (LEAP) Grant.

A special thank you to Nick Palousis, Founder & CEO of 2XE, who joined us to provide an update on the program and the development of the Best Practice Sustainability Guide for Funeral Directors. This initiative is a gamechanger for the funeral industry, with AFDA leading the way in creating practical, impactful sustainability guidelines for our members.

Continuing the sustainability theme, we were also inspired by Dr Abby Buckley and her insightful presentation on the Eco Coffin Project. A huge thank you to all AFDA members who attended and to our wonderful suppliers and sponsors for your ongoing support.

16/05/2025

Members of the AFDA Victorian Division came together in Sale for an evening of connection and learning at the Southeast (Gippsland) Zone Meeting. The event featured an insightful presentation on LGBTIQA+ inclusion in the funeral industry, delivered by Bronte Price from The Equality Network. Members explored how to better support LGBTIQA+ individuals, engage respectfully with both next of kin and chosen families, and foster inclusive workplace practices. Thank you to Victorian President David Hastie for hosting, Immediate Past President Kelly Scott for the National Update, and to all our members and sponsors who made the event possible!

13/05/2025

Don’t miss the latest episode of Death: A Changing Industry featuring John Adams in conversation with Kelly Scott, Immediate Past President of AFDA, about the evolving nature of farewells, the quiet power of community, and why unattended cremations may leave families emotionally adrift. With over 35 years of experience and a four-generation legacy, Kelly shares the profound impact of ritual and why even the simplest gathering can bring peace and healing. She reminds us that funerals aren’t about formality - they’re about presence, empathy, and honouring life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqmJFJcRD_Q

What does a funeral really mean in today’s world? In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Kelly Scott, President of the Australian Funeral Directors Ass...

10/05/2025

Thank you to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and special women in our lives who love us unconditionally and the beautiful souls we hold in our hearts – we are so very grateful.

24/04/2025

Today we honour those that have served our country. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.

17/04/2025

Easter is a time to rejoice, reflect, and make magical memories with those you love. However you're celebrating, we wish you peace, joy, and a safe Easter break. To those on call this weekend, thank you for being there for families in need.

03/04/2025

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2025 AFDA National Convention in Vietnam a truly unforgettable experience! A special thank you to our outstanding speakers: John Adams from Perry and Phillips Funerals, UK, Simon Pugh from QLM Label Makers Group, Cat Thao Nguyen, our inspiring keynote speaker, Colin Wilson from Key Business Advisors, Marc Foi from FireHawk Funerals and Greg Shorland from the Funeral Learning Hub. Your insights, experience, and stories offered valuable learning opportunities and sparked meaningful conversations across the Convention. A huge thank you also to our National Corporate Partners, Convention Sponsors, and all our loyal supporters - your generosity and ongoing commitment make this annual event possible. See you at the next one!