After a rapid decline following a terminal cancer diagnosis in 2021, Mum took the reins in planning her last few months. She decided on a living wake, she called a Soirée. An afternoon of food a drinks with her extended family followed by an old fashioned slide show. This was an opportunity to share her life and say goodbye. When it came to her funeral, Mum didn't want the bells and certainly not the whistles. Mum always went on about funerals being over the top and wanting us kids to draw on a simple box and cover it in lavender. Like many of us, I didn't think it was possible and while there were some obstacles when the time came, we made it happen. It was those obstacles that drew me to start Rest. I believe that a cheap funeral doesn't have to be 'cheap'. While my family saved a lot of money on Mums funeral, we spent a lot of time and energy making it what she wanted. Mum, just like everyone, was her own self. A unique person that had to be celebrated in a unique way. We are all about what you can do, not what you can't. Our aim at Rest is to give regional people access to the funeral they want. Whether it is a family led funeral at home with the support you need to vigil or a simple cremation, allowing them to - like our mum - have a memorial that suits them, we can help.

Our philosophy is to allow families to reclaim the rightful control of the dying process and care of the deceased. Dying and death is a natural process. Most families are not even aware they can legally be involved in the care of their loved one. We believe in the gentle honouring that is inherent in the dying process and in learning to embrace it as a natural part of life. Barefoot Funerals is about choice. We hope that we can use our knowledge, care and professionalism to guide you and your family through a kinder and gentler death experience. We wish to show how simple this process is, allowing you to focus on self-care and celebrating the life of your loved one.

Chain O Ponds Memorial Park is a locally owned business, providing service to the Port Macquarie region.