Not your regular list, but very helpful. Scroll down!

This recently updated list includes vendors, businesses, government departments & agencies, who service the South Coast.
Let me know if you want to add someone, add or remove a listing.
Click the following link if you want Venues

These are people you might want or need in planning your ceremony, event, or function. Some I know but others I just know of & so I cannot offer guarantees; so do your research.
Remember to let them know you found the information on my helpful webpage and hopefully they will look after you. If they don’t, please let me know.

A Life Celebrant – Lou Szymkow
Friendly, professional, reliable, helpful, approachable.

  • Civil, Marriage, Commitment, Naming & Funeral Celebrant
  • Commonwealth- Registered Marriage Celebrant
  • Manyana NSW. Australia – covering the NSW South Coast
  • A celebrant for all special occasions in your journey of life.
    • Your Life Events: Weddings, Unions & Commitments; Naming Ceremonies; Funerals, & More

I am your local, helpful, Celebrant.
 +61 (0) 457 00 1922
lou@alifecelebrant.com.au

 

Links to Helpful People

Accessories

see also Decorations &  Party Hire)

Groovi Shop in Sydney

Location: Unit 1, 8 Leighton Place Hornsby NSW 2077
Postal: PO Box 3173 Asquith NSW 2077 Australia
Shop Hours: Monday to Friday – 9.30am to 3pm
Phone Orders:
To place an order over the phone call 02 9476 6968.
Hours: 9.30am to 2.30pm Mon to Fri.

Birth, Death & Marriage Registration Certificates

If born, adopted, married, or died in Australia, the Certificate can be obtained from the registry in the state in which this was originally recorded.

The State Registries are listed here but you will find you can follow the external links below, to  go directly to the relevant state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages office.

ACT

  • Australian Government
  • Deaths On War Service

Deaths on war service are registered by the relevant arm of the Australian Defence Force. To obtain copies of death certificates, write to:

Army:

Soldier Career Management Agency

GPO Box 393D
Melbourne VIC 3001

 Air Force:

Family Liaison Officer

Directorate of Coordination Air Force
Department of Defence
Russell Offices

Canberra ACT 2600

 Navy:

Directorate of Naval Personnel Services
Department of Defence
Canberra ACT 2601

Overseas Australian Citizens

Registrations for Australian citizens lodged overseas at Australian Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates-General, Consulates, or other Australian or United Kingdom missions are controlled by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. These include the registration of children born overseas to Australian citizens.

Requests for information about births, deaths and marriages registered at Australian overseas posts should be directed to:

Department of Immigration and Border Protection
PO Box 25, Belconnen ACT 2616
Tel: (02) 6264 1111

Overseas – Australian Citizens Or Residents Born Overseas

Records of births and marriages which took place before a person migrated to Australia are not maintained by the Australian Government.

Where the person has been naturalised such details will usually be found on the application for naturalisation.

NSW BDM

  • Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (NSW) – Click Here

Birth certificate online
Death certificate online
Marriage certificate online
Replace a change of name online 
Resume a saved online application
Check your online order status​
NSWBDM Fees

Email inquiries to: registry@admin.gov.nf

  Overseas Certificate links

Butterflies & Doves

Blissful Butterflies – Butterfly release

Brisbane | Sydney | Melbourne | Delivery Australia wide
Bliss Butterflies Webcontact
hello@blissfulbutterflies.com.au
Tel: 0468 688 477

Butterfly Packages are based on your choice of how many butterflies you wish to release… For a very touching and personal experience family and friends may each release their own butterfly right from the palm of their hands from specially designed individual butterfly release boxes. Alternatively, an en-masse number of butterflies can be released from an elegant butterfly release cage to fill the sky with a memorable and graceful display.  See our Pricing & Packages

We recommend securing your date in our schedule so that we can breed the butterflies especially for you. Ideally at least 5 weeks notice is recommended.  Ordering with shorter notice may be possible but will be subject to availability as breeding would have already commenced. As we are working with nature we do recommend contacting us with as much notice as possible to confirm availability.  (*Note seasonal availability during colder winter months).

White Doves R US
Cronulla NSW
0414 308 934
0404 886 321
02) 9668 9208
whitedovesrus@gmail.com
mail@whitedovesrus.com
www.whitedovesrus.com

Make your event special, with a Spectacular White Dove Release.
Doves mate for life and symbolise Love, Peace, Fidelity, Prosperity and Good Luck. They show a willingness to work hard together. Both doves build a nest together, mother dove lays the eggs, then father and mother keep them fed and warm until they are old enough to leave their nest.
It is said that if doves are seen on your wedding day, a happy home is assured.
Reserve your booking as early as possible as they book for almost every weekend during the year.
Can release as few as two or as many as a flock and every event has a flight attendant present who will be dressed appropriately and on time, with your selected release cabinet and the white doves.
The most popular time to release the doves is after the ceremony.
They will liaise with the photographer and videographer to help to capture the best photo’s possible. The doves can be released from the hands or from our beautifully decorated release cabinets or wicker baskets. The elegant and graceful birds will fly up and circle around the sky once or twice before safely heading home to their loft.
At a funeral and memorial service, a dove release is a very special and peaceful way of showing respect to your departed loved one and to help say a final goodbye. A Dove release will bring family, friends and loved ones closer on that day offering a feeling of peace and serenity to the family members at the end of a graveside or cremation service, there are few things more powerful than the White Dove release.

 

Cakes

Car, Carriage & Motorbike Hire

Batmobile Australia

Zac Mihajlovic
zac8585@hotmail.com
www.batmobileaustralia.com
0405 524 987

Hire My Ride

http://hiremyride.com.au
info@hiremyride.com.au
Operating Hours
Monday to Friday          9am – 6pm
Saturday           10am – 3pm
Hire My Ride is a website that allows you to search, view, list, inquire and make a booking on ANY type of “ride” (cars, bikes, boats, buses, planes, etc.) for ANY type of event or occasion, Australia wide!
It is NOT a hire company, but an online platform that allows hire companies and private owners to list their rides and connect with thousands of users with events.

 
Hog Tied Weddings & Funerals

HOG-100@hotmail.com
T: 0416 464 100

Hog Tied is a family run business that provides people with the opportunity to hire hotrod ,muscle car and classic vehicles for hire.
We are fully Licensed and accredited with the RMS of NSW and we all so have public liability too.
We offer a fun experience, that is professional and personal. We hire cars for weddings, formals, functions, charity events and advertising. We pride ourselves in knowing that we haven’t made a client but a friend.

Cemeteries

The links below will take you to an index in which you will be able to look up:-

ACT 20 NSW 2103 NT 152
QLD 766 SA 1013 TAS 602
VIC 879 WA 561 Other 5

Cemeteries, Crematoriums & Mortuaries

 

Coffins, Caskets and burial containers

See Cremation Urns, Coffins, Headstones & Memorials

Crematories Registered with the NSW Ministry of Health – February    2014

The following is a list of crematoria available in NSW:

Crematory_Name Street Suburb P’code
1 Australian Cremation Services Pty Ltd 12 Maxim Place St Marys 2760
2 Avondale Crematorium 287 Ramsden Drive Albury 2640
3 Avondale Crematorium 4/9 Russellton Drive Alstonville 2477
4 Bathurst Crematorium 1 Mitchell Highway Bathurst 2795
5 Broulee Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Pty Ltd 195 Broulee Rd Broulee 2537
 6  Canobolas Gardens Crematorium Lone Pine Avenue Orange 2800
 7 Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Windsor Road Rouse Hill 2155
8 Clavering Park Memorial Gardens & Crematorium 248 Candelo-Wolumla Rd Wolumla 2550
9 Coffs Harbour Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Coramba Road Karange 2450
10 Coomealla Memorial Gardens Silver City Highway Dareton 2717
11 Craig’s Hill Crematorium 63 Middle Arm Road  Goulburn 2580
12 Crooks and Pettigrew Crematorium School Drive Tomago 2322
13 Dubbo City Crematorium  5 Mallee Rd Dubbo 2830
14 Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park Crematorium 12 Military Road Matraville 2036
15 Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium Pty Ltd 11 Camden Valley Way Leppington 2171
16 Fred J Potter & Son Bonanza Street Broken Hill 2880
17 Glemorus Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Lot 225 Union Road West North Albury 2640
18 HN Olsen Funeralss Pty Ltd Crematorium 12/260 Captain Cook Drive  Kurnell Sutherland Shire 2036
19 Hogbin Drive Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Stadium Drive Coffs Harbour 2450
20 Lakeside Memorial Park and Crematorium 230 Kanahooka Road Dapto 2530
21 Innes Gardens Memorial Park Philip Charley Drive Port Macquarie 2444
22 Lake Macquarie Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematorium 47 Cessnock Road Ryhope 2283
23 Lake Mulwala Crematorium 5 Adi Street Mulwala 2647
24  Leura Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Pty Ltd 1 Kitchener Road  Leura 2780
25  Lightfoot & Co.Crematorium Lot 10 Wandobah Rd  Gunnedah 2380
26 Lincoln Grove Memorial Gardens & Crematorium Gunnedah Road Tamworth 2340
27 Lismore Memorial Gardens Skyline Road Goonellabah 2480
28 Mackay Family Crematorium 21-22 Pacific Highway Ourimbah 2258
29 Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium Corner Delhi & Plassey Rds  Macquarie Park 2113
30 Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens 183 Pampoolah Road Taree 2430
31 Mary, Mother of Mercy Chapel and Crematorium Barnet Avenue Rookwood 2141
32 Michael Hanley’s Family Funerals Farnell Street Forbes 2871
33 Morningside Crematorium 2/22 Annette Cres Lavington 2641
34 Mount Moriah Crematorium 6/186 Hartley Road, Smeaton Grange 2567
35 Murray Valley Cremation 2B Bremner Court Moama 2731
36 Newcastle Memorial Park Anderson Drive Beresfield 2322
37 Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens Crematorium 199 Dehli Road  North Ryde 2113
38 Norwood Park Crematorium 1 Mitchell Highway Bathurst 2795
39 Palmdale Memorial Park and Crematorium Palmdale Road Palmdale 2258
40 Pine Grove Memorial Park Ltd Kingston Street Minchinbury 2770
41 Port Macquarie Crematorium 1/32 Acacia Avenue Port Macquarie 2444
42 Rookwood Memorial Garden & Crematorium Memorial Ave Rookwood 2141
43 Sapphire City Crematorium  Lot 1-4 Ashford Rd Inverell 2360
44 Shoalhaven Crematorium Worrigee Road Worrigee 2540
45 St Patrick’s of Nulkaba Crematorium Cnr Allandale Rd & Kerlew St Nulkaba 2325
46 Tweed Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Sunshine Avenue Tweed Heads South 2485
 47 Tweed Valley Crematorium & Memorial Gardens Environ Road Environ 2620
48 Wagga Wagga City Council Crematorium Brunskill Rd Wagga Wagga 2650
49 Wollongong City Memorial Gardens Berkeley Road Unanderra 2526
 50 Woronora General Cemetery & Crematorium Trust Linden Street Sutherland 2232

Death Certificates

Your contracted Funeral Director will usually obtain the Death Certificate for you, or you can contact your state or territory’s Births, Deaths and Marriages office.

See the separate heading on this page

Death Overseas

Each year around 1000 Australians die while overseas.  For help and information see:

Decorations & Decorators

Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/au/
Shop by category

Home & Living

Jewellery

Clothing

Craft Supplies & Tools

Weddings

Toys & Games

Family History

Your own family and memories are a great source of family history.

There are lots of computer programs online or in stores, and webpages, that can help you.

Searching the online historical index at a registry of Births Death & Marriages is generally free, and a great starting point to research your family tree as our records date from 1788. As there is only limited information available for free, choosing to purchase a Family History Certificate from a BDM is the next thing to consider.

Here are sample sites in regard to cemetery records in Australia:

Click below for state by state:

ACT 20 NSW 2103 NT 152
QLD 766 SA 1013 TAS 602
VIC 879 WA 561 Other 5

There are many data bases online for searching through family history.

See Find Deceased Family Members

Australian War Graves – 02 9746 5565 http://www.dva.gov.au/commemorations-memorials-and-war-graves/office-australian-war-graves
Find My Past – www.findmypast.com.au
Inside History Magazine – http://www.insidehistory.com.au/
Catholic Cemetery Trust – 02 9649 6423  www.catholiccemeteries.org.au
Jewish Cemetery Trust – 02 9746 5765 www.rookwoodjewishcemetery.com.au
Muslim Cemetery Trust – 02 9763 2955  www.mctrookwood.org.au
Memorial Gardens & Crematorium – 02 9746 8945  www.rookwoodcrem.com.au

Find Deceased Family Members

See also – Family History

also Birth Death & Marriages Registries

See Find Deceased Family Members

Australian War Graves – 02 9746 5565 http://www.dva.gov.au/commemorations-memorials-and-war-graves/office-australian-war-graves
Find My Past – www.findmypast.com.au
Inside History Magazine – http://www.insidehistory.com.au/
Catholic Cemetery Trust – 02 9649 6423  www.catholiccemeteries.org.au
Jewish Cemetery Trust – 02 9746 5765 www.rookwoodjewishcemetery.com.au
Muslim Cemetery Trust – 02 9763 2955  www.mctrookwood.org.au
Memorial Gardens & Crematorium – 02 9746 8945  www.rookwoodcrem.com.au

The links below will take you to an index in which you will be able to look up:-

Click below for state by state:

ACT 20 NSW 2103 NT 152
QLD 766 SA 1013 TAS 602
VIC 879 WA 561 Other 5

Scatter Ashes

http://www.scatteredashes.info/
nadine@scatteredashes.info
0456 575 800
Register a loved one NOW! 

  • Scatteredashes.info is an Australian family business located in country Victoria that has been designed to help you create a lasting record of your loved one’s final resting place.
  • In most cases only the immediate family will have any knowledge of where the ashes are being kept or have been scattered. With more and more people choosing to be cremated, families have few choices of what to do with the ashes. Some people, before moving on, request what to have done with their ashes, but not everyone does. Interning their ashes in a memorial wall or rose garden in a cemetery, may provide one option,
    but at a substantial cost and not always a permanent site.
    Storing their ashes in an urn will find some feeling obligated to keep them at home, but this does not appeal to all and may become overwhelming. And to others, they may have cultural sensitivities.
    Increasingly many are leaving a final request to have their ashes scattered in a location of personal or sentimental significance. When this occurs the only people that will know of the final location of the ashes could be those that are present at the scattering. When future generations want to know what became of their ancestors, without a permanent online record their ashes location will remain unknown.
    This is how Scatteredashes.info is designed to help. By creating a permanent online record,
    the memory of your loved one, along with the details of the location of where their ashes have been scattered, will mean that they are Gone But Never Forgotten.
    At scatteredashes.info we don’t believe in annual subscriptions or ongoing charges,
    please remember that our once only small fee is forever.
    When those nearest and dearest to us depart we are left with fond and treasured memories.

Florists

Forced Marriage

Forced marriage -Forced marriage is a slavery-like practice, a form of gender-based violence and an abuse of human rights.

Funeral Costs & Services – Complaints

Like all Australian businesses, funeral providers must comply with Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
If you have any questions or concerns about a funeral provider, the first step is to speak or write to the provider.  If you still cannot resolve the problem, get information on your rights and responsibilities.
This is generally available from your state Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs department

– Funerals

  • Other funeral products
  • Information for consumers on other funeral products available. URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Buying_services/Funerals/Other_funeral_products.page
    • Contributory and pre-paid funerals Information for consumers on contributory and pre-paid funeral arrangements.  URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Buying_services/Funerals/Contributory_and_pre_paid_funerals.page
  • Funerals Information for consumers on arranging a funeral
  • URL:  http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Buying_services/Funerals.page
  • Funeral funds fees Fees and charges for NSW Fair Trading’s funeral funds services.
  • URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Our_services/Fees/Funeral_funds_fees.page
  • Funeral Funds Regulation 2016 Comment on the public consultation for the Funeral Funds Regulation 2016.   URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Have_your_say/Funeral_funds_regulation_2016.page
  • Funeral industry Information on funeral industry URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Businesses/Specific_industries_and_businesses/Funeral_industry.page
  • Funeral information standard Information for funeral directors on basic funeral notice (quote) and statements they must provide according to the information standard for funeral goods and services under the Fair Trading Regulation 2007.  URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Businesses/Specific_industries_and_businesses/Funeral_industry/Funeral_information_standard.page
  • Using a funeral director Information for consumers abour using a funeral  director and organising a funeral.   URL: http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Buying_services/Funerals/Using_a_funeral_director.page
  • Funerals links and contacts Contacts and links for consumers arranging funerals. URL: http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Buying_services/Funerals/Funerals_links_and_contacts.page
  •  Avoid a funeral rip-off campaign to protect indigenous consumers Australian consumer protection agencies today launched a campaign to help prevent Indigenous consumers from signing up for funeral plans that are expensive ,  complex and not suitable to their needs.  URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Media_releases/2015_media_releases/20150727_avoid_a_funeral_rip_off.page

Funeral Director, Crematorium & Cemetery Associations

https://www.aifp.org.au/

Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA)
Suite North 1 / 215 Bell St, PRESTON Victoria 3072
www.accaweb.com.au/about-acca
Phone: +61 3 9863 6914
Fax: +61 3 9863 6901
General E-mail: admin@accaweb.com.au

The Australasian Cemeteries & Crematoria Association (ACCA) is a non-profit professional organisation that exists to provide leadership, professional services and development, communication and networking platforms to the cemetery and crematorium industry. ACCA is financially supported by a strong membership from around Australia and overseas.

ACCA seeks to explore and develop new areas of expertise within the cemetery and crematoria industry, and provides regular communication through a range of publications.

As an industry body, ACCA promotes and facilitates the professional development of ACCA Members including the establishment of comprehensive codes of practice, guidelines and research projects.

ACCA also actively promotes the cemetery and crematoria industry to governments, related industries, other countries and the Australian public.

 

 http://www.funeraldirectorsaustralia.com.au/funeral-prices/sydney/

http://www.fdansw.com.au/

Funeral Directors

H Parsons

Head office:
34 Belmore Street
Wollongong, NSW 2500

Main: (02) 4228 9622 (24hrs)
Dapto (02) 4262-0400
Warilla (02) 4296-7834
Bulli (02) 4284-3163
Wandandian (coming soon)

Australian family owned and operated funeral director, serving the Illawarra and surrounds since 1893.
H.Parsons has been leading the way for many years in delivering personalised, respectful and dignified services.  Their cutting edge technology, contemporary chapels and long established relationships with local business and communities means that they consistently provide exceptional funeral services for our families.
They have a deep connections with, and commitment to community through the Parsons’ Pillars of

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Social Responsibility
  • Local Community
  • Local Business

They “buy local” from over 150 local businesses, while supporting many charities, clubs and events in the area.

 

  Turner Family Funerals

Tom and Birgitt Turner
45 Worrigee Street, Nowra 2541
www.turnerfamilyfunerals.com.au
turnerfamilyfunerals@gmail.com
(02) 4421 6009
1300 133 315

Turner Family Funerals is 100% Family owned and operated, by Tom and Birgitt Turner.

Covering Nowra and surrounds from Wollongong & Dapto, to Batemans Bay, they were formerly Sacred Funerals,

Tom and Birgitt Turner have helped generations of families throughout the south coast.

When you are faced with the loss of a family member or friend, they will guide you through the numerous options available, to organize your loved ones’ funeral that is appropriate and in keeping with the wishes of the person who has passed, and their family.

 

Global Funerals

Bella Vista: Unit 50/5 Inglewood Place, Bella Vista 2153
www.globalfunerals.com.au
Tel: 1800 222 110 – 24 hours 7 days
Email: info@globalfunerals.com.au

One of the main goals of Global Funerals is to serve each client as if he or she were a family member. We understand how difficult this time is, and that is why we seek to treat each family who seeks our services to organize a funeral with empathy, tenderness and care. We try to give a helping hand during this difficult period by reducing the stress involved in planning and managing a funeral.
Our team is committed to deliver a service that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. In fact our range of funeral services is comprehensive, as we strive to see to every possible need and request you might have.
All our funeral directors and staff are experienced and professional. They treat each client with utmost respect and they all do their best to see to their needs in a personalised and customised manner.
These are some of the main reasons why you should choose Global Funerals. But apart from all of these facts, there are several clients’ recommendations that will confirm our good reputation and high quality services. In fact we have a lot of clients who recommended us to family and friends, and they were key in building up our reputation as a leader in the funeral services industry in Sydney. (Celebrant note: I always find it a pleasure to work with Dominic.)

Office & Chapel South – 71 Hume Highway, South Strathfield, N.S.W, 2190
Office and Chapel North – Unit 50/5 Inglewood Place, Bella Vista, N.S.W, 2153
Phone: 02 9632 4107
Email: polishfuneralservices@gmail.com
Website: www.polishfuneralservices.com.au

Celebrant note: I find it a pleasure to work with them.

 

Hand Casts

Kazar-Personalised-Gifts
Erskine Park NSW

m.me/482277928628195
www.facebook.com/pg/Kazar-Personalised-Gifts
Call 0424 662 745

Personalised hand casts, Photo Letters and Gifts for you or that someone special in your life that will leave a lasting impression.

Interpreter Services

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) has a long history of providing language services in Australia.
Commonwealth translating services began in 1947 as a result of the post-World War II migration program. As new migrants settled in Australia the need for language services emerged. In response, the Red Cross and the Commonwealth government began performing translation functions to fill this need.
These services were consolidated into the Commonwealth government language services in December 1958 when the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (known then as the Department of Immigration), took responsibility for these functions. Today this service is known as TIS National.

  • This calculator is for your convenience and gives an approximate indication of the cost of a proposed interpreter booking based on the TIS National interpreting service charges and is not your invoiced amount for services used. The outcome of this calculator may vary from your invoiced amount based on bookings linked to:
    • public holidays
    • outside of standard hours
    • if pre-reading is required
    • travel costs incurred.

Free Translating Service

People settling permanently in Australia are able to have up to ten eligible documents translated, into English, within the first two years of their eligible visa grant date.

Eligible visas

  • All permanent resident visas except return resident visas
  • Prospective Marriage visa 300
  • Partner (Provisional) visa 309
  • Partner (Temporary) visa 820
  • Dependent Child visa 445
  • Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa 449
  • Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa 786
  • Temporary Protection visa 785
  • Safe Haven Enterprise visa 790

Eligible documents

  • Identity and relationship: such as birth and marriage certificates
  • Education: such as education certificates and results
  • Facilitation: such as drivers licences, medical documents and immunisation records
  • Employment: such as trade or professional certificates

translating.dss.gov.au

From 1 July 2017 the Free Translating Service moved to an online delivery model. The website allows clients to self-lodge applications. It is easy to use and is available in English, Arabic, Farsi and Simplified Chinese.

AUSLAN INTERPRETER FOR FUNERALS & WEDDINGS

Having an Auslan Interpreter attend a funeral can be free or funded but they charge for weddings and other ceremonies..

The NSW Deaf Society has advised that Auslan interpreters are their specialist area and are used when deaf people have a preferred method of communication using Auslan.

They have a list of interpreters available on their website https://deafsocietynsw.org.au/interpreting/interpreters

Often for weddings, or other celebrations, deaf people pay for the interpreter/captions through their NDIS package and they can book this online through our web-app for NDIS users. Or if they do not have NDIS, interpreters usually do this work pro-bono through ASLIA (the sign language interpreters association) as many interpreters give back to the community in this way. An email to ASLIA requesting the date, time, location, who is getting married etc.

For funerals, NDIS again covers this cost. If the deaf person does not have NDIS, the Deaf Society provides up to 3 hours worth of interpreting for free based on the circumstances. Anything exceeding this time is up to the deaf person to cover the costs.

NSW Deaf Society maintains a no fee interpreting policy for funerals where a deaf person is attending a funeral. For more information contact our Customer Service Officers at interpreting@deafsociety.com, (02) 8833 3611 or SMS 0427 891 774.

For all other events, see the rates below or go to their webpage

NSW DEAF SOCIETY –  Interpreter Fees

Service Type NEW Rates excl. GST
On-site Interpreting (up to 2 hrs) $234.00
Video Remote Interpreting (up to 1 hr) $117.00
Per 15 min increment thereafter $29.25

Terms and conditions apply.

Commitment to the Deaf Community

The Deaf Society is committed to supporting the Deaf Community, as well as giving consideration and assistance to people experiencing financial hardship. Here are some of the ways we can support you;

NAATI

New South Wales Office
Suite 3, Level 5
280-282 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: +61 2 9267 1357
Fax: +61 2 9267 4720
Office hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday – Friday

www.naati.com.au

NAATI is owned jointly by the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments and is governed by a board of five directors, who are appointed by the owners. It is a national organisation with offices across Australia.

If you are contacting NAATI for the first time by email please use info@naati.com.au or by telephone 1300 557 470.

NAATI does NOT provide translating or interpreting services however NAATI accredited and recognised practitioners who offer translating and interpreting services and are able to list their contact details on the NAATI website.

CLICK HERE for the NAATI Online Directory or enter the following into your webbrowser:https://www.naati.com.au/online/PDSearch/Skill?WizardId=fdb38dae-2346-4630-bfc2-421a51f33b8e

  • NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters, Ltd) – Click Here

Lvl 4/ 91 George Street
Parramatta NSW 2150
02) 9633 4544
1300 855 221
0419 122 762
E-mail: admin@ethnic.com.au
www.ethnic.com.au

Ethnic Interpreters & Translators has a vast panel of interpreters and Translators that can provide services for any languages including the rarest dialects. Ethnic I&T claim to offer the fastest and lowest price interpreting and translating solution to all major government bodies and commercial organisations. They have staff on standby 24 hours per day, 7 days a week to receive bookings. Their panel of interpreters and translators are NAATI accredited and experienced for all assignment environments. Their database is claimed to hold the record of over 5000 interpreters nationally and over 2000 of which are in NSW, including rural areas. Fees They accept Visa, Master Card. They require 48 hours notice in order to guarantee an interpreter on your site while shorter notice bookings incur a 20% surcharge. Call for a quotation.

Australian Institute of Interpreters & Translators Inc. (AUSIT)

PO Box 546
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Australia

1800 284 181
Current AUSIT members please call (03) 9895 4473.

Email

Information

The Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT) is the national association for the translating and interpreting profession. Our members adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and follow continuous professional development. This gives you the opportunity to choose from a pool of experienced and qualified translators and interpreters. AUSIT is committed to providing a forum for exchange, fostering the development of professional relationships with fellow translators & interpreters, agencies and language service users, government departments, tertiary institutions and other industry stakeholders, and promoting ethics and quality standards through the industry. AUSIT holds events and training workshops throughout the year to provide members the best opportunities to grow as translators & interpreters. This includes two signature events – the AUSIT National Biennial Conference and the AUSIT Excellence Awards.

Tel: 1300 365 992
Fax: 1300 559 540
Email: admin@ethnic.com.au
Postal Address:PO Box 1330, Parramatta CBD NSW 2124

New South Wales

Level 5, 91 George St
Parramatta NSW 2150

Tel: 1300 365 992
Fax: 02 9635 0044
Email: nsw.admin@ethnic.com.au

Victoria

Suite 106, Level 1, 370 St Kilda Rd
Melbourne VIC 3004

Tel: 13 0036 5992
Fax: 03 8609 2201
Email: vic.admin@ethnic.com.au

Australian Capital Teritory

Level 6, 39 London Circuit
Canberra ACT 2601

Tel: 1300 365 992
Fax: 1300 559 540
Email: act.admin@ethnic.com.au

Queensland

Level 23, 127 Creek Street,
Brisbane QLD 4000

Tel: 1300 365 992
Fax: 1300 559 540
Email: qld.admin@ethnic.com.au

South Australia

Level 3, 97 Pirie Street
Adelaide SA 5000

Tel: 1300 365 992
Fax: 1300 559 540
Email: sa.admin@ethnic.com.au

Western Australia

Level 3, 267 St Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000

Tel: 1300 365 992
Fax: 1300 559 540
Email: wa.admin@ethnic.com.au

Level 26, 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
phone:+61 2 8015 5556
email: sydney@straker.com.au
www.sydney@straker.com.au

Straker was founded in 1999 and claims to be rated by the World’s leading translation industry research organizations (The Common Sense Advisory) as one of the top 100 translation companies globally out of over 27,000 vendors.  Quotations can be obtained over the net or by phone.

AUCKLAND
18 Canaveral Drive
Rosedale
Auckland 0632
New Zealand
phone: +64 9 951 8320
sales@straker.co.nz

BRISBANE
Level 19, AMP Place
10 Eagle Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
phone: +61 7 3188 6220
brisbane@straker.com.au

MELBOURNE
Level 40
140 William Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
ABN: 35601623303
phone: +61 3 8820 5341
melbourne@straker.com.au

PERTH
Level 11, Brookfield Place
125 St Georges Terrace
Perth, WA 6000
– By appointment only
phone: +61 8 6365 4997
perth@straker.com.au

 

SYDNEY
Level 26
44 Market Street
Sydney NSW 2000
phone: +61 2 8015 2744
sydney@straker.com.au

Mortuaries

This is the official lists of Mortuaries in NSW:

Mortuary Register March 2017 – NSW Health

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/dotd/Documents/mortuary-register.xls1,

Lists Mortuaries by Local Health District (LHD) – July 2018 and by Mortuary Business Name, Street No, Street name, Suburb, P/code.

Name Change in NSW – How do I change my name after marriage?

If you were married in Australia a formal Change of Name is not required if you wish to take your spouse’s name however usually personal documentation, such as your driver’s licence and passport, can be changed to your married surname when you provide a Standard Marriage Certificate (Registration of Marriage Certificate).

The specific Links for NSW are below but contact details for other states can be found here.

:Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (NSW) – Click Here
Birth certificate online
Death certificate online
Marriage certificate online
Replace a change of name online 
Resume a saved online application
Check your online order status​
NSWBDM Fees

you can apply by post, or in person for Change of Name, either Adult or Child; born in NSW or overseas. Please check the approval requirements for: Restricted persons

Change of Name ​Change of Name for an Adult [Fillable PDF 1.4Mb]

 

Change of Name for a Child [Fillable PDF 950kb]

Change of Name – Replacement certificate [Fillable PDF 420kb]

The Registry records official changes of name for adults and children (under 18 years) which includes amending any part of a name. If a person alters their name or​​ uses an additional or other name with the intention to act fraudulently or with an intention to deceive or in any other way that contravenes the law, they may be subject to criminal proceedings.

Restricted persons     

  • Approval requirements

Persons who are under the supervision of the Commissioner of Corrective Services, the Mental Health Review Tribunal, or the NSW Police Commissioner, must obtain approval from that authority before making an application. Making an application without approval is an offence under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995.

  • Persons restricted from changing their name in NSW

The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 restricts certain classes of persons from changing their name without the permission of a supervising authority. It also restricts people from making a change of name on behalf of a restricted person. Restricted persons are:

  • an inmate
  • a person on remand
  • a parolee
  • a periodic detainee
  • a person who is subject to a supervision order
  • a forensic patient, or
  • a correctional patient.
  • Exemptions to these restrictions are:
  • Persons who have been convicted of an offence under a law of the Commonwealth.
  • Persons who are the subject of a warrant under the Commonwealth Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 and are in a correctional centre pursuant to a punishment imposed under that Act.
  • Persons who are detainees within the meaning of the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958and who are held in a correctional centre.
  • Persons who are in the keeping of a correctional officer under section 250 of the Crimes (Administration of Sentences Act) 1999.
  • Persons who are a former serious offender because of the commission or alleged commission of an offence under a law of the Commonwealth.
  • If unsure of your status contact:
  • LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529
    (Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, excluding public holidays).
  • Prisoners can call Prisoners Legal Service or LawAccess NSW on the Common
    Auto Dial List (CADL) as a free call just press 11# (Legal Aid) and 2# (LawAccess).
  • Registration process

Effective 1 April 1996 the Registry assumed the administrative responsibility for registering all changes of name in NSW. All changes of name are registered in accordance with provisions contained in Part 5 of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995.

The Land Titles Office no longer registers Changes of Name, however they hold the records from 1875 to 1996 of Deed Poll or Instruments Evidencing Change of Name.

A person is legally able to change his or her name. If a person alters their name or uses an additional or other name with the intention to act fraudulently or with an intention to deceive or in any other way which contravenes the law, they may be subject to criminal proceedings.

A person may use a new name without any formal steps. At common law, a person will not actually change his or her name until the person has used and become known by the new name. Under the Registry’s legislation the name is changed once it is registered.

Occasions arise where a person will be asked to provide proof of change of name (for example as proof of identity or to obtain a passport). For these reasons a person may record their new name or alteration of their name by registering a Change of Name at the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

  • Changing your name after marriage

If you were married in Australia a formal Change of Name is not required if you wish to take your spouse’s name. Usually  personal documentation, such as your driver’s licence and passport, can be changed to your married surname when you provide a Standard Marriage Certificate.

  • Who can apply

You are eligible to have your name changed in NSW if:

  • you are not a restricted person, and
  • your birth is registered in NSW, or
  • you were born overseas and have been resident in NSW for three consecutive years immediately prior to your application, or
  • your birth is not registered in NSW and a protection order has been made to protect you and/or your children from domestic violence.

Applications to register a change of name for a child (under 18 years) should be made by both parents. If both parents cannot make a joint application, please phone 13 77 88 to discuss your circumstances.

  • Change of Name interviews

To organise a Change of Name interview, phone 13 77 88 for an appointment. Alternatively, the Registry accepts applications by mail. For more information, please contact BDM.

  • Fees

The fee of $185 includes the registration of the Change of Name and the issue of a Standard Certificate. You must return all of your original certificates with your application including any NSW Birth or NSW Change of Name Certificates and extracts.

  • A Child’s birth registration is amended to include the change of name. Parents’ names are not changed.
  • An Adult’s birth registration is amended to show details of previous names.

If the person is born overseas, only a Change of Name certificate can be issued.

Name Changes – Passports

https://www.passports.gov.au/passportsexplained/theapplicationprocess/eligibilityoverview/changeofname/Pages/default.aspx

To ensure the integrity and security of your identity, you must present original documentation supporting every name change since birth or the acquisition of Australian citizenship. This includes changes of family name resulting from new marital status; transliteration, Anglicisation or altered spelling of names (for example, Guiseppe to Joseph; Shaun to Sean); and gender transition.

The following are examples of name changes and the required documentation:

  • If on marriage or entering a registered relationship you change your family name to your spouse’s family name or to include your spouse’s family name in your own, an Australian Registry of Birth Death & Marriages (see the index on this page) certificate recording this event should be presented to support your name change. 
  • If you were born in Australia but marry overseas, your foreign marriage certificate will not be accepted to support a family name change; in these circumstances, you must apply to an Australian RBDM for a change of name certificate.
  • If you revert to a former family name after divorcing or revoking a registered relationship or following the death of your spouse or partner, you must present document(s) that link your current name and that previous name, such as a marriage or registered relationship certificate.
  • If you change your name on entering or revoking a de facto relationship, you must present an Australian RBDM change of name certificate.
  • If you change any of your names after gender transition, you must present an Australian RBDM change of name certificate.
  • If you change any of your names for reasons of personal preference, including spelling, you must present an Australian RBDM change of name certificate.
  • If you were born and live overseas and cannot meet Australian RBDM residency requirements to register a name change, you may use the name in a foreign name change or marriage certificate, provided this was issued after you obtained Australian citizenship, and has been properly legalised or apostilled by the issuing government.

If you are presenting foreign documents that are not written in English, you must provide a full English translation prepared by an approved translation service.

To have a foreign document legalised or apostilled by the issuing government, you should contact the relevant foreign embassy or consulate in Australia.

If you change your name during the validity of your passport, you should consider applying for a new passport in your new name. To do so, you must complete a full passport application form and present original documents to support your identity and citizenship, as well as evidence that links all of your name changes.

In certain situations a passport holder who changes their name can apply for a replacement passport in their new name to be issued free of charge.

NSW Fair Trading- Weddings

 Planning a wedding? Couples planning their big day need to be on their guard against rip off merchants ,  as consumer complaints rise ,  said NSW Fair Trading Minister ,  Matthew Mason-Cox.  URL: http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Media_releases/2014_media_releases/20140914_planning_a_wedding.page

Public warning – Luxury and high performance car hire NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is warning consumers who hire exotic high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of any rental agreement.  URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Media_releases/2015_media_releases/20150707_public_warning_luxury_and_high.page

Public warnings – Public warnings about unfair business practices and people who engage in such practices ,  issued by the Fair Trading Minister or the Commissioner for Fair Trading ,  in the public interest. URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Public_warnings.page

Complaints – Information to help you understand NSW Fair Trading’s complaint handling process.URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Businesses/Dealing_with_customers/Complaints.page

Case study damaged bridal gown – Case study about what happened when a woman requested a refund for a damaged bridal gown. URL:   http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/Consumers/Refunds_and_warranties/Refunds_and_repairs/Case_study_damaged_bridal_gown.page

Passports

passports Office – Click Here

Department of Immigration – Click Here

You don’t have to be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia to legally marry in Australia. You can find marriage visa information on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website, if you hope to live in Australia after your marriage.

A Passport, provided it has not been cancelled, can be your proof of date and place of birth.

PETS AT WEDDINGS

As a fun alternative, have a furry or feathered ring bearer, such as you well behaved dog or pet bird.

For more information see:

I have used the term ‘pets’ loosely because I know that the furry, feathered, scaly, or four legged  resident may be a family member and it is always wonderful including family members in your special day.

Photographers: Weddings & Engagements

Todd Hardingham,  Wedding Photographer

Born and bred on the far south coast of NSW, Todd is a local South Coast and Wollongong wedding photographer with 10 years of experience, here to capture your wedding day with as much fun and laughter as possible. He keeps things as natural and relaxed as possible, but may have you blowing bubbles or running up a sand dune to capture a cherished, magical moment.

 

Serena Jones Photography

Serena is a qualified professional photographer, covering the Sydney Metropolitan area, as well as Wollongong, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Hunter regions.
Her extensive experience in portraiture photography shines through in her work.
Serena says:

“I like to use natural light, composition and timing to capture my subjects and my photojournalistic approach allows me to tell our customer’s stories in a candid and fun way.
We are very much non-intrusive photographers; we keep our photo sessions relaxed and comfortable as we believe this is carried into the photographs. Our style is frequently complimented which is evident in our Happy Customer’s testimonials.
I have always had a passion for Art, at home, you’ll often find me with a paint brush or pencil in my hand. I look at my photography in the same way. I feel it’s not about the equipment you use that makes a great photo, it’s about the eye that you approach it with.”

I love this pic taken by Serena.

 

Lucy McGoldrick

www.translucentphotography.com

hello@translucentphotography.com
0419 188 996

Capturing real moments, exactly as they unfold.

Located in the beautiful coastal city of Wollongong, Australia, specialising in wedding & lifestyle photography.

Sparked by travel from a young age, capturing moments and telling stories with my camera has become a part of who I am.
You’ve heard the phrase “A picture is worth a thousand words”, right? I aspire with every single photograph I take to live up to this – images that tell a story that signify a moment.
Whether it be a wedding, family or parents expecting a new addition, I capture events exactly as they are -personalities, raw emotion and everything in between!

I’d love to chat about your special day, send me a message and let’s meet!

Reading to Enhance Your Relationship

5 Languages of Love – http://www.5lovelanguages.com/

25 ways

Signs & Plaques

Terry’s CNC Router Wood Carving

tje@exemail.com.au
0414 904 782

Based in the Shoalhaven, Signs and plaques cut by hand, created to order, by Terry
and hand painted by his lovely wife Glenys,
all with care and consideration.

Create a special & unique design for your event

Price on application. All items made to order.

 

Venues

There are so many listed now, they deserved their own page, so please follow the link to ‘Venues’ Tab.

There are parks, halls, community centres and of course, reception centres.

Video / Videographers

I record all of my Ceremonies using several strategically placed but unmanned cameras just for the ceremony and  you will love the result, however, many families and couples choose to have specialist photographers and videographers there to capture all the before and after shots as well as the Ceremony highlights.

A Life Celebrant – Lou Szymkow

Friendly, professional, reliable, helpful, approachable.

  • Civil, Marriage, Commitment, Naming & Funeral Celebrant
  • Commonwealth- Registered Marriage Celebrant
  • Manyana NSW. Australia – covering the South Coast to Sydney and out to Canberra & Goulburn

I am your Sth Coast Celebrant.

A Ceremony created by & with Lou Szymkow, A Life Celebrant; with over 40 years experience in public life,  will ensure that it is uniquely your own; an enriching, memorable experience. We can confidently work together to ensure the ceremony will be exceptional.

I love doing what I do and am confident you will too.

What I enjoy most about my experiences is meeting people and hearing their story. 

Everyone has their own story and it is often amazing what can be learned. Sharing time with people is the greatest of experiences.

+61 (0) 457 00 1922    lou@alifecelebrant.com.au

A celebrant for all special occasions in your journey of life.

Your Life Events: Weddings, Unions & Commitments; Naming Ceremonies; Funerals, & More

This webpage and all of its contents were written for the purposes of copyright,  Created by Lou Szymkow,  for A Life Celebrant–Lou Szymkow, www.alifecelebrant.com.au,
© Copyright 2017; © Copyright 2018; © Copyright 2019; © Copyright 2020; © Copyright 2021; © Copyright 2022, © Copyright 2023; © Copyright 2024; © Copyright 2025; © Copyright 2026

 

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