FUNERAL RITES

For

PACIFIC ISLANDERS COMMUNITIES

ANNE SIKIMETI LATU

A STEP BY STEP GUIDE OF what’s required to be done WHEN SOMEONE HAS Died

A project of Canterbury Harmony Group Incorporated (established 2007)

FUNERAL RITES

FOR

PACIFIC ISLANDERS COMMUNITIES

IN MEMORY OF THE LATE PRINCE AND PRINCESS TU’IPELEHAKE

WRITTEN BY

ANNE SIKIMETI LATU

Objective: To support Pacific Islanders’ on what to do when someone has died.

2009

A PROJECT OF THE CANTERBURY HARMONY GROUP INCOPORATED FOR PACIFIC ISLANDERS COMMUNITY

Established 2007

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CONTENTS

Foreword by Mohini Prasad

Introduction: The founding members of the Canterbury Harmony group Inc. The aims statement and goals.

Dedication

About the Author

Have you made a difference to anyone?

Had anyone make a difference to you?

Acknowledgements and directories of working partners

Preface

The Community background and information’s (geographical and Population)

Languages

The Church

SUMMARY

This booklet covered the basic information and understanding of what to do when a death occurred in the family, also regarding the funeral rites and tradition, cultures and the customs of the Pacific Island communities. The introduction and background provided a brief outline of the Pacific Island Communities, in Sydney/Australia. The contacts, resources and the people who should you contact in time of need. It also provides information about what to do in complicated situation. A death in custody, interpreter, or any other issues that you want help with. It is very important that you take note of anything that might help you in the space provided at the end of the booklet.

The funeral process was divided into 5 sections:

The first section: after when someone has died

What to do and who to contact before the funeral process, so an understanding to be developed between the funeral arranger, families, authority and people concerning the arrangement of the funeral.

The second section: dealt with the funeral arranger from the first telephone call to the bringing of the body to the church.

The third section: included the religious ceremony or the service.

The fourth section: informed the funeral arranger of the burial procedure/Cremation Procedure.

The fifth: an example of the Requiem Mass.

The sixth section: informed the family about memorial. The memorial will be organized by the Cemetery where the burial or Cremation took place.

The appendices, which were added, serve to compliment the information with relevant supplementary data.

Information, such as press notices, radio announcement, and selection of the coffin/casket, memorial stationery and floral tributes, clothes, was not added, as that is personal. Each family will choose their own way in these situations and the funeral arranger.

FOREWORD

In my opinion, Anne is hardworking, passionate about her vision, aim, and goal. She enjoyed volunteering for her local Community development. Anne has worked for CAPS program and has made referrals on behalf of children and young people and their families to Canterbury Multicultural Youth Health Service. Anne has also been an active member in the Canterbury, Marrickville, Ashfield, Burwood, Auburn, Granville, Parramatta and Bankstown Local Government Area advocating and representing issues that affect Pacific Islander, Multicultural and disadvantages communities especially young people, senior citizens and their families. Anne has been actively supporting me as the key contact person with Programs and Projects targeting the Pacific Islanders’ Communities. Her expertise in liaising with the Pacific Islanders, Multicultural and other Organizations has overcome the problems due to diverse cultural language profiles of the Pacific Islander and emerging Communities. I am sure Anne will continues with her great efforts to build community capacity, and resilience targeting the Pacific Islander, Multicultural and less fortunate communities’ social, economic, educational, Need, vocational, health and general well – being to make a difference to society.

Mohini Prasad

Social Worker Pacific islander Youth worker

BSW University of Sydney

MASTER OF HEALTH SCIENCE (INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT) University of SYD

Dedication

This booklet is dedicated to my mum and dad who gave me the best of opportunity to explore life with positive thinking spiritually, mentally, socially and morally. To all my seven brothers who have passed away, I say “Thank you all for always being there for us 3 girls. You dedicated and delivered your best of your best, in many ways. You had contributed enormously to execute my aims and goals to contribute positively to society which demonstrated and emphasized our humble & tender loving care upbringing”

I Present a special dedication to their Royal Highnesses, the late Prince and Princess Tu’ipelehake of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Your memories are a constant reminder of what you had done and given to Tongan. As has been said previously, strength and power in a human being is through the power of thinking positively and with collaborations in transforming constructive positive ideas into actions, and then executed. People of Tonga will be encouraged, and appreciated the efforts made by your Highnesses to achieve aims and goals and the importance of making a difference to Society. Teamwork and individual contributions are also necessary is a vital to achieve results in their memory hidden in my heat and is so alive. Their enormous contribution to their people, in Tonga and abroad will live for ever. You definitely left a masterpiece and a new beginning, which will always be cherished and remembered by your people. Your vision, concerns, efforts and determination you have shared with me will always be a concrete foundation for a constructive Community development in Australia, Tonga and abroad. For this, I am eternally grateful and I will treasure them forever.

Thank you for your supportive guidance, and knowledge that you had made available to us all. It will give me the energy to move forward and to fulfill my role to action the model and vision you have left behind. Your strong belief in positive change, social justice, challenges to deliver and make a difference to vulnerable, disadvantages and less fortunate in Society.

Finally:

Compliments to my friend the late Bernie Banton. You are a legend; those years working with you were tons of awesome learning with experiences of Respect, Self Confidence from your leadership. You have made an enormous contribution to the Funeral Industry and to Australia. You made a difference too many people. Your advocating brought justice and comfort for thousands of Australian. It proved that you don't have to be in power to make a difference! Any one can make a difference.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Sikimeti Latu was born in Pelehake, Malumalu’o Fuli Langi (Captain Cook’s landing place.) Kingdom of Tonga. (Friendly Islands) South Pacific. Anne is the 13^th of a Family of thirteen, to her Tongan Parents, Malia and Sikimeti Latu of Pelehake (deceased) Australia. They were 10 boys and three girls. The eldest Viliami Malolo Sikimeti a teacher/Store Manager (deceased) Australia married Atu and has 7 children and 33 grandchildren, 2^nd eldest John Valu Sikimeti a teacher/Chartered Accountant Australia married 1 Elizabeth Cutler, 2 Peta Lolesio and has 2 children, 3^rd Semisi Tavui Sikimeti a security Guard/Boxer (deceased) Australia never married, 4th Manumu’a Sikimeti Business man & Man of the land (deceased) Tonga married to 1 Sono, 2 Mele has 11 children 42 grandchildren, 5^th Tonga Sikimeti Tonga never married a boxer, 6^th Sione Sikimeti a boxer (deceased) Fiji about 10pm on the 6 July 1962 Tuaikaepau hit the outer edge of the Southern Minerva Reef Olaf Ruhen – Minerva Reef: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Fourteen desperate weeks with the castaway Tongans (Sydney, Australia. 1963) 7^th Vi Sikimeti a boxer (deceased) Tonga, 8^th Heneli Sikimeti a teacher/technician/Manager married 1 Marcia Australia 2 Taiana Tuiaileva, 3 Ofa and has 1 child and 3 grand children 9^th Sesilia Fehoko Sikimeti-Ter-Horst a beautician Australia married Harry Ter-Horst and have 2 children, 10^th Tavite Mulitalo Sikimeti Latu Academic Scholar/Lecturer (deceased) New Zealand, 11^th Sister Kalo Sikimeti a Lecturer/Social Worker/Translator/Researcher Australia, 12^th Taniela Sikimeti (deceased) at 2 years Tonga, 13^th Anne Sikimeti Latu a counsellor, Interpreter, consultant married 1John 2 Phil Australia and have 4 children and 3 grandchildren.

Family members were proud Tongans and were devoted Catholics. They were brought up as loving Christian Catholic family with strong values. Her parents gave their best of their best supported each of the children to the limit. They were hard workers just like any other parents who were striving their best to give their children Education, opportunity and certainty hoping for a prosperous future.

Anne migrated to Australia in 1970 as a Student. She was a full time student at Granville Tafe in 1975 and 1976, Nepean College of Advanced Education that is currently the University of Western Sydney 1977 to 1979. She is currently at the Catholic University as assistant/researcher & others on how they could deliver appropriate services, which is relevant to people who they are delivering their service to.

Indigenous issues like us Pacific Islanders CALD and others! because we often do not get shown that things do improve and how to get there! SAYS ANNE

Put it this way, here mum and dad gave her their best of their best and sheI live a better life than her parents and her kids will live a better life than her, so she thinks you can't be in any ROLE unless you maintain a degree of optimism," don't you think?

And she thinks the Australian public has to see that, that there are advances being made and it is not just a bottomless pit that we shovel money into. She says let's mark a beginning right here, right now and it will flourish just like parents-their children- their grand children and it will get to higher and higher ground.

So any funding to do research and to explore at all areas of Indigenous Pacific Islanders CALD policy but mainly to focus on areas that will improve the lives of PACIFIC ISLANDERS, CALD people and others THAT ARE INDEED NEEDED those services, we give it to them. A service provider is to provide the service to those who needed your service.

Education is going to be an area of interest for PISSAM because we know that education is the basis of everyone moving forward. AND then everything will be falling to its place.

Anne was married to John Kapeli Taufaeteau a chartered Accountant/CPA Tax Agent in 1976. She gave birth to a son name John Junior. Anne also gave birth to two boys to Philip Buckland, Regan Philip Buckland and Michael Gordon Buckland.

She also adopted a daughter name Emily Tuiletufunga Taufa, a gorgeous sweet daughter that was pledge to her by BISHOP FOLIAKI OF TONGA & NIUE, a blessing which was the highest HONOUR ever Anne has came across. Anne was humbled and honoured by the trust, faith, believe that Bishop Foliaki gave her. The extention of Anne's family was not only rewarding to Anne but to her two boys. Emily is the one that makes a difference to their lives. She is adored & respected by both brothers. Emily is part Samoan and part Tongan. She is now happily married to Paul Taufa. Anne also has three handsome Grand Children, Soane Lilo Foliaki Taufa Junior, Sione Mafi Taufa Junior and Paul Taufa Junior. Most of Anne’s family members the (Sikimeti) married to much different nationality, over 100 members of her immediate family live in Australia, not counting the extended families, which runs to thousands.

Anne has lived and worked in Tonga, study and worked in Suva Fiji, and lived in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Gold coast, Perth, Darwin and Japan

Anne has worked in Tonga

Lapaha St Michael Catholic Primary school (teacher)

Fiji: Mormon Church Suva Fiji: Bookkeeper/Secretary

Anne has worked for Australian and Global companies like:

Australian Golf Association: (Bookkeeper)

Philips Industries: (Contract Manager, Overseas Creditors)

PYE: International: (Profit and Loss)

TNT: (Senior Purchasing Officer)

UNIVERSITY OF NSW : (Paymaster/Bookkeeper)

EDGETEC International: (Manager)

ST VINCENT DE PAUL: (Social Worker/Counsellor)

SCI INTERNATIONAL: (Manager Consultant (mortician/funeral Director, grief counsellor, Interpreter, Media advertising officer)

SUB AGENT FOR ST GEORGE:

(Collection Officer, Skip tracing, and Repossession)

Currently a Grief Counsellor/Interpreter/Translator/Community Consultant & Delegate representing the PACIFIC ISLANDERS & CALD communities in many areas.

With her expertise on Community Relationships, she is totally committed to her commitment to her community across Canterbury and beyond with Pacific Islanders, CALD and the emerging communities.

Run/co-ordinate different services for the communities, Provide Support, Referrals, grief counselling, general counselling, filling forms insurances, superannuation, organizing Funerals, Bookings Tours, and Renewal of Expired Passport for Tongans, Interpreting, translating, Immigration support, legal and Court support in conjunction with David Cohen Solicitors and other individual Professionals.

See chart, anyone who needed our services, Tongan, Pacific Islanders Communities, Multicultural and the General Community re Solicitors, Doctors, Social Workers, Catholic Schools, Government and non Government Department services, Welfare Agencies, Limousine, security, homework supports, Child abuse prevention for children and youths from Pacific Islanders CALD and emerging communities.

We offer Pacific Islanders CALD & emerging communities and anyone to register with us so we can work together on identifying their needs on the different services that we provide or part of.

It is important that we communicate and to have brochures, direction information, and valuable information directories available to the community. It makes issues and problems much easier to deal with on the family. It is a great way to know what to do, and to get help immediately. To delay any issues and help will only bring those in need, more stressed to the situation. When there a death in your family you can contact Anne anytime 24hrs and she will support and guide you through the process. Anne can help with claiming your superannuation to help with the funeral cost you need that service.

Anne is a qualified Counsellor and the Co-coordinator for the PISSAM PROGRAM. She is also the marketing manager, and working closely in partnership with individuals, professionals and service providers to provide services to meet the needs of Pacific Islanders and others across Canterbury and beyond. Anne is also a Grief Counsellor, Child Abuse Prevention Telephone counsellor, a delegate, member and advocate for many organizations, Interpreter, Mortician/Funeral Director, community worker, Small Business Management Consultant, reporter, interpreter, translator, Radio announcer, author, dedicated volunteer.

PISSAM’s educational program and its plan to action, measure, deliver and to extend more understanding and to provide that extra mile, will support and bring people closer to reality and connected to the community. They can upgrade themselves to the next level where they can help themselves and they can enjoy life to the fullest.

VOLUNTEERING ROLES

Anne believes if every members of the community donate one or 2hrs a week to make a difference to someone. That is planting a seed and it will grow to have healthy and beautiful branches and it will grow bigger and bigger and will become a tree.

Anne has sponsored Church Youth and Community functions, Beauty Pageant, Community Sports, Individuals, and Radio Programs. She made many differences to lots of people in the Tongan, Pacific Islanders, Multicultural and the General Community. She also sponsored overseas disadvantages children paying their school fees in Catholic Schools for many years.

She had hosted many of the dignitary people from Tonga and Samoa who are here to represent their Government on numerous occasions. Anne in Partnership with Holy Spirit College sends 200 sports shirts to Tonga High School for 2008. They end up winning the 2008 sports carnival. Tonga High School is the highest Academic High School in Tonga. They produced great leaders in the South Pacific and in Tonga. The Principal indicated that the Holy Spirit came with those shirts. On behalf of Tonga High School, they acknowledged and look forward to work in Partnership with Holy Spirit as exchange students in the near future. The Air Freight was paid by Canterbury Harmony group Incorporated Auspice by Riverwood Community Centre and Supported by Canterbury Council. The Ex-Students of Tonga High School and Senituli Manu Junior in Australia are taking care of the freight from now on. The world youth day 1000 shirts has been forwarded as well. Many thanks for the Principal and Holy Spirit Lakemba.

In 2009 more T-shirts was given to over 500 youths in Sydney, New Castle and Canberra. We also send some 1000 T- shirts to Catholic Schools and Youths to Tonga. 500 T- Shirts to Samoa.

ANNE’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Contact person for CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICE (C.A.P.S.) 24 HRS for PACIFIC ISLANDERS. Brochures in Tongan are available for the Tongan Community.

Emergencies information contact person for Pacific Islanders (Funeral, Grief Counseling) and any other Counseling 24 hrs in Australia and Abroad.

Member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee (Canterbury Council) Representing Pacific Islanders’ communities.

Co-coordinator/Liaison officer for the Canterbury Harmony Group Incorporated, (Multicultural Organization and general community across Canterbury. This Organization is Auspice by Riverwood Community Centre, supported by Canterbury Council, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Department of Community Services, Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL and Punchbowl Community Ex-Servicemen Club

Secretary/delegate for Punchbowl Multicultural Group

Project Manager Harmony Radio

Member of the Chinese community of Riverwood

Member of the Korean community of Riverwood

Member of the Riverwood Arabic Community

Member for Pacific Islander Health Advisory Committee for Canterbury Multicultural Youth Service (Canterbury Hospital)

St Mary’s House (Ministry for the Pacific Islanders’ Communities) work with children (Administration)

Delegate for IWATC (in conjunction with the department of Housing).

Member of the Australia Tonga Catholic Community.

Member of the Ex Student of Tonga Australia Catholic Schools.

Member of the Australia Labor Party. (Delegate and Fund Raiser for Watson and Lakemba) Junior President for Riverwood North Branch

Contact Person for Pacific Islanders’ Children for Catholic Schools, under the Administrator/Principal Researcher Kalo Sikimeti. Auburn Local Area, Ashfield local Area, Marrickville Local Area, Lidcombe Local Area and across Canterbury Local area.

Secretary for Reaching out forums for IWAT council

Conntact person for Renewal of expired Tongan Passport to travel back to Tonga on an expired passport and can picked up renewal passport in Tonga. A Project initiated and authourised Prince TU’IPELEHAKE in 2006 approved and witness by VILIAMI LOLOHEA OF THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION OF TONGA Awards and Community Roles LATE PRINCE AND PRINCESS

In 1976: The Tongan Catholic Community elected Anne the first Secretary for the Tongan Catholic Community of Australia in 1976. 1976 there were not many Tongan in Australia. Some of our Tongan Community members approached the late Bishop Finau to start up a Tongan Australian Catholic Community in Australia. The Bishop then approached John Valu Sikimeti to be the Leader for the newly started Community. The Tongan Catholic Community was mostly private students. There were also people who had married Australian, everyone knew everyone. The Late Bishop Finau endorsed John Valu Sikimeti to be the Leader and to initiate a pilot program. That was the foundation of the Tongan Catholic Community in Australia in l975. Yes, that was the beginning of the Tongan Catholic Community in Australia supported by Father Butler; he was based in Villa Maria Church in Hunter’s Hill. Anne’s brother was also honored “TONUNGA” a title given by the Late Prince Tu’ipelehake (brother of the late King Taufa’ahau Tupou the 1V of Tonga) uncle of the current king George the V of Tonga for his tirelessly workingand supporting the Tongan Community in Australia and abroad especially Education, Finance, and his Volunteers to different issues facing the welfare of the Tongan Community. He was very humbled by the honor. He is well on his 70’s. He is retired but still fulfilling that role with the Australian Tongan Catholic Community and the Tongan Community.

In 1996, Anne was awarded a gold medal (S.C.I.A. ) Highest award in recognition for her achievement through outstanding effort, performance, dedication and service to the Funeral Industries. S.C.I.A IS THE BIGGEST Company worldwide who owns and runs cemeteries, Crematoriums and Funeral Parlors in the World. Currently Macquarie Bank owns Australia’s ownership’s majority.

In 2004 Anne was awarded the title “LIMOSINI ‘OE VAOMAPA” by the late PRINCE TU’IPELEHAKE (THE NEPHEW OF THE LATE KING TAUFA’AHAU THE 1V OF TONGA) COUSIN OF THE CURRENT KING GEORGE THE V OF TONGA) for her tirelessly supporting the Tongan and Pacific Islanders’ Community in Australia and Abroad. Anne was the first woman given this title by the prince. The Prince and Princess raised concern for the welfare and social justice of Tongans in Australia, Tonga and abroad. They shared with Anne their vision, Plan and Strategies. To target and action so there can be help on the need of different issues on circumstances of people who needs them. They were great mentors, models for all Tongan. A reflection that she will treasure in her heart FOREVER. She was moved and honored when she did the press Release just after their royal Funeral on TV in Tonga. A powerful Inspiration and reflection on their last visit on the 25/6/2006 to AUSTRALIA. Their HIGHNESSES were very close to Anne. Anne hosted their many visits to Australia. Anne was devastated when they were tragically killed in a car crash in San Francisco, California. Every Tongan all over the world were touched and shocked by their death . In America where the Accident occurred, they will be remembered by lots of people. They were talked about LIVE on CNN FOR many WEEKS

Many Government representatives from all over the Globe came to pay their last respect, so as to thousands of TONGANS came to mourn their losses and to celebrate and remembered what a tremendous positive constructive contribution they had left behind. It was a huge loss to TONGA. MANY times they are here as dignitaries representing TONGA. They will always make time to stay for few days to say hallo to their people. Do a press Release and to encourage their people and gave positive talks on general issues that focus on making a difference to their lives in their new home in Australia and other parts of the world. They attended the Tongan Community Church and most Tongan from all over Sydney will attend and to say hallo to their Highnesses. His people adored him and appreciated his CONCERN AND Caring attitude. Anne was the only TONGAN WOMEN was given that honor by the late Prince in Australia. Anne was very humble by the honor.

Anne hosted their last VISIT with his team of the NATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE KINGDOM OF TONGA ON POLITICAL REFORM IN JUNE 2006. Anne was responsible for transport, Media Releases, Forums and Program. Their next destination was that fateful trip to AMERICA. Anne was invited by their Highnesses to travel with them to America. She declined because of her other commitments but agreed to be in Tonga when his Committee will submit the reports that were collected from the outcome of consultations, recommendations by Tongans in Tonga and aboard. These reports supposed to table before the King, his late Uncle to be reviewed and legislation passed by him and his Cabinet and would be implemented “THAT DAY NEVER COMES”

THE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

The national Committee shall receive and consider submissions, hold consultations, and facilitate talks relating to political and Constitutional Reforms and recommend legislation and/or other changes with a view to building National Unity and promoting the Social and Economic Advancement of the people of TONGA.

The late PRINCE TU’I PELEHAKE is known the “PEOPLES’ PRINCE”. TONGAN people were behind him all the way. He was their hope and light in the other side of the tunnel. His people believed in him, similar to Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Sister Teresa, that one day their beloved Prince will bring JUSTICE to the UNJUST ADVANTAGES to the DISADVANTAGES and will take them forward to the NEXT LEVEL. Unfortunately, it did not happen. STILL THEY HAVE LEFT BEHIND A NEW BEGINNING TO REFLECT AND FOCUS ON POSITIVE strengths and AWARENESS. Tongan people honestly believed that the light on the other side of the tunnel would never burn out. It will still be burning even stronger from heaven where they are. This light is so strong over his people like a burning star.

The committee submitted their REPORTS, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO HIS MAJESTY IN PRIVY COUNCIL and was rejected. The Government will not accept what the late Prince had tirelessly done. The Views of Tongans in Tonga and abroad were not considered and were Ignored. Tongan strongly believed in Social Justice and Fairness for all. His late wife THE LATE PRINCESS KAIMANA, ONE OF THE MOST EDUCATED TONGAN EVER PRODUCED, was a great supporter and did work alongside him all the way to the end. An awesome team work. SHE WAS EDUCATED IN NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND. SHE DID WORK IN ENGLAND and TONGA FOR MANY YEARS. She was the backbone for her husband’s Committee and Commitment. She gave up her profession to support her husband to the end. An awesome sacrifice of devotion and dedication, to her beloved husband and the people of Tonga. Her commitment was recognized and appreciated by Tongans and will be remembered until the end of time...

WITH THE POLITICAL UNREST IN TONGA and uncertainty on different levels. He was the Mediator between the people and the Royal Family. THE CAPITAL WAS BURNED DOWN AFTER THEIR DEATH. People will not accept they had gone. Tonga will never be the same without them. People are confused with their futures back home, their hope has been destroyed. Who will they turn to? He is not there no more.

He was very close to his cousin, King George the V. They did work closely and supported each other sharing the same values. It is a pity that the late Prince Tu’ipelehake has passed on. I honestly think it would be so different if he was still alive. Sure, he will be the best person to support the King and vice versa. I remembered the late Prince told me that whatever he was doing was a mediator between the people and the Royal Family in a way that he saw it as fair for all. He said whatever he collected from his people and whatever best for everyone and Tonga he will go to his Cousin, the current King and put it forward to him. He told me that he got faith in him. His cousin always talks things over with him. Sure, he will know him better than he will know the people of Tonga. After King George the V’s coronation he did give away some of his power. That was a good indication of a huge change. What the late king Tupou the 1V did was building the foundation on concrete base to make way to King George the V. If you really looked at it, What King Taufa’ahau did was cemented the Rock so strong so the Current King George the V reflect on what he had melt down to make way for a stable Kingdom of Tonga.

In 2007, Anne was awarded and recognize for her effort and contribution for the Success of Harmony day, by Central Sydney South Regional Tenant Resource Service.

In 2007 a recognition from the NSW PREMIER THE HONORABLE MORRIS IEMMA for Anne’s VITAL PART OF THAT 2007 VICTORY CAMPAIGN, her tirelessly working in that grueling campaign. All that hard work really makes a difference which was proved in the LABOR PARTY SECURED THE BEST EVER RESULT FOR LABOR – 85 % MAKING LAKEMBA THE STRONGEST LABOR SEAT IN NSW. (THIS IS THE PREMIER’S SEAT)

IN 2008 AUSTRALIA DA,

Anne was the WINNER OF 2008 SENIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD”. For her contribution to (HARMONY IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH HER VARIOUS ROLES AND COMMITMENT IN MANY COMMITTEES IN THE COMMUNITY. AWARDED BY THE CITY OF CANTERBURY (KNOWN AS THE CITY OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY.

The award in recognition of her SERVICES IN CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY HARMONY across Canterbury local area and beyond. Anne is so humble by the award. She stated that it is a huge honour, an encouragement to fulfill her roles to the community. Anne came to Australia in 1972 and always in her mind that to make a difference to someone will be a great satisfaction and a job well done. Many tough and rough rides that gone by, many challenges, still to overcome, many opportunities, and experiences came in her way in the many roles in the private sector and her community work. Working and providing different Services to the community for the last 38 years was an opportunity to learn that there is no limit to any problem until you get there. To have a good education is great and coupled up with life and work experiences as good as anyone who receives a good service. These challenges overcome all barriers and solve problems. It is an enjoyment especially when you make a difference to someone who desperately needed that service. To be recognized for doing something that you enjoyed is cool. Anne is so excited to think that whatever we do in life for the right reason with passion, commitment, dedication with a smile and delivered with positive results is completely a bonus.

2008 ANNE WAS AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

From CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION SERVICE in recognition of her valuable contributions to the child Abuse Prevention Service

2008 ANNE WAS ALSO AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA hosted by the Hon Tony Burke Federal Member of Parliament, Minister for Agriculture at Canterbury Hospital. Amongst them, the eldest person was 91 years of age, the youngest still at Secondly school age 16. Anne was nominated by Canterbury City Council and other Organizations that she is working partnership with, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to her local Community and beyond. Anne now has been awarded with honors of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. Anne is very humble with all these awards. Anne said that it is a huge honour to be awarded with what she enjoyed best, working with the community. To make a difference to someone made her day.

What she had done will never match the opportunity and what AUSTRALIA has offered her and her family. She would like to say thank you AUSTRALIA. Anne would like to thank those immigrants, who brought with them talents and positive contributions that made Australia so Unique globally known as the most multicultural continent of the world.

IN 2009 HARMONY DAY

Anne was awarded and recognized for her effort and contribution for the Success of Harmony Day across Canterbury 2009. By The Canterbury Harmony Group and Punchbowl Multicultural Group.

2009 Anne also was awarded and recognised for her effort for CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY by the Chairman and Founder Ian Kiernan A.O.

Each year over 500 people attended the annual Harmony Day across Canterbury. Each year we are looking at more people attending. In 2008 The Honorable Linda Burney, Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteer representing The Premier Morris Iemma Premier of NSW. The Mayor of Canterbury Robert Furolo, 27 representatives from Government and non Government department, Non Profit Organizations, Community leaders, Church leaders, Business leaders, Sports Leaders and School Principals, Senior Citizens across Canterbury. Boys and Girls Representative from Holy Spirit College (Catholic School) Lakemba, Punchbowl Boys High School and Wiley Park Girls High School. Adult English Classes from the Multicultural Communities with performances that were enjoyed by all, a Spectacular day. Harmony day will be celebrated every year and it is Canterbury Harmony Group Inc main function. It catered for everyone across Canterbury. We also took part on celebrating harmony for the different communities under the umbrella of Canterbury Harmony group auspice by Riverwood Community Centre.

In 2009 with spectacular audiences, the guest of hounour is our newly elected Member of Parliament Robert Furolo member for Lakemba, Regional Director of Housing & 31government Representatives, Organizations, Community leaders, Church leaders, Business leaders, Sports Leaders, School Principals, Senior Citizens across Canterbury and not forgetting Boys and Girls Representative from Holy Spirit College (Catholic School) Lakemba, Punchbowl Boys High School and Wiley Park Girls High School, Belmore Boys, Adult English Classes from the Multicultural Communities with performances that were enjoyed by all, a Spectacular day. Harmony day will be celebrated every year and it is Canterbury Harmony Group Inc main function. It catered for everyone across Canterbury. We also took part on celebrating harmony for the different communities under the umbrella of Canterbury Harmony group auspice by Riverwood Community Centre.

Meeting on the 29/1/2010 re Harmony day for 2010 and also the Chinese New Year preparations of the 10th February 2010

2009: A special dinner hosted by Riverwood Community Centre awarded all Tenant Councils from Eastern Suburbs, Sutherland Shire, St George Areas and Inner West Area for their tireless effort and continued support to others in the social housing community on the 17/5/2009 sponsored by Housing NSW and Anne was one of those recipients.

Has someone made a difference to you?

Have you made a difference to someone?

Usually something bad or something good has happened to someone in life that will give him or her opportunity to turn around. Sometimes when it happened, an angel will come by and make a difference, bring comfort, relief, happiness, light, opportunity. Other times it will be the opposite, still it happened and it was meant to happen. We have to accept it and say thank god, appreciated that we still have the time for reconciliation, mediating, reflection, and learned from our mistakes, experiences and why we fall. We got up and walked again.

In the late 2006 after the tragic death of their Royal Highnesses Prince Tu’ipelehake and Princess Tu’ipelehake. It was a very sad year for Anne. While their Highnesses were here in Australia before their death, Anne’s close friend Steve, Susie and Susie’s mum were dead. Steve shot his wife Susie and Susie’s mum. They left behind a son he is 17years and a daughter 15yrs. Why? It was not financial problem it was personal problem. He left behind millions in assets and saving, still we learn that happiness is not a matter of wealth.

It is so hard to handle the loss of 3 great friends at once, who did made a difference to Anne’s family and others. It is a matter to adjust ourselves to our family, community and its responsibility that will bring best expected from us. It was a huge challenge to

Anne’s plan for the future: Targeting and supporting the LOCAL CANTERBURY COMMUNITY, focusing on Multicultural and Pacific Islanders Communities, children, youths, parents, Senior Citizen in providing services that will make a difference to them and provide their needs in difficult time. Whatever we about to do that will make someone to smile will be as good as closing to the target. As a community member, we are responsible to contribute positively to make the community a better place to live and enjoy to the fullest.

To all the Communities that we are involved with our different roles, our aims, statement and goals that we share. Your individual help and support, without you we will never got there. You were definitely a vital part of our achievement. To our families, friends and everyone out there, let us target 2009 and the future to get to the next level. Although they will be some bumpy ride, we have to support each other, work as a team with the support of our local Canterbury Council, State, Federal Government, organizations and individuals who are working in partnership with us, we will get there.

To our sponsors, Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL, Punchbowl Ex Servicemen Community Club, Housing NSW, Department of Community Services, Immigration Department, Canterbury Council, Deputy Mayor Karl Saleh, the Mayor Robert Furolo, the general Manager Jim Montague, Riverwood Community Manager Greta Vallance and Director Pauline Gallagher.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO OUR WORKING PARTNERS

I would like to thank the FUNERAL DIRECTORS and arrangers that have contributed their time and invaluable advice towards the completion of this booklet: FRED AND JOHN DUCAN, for their expertise on the FUNERAL INDUSTRIES. I have been working with them at Rookwood Cemetery, Crematorium and funeral parlors in NSW.

I would like to acknowledge DR PANIANI PATU for all the support that you provide to families and the general community’s at the most vulnerable and difficult time when someone is not well, and some occasion someone has passed away. I am indebted particularly to him and SISTER KALO SIKIMETI on their extensive knowledge and expertise, on our Pacific Islanders and the general community, in Australia and abroad on Health and Education.

SISTER KALO’S expertise on EDUCATION, AS AN EDUCATOR HAS TAKEN HER FROM Tonga to New Zealand, Fiji, to Samoa, Europe, America and other parts of the world and now in Australia. Part author of (Catholic Schools Hope in Uncertain Times Part two Learning from Broader Perspectives: A shared hope in Catholic Schools in the South Pacific) In addition to classroom teaching. She was a liaison person for South Pacific families in Catholic Schools in Robinvale, Mildura, and Sydney, a leader for the Mercy Sisters in Tonga, Principal for Catholic Colleges in Tonga, Niue and Samoa, the Director of Education l999 to 2003 for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Tonga and Niue. She is the first female to hold the Catholic Education of Tonga and Niue Directorship position, a lecturer at the centre of the University of the South Pacific, and executive secretary for the Tonga Catholic Education Board and the Tonga Association Board for Education, and the Samoa Mercy schools’ Board of Governors. Currently she is doing a research study at the Australian Catholic University. She is a member of the Australian College of Education. I have had constant support and many valuable suggestions from her and Dr Patu. The Combination of their experiences, skills and expertise on health and education I thank them both for their massive contributions that they gave me to complete this booklet. With your support, it made it possible to collaborate the knowledge you have experienced with working with Pacific Islanders in Australia and abroad especially on Health and

Education is a bonus for all Pacific Islanders in Australia .A very special thank you to David Cohen for your enormous work with our Youths and the Pacific Islanders in representing them in court. You have done it for many years and now it seems that you are part of us. We really appreciated your huge support in many ways. Our Pacific Islanders are very comfortable with you. You are their hope and sure, what you have done will open doors for a brighter future for these youths as they realize that a second change is an awakening to do better in the future.

Many thanks to Regan Buckland for proof reading the book, Regan is a full time student at the Catholic University. Regan went to school in Tonga (2004) he was dux in the junior years (‘Apifo’ou St John Catholic College Tonga.) He returned to Australia 2005 with a great knowledge of the Tongan culture, tradition and language. He attended Primary at Belmore South Public School. He was a student at Endeavor Sports High School 2005, 2006 and 2007. Regan aimed to finish University and follow his vision and dream to support his local Pacific Islanders, Multicultural and General Communities across Canterbury, Bankstown, Marrickville, St George, Auburn, Granville and Burwood City areas and the neighboring Cities. He hope one day he will go back to Tonga and work for the Catholic Schools to support them as done in the past by uncles and aunties in his mother’s side the Sikimeti family.

Special Acknowledgement to Organizations, government, non-government, Community leaders, professionals and Individuals that we are working in partnership with our fight to provide the needs for Pacific Islanders CALD and emerging communities to help close the gap in our disadvantage. Without their support, we can never be possible to run the PISSAM programs.

The ex NSW Premier Hon. Morris Iemma, Hon. Tony Burke Federal MP member for Watson, Hon. Daryl Melham Federal MP for Banks, Hon. Linda Burney State MP for Canterbury, Robert Furolo MP for Lakemba, Mayor Canterbury Council, The Deputy Mayor Councilor Karl Saleh (chairperson for the multicultural advisory committee) Councilor Brian Robson, Councilors Canterbury Council, General Manager Jim Montague and staffs. Pauline Gallagher Director Riverwood Community Centre, Greta Vallance (General Manager)

Our sponsors: Punchbowl Ex-serviceman’s Club, Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL, Department of Housing, Department of Housing, Department of Community Services, Canterbury Council and Department of Immigration,

Canterbury Harmony Group incorporated and all the members across Canterbury. (Bob Carr)

Punchbowl Multicultural (Group) Chairperson Andy Hamdan

C.A.P.S. Child abuse prevention Service (Lorraine Wright)

Riverwood Community Centre: Director Pauline Gallagher, Manager Greta Vallance

St Mary’s House (Sister Jo Primo) Administrator

Riverwood Arabic Community (Hanna Diab) Chairperson

Central Sydney South Regional Tenant Resource Service (Shirley Glennie) Secretary

Inner West Tenant Council Area Services (Armani secretary)

Korean Community: Susan and Mr Lees (President)

The Riverwood Arabic Community (Chairperson)

Special Acknowledgement to our Professional Individuals that we are working in partnership with: We are so thankful to what they had delivered to our Pacific Islanders, Multicultural and the general community.

Campsie Local Area Command: Peter Lennon : 794 9600 Facsimile 02 9784 9611 58 Campsie St Campsie NSW 2194

Medi – LINK Counseling Services (Mohini Prasad)

David Cohen Solicitors (David Cohen)

Michael Vaughan (Johnston Vaughan Solicitors)

Hibah Harim (Solicitor)

Orana Board (Jane Bastin-Sikimeti)

Patu Medics (Dr Patu)

Dr Rifi

Acupuncture associates (Jane Wu) St Campsie. 2194

EDUCATION:

Kalo Sikimeti (program director/principal Researcher)

Dr Zachariah Matthews and Ms Matthews

Vana (Drama teacher Holy Spirit)

Wily Park Girls High School

Punchbowl boys Public School

Canterbury Boys High School

Belmore Boys High School

Belmore South Primary School

Peta Lolesio

Bethelham College (Ashfield)

St Joachim (Lidcombe)

St Joseph Belmore Primary School

St Theresa Lakemba

Seek Learning

ATL Translators and Associates (Santina)

John Valu Sikimeti (Treasurer) for Australian Catholic Community/Auditor for Pacific Islanders Community/Treasurer TCSS

CO-ORDINATOR LIASON OFFICER : (CANTERBURY HARMONY GROUP INC.

Anne Sikimeti Latu (Grief Counsellor, Translator, interpreter, Family consultant, Community Contact officer on any of our services with Government non Government Services, Catholic and Private School, Children, parents, Senior Citizens and Multicultural and General Communities across Canterbury and beyond

COUNSELLORS:

Shelly Hicks, Taylor Flynn, Jonathan Toussaint

BILINGUAL COUNSELLORS

Vesna Vukovic Bsc Dip of Counselling JP (Cantonese, Serbian, Macedonian and Russian)

Ruby Yap JP Dip of Counseling (Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Japanese, Mandarin)

Naheed Hakim (BA major in Psychology)

Ramona Johansson (Director of Nursing

Immigration Enquires:

Migration Directions Australia (Houssam and Ezzah)

(Senat and Associates)

Innerwest Area Tenant Council

BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVES

Walker Party Hires

Polikati Foketi (Pacific Connect)

Palms Deli (Norm Saad)

Hina Funerals and Midnight Venue Security (Siale Sikimeti)

John and Fred Ducan (Eternity Funerals)

NEWSPAPER RELEASE:

Torch,

Taimi ‘o Tonga,

(Moeke Moala

Taumu’a Lelei

Harmony Radio

Mateaki Heimuli

Ana Tapueluelu Ta’ai

OUR PACIFIC ISLANDERS’ COMMUNITY’S PATRON; from abroad HER ROYAL HIGNESS PRINCESS SIU’ILUKUTAPU (TONGA)

Pacific Islanders Communities and Cultures

Chairperson: Ungatea Fotofili Langi:

Deputy Chair Pita Fotofili

Secretary: Amelia Ofisiola Fotofili

Assistant Secretary Malia Tae Langi

Treasurer: Neomai Manu

Assistant Siueti Tu’iono Fotofili

Co-ordinator: Anne Sikimeti Latu

Assistant Saimone Fotofili.

Arts and Cultures: ‘Asipeli Fotofili Assistant Taniela Manu Junior

Advisors on Cultures : Tuita Kalauta (Elders)

Auditor: John Valu Sikimeti

SECURITY

Midnight Venue

FIJIAN COMMUNITY

Talia and Bill Dempsy

‘Ofa Heffernan

Stanley Blake

Talica Carpenter

SAMOAN COMMUNITY

Minerva Patu/Emily Tuiletufunga Taufa

TONGAN COMMUNITY (Pelenatita Mafi Young)

TONGAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY (Father Silito Tupou)

CHURCH OF TONGA (Tui Teaupa)

SPORT REPRESENTATIVES: David Swann St John’s football club, St George football club

Katalina Moimoi one of Tonga’s star basketballer and Dan Mahe dedicated their time on every Wednesday evening to do training with youths at the Belmore Council Oval, Belmore. They also do barbecues once a month with Anne Sikimeti Latu with these youths in the Canterbury local Area. All youths are welcome.

COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT:

William Mafi

Filimoto Ngalu (Siloni Music)

Our Professional Foreign Correspondence from abroad :

Vuna Fa’otusia, George Lavaka, Dr Viliami Manu, Mateaki Heimuli, Salesi Paea, Yvette Guttenbeil-Paea

PREFACE

The greatest care wastaken to provide the funeral industry and the family with relevant, appropriate and accurate details. If according to your experience, some of the contents in this booklet differ from the common procedure in your business, do not hesitate in acting according to the customers’ wishes. These differences may happen because of unique community preferences or family traditions and individual preferences. A community contact person is listed in the booklet that can assist with supplementary information and language other than English. Additional information will be made available to Eternity Funerals and Hina Funerals and any other Funeral Parlors upon request. A special space is provided at the end of this booklet in which the reader can write his/hers own comments.

It has been over 35 working in the Private Sector in the many roles of my work with the Communities. I was inspired to work in the Funeral Industry by a very bad negative experience. My mum passed away in l990. I was at Brisbane at the time when my family notified me of her death. I prepared an outfit for my mum, everything for the best. Just like any other daughters’ way of saying goodbye to their beloved mother who has given her best of her best to her family. The whole Package (everything included the outfit and things that was needed to make mum comfortable was about $600. I spend a whole day shopping, rushing to the airport to catch the flight to Sydney. When I arrived at the airport I went straight to the funeral Parlor and was shocked and in tears very disappointed when I was not allowed to see and dressed my mum. The arranger told me that Mum was frozen and cannot be dressed. She did not offer any explanation or even a word of support. She rang my brother, the legal applicant and he agreed with her. That was the end of the story. The arranger never offered any information about embalming mum’s body. How would I know that there was such a thing like embalming? It was totally so new to me and I would never think that such a thing exist. I was too distress, and on top of my grief was this enormous burden of not doing the right thing for my poor mum.

So strong that I thought I would never recover. I felt so alone with my suffering, that I could not enjoy other people’s company.Until I was able to rise above this tragic event. NaturallyIn our Tongan tradition, I had failed and it did not matter what, I did, it was not good enough. I felt numb, lost, disoriented, I had not experienced before. These bad experiences created emotion:

I was able to resume my life after a normal grieving time, without professional help, but my memories of what happened will always be with me. One little step I moved forward and still I was struggling until I got the strength to do something about it.

How I wished that there was a book on how to deal with a death at the time or someone to comfort me on my lost. I felt I was shut down and I did not have a space to stretch out. I wished that someone out there would help with some sort of counseling or someone to share my grief with. Unfortunately, there was none. I have learned from the past, appreciate the present and anticipate the future. Every step gives you the thrill of anticipation as a very bad experience become a strength, then possibility, then a probability and do not give up, never give up. Yes! This powerful feeling elevated me to where I am today. It gave me the strength to do something about it. I am sure that there are many people with the same situation like mine. I proved them when I was working for the funeral Industry; many of my colleagues were there for the same reason as mine. I want to reach out to those who were or about to experience the same problem. This book will help you not to go through the headache of loosing a love one.

I was so determined to work in the Funeral Industry to see why I was treated this way. I was amazed that those colleagues were in the industry for the same reason as I was. We realized that what we went through were not part of the Industry’s ethical ways. They were individual’s incompetent that failed their responsibilities. We wanted to make sure that what we had gone through should never ever happen to anyone else. We should prevent them from happening. Like everything else in life, the experiences that individuals had to go through were the only answer to solve the problem. It does not sound fair, still we must say that Arrangers should be very understanding and supportive, definitely that is their job, they are there for the family and worked through with them so they can deal and cope with their suffering. You are there to guide them through and to support them to make the right choice to have a memorial service to remember. All Arrangers will of courses do their best, In case something might go wrong. My advice that if you are not happy with anything, ask to speak with the Manager, make sure you get what you want. That is how it should be, do not just go along with what they tell you, you deserve to know what is going on. You got every right to know the process and what is going on. Arrangers should explain everything in details. You got every right to question everything, before you sign.

I just imagine how hard to deal with your loss and to top it up with not knowing what is going on with your love one. What happened to me I could not do much at the time because my brother was the legal applicant. What made me realized that a funeral director’s role is a very delicate and important role. He has to explain the process in details and to let the family know what is best for everyone so the funeral service will go smoothly as expected by members of the family.

A good service will make the grieving family lift off any burden on their grief. Arrangers should ask questions and make sure that other members in the family are considered and the consequences that will affect other family members when a decision is only done by one member of the family. The tradition and cultures, plays a vital part on the grieving process, therefore it is important that the organizing of the funeral service will be discuss and agreed by the family headed by the head of the family. The roles of each members of the family will question here, there, then and later so it is important to do it right from the very beginning. I hope this booklet will shed understanding with the family and the funeral Arranger.

I am ever so glad that I change profession. I am also honored that I have met great people in the Industry that make many differences to people. This industry every person in the Society will go through in some stage. I met up with many people from many different lifestyles, occupations, a client, colleagues, or a referral. It is a tremendous challenge to deal with people when they are at the most distress, lowest and vulnerable stage in their life. It is a rewarding experience.

I was honored to team up with the Expert and most experience people in the industry. For instance Bernie Banton, It was a huge honor to work alongside him, which I will treasure and carry with me to deliver my roles with the community. This industry you serve the Community with emotional challenges, still it was one of the most rewarding career that I ever came across.

In the Funeral industry, you will come across anyone rich or poor famous or unknown. In other industries, you will not, you will choose or can serve the people you are specializing on or people who can afford your service. What I have learnt and experienced will be an additional knowledge to all the services that I will provide to the Community. Success is just accepting a challenge. The losers are those who walk away.

To me, what happened make a difference to elevate my understanding and knowledge that comfort my doubt and the treatment that was given to me? I was satisfied by my findings why I was treated that way when my mum passed away. It reminded me that human are uniquely different in his or her own ways. Every human being is so unique. Sometimes you will be so lucky sometimes not. My answer was treating others what you want others treat you. To be a service provider you are there for others. You are there to give them your best. It is so simple, if you think that you cannot deliver result. Let someone else deliver on your behalf. Let us fight to make a difference to the many people who are experiencing problems due to custodians of their love one where there is a death in custody. The right of a wife, husband, partner, mother, father, brother, sister, children or next of kin when there is a death in custody and not knowing what to do especially when children are involved.

LANGUAGES

There are twenty Island Countries in the South Pacific, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, United States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, Tooele, Kiribati, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Marshall Islands, Pitcairn Islands, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Wallis/Futuna and American Samoa. Most of the Islands spoke English fluently. We also considered Hawaiian and New Zealand Maoris are Pacific Islanders.

Most people with a Polynesian, Melanesian or Micronesian background understand these Islanders, although many of them are unable to converse in it properly. However, nearly all of the Pacific Islanders in Sydney that were born in their island of origin, know and Speak English.

At times of Grief and stress, some of the Pacific Islanders may prefer to speak in their own language rather than English. The author’s of this booklet is the Contact Person, she will provide assistance if needed with other Pacific Islanders languages.

In conclusion, when arranging a Pacific Islander Funeral, one is expect to show respect to the religion, cultures and the Community, the older members of the family. Pacific Islanders treat the funeral as a family traditional affairs and the Funeral Arranger will allow any family member to participate in the Funeral procedure.

Most Islanders preferred to arrange the funeral in the comfort of their own homes, and the decision making process may take longer than the average Anglo-Australian Family.

Finally, the Funeral Arranger has to assure, the family that the Funeral will go according to the family, Community Tradition and Cultures, and the arrangements will be with the utmost respect for the deceased. Privacy is

paramount in arranging a Pacific Islanders’ Funeral, so the contact should be strictly only with the legal Applicant unless he/she authorized someone else on his or her behalf.

The church

The majority of Pacific Islanders are of the Christian Faith mainly Catholic, Methodist and Uniting, Mormon, Seven Days of Adventist and Church of England. Normally the Catholic follower would have Mass at their local Catholic Church using the Parish Priest, and the Service will be conducted in English. (see attached….The service can also be in Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, so are the other Islanders, Papua New Guinea, Nauru, Parlay, Solomon Islands, United States of Micronesia, Tuvalu Tooele, Kiribati, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Marshall Islands, Pitcairn by the family. All other faith will be the same according to their denomination they belong to.

The Eulogy is delivered in the native tongue or in English; however the family requests it, although normally this will be done in English to accommodate non Pacific Islanders Speakers. This is a very important role so the head of the family usually do it.

Methodist, Uniting, Catholics, Church of England and other followers will normally follow the English Rites for the particular church they belong to, However, all denominations have their own Ministers, Bishops, Pastors, Celebrant, to conduct Services in their native languages, otherwise they can use their local Priest, minister, or Celebrant which they can perform the service in English.

CONTENTS

Foreword by Mohini Prasad

Dedication

About the Author

Did you make a difference to anyone?

Did anyone make a difference to you?

Acknowledgements

Preface

The Community background and information’s (geographical and Population)

Languages

The Church

SUMMARY

This booklet covered the basic information and understanding of what to do when a death occurred in the family, also regarding the funeral rites and tradition, cultures and the customs of the Pacific Island communities. The introduction and background provided a brief outline of the Pacific Island communities in SYDNEY/AUSTRALIA. The who to contact in time of need. It also provides information about what to do in complicated situation, in situation when a loved one dies who dies at home. It is very important that you take note of anything that might help you in the space provided at the end of the booklet.

THE FUNERAL PROCESS WAS DIVIDED INTO 5 SECTIONS:

The first section after when someone has died.

What to do and who to contact before the funeral process, so an understanding is developed between the funeral Arranger, families, authority and people concerning the death.

The second section dealt with the Funeral arranger. From the first telephone call to the bringing of the body to church.

The Third section included the religious ceremony/service.

The forth section informed the funeral arranger of the burial procedure.

The fifth section an example of the requiem mass.

Appendices, which were added, serve to compliment the information with relevant supplementary data.

Some information, such as press notices, selection of the coffin/casket, memorial stationery and floral tributes was not added, as that is personal. Each family will choose their own way in these situations and the funeral arranger.

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS DIED?

The First chapter deals with coping with the death of a loved one. It is a very difficult time to anyone that lost someone, a partner, a family member, a friend. It can bring enormous sadness and confused emotions. It can affect us in so many ways, so we have to prepare and educate ourselves on how to deal with this situation. I hope that this Reference Booklet will help Pacific Islanders Communities or anyone in the many practical decisions and arrangements when a death occurred in the Pacific Islanders’ family. Ideally, it will be good preparations and understanding on your decisions and plans to be made following the death of a loved one.

Many people die at their own home, in hospital, an accident, suicide, suspicious circumstances, death in custody, or whatever the case may be in, Australia today. So, most of the time, the hospital or other authorities are there to take care of medical necessities and formalities. Therefore it is important for you to have an understanding of what to do and who to contact, the resources that are available and relevant for you to access. This is to ensure that your wishes are delivered with dignity and traditionally the way you expected it. All these services are needed and they are there for you when you need it. This also makes sure that the Pacific Islanders’ traditional cultures are understood by the different services that you are referred to.

FORMAT:

THIS INFORMATION IS GIVEN IN THE FORM OF BASIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TO PROVIDE AN EASY, CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT YOU DO WHEN SOMEONE HAS DIED.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN SOMEONE DIES?

When someone has died, the deceased’s doctor must sign a certificate that confirms that death has occurred. Funeral arrangements cannot be completed until the doctor has signed and issued a death certificate, which is generally called a DOCTOR’S CERTIFICATE OF CAUSE OF DEATH. In case of an accident, suspicious circumstances, or the death cannot be signed by a doctor, it will be referred to the Coroners for an autopsy before a Funeral company can then take the deceased into their care with the authority of the family. It is the Pacific Islanders’ tradition that when an autopsy occurred, that the whole body should be back to the family, not just part of the body without the brain, or without the heart etc, to the funeral parlor, so that the process of a funeral service can be arranged. The next of kin, the executor and the funeral arranger should make sure the coroner’s is aware of it, so if there is an investigation pending it would be best to wait till it completed before a loved one can put to rest.

Know your rights, be prepared, get familiar with your legal rights and talk to a solicitor if you want more information: Do not wait tilt it is too late. you get ahead and you will:

Save hundreds or thousands in legal fees;
Help calculate your division of property;
Help negotiate your property settlement, child residency & access arrangements;
Save time - you are in control of the process;
Provided by independent solicitors experienced in Family Law.

Powers of Attorney A Power of Attorney is a legal document where you authorise another adult or adults to act on your behalf in your affairs. Knowing that you have a properly appointed attorney can give you peace of mind when you go interstate or overseas for an extended period of time, suffer poor physical and/or mental health, or reach an age when you anticipate you will need greater assistance.

Write Your Own Legal Will (for 2 people)

Roughly half of all Australians who die, die intestate. That is, they die without leaving a valid, Legal Will. If a person dies intestate, rules contained in legislation will decide how your assets are distributed taking into account your family situation. The government may also decide who looks after your children if they are still minors.

Handling Probate Before the assets of the deceased can be distributed to the beneficiaries, the Executor may be required to apply to the Supreme Court for a Grant of Probate. This is a document that the Executor will use to get access to assets such as a bank account, shares in a company or real estate.

Letters of Administration Plus If someone dies without leaving a will, a family member or a de facto spouse will need to apply to the Supreme Court for Letters of Administration before the assets of the deceased can be distributed. The entitlements of each family member to the estate of the deceased are set out in State intestacy legislation. The person who applies to become the Administrator will need the Grant of Letters of Administration to get access to assets such as a bank account, shares in a company or real estate.

Letters of Demand Does someone owe you money and is refusing to pay? Do you need to stop a neighbour or business competitor doing something inappropriate?

The first thing to do is write them a Letter of Demand requesting payment or asking them to cease the activity. If your letter is ignored or your demand refuted, you then have the option of taking the party to court. This is done by filing a Summons (or Statement of Claim or Complaint) in the relevant court.

It is very important to word a Letter of Demand correctly to ensure that it is descriptive, effective and 'technically' acceptable by the court. By including a Summons with your Letter of Demand, you will let them know that you are serious about your claim and that you are prepared to take the matter to court if they do not pay.

De Facto Separation Agreements

(includes template agreement)

The breakdown of a de facto relationship can be a very stressful time. Like most couples wanting to separate, or having just separated, sorting out your financial position is likely to be among your top priorities. If you have reached an agreement on how your assets and liabilities are to be divided, then you should formally document your arrangements through a Separation Agreement, otherwise known as a Termination Agreement.

Cohabitation Agreement under De Facto Law

(includes template agreement)

Cohabitation Agreements are agreements made between people who are living together and who are NOT married. Property disputes in these circumstances now come under the Family Law Act 1975 (as amended). These agreements are fully enforceable in the Family Court and are designed to help people decide now how they will deal with financial matters in the event of a separation at some time in the future.

Pre / Post Nuptial Agreements (includes template agreement)

Pre Nuptial Agreements are agreements made between people who are living together and who intend to get married. Post Nuptial Agreements are essentially the same, but are made after two people have been married. Both types of agreements (formally referred to as Binding Financial Agreements) are fully enforceable in the Family Court of Australia, and are designed to help people decide now how they will deal with financial matters in the event of a separation at some time in the future.

After the welfare of the children, the most urgent concern of people going through a marriage break-up or a death in the family is usually money. That is, what share of the matrimonial assets am I entitled to? Until now, the only place where you could get answers to this question was a solicitor's office.

The Calculator is based on assumptions extracted from actual case histories of property settlements in the Family Court. You can input the financial and personal histories of you and your partner and the calculator will provide you with an expected division of assets both in dollar and percentage terms. This Calculator may not be used for De Facto property settlements.

1. the background material and detailed case studies

The Property Settlement Calculator can help you:

better understand how the Courts look at property settlements;
provide you with a good guide as to your fair share of the property;
negotiate your property settlement from a position of knowledge; and
brief your lawyer and make informed decisions

Divorce Settlement through Consent Orders Relationship break-ups for most people are very stressful and confusing. Usually the most pressing issues that need to be addressed are those relating to financial matters, child residence and access. Couples are increasingly reaching agreement on these issues without the need to go to Court or rely excessively on solicitors. If you have reached an agreement, it would be wise to formally document the arrangements.

The Consent Orders Kit includes:

background explanation of the law;
detailed case studies on property settlement, child residence and access;
an online Property Settlement Calculator to assist is determining your share of the matrimonial property;
completed example of the Application;
completed example of a Draft Consent Order; and
blank templates of both the Application and Draft Consent Order for filling in.

Will Check, Registration and Storage

Roughly 1/3 of all people who draw up a will either misplace it, let it get damaged, or do not inform their executor(s) where the original is kept. This may lead to intestacy, or partial intestacy, and make your estate much more difficult to administer as the Supreme Court will only accept original valid wills.

a compliance check of your executed will;
registration of your will in the national Aussie Legal Will Register; and
secure storage of your will for its entire life to avoid the document being lost, damaged or stolen.

Please note: Aussie Legal will arrange to have your wills checked to ensure it is properly executed and compliant. We are not able to make any comments regarding the content, your intentions or aims.

Having your will checked and registered will ensure that:

your will is properly executed;
your will is not lost or misplaced;
your executors get quick easy access to your documents; and
there are no delays in applying for Probate

WHO IS THE BEST TO BE THE LEGAL APPLICANT?

The next of kin, generally who is held to be the spouse, the adult children, the parents or the siblings of the deceased, the head of the family, the Executor, the Public trustee, the Public Guardian, the Solicitor who is looking after the deceased’s affairs. The Legal applicant is responsible for payment of the invoice from the Funeral Director. If there is no money, assets, insurances, superannuation, collections from the Pacific Islanders’ Community, the Pacific Islanders’ church where the deceased belong to, and no family members or friends are willing or able to fund the funeral, the NSW GOVERNMENT has arrangements with particular Funeral Directors to conduct a basic burial or cremation. You should refer to your nearest public hospital, the welfare department; your doctor, or ANNE SIKIMETI LATU for more information. When there is a death in a Pacific Islander Community, there are many types of donations and support that is given in kind to the grieving family by the Community. They can be as food, traditional goods, mats, tape, materials, flowers, cash and moral support. Still if you feel that, it is too much pressure and you still need support you can still contact the above resources.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REGISTERING A DEATH?

The Arranger/Funeral Director who is in charge of the funeral arrangements will collect all the information required for registration of the death and send it to the relevant state/Territory government office. Now a day’s arrangers and Funeral Parlors do it via internet. In most states and territories, the department, which is the REGISTRY OF BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGES: A death certificate is sent to the family following registration? Usually about 7 to 10 days. The DEATH CERTIFICATE is very important e.g. to finalize probate in Australia or abroad, as soon as you received it, make copies and sign by a Justice of the peace, keep the original copy with you and send copies to your solicitor and the authority concern.

FINANCIAL AFFAIRS:

IS A FUNERAL VERY EXPENSIVE?

Funeral costs can vary considerably, so therefore it is important to know what you are getting and how much, it will cost. The cost is entirely dependent on what you want, so, PLAN AND CHOOSE CAREFULLY. Select what you want, ASK QUESTIONS? In addition, if you do not UNDERSTAND ask the Arranger TO EXPLAIN EVERYTHING IN DETAIL and FOR A COPY OF THE ITEMISED QUOTES. Sometimes funeral parlors do a Special Package.

DO FUNERAL PARLORS WANTS PAYMENT THE FUNERAL OR A DEPOSIT BEFORE SERVICE

Yes. Most Funeral Parlors request payment or a deposit. The Arranger has to pay everything upfront with other Resources so it would be appreciated if your payment was organized A.S.A.P. Otherwise you should make an agreement with the Arranger. The Funeral Directors’ professional fees cover their services, costs, and options of using their resources, thereby picking up the body, preparation of the body, providing a hearse, extra cars, and chapel. They mediate on your behalf with the clergy/pastor, cemetery fees, casket/coffin, flowers, obituaries, memorial books, medical, death Certificates, even a grave marker, and the memorial if you wish to include that with the funeral arrangement.

They can even provide you with letters to Government Authorities/Immigration, to support with families that need to attend the funeral from the Pacific Island of their origin or abroad. A letter for your employer can be provided, so you can claim your bereavement entitlement, superannuation and any other claims that might need proof of the death. You can also claim an airline ticket, bereavement discount with most airlines. (You need to check with the airline you will be flying with directly). This discount is only available to immediate family members. QANTAS and AIR NEW ZEALAND are two airlines that offer this special discount. (You can contact them directly for this information). To go overseas if you are Australian you must pay a return ticket with a valid passport. If you are a permanent resident you can pay one way to your Pacific Islanders of origin and can organize your return ticket when you wish to return, still it is cheaper to pay your return ticket. You must make sure that you have a return visa. Members of the family from abroad that wish to attend a funeral in Australia must have a visa before they travel, a return ticket and must fulfilled any request from the Australian Immigration, please refer to your travel agent for more information. Any expenses incurred in the funeral process must be itemized, everything has to be accounted for, credit card, bank statement and the invoice from the Funeral Parlor etc, and this will help to speed up any claims with Insurances and Superannuation.

WHAT IF I HAVE INSURANCE POLICY/SUPERANNUATION/FUNERAL BOND THAT MAY COVER THE PAYMENT FOR THE FUNERAL?

Sometimes an insurance policy/superannuation Funeral bond may cover payment for the funeral, but you still need to contact them. There are certain conditions that can apply so make sure that you got all the paper work. It should include your relationship to the person who died. To assist them in ensuring you receive a prompt settlement call them on the numbers listed on your policy. Please note however, that the claim cannot be process until they receive or sighted original documents accordingly. Any Pacific Islanders who need help with the above can contact ANNE SIKIMETI LATU for assistance.

WHAT ABOUT THE BANK?

Although that a bank account for someone who has died might be frozen, usually they allow payment for funerals only.

WHAT ABOUT FUNERAL PLAN AND FUNERAL BOND?

Make sure you have all papers ready, give them to the funeral arranger, he will match them with their records, any shortfall the legal applicant will make up the balance for the full payment.

WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE WHO HAS DIED HAS A WILL?

This is a very important document. It saves any animosity amongst the family. The will is a legal document that sets out how the deceased wants his/her belongings to be distributed after their death.

WHAT HAPPEN IF THE FAMILY IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE WILL?

Seek advice from your solicitor.

CAN ANY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY CONTEST THE WILL?

Certainly, the family can contest the will? Speak with your solicitor.

WHAT IS A PROBATE?

That is the official process of proving that a person’s will is valid.

HOW LONG WILL A PROBATE WILL GO FOR.

It depend, on how complicated the will is. It will take a while. It is an expensive process.

WHAT IS AN EXECUTOR?

The executor of the will is responsible for distributing the person’s assets to the People named in the will as beneficiaries. This is done only after any debts by the deceased are paid.

IF THE DECEASED PERSON DID NOT LEFT ANY WILL, WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE ESTATE? THE LAW WILL SHARE THE ESTATE UNDER A FORMULA SET, WHY?

The formula will not necessarily take account of the deceased person’s wishes. If there are no close relatives, there is a chance the estate could be paid to a state or territory government. The administration of the estate may be more difficult and expensive if there is no will. The State trustee, Public Trustee, Protection commissioner, lawyer can give you advice on what to do in these circumstances. This process includes a court order that says the will is the final and valid will of the person who has died. Anyone can contest the will, if they think that they got claims to the estate, still it is a very costly process.

IT WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA FOR ANYONE TO DO A WILL, IS IT NECESSARY?

PISSAM ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO DO so, the headaches, the hard work, the disagreement within the families. It is advisable to do one.

For more information refers to your solicitor, public trustee directly or you do it yourself and get a Justice of the Peace to sign. YOU HAVE TO PRODUCE IDENTIFICATION, A PASSPORT, DRIVING LICENSE, RATE NOTICES, TELEPHONE BILL, ELECTRICITY BILL, MEDICARE CARD, CREDIT CARD, BANK STATEMENT ARE REQUIRED BY THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE. (Refer to the next page for all the important documents that is required.

It is advisable for anyone to do a will. It is indeed needed and our family that we left behind with any burden. To all pacific islanders there are insurances that the different bank have, please call in and been in the Funeral Industries for years and TOWER (FUNERAL INSURANCES ARE EXCELLENT. A LOT OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDERS IS LUCKY THAT THEY INSURED WITH THEM. THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR INSURANCES A.S.A. THEY PRODUCE THE DOCTOR’S CERTIFICATE OF CAUSE OF DEATH, TOGETHER WITH A LETTER FROM THE FUNERAL PARLOR WHO WILL PROVIDE THE SERVICE. THEY USUALLY ARE PAID ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE KEPT THIS ENTIRE IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. IT IS VERY USEFUL. OTHER INSURANCES AND SUPERANNUATION ARE VERY HELPFUL WHEN ALL THE PAPERS ARE PRODUCE.

WHAT IS A POWER OF ATTORNEY?

It is the power that given to someone (usually a family member or someone you trust) to exercise the power to make decision on behalf of someone who cannot decide for themselves while they are alive, once the person dies the power of attorney will end as well.

WHO TO NOTIFY AFTER SOMEONE DIES?

When someone dies, a number of people and organizations need to be told. This helps to finalize the person’s affairs and makes sure you can receive the assistance you need. Look around to see any folder, suitcases or whatever the case may be, that may contain personal records and documents. It is advisable to organize these documents in advance, and kept in a safe place and let the family know where it kept; it will lift the burden on loved ones that left behind.

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE REQUIRED?

It is definitely important that you have these documents, without them settlement can prolong for a long time.

A will

Birth and marriage certificates

Passport

Mortgage papers

Pension card Employer

Social Worker if needed

Clergy, Minister, Priest, Pastor, Funeral Celebrant.

Keep in mind that they all work closely with the Family and the Funeral Arranger to make sure that the Funeral Service will go well and exactly how you expected.
They each played a very important role in communicating with you to guarantee that your wishes will be delivered.the way you wanted.

Centrelink

Family and friends

Bank /Accountant

Funeral insurance bond/ funeral plans/plots/cemetery

ONCE YOU HAVE ORGANIZED THE PAPERS READY FOR THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT YOU NEED TO DECIDE ON THE FUNERAL DIRECTOR OF YOUR CHOICE: REFER TO THE YELLOW PAGES, IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ON MEMORIAL, CREMATION, GRIEF COUNSELLING OR FUNERAL YOU CAN CONTACT ANNE SIKIMETI LATU ON 0401 305 877 24 HRS

Medicare card

Insurance /car/house/health/life/superannuation Statement/Certificate

Bank account/credit card

Solicitor’s papers

Taxation papers/group certificate

Prepaid funeral arrangements/burial plot/funeral plan/funeral bond

Many organizations may require a copy of the death certificate before they take action on your advice, so it is wise to provide advice of the death as soon as possible.

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE THAT I NEED TO CONTACT WHEN SOMEONE DIES?

A doctor, (In case of an accident, homicide, suicide, death in custody, suspicious circumstances) contacts the Police on 000. This would be a case for the Coroners. It would be an investigation. An autopsy, till the coroner satisfies with the finding, then the body will be release to the funeral Parlor’s with the family’s authority.

Funeral Director

Executor of the will. Solicitor, Public Trustee, Protection Commissioner

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE THAT I HAVE TO CONTACT AFTER THE FUNERAL?

Electoral office

Foreign pension authority

Gas supply company/Electricity

Hearing Centre

Post office

Library

Telephone Company

Car Insurance/payment/registration

Families and Friends (thank you cards)

Grief Counsellor if needed, especially for families that cannot cope with their lost, children are affected or just anyone who needed to talk to someone.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM ON A PENSION?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to apply for another payment if you continue to need income support. You need to contact your nearest Centrelink for more information; also, Centrelink will work out your payment according to your relationship with the deceased. You have to do it as soon as possible.

IS THERE ANY SPECIAL PAYMENT TO HELP WITH THE FUNERAL FROM CENTRELINK?

It is best to contact your nearest Centrelink for more information.

Coming to the Conclusion of the First chapter, by now you should have a good clear understanding of what papers you should have, step by step of what you have to do, know your resources, who to contact, who to notify. For further information, contact the author.

THE FUNERAL PROCESS

BEFORE THE FUNERAL:

The example is in the Catholic Faith, other Pacific islanders’ can do theirs according to the denomination they belong to

The second chapter is to clarify the Pacific Islanders’ Funeral Process.

The Funeral Process is divided into 4 sections:

The First section deals with the arrangements before the funeral.

The Second outlines the three clusters of Funeral Rites:

1) The Vigil;

2) The Funeral Mass or Eucharistic liturgy in the Church;

3) a) This section describes the Burial Process, (THE COMMITTAL)

b) The Cremation Process; (THE COMMITTAL)

FORMAT: The information is given in the form of basic Questions and Answers to provide an easy reference tool for the Funeral Arranger and the family. It is a step-by-step process of how you wish the funeral Service to be delivered.

Who is the first contact for the mourning family?

The funeral Arranger is the first contact after the removal of the body.

What should the Funeral Arranger expect?

As the Islanders’ are family oriented, the decision making process is carried out by a few members of the family, headed by the head of the family. In some cases, the first meeting may take some time. Most families prefer the meetings to be held at their home, rather than at the Funeral Office. Traditional Islanders’ regard their funeral process as the family’s duty of care to the deceased and would question the Funeral Arranger on every detail. In some cases, the Funeral Arranger can expect a display of emotions. Burial for Islanders’ are as high as 95% while Fijian Indians can be as high as 95% Cremation. However, families can advise on their requirements.

Are there any Rituals involved in the removal of the body?

No. The removal is carried out in the normal manner. The family may supply clothing for the dressing, some families may insist on dressing the body themselves ….Personal discretion. Arrangers are advised to pay extra attention if family requests anything to do with their cultures. Please support them accordingly.

How do the Pacific Islanders’ feel about viewing the body?

Viewing is a traditional part of their culture.

Why embalmed the body?

A family member/Arranger attends the Death Birth and Marriages to register the death and get the Death Certificate on the SPOT. There will be extra charges covering this service. THE EMBALMING CERTIFICATE. THE HEALTH AUTHORITY CERTIFICATE. This certificate will make sure that when the Health Authority, Funeral home, receives the remains Family at the other end, got INSTRUCTIONS WHAT TO DO. FOR HEALTH REASONS, these instructions on the certificate must be followed ACCORDINGLY. All papers by the agent/airline will be forwarded to the registered Funeral Parlor that will receive the Remains. All of these Certificates must be completed otherwise the Remains cannot be shipped. It take time to organize this service, it also depends on the carrier too if there is space available. Make sure that the person accompanies the remains must have the same flight so they can get to their destination at the same time.The Funeral home will embalm the remains for shipping interstate or abroad, all night viewing. It is a requirement by the Health Authority. Any request for shipment overseas, Funeral Parlors will ask for upfront payment before they even start preparing the remains. Therefore, it is imperative that the legal applicant provides the necessary funds and instructions as soon as possible. It is a lot of paperwork involve.

URGENT DEATH CERTIFICATE.

REMAINS SHIPPED TO THE PACIFIC ISLANDS, DO FUNERAL PARLOURS USE LEAD FOR THE INSIDE COFFINS?

No, still you have to let the funeral arranger know, if he/she persist, contact the author.

How is embalming viewed?

Embalming should be mentioned as an option in gaining acceptance with the community, especially for lengthy viewing. By law overnight viewing must be embalmed.

Anne Sikimeti latu 001.jpg Marilyn Sepa Mafi's funeral

IS THERE ANY TIME THAT A DEATH CANNOT BE VIEWED?

YES, HEALTH AUTHORITY MAKE THAT DECISION, IF IN THE DOCTOR’S OPINION THAT IT CAN’T BE VIEWED FOR HEALTH REASON,THE CERTIFICATE OF CAUSE OF DEATH, WITH THE INSTRUCTION ON WHAT TO DO, THEREFORE NO FUNERAL DIRECTOR OR ANYONE CAN REVERSE THAT DECISION.

Does the community prefer coffins or caskets?

This is left to the family’s discretion, however, in many cases casket is preferred because of the extra comfort afforded to the deceased.

Anne Sikimeti latu 003.jpg Marilyn Sepa Mafi's funeral

VIEWING

The Funeral Parlor’s Chapel is the most convenient, still it is entirely up to the Family.Viewing can take place in the Funeral Parlor’s Chapel, at the family Home, or even in the Church at the discretion of the Priest or Minister. (It is suggested that all night viewing has to be embarmed and the casket can remains open according to the family wishes. The viewing can last up to 4 hours and even on some occasions throughout the whole night. It depends on the family.

The Family may provide Mats, FALA, TAPA, KIE, FETA’U, KATO TEU, FLOWERS, MATERIALS, OIL, PERFUMES ETC. A small KIE and 4 langanga piece of TAPA are placed inside the coffin for the diseased to lie on. This provide comfort to the deceased. A 4 soft piece langanga TAPA is wrapped around the deceased. Some people prefer to wrapped it after the deceased had dressed. Some preferred to wrapped them before they put the jacket on. Therefore, it is up to the family. THE FALA, TAPA are usually placed under the casket and the KIE, FETA’U casket covers (flower) are placed on the casket as covers. However the family will let the arranger know how they want it done. Always asked the arranger the right size before you buy the outfit for the deceased. Make sure it is the right size and should be comfortable.

Anne Sikimeti latu 009.jpg Marilyn Mafi's funeral

CREMATION OR BURIAL

Burial and Cremation are equally permitted by the Catholic Church. If the family hesitates between the two options, the funeral arranger should carefully outline the two procedures to the family representative. For nearly 2000 years, the Catholic Church forbade the practice of Cremation and some families are still adhering to this old tradition. The reason given by the Catholic Church for changing its’ attitude towards cremation is the new interpretation of the Resurrection of the body. The Church now confesses that although there is a Resurrection of the body it does not necessarily mean the Resurrection of the same body. For example, it could mean the Resurrection of a spiritual body. Yet, as a rule most Islanders feel more comfortable with the burial than cremation. Traditionally Islanders rather stay with the burial.

Anne Sikimeti latu 010.jpg Marilyn Sepa Mafi's funeral

THE FUNERAL

WHO BRING THE FAMILY TO THE CHURCH?

Each particular family will discuss the transport details with the funeral arranger.

Anne Sikimeti latu 006.jpg Marilyn Sepa Mafi's funeral

ARE THERE ANY DAYS ON WHICH FUNERAL ARE FORBIDDEN?

Yes, they are All Sundays, Christmas Eve, only in tradition families. Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Holy Week, only kept by traditional families. All public holidays. FUNERAL PARLOURS are available 24 hrs on the phone; REFER TO THE YELLOW PAGES FOR YOUR NEAREST LOCAL FUNERAL PARLOR. Business hrs is usually 8am to 5pm.

Anne Sikimeti latu 007.jpg Marilyn Sepa Mafi's funeral

ANNE SIKIMETI LATU IS AVAILABLE 24 HRS ON ANY QUERIES ON MEMORIAL/FUNERAL/BURIAL/ CREMATION LOCALLY / INTERS STATE IN AUSTRALIA AND ABROAD. SHE ALSO OFFERS GRIEF COUNSELLING. OTHER COUNSELLING AS WELL IF NEEDED STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Anne Sikimeti latu 008.jpg Marilyn Sepa Mafi's funeral

Anne has been with the Funeral Industries as a Manager, Family Consultant, Grief Counselor, Arranger, Funeral Director, Conductor in the Cemetery, Crematorium and worked at different Funeral Parlors in NSW more than 17 years. She can be contacted on her mobile phone:

0401 305 877 24 HRS FOR FUNERAL AND GRIEF PHONE COUNSELLING ONLY.

WHAT ABOUT THE MEMORIAL/GRAVE? WHO TO CONTACT?

The arranger will organize everything, even if you already have a prepaid Memorial plot, you can contact the cemetery yourself to select the site, still the arranger will make sure that the traditional Islanders’ burial is prepared accordingly, the sand, extra depth, extra width, tent. Arranger must deal with it carefully, some of the Islanders wrapped mats Around the coffin/casket , so it need more room and plenty of soft soil, sand, let the cemetery know that it must have the extra width, extra depth if the family request 3rd interment, this saves any problem on the burial day. The Pacific islanders are very particular with the way they organize their funerals so the arranger should be more attentive to their wishes, any little mistake is regarded an additional burden to their grief. The cemetery will communicate with the arranger by email or fax for the exact details on what the family requested.

To save time and disappointment, it is advisable that coffin/casket should never be bought on internet. Why? It is best to deal with the funeral arranger, they know exactly the right measurement, for anyone to assume that it will be the right size, no, leave it to the arranger, they know what they are doing.

HOW LONG DOES THE AVERAGE CEREMONY TAKE?

APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR BUT SOME PACIFIC ISLANDERS, TAKE LONGER MUCH LONGER, PART OF THEIR TRADITION, LOTS OF SPEECHES AND FAMILY MEMBERS TAKING PART IN THE FUNERAL PROCESS LIKE OFFERING TRADITIONAL GIFT TO THEIR CHIEFS AND NOTED PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS TO SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION FOR SHARING THEIR GRIEF.

SEE APPENDIX FOR A COPY OF THE CEREMONY IN ENGLISH: AN EXAMPLE

An example for a CATHOLIC MASS. Other denomination have their own according to theirs, most Pacific Islanders have their service in English or their language of their origin. It is entirely up to the family. The Catholics Pacific Islanders have theirs exactly like any other Catholics worldwide.

WHAT IS DONE DURING THE FINAL FAREWELL IN CHURCH?

The prayer of commendation may conclude the ceremony at Church. If the prayer of commendation is not sung in the Church, it will be sung at the gravesite, if the funeral service is on a wet day it is done in the Church.The final farewell begins with an invitation to pray, followed by a pause for a silent prayer. The coffin is usually sprinkled with holy water and incensed. The song of farewell is sung and THE COFFIN/CASKET IS READY FOR THE BALL BEARERS TO CARRY.

WHO ARE THE BALL BEARERS?

The funeral directors, still Pacific Islanders rather do it themselves. It is up to the family. This is how the Pacific Islanders show their last respect to the deceased. It should be six BALL BEARERS. The ball bearers have to pay attention to the directions given by the funeral director.

THE BURIAL:

WHAT IS A BURIAL PROCESS

The burial process is called “the Rite of Committal”. This rite can be performed with or without the Final Commendation. The priest will bless the grave site. The priest will begin by inviting the family and friends to pray and will read some verses from the bible. Some prayers will follow and the rite will conclude with the verse eternal rest and a blessing. In some cases the family will place flowers or soil on the coffin. Pacific Islanders always offer to help with filling the grave using the shovels. This practice is no longer allowed, WHY? BECAUSE! SAFETY ISSUES (WORK COVER) Still the funeral Directors always work together with the UNDERTAKERS to lower the coffin/casket slowly to the bottom of the grave, the sand first to cover the coffin/casket, next then the soil. The Funeral Director and the staff then put all the floral tributes on the grave, take off any condolences cards and present it together with the MEMORIAL BOOK to the FAMILY (LEGAL APPLICANT) The funeral conductor gives his condolences to the family. HE/SHE CHECK THAT EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE BEFORE THE STAFF DISSMISSED FOR THE DAY. HE/SHE CHECK WITH THE FAMILY IF THEY NEED TO BE DROPPED HOME. THIS IS THE SIGN FOR THE END OF THE WHOLE FUNERAL PROCESS.

WHAT IS A CREMATION PROCESS?

The cremation process is done similar to a Funeral Service in church, although the cremation service will be at the crematorium’s Chapel, refer to the Requiem Mass, the only difference at the completion of the service, the priest himself or the funeral director can allow the family to press the button to close the curtain slowly, while the family looked on to say goodbye. For non-Catholics, they do theirs according to the denomination they belong to. The staff at the furnace room will then proceed with the cremation. It takes 1 to 1.5 hrs to complete. If the family wish to witness the cremation they can, but they have to organize in advance with the funeral director and there is a small fee charged by the crematorium.

The ashes are ready to be collected after 24hrs. You can organize to do a memorial at the cemetery. Ashes can be kept at home or scatter at sea, but you are not allowed to dispose it anywhere else, contact your local council for more information. If you wish to scatter ashes at sea, you have to ask the arranger if they can do it and the charges will be included on their invoice. It is very costly. The crematorium supplies the urn for the ashes if you wish to get one. Their prices are varies, it depend on what you want, otherwise the ashes is in a protected container surium.

Appendices

The owner of this website and publication is PISSAM NETWORK, which is under the umbrella of Canterbury Harmony group Inc. auspice by Riverwood Community Centre and its working partner. Content may not be reproduced in any format or changed, sold or used to promote or endorse any product or service, inappropriate or misleading context.. Acknowledgment to the PISSAM NETWORK & Its auspice body Riverwood Community Centre

PISSAM NETWORK MANAGE BY ANNE SIKIMETI LATU

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