In 2023 we will be celebrating 50 years of a civil celebrant program in Australia. In today’s blog celebrant Sonia Collins gives a brief history of the program as part of our celebrations for World Celebrants Week 2021.
Have you just become a celebrant or are thinking about embarking on that journey? Registered Celebrant and member of The Celebrants Network, Leslie Ridgeway gives us some insights into what you need at the business end of Celebrancy.
Something to consider
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Show me the Stats
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics dated November 2016, there were 113,595 marriages registered Australia wide in 2015.
Out of the couples married in 2015 31.9% were born in different countries.
13.9% were born in the same overseas country.
Civil Celebrants have overseen the majority of marriage ceremonies (since 1999) at an average across the country of 74.9%
If you would like to engage a civil celebrant for your marriage ceremony, commitment ceremony, vow renewal, baby naming ceremony or any other event that you'd like to celebrate - including memorials and life celebrations - then please contact one our fabulous TCN Celebrants
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First of all, what is the role of the celebrant?
The role of a civil celebrant is to:
Here are some questions that you might consider when engaging a civil celebrant.
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Thank you for joining us....
?? We would love it if you would let us know what you think ?.
There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
?Click on the word "Comment" and go for it!
? Don't forget to subscribe ? to this blog - the "subscribe" button is up the top of the page ⇞⇞⇞ and the blog will magically ?? appear in your email inbox ?.
Also please feel free to share ? our blog on your social media ? so we can spread the love ?!
Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook & Twitter
ASK CELEBRANT BLOG:
Add a ceremony to your celebration!
Intuitively we know that a celebration is a way we mark important rites of passage.
Many Australians celebrate important events though, by having a booze-up and throwing in a few words towards the end. We have forgotten that the food and drink were meant to accompany the speeches or ceremony, not be the celebration itself.
Without a meaningful core to the gathering, a celebration may be boring and unsatisfying and more likely to lead to excessive eating and drinking.
Ceremony is an Act of Love - quality time spent together, a way of re-establishing that meaningful core to the event.
READ MORE
ASKACELEBRANT Honours ALL Mothers Everywhere!
Why celebrate with ceremony?
Because Mothers give of themselves in so many ways. Plan now for this Mothers Day. Give a Mothers’ Day Gift that is special and unique!
Within the very busy and time poor world of today, seldom do we take the time to honour some of the vital and important ‘things and people’ in our everyday lives.
True we celebrate Birthdays, Christmas, Weddings, and so on, but when it comes to expressions of love and gratitude to certain people, especially our parents, and particularly our Mothers . . . we are inclined to fall into the ‘commercial trappings’ . . . for up until now, there have been few alternative options.
Read more on:
https://www.celebrations.org.au/everyone/content/63-celebrate-mothers-day
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Most professional civil celebrants are professionals in private practice.
That is, unlike most religious celebrants, the civil celebrant has to cover all their costs of operating a home-based celebrancy practice from the fees they charge 'up-front' for their ceremonies, BEFORE they make an hourly rate for their work.
Consider:
Civil ceremonies and celebrations for significant life events - for individuals, couples, families or communities - are designed and delivered to provide an inclusive environment in which to
ASK A CELEBRANT BLOG: How often do we think "things" when considering a present for our parents, children or other family members and friends? Why not think about experiences that can never be repeated, that can bring pleasure to everyone, and to which everyone can donare the money to make it happen?
For the 55 and over age group "things" become less important, more things to dust and more things to say goodbye to when the time comes to downsize into a smaller place.
So why not make the celebration itself the gift?
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Having a skilled celebrant can mean the difference between an event being mediocre or an inspiring, memorable tribute to people who have a special place in our lives.
Like any good entertainer, the time a celebrant spends in front of the audience is only a very small fraction of the time spent in practice and acquiring the knowledge and skills to perform well.
A good celebrant is much more than a good performer. They need to be .. . . .
The changes to society in the last 200 years in western culture have brought many benefits, but also many negatives
ASK A CELEBRANT BLOG There are many things to consider in choosing a celebrant
Like a jigsaw puzzle, there are many things to consider before you have the full picture. Some people go on first impressions or “gut feelings”. Others choose on price – the least or most expensive. Yet others look for value for money.
Each of these on its own is rather limited when you consider the celebration can never be repeated!
But each has something valuable to consider, when trying to make the best decision for your situation.
Looking for an interesting Professional Development (OPD) experience?
Why not consider a One Day of our National TCN Inc Sydney Conference? Each day counts as 5 hours OPD provided you choose a 2 hour Compulsory Activity Option face-to-face at the Conference or online via TCN Forums, (starts 11/12 May) at no extra cost, for more choice
Of course you are also most welcome to join us for both days too.
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Although we all have our own unique encounters, it is these life moments that provide the essential basis for empathy and compassion to others. When combining these elements, it made perfect sense to choose a career as a celebrant.
After completing my Certificate IV in Celebrancy in June, I officially became a registered marriage celebrant on 23 August, 2014. Hooray!
Over the years, I have worn a few hats in my time - as an artist, writer, performer, teacher, administrator, coordinator and manager. Now I have chosen to specialise in life celebrations.
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Then as we begin to talk, it turns out that really what a couple don’t want is a ceremony or language that isn’t relevant to them.
They don’t want something that will make them feel awkward or embarrassed in being the centre of attention. Often they don’t realise that apart from the mandatory legal inclusions in a ceremony, there is no set way of doing things. Rather, with the guidance of an experienced, caring celebrant, there is freedom of choice to create a ceremony that makes them feel comfortable.
So whether your ceremony lasts for 10, 20 or 30 minutes, if it is about you and your story - then it can’t help but be the highlight of your wedding day – or as one of the first couples I married wrote:
“You made us realise that the ceremony was not just something that we “had to have” before our party began, but something that we “could have” and remember all our lives”
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I was born in Northern Ireland and came to Australia in 1975. Got married in Australia in 1975 and moved to Goulburn in 1976 with the intention of staying for the three years required by the Department of Education.
The Goulburn area certainly grew on us and it was a very good area to raise our three sons and for us to be part of a great rural community and so we are still here.
We now have five beautiful grandchildren in different parts of NSW.
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My wife and I were married by a Civil Celebrant in our back garden. I believe this was the catalyst that set me on the path of where I am today. After further study I received a Certificate in Funeral Celebrancy and another in Marriage Celebrancy and in 2009 was appointed as a Marriage Celebrant by the Attorney General.
My most special memory is of marrying a couple who had been together for many years. When the groom was diagnosed with cancer they chose to marry before he became too ill. I was then honoured a few months later when asked to perform the funeral service.
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The greatest thing about being a celebrant is meeting so many different people from all walks of life. What a privilege it is to formalise a couple's marriage or to welcome a new baby into the world! Ann believes that everyone should have a ceremony which truthfully expresses the importance of their particular life event.
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Celebrant's background
Christine says "I have run my own business for 25 years. Before that I was a specialist medical rep and also worked in recruitment for a while. I have worked with many different people on many different levels. I am also an author and I have several blogs about personal development."
What attracted you to celebrancy?
I decided to become a celebrant because I was concerned that many people had turned away from the church but still wanted to experience the spiritual content of their vows and the important rites of passage in life.
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Hi there! My name is Gina Callan and I am a Civil Marriage Celebrant living in Lyons in the ACT.
My professional background is varied but includes many years working as a Registered Nurse and then as a Government Administrator in Health and Ageing, time as a Community mediator, in disability care, and as a trainer and educator. I’ve managed complaints, taught first aid and facilitated accredited and non-accredited training courses.
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www.celebrants.org.au
Marzia Magris is a former Victorian Public Servant with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, with a Degree and Graduate Diploma in teaching, career counselor, school industry work experience and vocational learning. Marzia has 32 years as a professional educationalist having worked in secondary schools, and as an Executive Director of a not-for-profit program linking business and schools. Also active work in pioneering hospitality studies and early introduction to secondary schools with a background in food and hospitality she is author and writer of a VCE study and school/TAFE text for Hospitality studies and taught apprentice cooks at TAFE.
She was a Ministerial Adviser to the Minister for Education over a three year period and has been involved in many Victorian State education launches, events, openings, conferences and award ceremonies.
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Celebrants for adding a ceremony to you next special occasion
www.celebrants.org.au
Becoming a celebrant was something I have wanted to do for a number of years. I loved the idea of being part of celebrations which were joyous, positive and meaningful. However, it was only after I retired from my position as a school principal, I was able to find the time to devote to the training.
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Before becoming a registered celebrant in August of 2011, being a celebrant was not a career which had ever entered my mind. My pursuits up to then had revolved around sport - being a secondary school Physical Education/Science teacher and later having my own massage and personal training businesses.
A girlfriend of mine began a wedding planners course, and suggested I would make a good celebrant.
I was thinking about this question when someone recently suggested that civil ceremonies were a "cheap" option compared with the traditional church wedding. Really nothing could be further from the true reason people choose civil ceremonies. No matter where the ceremony is held, the cost of a wedding is determined by all the extras - dresses, flowers, photographs, cars, reception and so on, and these are usually the same whether the ceremony is civil or church.
No! The real reasons are about atmosphere and choice. For the couple who do not have strong connections with a church, the words, music and atmosphere of a church service can be alien. Whereas with a civil ceremony the couple can choose the time and day, their favourite location, the words and music for their ceremony and can make vows to eachother that are truly meaningful to them. This choice leads to a happy, relaxed atmosphere in which guests can really appreciate the love and commitment that the couple are showing towards each other. No wonder that civil marriage ceremonies, conducted by celebrants trained in both ceremonial and legal requirements, are the most popular ceremonies today.
This weeks featured celebrant is Marlee Bruinsma from the Gold Coast QLD.
When my first two children came along in rapid succession, I was working as a busy lawyer in a country practice in Victoria. As a new mother, I could not keep up with the frenetic (frenzied and frantic!) pace of my job, which seemed to require 60 to 80 hours of work each week, so I decided to take some time off to be with my children.
When they were a little older, I moved back to my home State – Queensland. Oh joy – no more wrapping them in layers of clothes against the cold – singlets and nappies were the order of the day and only one load of washing a day instead of three. Later came a couple more children and I was lucky to be able to settle on an acreage in the Gold Coast hinterland, close enough to the bright lights but also by the side of a creek, where we have platypus and fish, wallabies and koalas (and chickens!).
ASK A CELEBRANT - FEATURED CELEBRANT
"Sports over the years have played a major part of my life being as a player and as a committee member and I am a life member of a local football and sports club". shares Paul Watts from Perth WA.
"Over many years both family and friends have encouraged me to become a marriage Celebrant which I did and was registered in January 2010."
"I enjoy public speaking and over many years have been the Master of Ceremonies at numerous weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, funerals and various other occasions."
Read more about Paul and other celebrants in our ASK A CELEBRANT profiles and snapshots section.
ASK A CELEBRANT - FEATURED CELEBRANT
One of my first weddings was an outdoor wedding and the week leading up to the event had been cloudy, there had been afternoon storms and blustery winds. I asked my bride and groom what if it rained on the day.
They were a fairly young couple but just so amazing, mature and sensible.
This weeks featured celebrant is Glenda Ashurst from Brisbane QLD.
As a child I lived on a farm so it was therefore necessary to attend boarding school for my education. I was fortunate that extra tuition was available for Elocution and Drama training which I feel has stood me in good stead for projecting my voice and the ability to perform in front of a lot of people for presentation at ceremonies, even though I am still a little nervous. A colleague told me recently that was good because it meant I still cared about my couples and the quality of my work.
ASK A CELEBRANT BLOG: What did we do? from TCN Civil Funerl Celebrant Jan Woolrych
As we all know ‘things happen’ and we have no control of these things no matter how well we plan. Yesterday on the M1 from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane there was an accident which caused the M1 to be closed/blocked/diverted for around 3 hours. Hopefully those injured are on the mend. Our thoughts are with them and their families.
I was to conduct a Funeral Ceremony at Mt Thompson Crematorium (south of Brisbane) at 1.00pm and was travelling to Brisbane with the Funeral Director when we were caught in the traffic snarl.
ASKACELEBRANT BLOG: Christmas in Australia by TCNA Celebrant Member Eunice Phipps
Christmas in Australia is always so darn hot;
If we could build a snowman, he would melt right on the spot.
Christmas in Australia is never white with snow;
Its boiling in the coolest shade, no matter where we go.
Christmas in Australia means there is no fireplace;
For Santa to step out of, with soot upon his face.
Christmas in Australia means we can’t ride down hills on sleds;
We’d have to use a billy cart and brave the roads instead.
Christmas in Australia means we cannot skate on ice;
Unless we go to skating rinks, and pay a hefty price.
Christmas in Australia, not a snow plough to be seen;
We do have trucks that sweep the street, to keep our cities clean.
Christmas in Australia and not a single reindeer in sight;
Here Santa uses Kangaroos, to pull him through the night.
Christmas in Australia, Santa’s suit is way too hot;
But still we see him struggle on, he must really sweat a lot.
Christmas in Australia and it’s way too hot to cook;
Our Christmas lunch is shared with flies, who want our cold cooked chook.
Christmas in Australia means there is no snow ball fight;
I guess we could throw ping pong balls…. at least they would be white.
Christmas in Australia no chestnuts to roast upon the fire;
But we can buy boiled peanuts; if that is our desire.
Christmas in Australia no real fir trees to decorate;
We all use the store bought ones, and some look really great.
Christmas in Australia is as hot as hot can be;
But my Christmas in Australia, is the only place for me.
Because it’s shared with you my friend,
And my precious family.
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New Year!
by Eunice Phipps
This weeks featured celebrant is Pamela Fynan from Parramatta, NSW.
I live in the heart of Parramatta and grew up here, I went to school at Macarthur Girl’s High School. My Parents came from Millthorpe and Orange and moved to Camden in NSW before settling in Parramatta.
Mainly of a Scottish heritage I am a member of the Mackay Clan and I have relatives in Edinburgh Scotland.
I am Mother to two lovely Daughters and Nana to three beautiful Grandchildren.
I became interested in being a celebrant years ago. As a Justice of The Peace I like serving the Community. I did actually apply in the ‘80’s but there was a cap on the numbers and by the time the Attorney General contacted me years later I had changed direction.
ASK A CELEBRANT BLOG: (www.celebrants.org.au) Customer Satisfaction rankings - Australia’s leading business review website womo.com.au (word of mouth online) has released new research revealing civil celebrants in the nation’s top 10 best performers for customer satisfaction.
Interesting read. Thank you!