Goodbye 2021 – this time last year we hoped you would behave far better than 2020 and you really let us down. We can only hope that you will tell 2022 that we are ready for improvements. Our esteemed Association Chairperson, Sonia Collins reminisces about this past year...
The Celebrants Network Inc - BLOG
This blog is updated by passionate celebrants. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss the latest from The Celebrants Network
More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
More Blog posts can be found in the Blog Categories to the right.
Dec
31
Aug
12
The Celebrants Network is a not-for-profit association for professional civil celebrants with a focus on promoting our celebrant members and also a range of ceremonies and celebrations to the public.
Our members are marriage celebrants, religious celebrants, memorial and funeral celebrants, family and naming celebrants, student celebrants and celebrants for all occasions.
In this post, Celebrant Susie Roberts takes us through 11 of the reasons why you should join us...
Jun
24
Insurance and copyright can be fairly confusing topics, but Celebrant Susie Roberts helps us make sense of it all...
Jun
09
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.
Apr
28
Having celebrant buddies is really important for a number of reasons. Celebrant Susie Roberts takes us through just a few...
Apr
15
How do celebrants keep their knowledge and skills up to date? How do a couple know that their celebrant has the knowledge to make sure their marriage is legal?
The answer to both questions is “professional development”. This week celebrant Sonia Collins discusses the importance of professional development for celebrants.
Mar
17
Having a skilled celebrant can mean the difference between an event being mediocre or being an inspiring, memorable tribute to people who have a special place in our lives....
Feb
24
Ever wondered what it is like to be a Marriage Celebrant? Celebrant and trainer, Karen Faa from Queensland explains it so well...
Dec
31
2020 - What a year! Sonia Collins, Celebrant and Chairperson of The Celebrants Network Inc looks back on how celebrants were affected this year.
Sep
17
COVID-19 has knocked all of us for six and it doesn’t appear that the situation will change anytime soon. Join celebrant Mel Lawson from Oberon in Victoria as she reflects on how Covid has affected our industry...
Aug
31
Jun
11
Apr
18
This month’s topic is about marketing ideas. There are a range of ways in which you can let people know of your services, and this blog will cover some of these ideas. However the current COVID-19 restrictions have drastically affected our work. So what should you be doing in the current climate? Celebrant and regular blogger Melanie Lawson from Oberon, NSW takes us through a few ideas...
Dec
11
Many of us feel anxious about public speaking or being the centre of attention. Added to this, if you are getting married to taking a central part in an important ceremony such as funeral or baby naming, you may have the added anxiety of getting your part ‘right’. The Celebrants Network's resident guest blogger, Mel Lawson is here to let us in on some ways to calm those nerves...
Aug
31
"Love; it will not betray you
Dismay or enslave you,
it will set you free"
Mumford and Sons
Each of these celebrants is offering you a credit for any ceremony if you call today to make a booking.
So, check out these amazing celebrants and get on the phone and start booking ………we are sharing the LOVE. 
Jan
09
Are you new to the celebrancy world? Trying to become more organised? or just wondering what a celebrant does? Check out guest blogger, Susie Roberts' list of everything a celebrant needs to plan to help keep you on track....
Sep
10
You're planning your wedding... a naming ceremony... an anniversary ceremony, but where do you start? Where do you find your ceremony inspiration? Here are a few good places to start...
May
28
TCN have an online stationery shop for all your celebrant needs. Hardback register folders; certificate presentation folders; stickers for embellishing your certificates; certificate envelopes, embossed certificate card in A5 & A4, badges and much more.....
Nov
14
Marriage Equality – a statement from the National Committee of the The Celebrants Network Inc
Today people across Australia have clearly shown their support for marriage equality and celebrant members of The Celebrants Network Inc welcome the fact that we are one step closer to enabling all loving couples to marry if that’s their choice.
TCN was founded in 2008 on human rights principles. It follows that we support the rights of all couples to marry, a right that is enjoyed already in more than 20 countries around the world.
Parliamentarians now have the responsibility to review and debate the Bills and Amendments that will come before them in the coming weeks. TCN will be watching the parliamentary deliberations with great interest. We look forward to debate that is respectful and thoughtful resulting in changes to the Marriage Act 1961 and marriage equality for all.
Sonia Collins
Chairperson, The Celebrants Network Inc
On behalf of the National Committee
Today people across Australia have clearly shown their support for marriage equality and celebrant members of The Celebrants Network Inc welcome the fact that we are one step closer to enabling all loving couples to marry if that’s their choice.
TCN was founded in 2008 on human rights principles. It follows that we support the rights of all couples to marry, a right that is enjoyed already in more than 20 countries around the world.
Parliamentarians now have the responsibility to review and debate the Bills and Amendments that will come before them in the coming weeks. TCN will be watching the parliamentary deliberations with great interest. We look forward to debate that is respectful and thoughtful resulting in changes to the Marriage Act 1961 and marriage equality for all.
Sonia Collins
Chairperson, The Celebrants Network Inc
On behalf of the National Committee
Sep
06
Simple ways to donate to charity
Charity doesn't have to be a huge grand gesture, costing you hundreds of dollars that you may not be able to spare.
Charity can come in many different forms...
Charity doesn't have to be a huge grand gesture, costing you hundreds of dollars that you may not be able to spare.
Charity can come in many different forms...
* Monetry donations
* Donations of your time
* Donations of goods or services
* Lending an ear
* Being able to feel empathy for people who are in a less fortunate situation to yourself
Here are some ways that you could help that you might not have thought of before.
If you're a celebrant or someone who offers wedding/celebration services you could donate a percentage of each ceremony to a nominated charity. Either choose a charity that is important to you or you could work with each individual client and decide together where that particular contribution will go.
If you're someone who is having a ceremony/event you could...
- Have one, two or three tip jars - each labelled with a different charity... let people either donate money directly, or give each person a token to put into the preferred jar and you donate that amount to each charity at the end.
- Ask your guests for donations to a chosen charity in lui of gifts
- Make it a themed event where your guests pay a gold coin to join in - all proceeds go to the charity of your choice.
This is how you "Party with a Purpose"
For more information about partying with a purpose - check out our website
And if you'd like to speak to a celebrant to help you with your next celebration - simply click HERE
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Sep
01
"I hope you don't mind
that I put down in words
How wonderful this life is
while you're in the world"
Elton John
Each of these celebrants is offering you a credit for any ceremony if you call today to make a booking.
So, check out these amazing celebrants and get on the phone and start booking .... #sharethelove
Sonia Collins - Batemans Bay, NSW
Fiona Hall - Central Coast, NSW
You can find all our other fabulous celebrants HERE
Thank you for being a part of TCN's Day of Love
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Thank you for joining us....
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Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Thank you for being a part of TCN's Day of Love
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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!
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Apr
08
Getting Married in Australia - The Legals
The Marriage Act of 1961 says that you must comply with these six things below in order to get married in Australia:
1. your relationship must be between a man and a woman
2. you must be 18 years of age or over
The Marriage Act of 1961 says that you must comply with these six things below in order to get married in Australia:
1. your relationship must be between a man and a woman
2. you must be 18 years of age or over
(Under rare circumstances, a person between the age of 16 and 18 can marry, provided their prospective marriage partner is 18 years or over, and the couple have been granted permission by a Court)
3. you must not be married to anyone else
4. you cannot marry a person who is your antecedent or descendant by marriage or adoption
5. you must both be capable of and give free consent to marry the other
3. you must not be married to anyone else
4. you cannot marry a person who is your antecedent or descendant by marriage or adoption
5. you must both be capable of and give free consent to marry the other
6. you must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form with your celebrant no earlier than 18 months and no later than 1 month before your ceremony
(A prescribed authority may authorise a marriage where a NOIM form is lodged within one month of the date of the ceremony - ask your celebrant for details)
So, if you can say yes to all six of the Marriage Act rules, or you have been granted the necessary permissions, then you are clear to start planning with your celebrant.
Making the union legal between you and your partner can sometimes be a confusing business which is why it's a great idea to #AskaCelebrant and they will explain all the requirements to ensure your marriage is legally valid.
You can find a TCN Celebrant in your area through the TCN website.
Your celebrant must also sight original forms of your ID and divorce/death certificates (not photocopies) before the ceremony can take place.
Some legal things that you might not know:
It is an offence, punishable with fines and/or jail time:
* for a person to go ahead with their marriage when the haven't complied with the 6 rules stated above and for a celebrant if they knew and solomnised the marriage anyway
* for a couple or a celebrant to falsify documents, by giving false information or backdating forms and certificates
* for a person who is not an authorised celebrant to solemnise a marriage
* for an interpreter to give false information
During the ceremony
The celebrant must state that they are authorised to solemnise marriages according to the law, and recite the monitum - which literally means "warning" that informs a wedding couple of the legal expectation of the binding nature of marriage within Australia, then the couple states that they want to become legally married to each other.
This all has to be done in front of your celebrant and 2 witnesses who are over 18.
This all has to be done in front of your celebrant and 2 witnesses who are over 18.
To conclude the ceremony, you, your celebrant and your witnesses sign three certificates and then your paperwork is sent off to the BDM in the state your ceremony took place to be registered.
And that's it! It's that simple!
FAQ:
What about if I want to surprise my fiance and organise the wedding without them knowing?
I'm sorry, but this just can't happen.
You can surprise your guests, but both people who are getting married must have full knowledge and be in agreement at least one full month before the ceremony date.
Can I marry my first cousin?
Yes, you can.
You can surprise your guests, but both people who are getting married must have full knowledge and be in agreement at least one full month before the ceremony date.
Can I marry my first cousin?
Yes, you can.
Will my name be changed after the ceremony?
No, If you choose to change your name after you are married, you can automatically take your partner's surname without doing anything. You can officially change your name, by going into government departments - Passport Office, Department of Transport, your bank, Medicare, etc, however.... you will first need to obtain an official marriage certificate from the BDM in the state you were married in.
The pretty certificate you get on the day is a legal document that shows you are married but is not accepted by government departments and others for changing your name.
Read More Information Here
If you have any questions relating to legally getting married in Australia, you can find one right here: Find a TCN Celebrant
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There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
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Please use this ? link: https://www.celebrations.org.au/blog when you share. ?
Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
If you have any questions relating to legally getting married in Australia, you can find one right here: Find a TCN 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!
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Mar
23
TCN's Party with a Purpose initiative is all about adding purpose to your party. Yes it's fine to have a glass of champas and a slab of cake, but it's important to remember why we're there - to show our love and appreciation for the Guest of Honour.
Here are some practical ways that you could add more purpose to your party.....
First of all, put the cake down.
* Offer a gift - but not just the flowers you picked up last minute from the petrol station with little-to-no thought - a real, 'I've put a lot of thought into this' gift that shows your Guest of Honour that you truly do care about them.
* Offer to arrange the party rather than just turn up for the free food and drink
* Organise something special for the Guest of Honour - eg: fly in a relative they haven't seen for years
* Make a speech honouring the Guest of Honour
* Engage a TCN Celebrant to create a beautiful ceremony
* Offer a gift - but not just the flowers you picked up last minute from the petrol station with little-to-no thought - a real, 'I've put a lot of thought into this' gift that shows your Guest of Honour that you truly do care about them.
* Offer to arrange the party rather than just turn up for the free food and drink
* Organise something special for the Guest of Honour - eg: fly in a relative they haven't seen for years
* Make a speech honouring the Guest of Honour
* Engage a TCN Celebrant to create a beautiful ceremony
Image Source: Pixabay
"I thought Party with a Purpose was to do with charities.... Where does the charity part come in?" I hear you ask.
The second initiative of TCN's Party with a Purpose is to utilise these types of gatherings as an opportunity to help raise money for a charity.
TCN gives our members the opportunity to choose and sponsor a charity on our website. The charity is then given exposure not only in our website directory, but also on our social media pages as well.
So, how can you help?
I'm glad you asked.... When you're organising this fabulous party, you could ask the Guest of Honour who their favourite charity is..... then think of ways in which you could incorporate the party and raising money.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Have a dress-up party where the guests pay a donation on entry
2. Run fun raffles and games throughout the party
3. Ask your guests to give donations instead of gifts
4. Instead of giving each wedding guest a bonbonniere, donate to a charity in their name
5. Sell tokens that guests can then put into jars labelled with different charities - choosing which one they like the best
Image Source: Pixabay
Giving is such a great feeling and knowing that you've participated in an event that will follow on to help others is an even better feeling.
Find out how you can sponsor a charity on TCN's website - click HERE
More ideas about how to Party with a Purpose - click HERE
Talk to a TCN Celebrant about assisting you in arranging a fabulous Party with a Purpose ceremony - click HERE
I'm glad you asked.... When you're organising this fabulous party, you could ask the Guest of Honour who their favourite charity is..... then think of ways in which you could incorporate the party and raising money.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Have a dress-up party where the guests pay a donation on entry
2. Run fun raffles and games throughout the party
3. Ask your guests to give donations instead of gifts
4. Instead of giving each wedding guest a bonbonniere, donate to a charity in their name
5. Sell tokens that guests can then put into jars labelled with different charities - choosing which one they like the best
Image Source: Pixabay
Giving is such a great feeling and knowing that you've participated in an event that will follow on to help others is an even better feeling.
Find out how you can sponsor a charity on TCN's website - click HERE
More ideas about how to Party with a Purpose - click HERE
Talk to a TCN Celebrant about assisting you in arranging a fabulous Party with a Purpose ceremony - click HERE
We'd also love to hear your ideas about how you add purpose to your parties.... please feel free to add a comment below or jump into the conversation on Facebook
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Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
Thank you for joining us....
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There is a comment section ? at the bottom ⬇ of the blog for you to do just that.
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Mar
22
I know it's still March and I never like to wish any part of the year away, but April is Poetry Month and I wanted to get a head start.....
Following is a blog that was written by TCN's esteemed Committee Treasurer, Civil Celebrant and all round lovely lady - Susan Roberts and I thought it was the most fitting blog post to share with you today.
April - the Month of Poetry
Poems play a very important part in all of the ceremonies we celebrants perform.
Following is a blog that was written by TCN's esteemed Committee Treasurer, Civil Celebrant and all round lovely lady - Susan Roberts and I thought it was the most fitting blog post to share with you today.
April - the Month of Poetry
Poems play a very important part in all of the ceremonies we celebrants perform.
A poem that has been carefully selected, can add a depth to your ceremony. A great poem can add a touch of humour, a gentle romantic touch, a spiritual tone or a sense of solemn respect, and so much more.
It can express a parent’s love for their child at a baby naming, a couple’s love and commitment in a wedding ceremony or renewal of vows, and showcase a life in a funeral ceremony.
The big question is, how do you selection poems.
One really workable suggestion is to build up a collection of poems to offer your clients, and to add to the collection all of the time to keep your selections fresh and appealing.
I keep mine in different folders to make it easier to pick the best poem for the ceremony: modern love poems, classic love poems, naming poems, funeral poems, etc., and make sure that you follow the copyright laws, and always, always, always acknowledge the poet.
Fortunately, there are lots of tools online to help.
Here are just a couple of wedding poem lists after a quick Google search:
- The Poetry Foundation offers a small list that covers classical and offbeat poems.
www.poetryfoundation.org - A Practical Wedding lists these “non-cheesy” poems.
apracticalwedding.com
And three funeral poetry guides :
- FamilyFriendPoems , a website dedicated to Poetry, has a great section on Funeral poetry.
www.familyfriendpoems.com - FuneralHelper has a collection of Non Religious Poetry.
www.funeralhelper.org - LastingPost has a vast number of poems and readings.
www.lastingpost.com
Naming day poems are always very personal to the parents,
and often the parents have researched and selected the poem for themselves.
- PoemSource is a great place to start.
www.poemsource.com
On the Forum Board on our TCN website, there is a New Forum Topic which is available for TCN members to put links to your favourite poems.
So, can you hop online, find your favourite poem and add the link to this Forum, and we will end up with a great resource section of poetry for all occasions.
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Apr
22
Anzac Day this week has really made me think about our history and in particular, the history of TCN, and who better to chat to about it than the founder and now life member of The Celebrants Network Inc - Rona Goold.
What is your background in celebrancy?
I was appointed a Commonwealth Civil Marriage Celebrant at the age of 42, after working in schools and the health department in a range of roles. I was looking for a career that used my skills and talents, as well as give me the flexibility to work when I chose.
The goal was probably achievable given that a substantial number of celebrants were making a wage from the work - the statistics in 1995 indicated that celebrants averaged 64 weddings per celebrant per year, nothing like the 10-11 average now.
Although I had extensive experience from my previous careers, I had no training in business knowledge and skills. Also, as a government appointee, one could not ‘tout for business’. One could not advertise in any way that made you stand out from another celebrant, a simple White or Yellow pages line was permissible as was a single line in the Public Notices of a local paper, Nothing more.
Jul
14
When you hear somebody talking about how meaningful the ceremony was, what does that actually mean?
Where does the meaning come from?
Does everybody who participates take away the same meaningful message?
Your ceremony might be more community centered, bringing the people of your town or city together to celebrate or to mourn or to remember. The meaning comes from the shared emotion felt amongst your community.
Perhaps your ceremony is about welcoming a new child into your family. The meaning of which will be intensely personal to you and your family members.
You might be holding a ceremony to celebrate the end of an educational pursuit - the meaning in your graduation culminates from all the hard work that you've put in. There are feelings of pride and acommplishment for what you've achieved.
When I started thinking about how we, as celebrants create meaningful ceremonies I wondered where we get our inspiration from and the answer is - from the very people we are performing the ceremony for.
The meaning comes from you; your story, your love, your loss, your dreams, your past and your future.
The meaning in a ceremony is different for every person, every couple and every family. No two ceremonies are alike, which is why your celebrant takes the time to get to know you and to learn your story. Creating a ceremony that is both unique and meaningful to the couple or family is not a simple task and takes empathy, knowledge, experience, care and time.
Here are some suggestions to how you could add meaning to your ceremony:
Add music
a favourite piece of the family member who has passed away; or a song that you and your partner love and feel tells your love story.
Add poetry
writing your own piece of poetry adds extra meaning becuase you have dedicated time and thought into how you feel. Although, sometimes you find just the right words, that explain exactly how you feel have already been written by somebody else - which is fine as long as you credit their work.
Add a ritual
for some people, participating in a ritual makes what you are celebrating or mourning much deeper and heartfelt; It can help you to feel more connected.
Add a cultural element
the meaning will come from the pride you feel about your home and the traditions that you can share.
Stay true to who you are
your wedding doesn't become more meaningful based on how much money you spend on your reception.
Meaningful ceremonies take place when you are together, sharing a moment with the most important people in your life.
Why not contact one of our fabulous TCN Celebrants and let us create meaning ceremonies for you.
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Nov
15
tolerance
ˈtɒl(ə)r(ə)ns/
noun
noun: tolerance; plural noun: tolerances
1. the ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
This week on the 16th November is the International Day of Tolerance.
The lovely thing about civil celebrants and civil celebrations is that they are all inclusive. They promote respect for people’s differences in religion, gender, sexual preference, race, cultural background, economic status, football team, icecream flavour and whether or not they want a traditional wedding or an elopement. Civil celebrants don't judge.
The most important thing to us is that there are two consenting adults:
Who are both 18 years old
Who are not married to other people
Who are not directly related to each other
Who have been able to provide required ID
Who have given the required one month notice
Anything beyond that is simply not our business to judge.
Civil marriage ceremonies aim to focus on the couple's love and life together, rather than on their religious beliefs or cultural traditions or that of their families. Civil celebrantions are all about tolerance and respect and acceptance - the clue is right there in the name - 'civil'. Having said that, if couples would like to include their religion or their cultural traditions into the ceremony, then that can be catered for as well. There are no rules on what you can add to your legal ceremony - that's the beauty of a civil ceremony!
When one partner belongs to one religion and the other to another or to none at all, a civil ceremony is the perfect solution to declaring their love and becoming married in a ceremony that welcomes everybody without discrimination. Even if your guests don’t agree with your choices, they can still enjoy the meaningful ceremony created by a civil celebrant.
Civil funerals allow a person’s family and friends to mourn their loss in a respectful ceremony, where those who do not understand
the deceased person’s specific religion are able to fully engage with the meaning and intent of that ceremony of transition.
Supporting Marriage Equality
Acknowledging your support for marriage equality during your own marriage ceremony is becoming quite popular for those couples who believe that everybody should have the same rights - click HERE for suggestions as to how you could include a statement into your ceremony.
If you are thinking that you’d like be more tolerant of others, but are not sure how to put it into practise, click HERE for some simple and effective ideas.
If you'd like to speak with a civil celebrant who you can be sure is tolerant and accepting of people of all walks of life, then please head to our directory and find a TCN Celebrant in your area.
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Sep
13
The Celebrants Network Incorporated is a celebrant based non-profit community association promoting civil ceremonies and celebrations.
Civil ceremonies and celebrations uphold the values of a civilised society - respecting and supporting all people in its jurisdiction.
Today is Australia’s Citizenship Day. Australian citizenship is more than a legal status. It is our common bond that represents our shared democratic beliefs and gives us a sense of belonging and need to work for our common good as a nation.
This Day provides a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to reflect on the meaning and importance of Australian values such as a “Fair Go”, looking out for the 'underdog', government by democratic processes - for the people and by the people - respect for all people without discrimination, upholding civil and human rights and our rights and responsibilities with justice under law.
• TCN supports Marriage Equality
and
• TCN supports Religious Tolerance
Section 47 of Australia's Marriage Act 1961 allows Ministers of Religion and independent religious celebrants to refuse to marry any couple on any grounds. Therefore it is possible for Australia as a whole to support both religious tolerance and marriage equaility as TCN does.
Now that the Marriage Equality plebiscite has been announced, what can we as celebrants do to help to inform the public about marriage law and reduce the predicted hateful and discriminatory debates?
TCN has created a Fact Sheet on the Marriage Act 1961 to assist in understanding how religious celebrants already have exemptions under the Act.
One of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as Australian Citizens is to VOTE
As free people, we can play our part in deciding how our nation is governed, what services our government revenue is spent upon and what laws are made to balance our freedom and safety as individuals, families and communities.
As free people, we can play our part in deciding how our nation is governed, what services our government revenue is spent upon and what laws are made to balance our freedom and safety as individuals, families and communities.
Few opportunities come along in our lifetimes where we can change unfair laws directly, by referendum or plebiscite.
Are you registered to vote?
Are your children and eligible grandchildren registered to vote?
Are your children and eligible grandchildren registered to vote?
The Marriage Equality plebiscite will be democracy in action.
While the plebiscite result will not be binding on the government, each and every vote is vitally important.
Voting is one way we can uphold our Australian values of a "fair go" and ensure our civil laws are upheld for all.
* __________________________________________________________ *
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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 ?!
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Jul
14
We are all familiar with the trend in funerals for the family to request a donation to the deceased favourite charity or non-profit.
But what about other ceremonies?
A couple being first married in their fifties did this. Both had all the households goods they needed, and no prospect of having a family of their own. So instead of taking pot-luck with gifts, or having a Gift Registry, these lovely people chose to ask their guests to contribute to a group gift to their preferred charity. Their choice was to fund a year long literacy program for an under-privileged child, knowing this would make a huge difference to that child’s future. The celebrant coordinated the receipt of monies and announced the amount raised as part of the marriage ceremony.
But what about other ceremonies?
A couple being first married in their fifties did this. Both had all the households goods they needed, and no prospect of having a family of their own. So instead of taking pot-luck with gifts, or having a Gift Registry, these lovely people chose to ask their guests to contribute to a group gift to their preferred charity. Their choice was to fund a year long literacy program for an under-privileged child, knowing this would make a huge difference to that child’s future. The celebrant coordinated the receipt of monies and announced the amount raised as part of the marriage ceremony.
The community or group gift goes back a long way in our cultural history. Combining resources or recycling goods for the next generation was really important. The marrying couple were setting up home together for the first time so in great need of household goods. Not so these days.
Rather the reverse. In this lucky country, we need to consider whether materialism is creating more kind, respectful and compassionate people. Perhaps there are opportunities for various birthdays and wedding anniversaries for the guest/s of honour to nominate the charity or non-profit of choice to have the benefit of the get-together.
Rather the reverse. In this lucky country, we need to consider whether materialism is creating more kind, respectful and compassionate people. Perhaps there are opportunities for various birthdays and wedding anniversaries for the guest/s of honour to nominate the charity or non-profit of choice to have the benefit of the get-together.
With our youngsters, this could be way of allowing them to learn the benefits of giving by allowing them to nominate a birthday or perhaps simply organise a party where the aim is to fund-raise. The skills learned and the sense of achievement are wonderful gifts for our children and grandchildren - gifts for life. Rather than some toys that are soon forgotten.
TCN has a special project called “Party with a Purpose” to encourage families to emphasise the purpose of a ceremony or party by group giving as well as engaging a TCN celebrant to make the occasion extra special. Learn more about Party With A Purpose here.
Why not contact our TCN Celebrants to ensure a stress free ceremony.
* __________________________________________________________ *
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. ?
* __________________________________________________________ *
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 ?!
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& 
Mar
20
Firstly we would like to offer a massive thank you to the committee members for 2015-2016 for your participation, your enthusiasm and your dedication.
Some of the highlights from the past year include:
* The participation in the Mardi Gras Fair Day, which enhanced our standing in not only the LGBTI community, but the community at large, showing that TCN stands for equal and human rights for all people.
* The creation of our brand new and improved website - more user friendly and easier to navigate, while still housing all the resources, articles, directories and forums that you could ever need.
* Our wonderful two day conference at the Novotel in Darling Harbour Sydney where our members met with old and new friends, heard some fabulous inspiring speakers and completed their annual professional development obligations.
TCN is a national organisation that primarily communicates online, so it is possible for everyone to join in and participate in discussions and projects no matter where you are in Australia. We are also continuing to build up a strong presence on social media with pages on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram
Our TCN Committee is a group of volunteers committed to supporting our members as well as strengthening the professionalism and expertise of all civil celebrants through our active involvement in the peak body, CoCA.
TCN members elect a new committee each year at the AGM in March, and we are very happy to welcome our new Committee for 2016-2017.
We very much look forward to a year of community, harmony, OPD days and special projects throughout the year.
All celebrants and non-celebrant Affiliates are welcome to join TCN - Visit our webpage and see the fabulous resources and benefits we offer our Members.