Funeral celebrant Roy Francis convinced Messenger that just as his wife was entitled to a civil celebrant marriage, she was similarly entitled to a civil celebrant funeral. Some 200 people attended and many urged Messenger to continue the work as "much more important than weddings." Messenger credits Dennis Perry, then brother in law of Helen Francis, of being a decisive influence. From this time on some marriage celebrants began to quietly and carefully officiate at funerals when they were asked to do so. On Tuesday 3 May 1977 a group, consisting of some authorised marriage celebrants and some other persons formed an
A Start in Life has provided over AU$13.3 million in support to more than 6,500 students, from pre-school through to university. The students are typically referred to A Start in Life by welfare agencies including Department of Family and Community Services (New South Wales), local community groups across Australia, schools and other educational institutions, or are self-referred. The Charity has Deductible Gift Recipient status and is Income Tax and FBT exempt. A Start in Life's mission is to assist young Australians in necessitous circumstances to overcome the barriers to their education, enabling them to reach their potential. The Charity proposes that by improving the