Welcome
This blog is a space where I share reflections, guidance, and resources to support you through times of loss and remembrance.
Here, you’ll find articles on meaningful memorial service ideas, unique venues across Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula, as well as stories and insights from my work as a funeral celebrant.
My hope is that these writings offer comfort, inspiration, and practical help - whether you’re planning a service, looking for ways to honour a loved one, or simply seeking understanding around grief and memory.
It’s fair to say that some weeks, I spend more time at Centennial Park than anywhere else. And I don't mind that one bit.
There’s something about turning in through the entrance on Goodwood Road - that familiar statue standing tall, two hands reaching for one another that brings an immediate sense of calm. I’ve often said it feels like entering sacred ground. A place of beauty, peace, and presence. Every time I drive in, I take a deep breath and feel content. That’s the magic of Centennial Park.
As a funeral celebrant, I’ve come to know the grounds and the people at Centennial Park very well. What draws families here, time and again, is not just the functionality of the space, though it certainly has that in spades - but the feeling it offers. It’s a place that understands grief, honours life, and holds people gently.
One of the most practical and beautiful aspects of Centennial Park is its versatility. There are three chapels on-site, each catering to different needs, as well as a recently upgraded Jubilee Complex Foyer that accommodates much larger services. The Jubilee Complex Foyer now boasts impressive audio-visual capabilities, big screens, and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s a stunning option for families expecting large crowds, up to 800 people.
Of all the chapels, the one closest to my heart is the Mawson Chapel. It’s the smallest of the three, but there’s a quiet magic about it. The focal point is the water and surrounding gardens just beyond the glass, and when the light streams in at just the right time of day, often landing on the coffin like a soft spotlight, I can’t help but think what a comfort that must be for those sitting inside. I love the intimacy. The stonework. The warmth. Beyond the buildings, there are outdoor spaces that are equally special, perfect for memorials or services under the sky.
No matter the season, Centennial Park seems to be in bloom. Even in winter, something is always flowering. It’s the kind of place where nature speaks gently, reminding us of the cycles of life, the beauty in change, and the presence of those we’ve loved and lost. But perhaps the most extraordinary part of Centennial Park is the people who work there. The team behind the scenes is like a well-oiled machine, handling every detail with grace and professionalism. They manage all the audio, video, and photo presentations with ease, but it’s the little touches that stand out: matching candle colours to reflect the personality of the person we’re honouring, finding just the right easel or pedestal for a family’s treasured photo or special item, and making sure there’s always water on hand for speakers and celebrants. (And I’ll admit, the stash of Mentos never goes unappreciated.)
They’re warm, welcoming, and deeply experienced. You feel like you’re in good hands - because you are. I suppose, in the end, I’m especially fond of Centennial Park because it also holds personal meaning for me. It’s where my Nanna and Poppa now rest, nestled in the rose garden. I often find myself popping over after a service, giving their photo a little spit and polish, and saying a quiet “hello.” It’s comforting to know they’re somewhere so beautiful and cared for.
So yes, I really do love CP, as we in the industry affectionately call it. It’s more than a cemetery. It’s a place of peace, connection, and quiet strength. And I feel privileged to spend so much time within its grounds, walking alongside families as they say goodbye. Thinking of Centennial Park for a Loved One’s Service? If you’re considering holding a memorial service at Centennial Park and want guidance creating a service that truly reflects your loved one, I’d be honoured to support you.
Feel free to get in touch for a warm, obligation-free chat - whether you’re planning ahead or navigating things in the moment.
Let’s honour their life, their way.