Natural Grace Australia

05/06/2026

We are pleased to share this beautifully written piece by our friends at Preparing The Way.

Voluntary assisted dying affects everyone in the circle. What families, carers and end of life doulas need to know about VAD grief.

02/06/2026

At Natural Grace, we’ve always believed that a final farewell should look and feel just like the person it’s for. It should reflect exactly how they lived, who they loved, and the values they held close.

This Pride Month (and truly, every single day) we want to take a moment to honour the lives, the beautiful relationships, and the unique stories of the LGBTQIA+ community. Love, family, and belonging come in so many different forms, and every single one of them is valid, beautiful, and worth celebrating.

Our door and our hearts are always open. We’re here to listen, to care, and to make sure you and your people are seen and looked after with nothing but kindness, understanding, and grace.

01/06/2026

There are some losses that change a family forever.

Our newest blog gently shares the heart behind our care for families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, and the death of a child, and why compassionate, family-led support matters so deeply.

A tender reflection on grief, love, and meaningful farewells.

We warmly invite you to read the blog
https://naturalgrace.com.au/creating-gentle-pathways-when-a-baby-or-child-dies/

27/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect, listen, learn, and walk together with greater understanding, respect, and care.

At Natural Grace, we honour the deep cultural wisdom, traditions, and continuing connection to Country held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise that reconciliation is not a single moment, but an ongoing journey of truth-telling, compassion, and meaningful action.

As we gather to remember and honour the lives of those we love, we also acknowledge the importance of creating space for all stories, voices, and cultural practices to be held with dignity and respect.

This week invites each of us to slow down, deepen our understanding, and consider how we can contribute to a more connected and compassionate future for our communities.

26/05/2026

A day to remember the children of the Stolen Generations, and to acknowledge the pain, disconnection, and enduring impacts experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the forced removal of children from their family, culture, and communities.

It is also a day to recognise the strength of survivors, their resilience, and the importance of continuing to listen with openness, humility, and care.

The Native Hibiscus, worn as a symbol of National Sorry Day, speaks to remembrance, endurance, and the ongoing journey of healing.

As we move towards National Reconciliation Week, may we each take time to reflect on our shared history and consider how we can contribute to a more respectful, compassionate, and connected future.

20/05/2026

A common question we are asked is: what’s the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

A funeral service involves having the body or coffin present at the service, whereas a memorial service is held without the body, usually after the cremation or burial. Ashes may also be present at a memorial service.

Both offer meaningful ways to honour and celebrate your person’s life, as every farewell is unique. Understanding your options can help you create a personal goodbye with care, authenticity, and intention.

If you have questions on your mind, please reach out. We are always here to offer gentle guidance, support, and understanding.

14/05/2026

Compassionate, sustainable funeral and after-death care during palliative care, offering dignity, informed choices, and gentle support at home for all families.

06/05/2026

Many people wonder what unfolds behind the scenes within the mortuary while they wait to be reunited with their loved one. At Natural Grace we call the deceased our guests and our mortuary our spa as we believe everyone deserves one last pampering!

For our holistic mortician, Sophie Maher, it is the deepest privilege and a sacred trust to tend to each of our guests. She is involved from the start, transferring each person into our care at our Beresfield Sanctuary, safely tucking them up ready to be prepared for their families.

With a profound respect, she starts with lighting a candle then personally bathes each guest with warm running water and goats milk soap, finishing off with a pinch of rose or sandalwood talcum powder, making sure their body is relaxed and smells amazing.

Depending on the family, Sophie also takes loving keepsakes such as locks of hair or hand/fingerprints, giving each family a meaningful memento to cherish.
Next Sophie dresses them in their outfit of choice, sometimes even left in their birthday suit if requested, and then she gently settles them into their coffin or shroud ready to reunite them with their people.

Each guest is prepared ensuring every thoughtful detail is honoured, and their inherent dignity upheld. This tender care embraces natural methods, respectfully avoiding invasive procedures or harsh chemicals, allowing the body to be honoured in its most authentic state.

Families are always invited to participate in a ritual wash and dress in our vigil space, or we can even provide support for home-based death care if caring for your loved one at home feels right for you.

If you have any questions for Sophie, please don’t hesitate to ask below or contact us directly. 💚

05/05/2026

Have you heard of a "living funeral"?

As voluntary assisted dying and "death literacy" grow in Australia, more people are choosing to celebrate their lives with their loved ones while they are still present to hear the tributes.

We wanted to share this moving piece in that details the beautiful living wake of legendary broadcaster James Valentine. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of saying what needs to be said while we still can. A celebration of a life lived with humor, joy, and immense love.

Full article via The Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/give-me-your-love-so-i-can-take-it-with-me-james-valentine-s-living-funeral-20260423-p5zqes.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawRXm4ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGLAu4HjeZS4-VFAQp6jenTrLvub-ke-slMnaWOxHspf9Na6-XpYpCy4_yQw_aem_0iAMa4YWDI5CO5Px3WTk1Q&utm_source=theage-web&utm_medium=share_article&utm_campaign=lifestyle&utm_content=visitor&utm_term=product_feature

02/05/2026

For those carrying the weight of loss, we gently acknowledge you.

On Bereaved Mother’s Day, we consciously hold space for the mothers whose love continues, even in absence. Your connection, your care, and your motherhood remain, embraced with deep tenderness and enduring grace, just as we walk alongside families every day.

This day may bring many emotions, and we believe there is no single 'right' way to move through it. We encourage you to take the time and space you need, in whatever way feels most supportive and authentic to your journey.

Take a quiet moment to write the name of your child on a paper heart and hold it close as a tribute of love and remembrance, or we invite you to comment the name of your child on this post if you would like to share.

We are here to walk alongside you, offering warmth, understanding, and gentle support, today, and always. You are truly not alone 💚