Port Kembla’s Tender Funerals, known for its highly personalised end-of-life services, opened its new branch in Canberra on August 29, adding a fresh perspective to the ACT’s death care industry.
The social enterprise has been redefining traditional funeral practices since 2016, offering authentic, meaningful, and affordable services that break away from the rigid norms of the industry.
Jo Malone was inspired to become Tender’s Funeral Director in Canberra after empathising deeply with those who wish to be actively involved in the memorial process, drawing from her own personal experiences with the loss of loved ones.
“When I was in my 20s when my dad died, he was 53 and I had to go through the whole experience of engaging with the funeral director,” Ms Malone said.
“He essentially told me ‘This is how it is, and you’re just going to do what we tell you to do.’”
“Then a couple of years later my grandfather died, and it was the same again. I felt like I didn’t have much of a say; it was all very much like a formula set out for me.”
Aware that some funerals can cost up to $15,000, Tender is dedicated to helping families manage financial stress without compromising on an experience that fosters meaningful bereavement.
The company acknowledges that the expense of funerals is driving many families into debt, or preventing them from providing the kind of send-off they truly want.
“We don’t put any margin on top of the cost of coffins, the burial, or cremation like many other agents would,” Ms Malone said.
“We are trying to demystify death and allow people to grieve their person fully and wholeheartedly – be it in a traditional right or a creative way.”
Stephanie Isvik, another Tender employee, agreed to speak on behalf of the company regarding the launch of their Canberra branch.
“Tender Funerals Australia is so excited about the opening of a new Tender Funerals in the Canberra Region,” Ms Isvik said.
“It has been the fruition of several years of work by Tender Funerals volunteers in Canberra supported by local funding partners and by Tender Funerals Australia and the Tender Funerals Network across Australia.”
“We’ve already done 2 funerals,” Ms Malone said.
Their first funeral took place in Canberra’s historic RAAF offices, honoring a unique final request. A former RAF officer requested for his service to take place in the building where his military journey began.
Tender Funerals, understanding the profound significance of such connections, assured him they would fulfill his wish, creating a deeply meaningful farewell.
It was a really beautiful service, and his grandkids were so involved in it, it was just really lovely,” Ms Malone said.
“The opening of our funeral services in Canberra will benefit so many people in this region who really want access to more affordable and meaningful funerals and death care,” said Ms Isvik.
“Tender is about empowering people, and Canberrans are all about empowerment and justice, so we think that they will embrace and support us” Ms Malone said, in a final statement.