'You can't take the body home': sacred death ritual helped family's grief
When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan.
She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days.
Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason.
Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home.
"Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said.
"Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen."
Ms Mason found people to help.
"I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it.
"And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow."
Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care".
This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death".
"Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret.
"It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice."
Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home.
"We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said.
"Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation."
Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful".
Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body.
"Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said.
"I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her."
Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care".
"In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said.
"These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial."
Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral.
John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia".
He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death".
"It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort.
"This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices."
As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met".
Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials".
"They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said.
Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process".
"In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace.
"Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief."
Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved.
Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people.
She lived with "love, laughter and light".
When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan.
She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days.
Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason.
Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home.
"Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said.
"Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen."
Ms Mason found people to help.
"I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it.
"And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow."
Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care".
This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death".
"Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret.
"It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice."
Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home.
"We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said.
"Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation."
Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful".
Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body.
"Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said.
"I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her."
Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care".
"In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said.
"These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial."
Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral.
John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia".
He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death".
"It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort.
"This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices."
As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met".
Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials".
"They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said.
Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process".
"In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace.
"Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief."
Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved.
Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people.
She lived with "love, laughter and light".
When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan.
She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days.
Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason.
Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home.
"Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said.
"Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen."
Ms Mason found people to help.
"I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it.
"And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow."
Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care".
This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death".
"Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret.
"It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice."
Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home.
"We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said.
"Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation."
Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful".
Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body.
"Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said.
"I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her."
Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care".
"In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said.
"These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial."
Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral.
John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia".
He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death".
"It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort.
"This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices."
As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met".
Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials".
"They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said.
Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process".
"In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace.
"Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief."
Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved.
Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people.
She lived with "love, laughter and light".
When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan.
She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days.
Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason.
Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home.
"Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said.
"Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen."
Ms Mason found people to help.
"I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it.
"And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow."
Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care".
This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death".
"Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret.
"It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice."
Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home.
"We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said.
"Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation."
Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful".
Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body.
"Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said.
"I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her."
Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care".
"In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said.
"These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial."
Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral.
John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia".
He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death".
"It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort.
"This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices."
As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met".
Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials".
"They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said.
Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process".
"In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace.
"Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief."
Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved.
Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people.
She lived with "love, laughter and light".
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The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'You can't take the body home': sacred death ritual helped family's grief
When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan. She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days. Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason. Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home. "Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said. "Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen." Ms Mason found people to help. "I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it. "And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow." Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care". This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death". "Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret. "It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice." Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home. "We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said. "Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation." Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful". Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body. "Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said. "I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her." Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care". "In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said. "These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial." Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral. John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia". He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death". "It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort. "This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices." As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met". Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials". "They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said. Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process". "In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace. "Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief." Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved. Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people. She lived with "love, laughter and light". When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan. She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days. Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason. Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home. "Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said. "Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen." Ms Mason found people to help. "I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it. "And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow." Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care". This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death". "Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret. "It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice." Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home. "We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said. "Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation." Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful". Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body. "Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said. "I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her." Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care". "In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said. "These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial." Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral. John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia". He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death". "It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort. "This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices." As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met". Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials". "They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said. Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process". "In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace. "Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief." Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved. Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people. She lived with "love, laughter and light". When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan. She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days. Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason. Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home. "Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said. "Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen." Ms Mason found people to help. "I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it. "And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow." Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care". This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death". "Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret. "It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice." Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home. "We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said. "Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation." Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful". Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body. "Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said. "I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her." Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care". "In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said. "These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial." Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral. John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia". He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death". "It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort. "This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices." As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met". Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials". "They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said. Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process". "In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace. "Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief." Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved. Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people. She lived with "love, laughter and light". When Jennifer Mason died at age 70, she had an unusual plan. She wanted to be brought home to Anna Bay for a few days. Jennifer, who died in early May from a massive stroke, had discussed her end-of-life wishes with daughter Katrina Mason. Instead of her body being taken to the morgue and then a funeral home, she wanted to come home. "Most people were like, 'You want to do what? You can't take the body home'," Ms Mason said. "Hospital staff and mainstream funeral providers did not know anything about how to make this happen." Ms Mason found people to help. "I said to Mum, as she was dying, that I've figured out how to do it. "And she literally started that final process of death then. Her breathing started to slow." Ms Mason said bringing the body home was part of "a movement called sacred death care". This involved death doulas who "help prepare you and your family for death". "Family and friends come and go and people share stories. There are opportunities to say thank you and anything you regret. "It is common in Pacific Island and Indigenous cultures. It's also a Tibetan Buddhist practice." Two hours after Jennifer died, she was taken home. "We put her body in her own bed on a cold plate. We shrouded her and spent the next four days at home with her," Ms Mason said. "Friends and family decorated her fully biodegradable cardboard casket. We put her in the casket on the day she was going for cremation." Ms Mason said the experience was "profoundly beneficial and beautiful". Paperbark Deathcare doula Bernadette Connolly helped with the care of Jennifer's body. "Newcastle is a conservative place, but people should know there are options," Ms Connolly said. "I call it family-led death care. The Masons opened their arms to me and I prepared Jenny's body, so they could have those days with her." Kerrie Noonan, director of the Death Literacy Institute, said, "There is increasing awareness of the role of death doulas and also home-based death care". "In NSW, we have the option of bringing our dead home," Dr Noonan said. "These are not new practices. Only two generations ago, it was common for people to die at home and be cared for until the funeral and burial." Many people are reclaiming these caring rituals, which are much cheaper than a standard funeral. John Wilson, author of Supporting People Through Loss and Grief, said being with the departed was "an important ritual across Indigenous tribes in the Pacific, including Indonesia and Australasia". He said this enabled people to "share memories and begin to accept the reality of the death". "It's also a time to find meaning in their life and honour them in death, and is likely to bring comfort. "This is something we so easily lose in our Westernised, sanitised modern funeral practices." As a doula, Ms Connolly sought to bridge the gap between "families saying goodbye to their loved ones and handing them to a funeral director they've probably never met". Newcastle death doula Ruth Boydell said, "Some families want very meaningful ritualised memorials". "They want to feel like they've honoured the person in a spiritual or sacred way," Ms Boydell said. Dr Noonan said washing and dressing a departed loved one, sitting with them and viewing the body "play an important role in the grieving process". "In our fast-paced lives, there is often pressure to move quickly after someone dies. Family-led death care and funerals, however, tend to operate at a different pace. "Research shows that when people have the chance to spend meaningful time with the deceased, it can help support their grief." Jennifer's body was cremated and her ashes scattered in the ocean off Birubi Beach, a place she loved. Ms Mason said her mum had a big heart and a big effect on people. She lived with "love, laughter and light".
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
'We want answers': probe launched into health service's use of grant funding
The alleged excessive spending of senior leadership at an Aboriginal health service is being examined by health authorities as Indigenous people across Dubbo demand answers. On May 29, 2025 the Department of Health, alongside representatives from the Community Grants Hub, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and the NSW Ministry of Health, met with the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service chair Brendon Harris and CEO Phil Naden to seek further clarification regarding the allegations grant funding - from both the state and federal government - was being used to fund a host of overseas trips. The Daily Liberal has reviewed all of the paperwork and spoken to a number of former staff members who say residents are battling to gain access to a GP while senior leadership at the CAHS have been on multiple overseas trips. Over the next two days the Liberal will bring you a series of stories detailing the allegations, calls for "greater transparency and accountability" and what the next steps will be for government officials examining the books. In a statement provided to the Liberal, the CAHS denies any wrongdoing. In nine years, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) has spent more than $1 million on travel expenses, with $732,006 being spent in the past two years alone. Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler said his department is actively investigating to ensure funding to the Aboriginal Medical Service is being appropriated correctly in line with their grant agreements. "The Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) is fully cooperating with the investigation and will provide formal evidence in due course," he said. Mr Butler said Aboriginal Medical Services play a critical role in our health care system. "The majority offer outstanding health care services for First Nations Australians," he said. According to publically available CAHS financial statements, in 2024 the service spent $408,164 on travel, while in 2023 they spent $323,842. The number has jumped 24 times since the original amount spent in 2016, which was $16,143. According to sources, who wish to stay anonymous, in March 2023 and in April 2023 multiple members of staff, and some family members, went to New Zealand. While in 2024, ex-staff allege managers and the CEO travelled to Las Vegas, Canada and Bali. A spokesperson for Minister Ryan Park said NSW Health has a strong and long-standing relationship with the individual Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in regional and rural areas and closely monitors service delivery and activity through a schedule of regular program and financial reporting and face to face engagement. "This includes six-monthly performance reporting, regular meetings with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations staff and management, clinic site visits and analysis of annual audited financial reporting," they said. "NSW Health provides funding to CTG Aboriginal Health Services to deliver healthcare programs for Aboriginal communities in Coonamble, Dubbo and Gilgandra. These funds are accounted for in financial statements." A statement from Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service said they remain fully committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to cooperate with the review in an open and constructive manner. "As you know, a formal departmental review is already in progress and out of respect for that process and to ensure it is conducted thoroughly and without interference, it is inappropriate to provide additional comment outside that process," the statement said. Previously the health service said travel and vehicle expenses have increased in line with the significant growth and complexity of CAHS' operations. "We now service over 40 per cent of the West and Far West of NSW. Since 2012/13, the number of contracts serviced has grown from three to 32," the statement said. "This operational expansion across Dubbo, Gilgandra and other areas has required increased travel to meet clinical and managerial responsibilities." According to CHAS all travel is assessed against strict internal policies with appropriate Board oversight to ensure alignment with business objectives and value for money. "Note, over the same period, revenue has increased from $1.2 million to $15.4 million, a 13-fold increase," the statement said. "All government grants are subject to the strictest probity and all of CAHS' accounts have been signed off by an independent auditor. "International trips are rare and only undertaken when there's a clear business case and Board approval. No Government funds were used." The Liberal contacted former chief executive of the service, Tim Horan, who said all wages and operational costs were fully covered under the grants. He noted that under funding rules, grant recipients are expected to either return surplus Medicare earnings or grant funding or demonstrate how the funds benefit the community. Mr Horan raised concerns about the number of recent overseas trips taken by the organisation. "It's unclear how such travel directly benefits the community, there should be greater transparency and accountability on how funds are used in any organisation let alone a registered charity," he said. "Why are we promoting health services in Bali, Las Vegas, or Canada? It doesn't make sense to me." Mr Horan, who recently relocated from Coonamble to Dubbo in search of better access to health services said, "unfortunately, even here, many of us including my own family are struggling to get GP appointments." "I was especially concerned to hear about a recent trip to Canada described as part of a financial and educational program," he said. "It raised some questions for me, especially since Australia operates under very different legal, business, and healthcare systems." Mr Horan says he asks himself, "were taxpayer dollars involved?". "How are clients here directly benefiting? And why are we struggling to get basic medical appointments? "There may well be valid explanations and I'm open to hearing them but right now, it doesn't sit right with many of us. "I'm concerned and want answers that make sense to the people who live this every day particularly when it comes to mental health." Mr Horan, suffering his own serious health issues appeared emotional while speaking with the Daily Liberal. "This is important to me and thousands of others and speaking out hopefully will help me with my health but many others in the same boat and who have been denied access to the Dubbo Service," he said. Mr Horan said government funding bodies should not be investigating "their own mistakes". "They don't want to find anything that shows they have failed their responsibilities, this is for ASIC and ICAC," he said. The alleged excessive spending of senior leadership at an Aboriginal health service is being examined by health authorities as Indigenous people across Dubbo demand answers. On May 29, 2025 the Department of Health, alongside representatives from the Community Grants Hub, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and the NSW Ministry of Health, met with the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service chair Brendon Harris and CEO Phil Naden to seek further clarification regarding the allegations grant funding - from both the state and federal government - was being used to fund a host of overseas trips. The Daily Liberal has reviewed all of the paperwork and spoken to a number of former staff members who say residents are battling to gain access to a GP while senior leadership at the CAHS have been on multiple overseas trips. Over the next two days the Liberal will bring you a series of stories detailing the allegations, calls for "greater transparency and accountability" and what the next steps will be for government officials examining the books. In a statement provided to the Liberal, the CAHS denies any wrongdoing. In nine years, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) has spent more than $1 million on travel expenses, with $732,006 being spent in the past two years alone. Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler said his department is actively investigating to ensure funding to the Aboriginal Medical Service is being appropriated correctly in line with their grant agreements. "The Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) is fully cooperating with the investigation and will provide formal evidence in due course," he said. Mr Butler said Aboriginal Medical Services play a critical role in our health care system. "The majority offer outstanding health care services for First Nations Australians," he said. According to publically available CAHS financial statements, in 2024 the service spent $408,164 on travel, while in 2023 they spent $323,842. The number has jumped 24 times since the original amount spent in 2016, which was $16,143. According to sources, who wish to stay anonymous, in March 2023 and in April 2023 multiple members of staff, and some family members, went to New Zealand. While in 2024, ex-staff allege managers and the CEO travelled to Las Vegas, Canada and Bali. A spokesperson for Minister Ryan Park said NSW Health has a strong and long-standing relationship with the individual Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in regional and rural areas and closely monitors service delivery and activity through a schedule of regular program and financial reporting and face to face engagement. "This includes six-monthly performance reporting, regular meetings with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations staff and management, clinic site visits and analysis of annual audited financial reporting," they said. "NSW Health provides funding to CTG Aboriginal Health Services to deliver healthcare programs for Aboriginal communities in Coonamble, Dubbo and Gilgandra. These funds are accounted for in financial statements." A statement from Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service said they remain fully committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to cooperate with the review in an open and constructive manner. "As you know, a formal departmental review is already in progress and out of respect for that process and to ensure it is conducted thoroughly and without interference, it is inappropriate to provide additional comment outside that process," the statement said. Previously the health service said travel and vehicle expenses have increased in line with the significant growth and complexity of CAHS' operations. "We now service over 40 per cent of the West and Far West of NSW. Since 2012/13, the number of contracts serviced has grown from three to 32," the statement said. "This operational expansion across Dubbo, Gilgandra and other areas has required increased travel to meet clinical and managerial responsibilities." According to CHAS all travel is assessed against strict internal policies with appropriate Board oversight to ensure alignment with business objectives and value for money. "Note, over the same period, revenue has increased from $1.2 million to $15.4 million, a 13-fold increase," the statement said. "All government grants are subject to the strictest probity and all of CAHS' accounts have been signed off by an independent auditor. "International trips are rare and only undertaken when there's a clear business case and Board approval. No Government funds were used." The Liberal contacted former chief executive of the service, Tim Horan, who said all wages and operational costs were fully covered under the grants. He noted that under funding rules, grant recipients are expected to either return surplus Medicare earnings or grant funding or demonstrate how the funds benefit the community. Mr Horan raised concerns about the number of recent overseas trips taken by the organisation. "It's unclear how such travel directly benefits the community, there should be greater transparency and accountability on how funds are used in any organisation let alone a registered charity," he said. "Why are we promoting health services in Bali, Las Vegas, or Canada? It doesn't make sense to me." Mr Horan, who recently relocated from Coonamble to Dubbo in search of better access to health services said, "unfortunately, even here, many of us including my own family are struggling to get GP appointments." "I was especially concerned to hear about a recent trip to Canada described as part of a financial and educational program," he said. "It raised some questions for me, especially since Australia operates under very different legal, business, and healthcare systems." Mr Horan says he asks himself, "were taxpayer dollars involved?". "How are clients here directly benefiting? And why are we struggling to get basic medical appointments? "There may well be valid explanations and I'm open to hearing them but right now, it doesn't sit right with many of us. "I'm concerned and want answers that make sense to the people who live this every day particularly when it comes to mental health." Mr Horan, suffering his own serious health issues appeared emotional while speaking with the Daily Liberal. "This is important to me and thousands of others and speaking out hopefully will help me with my health but many others in the same boat and who have been denied access to the Dubbo Service," he said. Mr Horan said government funding bodies should not be investigating "their own mistakes". "They don't want to find anything that shows they have failed their responsibilities, this is for ASIC and ICAC," he said. The alleged excessive spending of senior leadership at an Aboriginal health service is being examined by health authorities as Indigenous people across Dubbo demand answers. On May 29, 2025 the Department of Health, alongside representatives from the Community Grants Hub, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and the NSW Ministry of Health, met with the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service chair Brendon Harris and CEO Phil Naden to seek further clarification regarding the allegations grant funding - from both the state and federal government - was being used to fund a host of overseas trips. The Daily Liberal has reviewed all of the paperwork and spoken to a number of former staff members who say residents are battling to gain access to a GP while senior leadership at the CAHS have been on multiple overseas trips. Over the next two days the Liberal will bring you a series of stories detailing the allegations, calls for "greater transparency and accountability" and what the next steps will be for government officials examining the books. In a statement provided to the Liberal, the CAHS denies any wrongdoing. In nine years, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) has spent more than $1 million on travel expenses, with $732,006 being spent in the past two years alone. Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler said his department is actively investigating to ensure funding to the Aboriginal Medical Service is being appropriated correctly in line with their grant agreements. "The Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) is fully cooperating with the investigation and will provide formal evidence in due course," he said. Mr Butler said Aboriginal Medical Services play a critical role in our health care system. "The majority offer outstanding health care services for First Nations Australians," he said. According to publically available CAHS financial statements, in 2024 the service spent $408,164 on travel, while in 2023 they spent $323,842. The number has jumped 24 times since the original amount spent in 2016, which was $16,143. According to sources, who wish to stay anonymous, in March 2023 and in April 2023 multiple members of staff, and some family members, went to New Zealand. While in 2024, ex-staff allege managers and the CEO travelled to Las Vegas, Canada and Bali. A spokesperson for Minister Ryan Park said NSW Health has a strong and long-standing relationship with the individual Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in regional and rural areas and closely monitors service delivery and activity through a schedule of regular program and financial reporting and face to face engagement. "This includes six-monthly performance reporting, regular meetings with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations staff and management, clinic site visits and analysis of annual audited financial reporting," they said. "NSW Health provides funding to CTG Aboriginal Health Services to deliver healthcare programs for Aboriginal communities in Coonamble, Dubbo and Gilgandra. These funds are accounted for in financial statements." A statement from Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service said they remain fully committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to cooperate with the review in an open and constructive manner. "As you know, a formal departmental review is already in progress and out of respect for that process and to ensure it is conducted thoroughly and without interference, it is inappropriate to provide additional comment outside that process," the statement said. Previously the health service said travel and vehicle expenses have increased in line with the significant growth and complexity of CAHS' operations. "We now service over 40 per cent of the West and Far West of NSW. Since 2012/13, the number of contracts serviced has grown from three to 32," the statement said. "This operational expansion across Dubbo, Gilgandra and other areas has required increased travel to meet clinical and managerial responsibilities." According to CHAS all travel is assessed against strict internal policies with appropriate Board oversight to ensure alignment with business objectives and value for money. "Note, over the same period, revenue has increased from $1.2 million to $15.4 million, a 13-fold increase," the statement said. "All government grants are subject to the strictest probity and all of CAHS' accounts have been signed off by an independent auditor. "International trips are rare and only undertaken when there's a clear business case and Board approval. No Government funds were used." The Liberal contacted former chief executive of the service, Tim Horan, who said all wages and operational costs were fully covered under the grants. He noted that under funding rules, grant recipients are expected to either return surplus Medicare earnings or grant funding or demonstrate how the funds benefit the community. Mr Horan raised concerns about the number of recent overseas trips taken by the organisation. "It's unclear how such travel directly benefits the community, there should be greater transparency and accountability on how funds are used in any organisation let alone a registered charity," he said. "Why are we promoting health services in Bali, Las Vegas, or Canada? It doesn't make sense to me." Mr Horan, who recently relocated from Coonamble to Dubbo in search of better access to health services said, "unfortunately, even here, many of us including my own family are struggling to get GP appointments." "I was especially concerned to hear about a recent trip to Canada described as part of a financial and educational program," he said. "It raised some questions for me, especially since Australia operates under very different legal, business, and healthcare systems." Mr Horan says he asks himself, "were taxpayer dollars involved?". "How are clients here directly benefiting? And why are we struggling to get basic medical appointments? "There may well be valid explanations and I'm open to hearing them but right now, it doesn't sit right with many of us. "I'm concerned and want answers that make sense to the people who live this every day particularly when it comes to mental health." Mr Horan, suffering his own serious health issues appeared emotional while speaking with the Daily Liberal. "This is important to me and thousands of others and speaking out hopefully will help me with my health but many others in the same boat and who have been denied access to the Dubbo Service," he said. Mr Horan said government funding bodies should not be investigating "their own mistakes". "They don't want to find anything that shows they have failed their responsibilities, this is for ASIC and ICAC," he said. The alleged excessive spending of senior leadership at an Aboriginal health service is being examined by health authorities as Indigenous people across Dubbo demand answers. On May 29, 2025 the Department of Health, alongside representatives from the Community Grants Hub, the National Indigenous Australians Agency, and the NSW Ministry of Health, met with the Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service chair Brendon Harris and CEO Phil Naden to seek further clarification regarding the allegations grant funding - from both the state and federal government - was being used to fund a host of overseas trips. The Daily Liberal has reviewed all of the paperwork and spoken to a number of former staff members who say residents are battling to gain access to a GP while senior leadership at the CAHS have been on multiple overseas trips. Over the next two days the Liberal will bring you a series of stories detailing the allegations, calls for "greater transparency and accountability" and what the next steps will be for government officials examining the books. In a statement provided to the Liberal, the CAHS denies any wrongdoing. In nine years, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) has spent more than $1 million on travel expenses, with $732,006 being spent in the past two years alone. Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler said his department is actively investigating to ensure funding to the Aboriginal Medical Service is being appropriated correctly in line with their grant agreements. "The Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service (CAHS) is fully cooperating with the investigation and will provide formal evidence in due course," he said. Mr Butler said Aboriginal Medical Services play a critical role in our health care system. "The majority offer outstanding health care services for First Nations Australians," he said. According to publically available CAHS financial statements, in 2024 the service spent $408,164 on travel, while in 2023 they spent $323,842. The number has jumped 24 times since the original amount spent in 2016, which was $16,143. According to sources, who wish to stay anonymous, in March 2023 and in April 2023 multiple members of staff, and some family members, went to New Zealand. While in 2024, ex-staff allege managers and the CEO travelled to Las Vegas, Canada and Bali. A spokesperson for Minister Ryan Park said NSW Health has a strong and long-standing relationship with the individual Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in regional and rural areas and closely monitors service delivery and activity through a schedule of regular program and financial reporting and face to face engagement. "This includes six-monthly performance reporting, regular meetings with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations staff and management, clinic site visits and analysis of annual audited financial reporting," they said. "NSW Health provides funding to CTG Aboriginal Health Services to deliver healthcare programs for Aboriginal communities in Coonamble, Dubbo and Gilgandra. These funds are accounted for in financial statements." A statement from Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service said they remain fully committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to cooperate with the review in an open and constructive manner. "As you know, a formal departmental review is already in progress and out of respect for that process and to ensure it is conducted thoroughly and without interference, it is inappropriate to provide additional comment outside that process," the statement said. Previously the health service said travel and vehicle expenses have increased in line with the significant growth and complexity of CAHS' operations. "We now service over 40 per cent of the West and Far West of NSW. Since 2012/13, the number of contracts serviced has grown from three to 32," the statement said. "This operational expansion across Dubbo, Gilgandra and other areas has required increased travel to meet clinical and managerial responsibilities." According to CHAS all travel is assessed against strict internal policies with appropriate Board oversight to ensure alignment with business objectives and value for money. "Note, over the same period, revenue has increased from $1.2 million to $15.4 million, a 13-fold increase," the statement said. "All government grants are subject to the strictest probity and all of CAHS' accounts have been signed off by an independent auditor. "International trips are rare and only undertaken when there's a clear business case and Board approval. No Government funds were used." The Liberal contacted former chief executive of the service, Tim Horan, who said all wages and operational costs were fully covered under the grants. He noted that under funding rules, grant recipients are expected to either return surplus Medicare earnings or grant funding or demonstrate how the funds benefit the community. Mr Horan raised concerns about the number of recent overseas trips taken by the organisation. "It's unclear how such travel directly benefits the community, there should be greater transparency and accountability on how funds are used in any organisation let alone a registered charity," he said. "Why are we promoting health services in Bali, Las Vegas, or Canada? It doesn't make sense to me." Mr Horan, who recently relocated from Coonamble to Dubbo in search of better access to health services said, "unfortunately, even here, many of us including my own family are struggling to get GP appointments." "I was especially concerned to hear about a recent trip to Canada described as part of a financial and educational program," he said. "It raised some questions for me, especially since Australia operates under very different legal, business, and healthcare systems." Mr Horan says he asks himself, "were taxpayer dollars involved?". "How are clients here directly benefiting? And why are we struggling to get basic medical appointments? "There may well be valid explanations and I'm open to hearing them but right now, it doesn't sit right with many of us. "I'm concerned and want answers that make sense to the people who live this every day particularly when it comes to mental health." Mr Horan, suffering his own serious health issues appeared emotional while speaking with the Daily Liberal. "This is important to me and thousands of others and speaking out hopefully will help me with my health but many others in the same boat and who have been denied access to the Dubbo Service," he said. Mr Horan said government funding bodies should not be investigating "their own mistakes". "They don't want to find anything that shows they have failed their responsibilities, this is for ASIC and ICAC," he said.
ABC News
4 days ago
- ABC News
New research exposes First Nations trauma
Isabella Higgins: First Nation women's have spoken out about their traumatic experience with the child protection system. Researchers spent five years bringing their painful stories to light through a two-stage healing project aiming to change the system. Kathleen O'Connor reports and a warning, this report contains content that may be distressing for some. Kathleen O'Connor: It was 18 years ago when Tanya says she was first separated from her child. Tanya: Child Protection Services took my son in 2007. Kathleen O'Connor: Tanya's son was 11 years old then. She was told she couldn't visit him and says it devastated her family. Tanya: And I'm just having to watch them scream, yell and want their parents. Kathleen O'Connor: Tanya is a name we're using to protect her identity. At the time her son was removed from her care, in her words, there was a family dispute. Tanya had a traumatic upbringing. She was a foster child for 14 years and she claims Child Protection Authorities took this into account when they took her son. Tanya: I've made it very clear on numerous of times that because I was a ward of the state that I would never be a good mother. Kathleen O'Connor: After a long fight he was returned to her care. Tanya says she was too scared to speak up about the way her case was handled until she was approached by researchers and Victoria University. Tanya: I thought now's the time to start sharing that story and not having any fear. Kathleen O'Connor: Tanya was one of 14 women to share their story as part of a research program called the Black Women's Healing Project to help them speak freely about their experience with the child protection system. Victoria University's Dr Paola Balla led the research. Dr Paola Balla: We're focusing very closely on working with a group of Aboriginal mothers who've self-identified, who've had their children removed, either specifically to them or it's happened to them in their childhood or it's happened to their grandchildren. Kathleen O'Connor: Each workshop provided First Nations women with culturally responsive therapies such as art practice and storytelling, all led by Aboriginal women. Researchers found the participants felt silenced, lied to and were framed as incapable mothers by child protection services. Dr Paola Balla: What was alarming was us seeing the generational impact of colonial policies that have historically disadvantaged Aboriginal women and particularly as mothers and grandmothers and obviously the ongoing increase of the removal of Aboriginal children from their families. Kathleen O'Connor: Researchers are now demanding a change in how the child protection services process applies to First Nations women. Dr Paola Balla: We are calling for the women to be listened to. We are calling for a cease and a slowing down at least and a consideration of the practices and policies that are seeing the increased removal of Aboriginal children from their families. Kathleen O'Connor: Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy told the ABC, the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care is unfinished business. The Department of Social Services told the ABC it has a closing the gap target to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in out-of-home care. It's also investing more than $129 million in wraparound services for families to help reduce the rates of child abuse and neglect. Isabella Higgins: Kathleen O'Connor with that report and if this story has raised concerns for you or anyone you know you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
