File A Life

When your legacy should never be forgotten

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Voluntary death can often trump an intolerable end to life

Some thoughts shared on a recent article, "I'm 95 today, I don't need to be told how to die", by Ed Raftery.

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The Stats Guy: The good news about Australia's death data

A refreshing look at the grim topic of death in Australia during these extraordinary during lockdown. Basically, the news is pretty positive! . . . .

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Eco-friendly cremation technique leaves behind half a cup of liquid DNA instead of ashes

A North Queensland funeral home has developed a world-first water-spray alternative to cremation that leaves half a cup of liquid DNA instead of ashes. This technology is gaining interest from around the world It is carbon neutral and running the machine uses very little power The process leaves behind half a cup of DNA, which can be consumed!! Great to see such innovation amongst the Australian End-of-life Community. . . . .

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‘I desire that my son Rupert Murdoch...’: Wills of the rich and famous revealed

A Probate document is a legal document outlining details of an individual's assets and how it is to be distributed. Uncovered in the NSW State Archives are the final wishes of some well known Aussies, such as Sir Frank Packer, Keith Murdoch (father of Rupert), Dame Nellie Melba, the famous Tilly Devine of the late 1920's. . . . .

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Exactly what will happen within 10 minutes to 10 days of the Queen's death

Plans for Queen Elizabeth's funeral have been leaked for the first time, detailing the day-by-day plans, memorials and "codewords" used for the sombre occasion. How concise are your Last Requests following your death? Fortunately you won't need this much detail! . . .

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As an embalmer, Rob has seen his share of tragedy. But COVID is the most 'relentless' time in his career

With lock down and funeral restrictions, people still need grieving time, and yet the death care sector is not recognised an essential service either by the public or officially by the government in Melbourne. Workers across the death industry are calling the pandemic the most difficult time in their careers. To do their job, death care workers, such as embalmers, cemetery workers and celebrants have put their own health at risk and had to go to new lengths to keep themselves and mourners safe. . . .

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These paramedics are helping give Canadians the choice to die at home | CBC Radio

This is truly wonderful ❤ These paramedics are helping give Canadians the choice to die at home. . . . .

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Wills and estates: A growing practice area post-pandemic

Wills and estates is one of the most important areas of law, affecting every person at some stage in their life. What is the trend during COVID and are online DIY Wills causing more harm than good?

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How can we help children process the trauma of losing a loved one? | What Do I Do

With the pandemic hitting the globe, we are faced with new distancing rules seemingly every day. Instead of being surrounded by love and comfort from friends and family, and receiving the support of our community, the stigma of illness and social distancing have often left the individual feeling alone in these times of need. This isolation is especially traumatic for children who have lost parents, grandparents, and family members who meant a lot to them. Just how can we help children process this loss?

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'Silver tsunami' sees use of death doulas on the rise as baby boomers buck tradition

Baby boomers are hiring death doulas and aiming for the grave on their own terms. A death doula is a non-medical role that provides support for those dying and those around them. . . .

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A man didn't lodge a tax return for 31 years — but someone had to after his death

Australia doesn't have a death tax, but someone has to pay your bills after you die. Make sure you have got a will, otherwise a loved one may not be able to act on your behalf.

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How funeral directors could help 'ease the stress' of loved ones dealing with the ATO after you die

Could a 'digital death certificate' help sort out estate and tax matters when you pass? The long and difficult process of sorting out deceased estates could be made easier by allowing digital "death certificates", an initiative currently being investigated by Australia's tax ombudsman, the Inspector-General of Taxation. "A single point of notification would reduce the time that people have to spend resolving the affairs of the deceased person."

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Date with death: A 'beautiful passing'

Most people don't give a thought to their own dying and death. But there are others who have no such luxury. This story follows the journey of a Hobart womans decision to explore Voluntary Assisted Dying in The Netherlands. . . .

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Welcome news to mourners in NSW with the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announcing that for funerals, the restriction to people attending will be lifted immediately "on compassionate grounds". . . .

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Estate Planning - Why it's time to act | What Do I Do

https://whatdoido.com.au/estate-planning-time-to-act/ We all know that we should do it. Some of us have some parts in place. But given the current pandemic, it should be at the forefront of everyones lists. Estate Planning - is it really that scary? . . . .

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How to help your grandparents use video calling during COVID-19 | What Do I Do

Why it's worth getting the grandparents to use Video Conferencing - sooner rather than later. . . .

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How many deaths are there in Australia each year? | What Do I Do

While the virus continues to be a threat we must take seriously, it’s uplifting to remember that, as a society, our life expectancy continues to increase, and the drastic measures we’ve taken so far to arrest the spread of COVID-19 mean we’re unlikely to see the virus cause a significant demographic event (at least in terms of deaths – migration is a very different story) in this country. . . . .