Welcome to the first edition of 2020 – it is hard to believe we are already into our second month of the year. The impact of the bushfires throughout Australia affected us all, and even more so those supporting the families who lost the lives of loved ones. The work we do in our funeral service profession is so important, but can take its toll. Remember it is vital to seek help when you need it and recognise when it is appropriate to offer support to your workmates. Trauma and tragedy will always be a part of funeral service, it is how we deal with it and assist others through it which can’t be forgotten.

The role of education, including continuing education, is not only important for keeping up to date with industry standards and refreshing skills to help in daily job functions, but an opportunity to take the time to focus on your personal needs as a funeral professional and practice some self-care.

In 2020 MFE intends to enrich and grow funeral careers by offering a variety of short online courses, as well as face-to-face sessions. Our Certificate IV in Embalming course, continues to thrive and reach new heights under the guidance of our head tutor, Ian Warren.

As soon as our new short courses are available online we will inform you through The Arterial and our website – so keep in touch with MFE!

Student news

NEW STUDENTS

MFE extends a warm welcome to Simone Williamson (VIC), Abby Dominello (WA) and Amber Coote (NSW) to our 2020 student cohort.👋

GRADUATIONS

Abigail Bartlett is our first MFE graduate for 2020. Congratulations Abigail on completing your Certificate IV in Embalming! 👏

2020 BIE Conference Review by Ian Warren

The British Institute of Embalmers Australasian Division had their annual conference In Melbourne from the 6th to the 8th of February 2020. The conference was held at the Royal College of Surgeons which enabled delegates to participate in practical workshops conducted in the College facilities. The skills Lab sessions covered a plaster workshop, locating the descending aorta and a suture workshop on mastering the Aberdeen knot.
Amongst the International speakers was Dr Philip Gore the current President of the BIE as well as Alain Koninckx who presented on Facial reconstruction and the identification of the facial features by the brain, Pest and vermin in the funeral business and the anatomical effects following cavity embalming.
Local presenters included Duncan Norris who spoke of Suzie Konszky’s and his experience of working on an Archaeological excavation in Poland attempting to prove that some people in Medieval Europe were buried accused of being vampires. Janelle Chalmer also gave a presentation on embalming the warm case – case analysis, techniques and problem solving.
It was great to see four of our current students in attendance at the conference and of course they gained knowledge and new contacts within the embalming fraternity.

February Melbourne Workshop update

Another successful Certificate IV in Embalming 4 day workshop was held this month in Melbourne. Newcomers Amber and Simone were welcomed by MFE and the student group to their first workshop. It was also wonderful for the students to catch-up with Paul Castaldi from Hickeys on Saturday night after a long day of practical work in the Nelson Bros mortuary. MFE truly value the connections with our funeral service industry suppliers.

Important Dates:

Next Melbourne workshop – Thursday 21st- Sunday 24th May (at MFE, 214 Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne)

2020 AIE Joint Conference with NZEA – Thursday 15th- Sunday 18th October. (at The Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, New Zealand

Don’t forget that we welcome student news, photos and/or articles from past and present students.

Please email your submissions to: The Editor, Priscilla Nelson at pnelson@mfeducators.com