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A Great Read


Funeral Rights

By Robert Larkins, photos by Fran Malley
Published by the Penguin Group (Australia) 2007

"A country’s attitude to its dead can be seen to reflect the national psyche. In the past 80 years in Australia, the funeral process has slipped from a traditional community base into the grip of an industry driven by the need for profit. What was once literally a hands-on process has transmuted into a product to be sold to consumers."

Robert Larkins' well researched book has been very well received by both the media and the Australian public. It has invaluable insight into the workings of the funeral industry in Australia and offers support to those who wish to have more input during the death of loved ones.

As Rob says, families and communities not taking care of their own dead is the anomaly. There is nothing radical about being involved and even taking control back from the funeral industry. Families have taken care of their own at the time of death through the ages.

The NDC is pleased to have been able to contribute to Rob's research into alternatives to the funeral industry.

Thank you Rob and Penguin for a very informative book!

Visit the Funeral Rights web site at: www.funeralrights.info

Or follow these links for Funeral Rights in the news:

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/articles/2007/07/23/1185042997637.html

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/australiatalks/stories/2007/1938631.htm

http://www.mefeedia.com/entry/2998015/

http://www.eurekareport.com.au/iis/iis.nsf/ak/htFNBf?opendocument