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History

In 1996, Zenith Virago created the Natural Death Centre in Byron Bay as a reflection of the Natural Death Centre in the UK.

The North Coast has long been an area that attracted people who wanted an alternative and more natural lifestyle. As these people began to experience death in their families and community they began reclaiming the process and the rites involved, to create ceremonies that were more natural and appropriate to them. These have evolved to reflect individual lifestyles, philosophies and spiritual beliefs.

As people became more involved it became clear that the information about what was possible was not always readily available. It seemed that preparation and sound advice were the keys.

In 2005, a group of interested people came together to establish the NDC Inc. as a central resource to inform and empower those individuals and families who wish to explore their options and create a more personal and satisfying experience around their own or the death of loved ones.



NDC Management Commitee


Zenith Virago 
Caretaker for the dying process. Para Legal. JP. Marriage and Death Consultant and Celebrant. Background in law, women's issues and community work. International speaker on death matters. Many years of assisting people to DIY through the death and funeral process. Vast and varied experience both with the dying and the bereaved. Educator and trainer in classes, courses and workshops covering legal, community and spiritual knowledge of death and dying, for volunteers, community individuals, hospice workers and other professionals.

Michael Murray
Property buyer’s agent and finance broker. Background as producer/director and video distributor.History of documentary film production. On the board of UNCLE, an organization dedicated to the mentoring boys without active fathers.

Jennifer Lalor
Certified Expressive Arts Therapist and educator. Somatic coach and counselor. Former core faculty training international student body at The Tamalpa Institute, USA, arts in education and therapy; Former Senior Associate for Strozzi Institute, USA, public courses in leadership training; Past Entertainment Co-ordinator for the Disney Company. Guest lecturer at Universities throughout San Francisco Bay area, USA. Former Expressive Arts Therapist, Dept. of Family Medicine, UCSF. From 2004-2006 Jennifer was the primary carer for her husband Peter whom was confronting brain cancer. She was also mothering her two young children. Peter died at home as he wished. With the help of Zenith Virago and close family and friends, Jennifer gave Peter and their community a beautiful and personal home funeral.

Cheryl Williams

James Dods

Past Committee members

Robert Rosen
BEc. Background in accounting, manufacturing and property investment. Played a pioneering role in the development of the ethical investment industry in Australia. Twenty five years involvement in environmental issues. Former National Secretary Australian Greens, Director and Treasurer of the Australian Bush Heritage Fund, Chair Nature Conservation Trust of NSW, Board Member Ethical Investment Association and Director of Hong Kong based Association for Sustainable & Responsible Investment in Asia (ASrIA).
Currently Director Earth Trust & Director & Treasurer of Rainforest Rescue.

Lynda Dean OAM
Non-Executive Director, Company Secretary, Human Resources Consultant. Bachelor of Arts (UNE Armidale). Diploma of Asian Studies (USQ). Previous posts as: President and Vice-President of Regional Council - Australian Business Limited. State Councillor - Australian Business Limited. Board member of Small Business Development Corporation. Currently: Vice-President - Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre. President Byron Bay Community Association.
Founded Thursday Plantation with Christopher Dean in 1979. Board member TP Health since 1985. Received Order of Australia Medal in 1999 for services to the Tea Tree industry and the community.
Listed in the inaugural Australian Financial Review Boss magazine Top 30 True Australian Leaders for 2001. Authorised Marriage Celebrant, certified Yoga Teacher IYTA 1991, INSPYA 2005.

Jenny Cornish
Degree in Social Work. Background in current affairs television. Own distribution company selling television documentaries to international television stations. Co-produced and executive produced documentaries for television, represented SBS. Specialised in wild life filming. Program catalogue was bought buy an Australian publicly listed company. Involved in many community projects from board level to hands on activities.


 

Byron  Hospice Service member  (Amitayus)