International College of Celebrancy

12/08/2026

Says Diane Storey - pioneer civil celebrant.
"Murphy's Law and The Pursuit of Happiness" is essential to every celebrants library; the ultimate resource. It is also of great interest to anyone wishing to understand radical transitions in the western world - as various religions decline in support and secular people seek an alternative ceremonial infrastructure to fulfil personal and cultural needs. No one but Dally Messenger could possibly have written this book. It is a lively and interesting read.”

And Celebrants. How can you possibly understand your proud profession unless you are completely educated in, and can converse about its history, growth and development? If you are deeply committed to your profession and wish to engage others with genuine knowledge of your profoundly significant work, it cannot be done well without an appreciation of its beginnings. This book by Dally Messenger III will give you deep insights, and strengthen your commitment to the privileged work we do.

The provision of Civil Celebrants was, and is, a wonderful gift to the Australian people and other Western countries. In some countries the provision of civil celebrants has dramatically and radically altered social mores, societal infrastructure, and cultural values. “It was virtually the work of one politician / statesman, later High Court Justice Lionel Murphy. Australia and the world owe him a great debt for this extraordinary achievement.”

“Civil Marriage Celebrants are now the mainstream ceremony providers in Australia. Over 70% of all weddings (and a similar number of funerals and namings) are now performed by civil celebrants. Despite setbacks, the program has been a marvellous success.” Messenger’s book, chronicling many surprising twists and turns, outlines the challenges and successes of the Civil Celebrant program from the year 1973 – from the appointment of the first Civil Celebrant, Lois D’Arcy to the turn of the century, i.e. to the year 2000.

hard copy: (delivery within 5 days anywhere in the western world)
Free PDF for research purposes for any purchaser of hard copy from books.by
([email protected])
US$22.99, AUD$32.61
www.books.by/books-from-dally-and-friends

or

ebook copy Kindle (free sample) $11.99
https://www.amazon.com.au/Murphys-Law-Pursuit-Happiness-Celebrant-ebook/dp/B00GSYEDFK?

05/06/2026

I have recently reviewed and updated this module. There is no Australian law in it. It is about making you a better celebrant and a better person.

Practical skills based on sound theory for the competent celebrant Then seek not, sweet, the “if” and “why”.I love you now until I die: For I must love because I liveAnd lif…

26/04/2025

----- A funeral oration for our times. -------
431 BC: Pericles — The Original Funeral Celebrant
---- The most famous funeral oration of the ancient world is that by Pericles, of Athens, at the end of the year 431 BC.—during the Peloponnesian War.
Pericles could well be regarded as the original Funeral Celebrant—the oration is secular and humanistic. Here is part of the text as quoted by A.R. Burn in The Pelican History of Greece. -----
----------------------------
“For ours is a constitution which does not imitate those of others, but rather sets them an example. Its name - because power rests not with a few but with the majority - is Democracy; in private disputes all are equal before the law, and in public life, men are honoured for conspicuous achievement in any field, and not for sectional reasons; nor is any poor man, who has it in him to do good service to the city, prevented by his obscurity. Ours is a free state, both in politics and in social life.
We do not grudge our neighbour his pleasures, nor treat him to black looks, which may do no harm, but are unpleasant. We are tolerant in our private life, but at the same time we fear and obey the laws and public authorities; especially those laws that are laid down for the protection of the oppressed, and those unwritten laws whose sanction is dishonour.
We have provided ourselves with ample recreation from our work; games and sacrifices at intervals throughout the year, and the gracious fittings of our own homes, our pleasure in which removes all dreariness from the daily round . . . . . and because of the greatness of our city, all the products of the world flow in to her, and we enjoy the good things of other lands as easily as our own...
We are lovers of beauty with economy, and of intellectual life without growing soft. Wealth we consider an opportunity for service, not an occasion for boasting, and poverty no disgrace to confess, unless we are failing to do anything about it. . . .
For we alone call the man who keeps out of all this not inoffensive but ineffective. . .

02/11/2024

Would you, for example, like to train to be a top echelon funeral celebrant? Would you like to enrich your own celebrant practice or your own personal development with one of our eight in-depth courses? If so, contact one of our tutors.

Quality Education and Training for Celebrants - Why are these courses different and of extra benefit to you?
Because it is born from a belief in celebrancy

24/04/2024

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.

23/03/2024

DIPLOMA COURSES - Best Practice Celebrant Training and Education by dedicated Celebrant-Teachers. Capable educated celebrants creating for celebrants.

23/03/2024

We are now ready to invite celebrants, clergy and others to study our updated
Module 1:THE HISTORY, NATURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF CEREMONY

DIPLOMA COURSES - Best Practice Celebrant Training and Education by dedicated Celebrant-Teachers. Capable educated celebrants creating for celebrants.

25/10/2023

MARIANNE MACARTNEY celebrated in The Senior.
My good friend Marianne has been committed to high quality celebrancy practice for most of the past 50 years. She has done thousands of hours of voluntary service for her fellow celebrants.
Thank you from all of us, Marianne.

21/10/2023

IN DEPTH FUNERAL SHORT COURSE

Join the Funeral Short Course by Celebrancy Training Australia,
in collaboration with the
International College of Celebrancy.

We invite you to a unique learning experience that fosters excellence in the delicate world of funeral celebrancy.


🌼 A Different Approach to Funeral Celebrancy:

Commitment to Completion: We’re not just about starting; we’re all about finishing. Your dedicated tutor/guide/mentor will encourage and support you every step of the way.

Independence Matters: We’re not affiliated with funeral directors or the government. We firmly believe that funeral celebrants are independent professionals who play a vital role in honouring the person who has died.

The Ceremony Matters Most: We share a profound belief that the heart of any funeral lies in the ceremony. Our mission is to empower you to craft meaningful, unforgettable ceremonies that truly honor the person and comfort the survivors.

📝 Personalised Assessment:

Beyond the checkboxes: We go beyond mere checkboxes. Every submission is meticulously reviewed by our dedicated team, who will provide you with valuable feedback. Your growth is our priority.

Learning Journal: We value your feedback too, and it’s an integral part of your learning journey. Our learning journal ensures a two-way dialogue for continuous improvement.

👂 The Art of Listening:

The funeral celebrant is a professional listener. We emphasise the importance of being a respectful, “professional listener.” Listening skills are essential to crafting deeply personal and meaningful ceremonies.

🎙️ Mastering the Craft:

Distinguishing Eulogies from Reminiscences: Understanding the nuances between eulogies and reminiscences is key to becoming an adept celebrant.

High Ideals and Attitudes: We encourage our students to embrace high ideals and attitudes, setting a standard of excellence.

Creative Writing and Public Speaking: While a short course cannot teach these skills in depth, we encourage you to develop skills in creative writing, public speaking, and clear diction.

Join us at Celebrancy Training Australia and embark on a journey to become a compassionate, skilled, and respected funeral celebrant. Together, we can guide you towards a level of competency that truly honours the person and comforts all those who experience deep grief. Enrol now and make a difference in the lives of others. Details of the course to prepare you as a funeral celebrant. More information and Enrolment Form.

Cost $1600


Enquiries: Dally: 0411 717 303, [email protected]


© Copyright [1995-2023] International College of Celebrancy
We accessed your address from the Attorney-Generals website which is available to all members of the public.
Unsubscribe • Update Email Address • View Online

29/04/2023

Kate Armon and Craig Smith.
Mark O’ Connor, the distinguished poet, said that poems at funerals should be understood at the first reading. The cover of Poetry for Funerals by Kate Armon and Craig Smith calls it a unique collection of poems. I would prefer to call it a collection of unique poems. There is no such thing as a short cut to a good funeral....

by Kate Armon and Craig Smith – Reviewed by Dally Messenger Mark O’ Connor, the distinguished poet, said that poems at funerals should be understood at the first reading. The cover of Poetry …