Our Celebrants

Barbara Kruse

Barbara spent many years serving as a member of the Australian Defence Force.  One of the highlights of her military career was two years spent working on the Sydney 2000 Olympics, for which she was awarded the Commander Australian Theatre Commendation.  Barbara spent the last few years of her service posted to the Albury Wodonga Area, and decided to settle in this beautiful area on separation from the fulltime component of the ADF.  Barbara expanded her business as a Civil Celebrant, and has helped many families and couples to celebrate significant events in their lives, which she  believes as an enormous privilege.   Barbara is also involved in Mental Health and Welfare Support for Veterans and their Families, and continues to serve as a Reserve Officer in the area of Health and Wellbeing. Barbara has a Graduate Diploma as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.  Barbara has three adult children, two retired greyhounds and two rescue cats.

Christine Capewell

Saying goodbye to someone who has died, regardless of age can often be difficult and bewildering. Like birth, death keeps its own time, whether we are ready or not, and often we are caught short.

An integral part of saying goodbye is the funeral ceremony.

Funeral, Committal or Memorial ceremonies are important rituals for us as human beings. So, it is vital that the ceremony is well done ns sensitively crafted to accurately reflect the life and legacy of the one who has died.

The ceremony also brings comfort and expression for you who are left behind.

Often, it’s hard to know where to begin.

As a qualified and experienced Funeral Celebrant, Christine becomes a confidante, a keen listener, a writer of life stories, a counsellor and really the guide who, with sensitivity and care, will lead you through the ceremony planning and delivery on the day.

Darren Lamotte

I have a strong link to the Wangaratta area having lived and worked there for over 5 years, I am now based in Melbourne but am very willing to travel anywhere. People describe me as warm, friendly and empathetic, with a strong desire to always show compassion, respect, and integrity. I am a down to earth person known to enjoy a sense of humor, and to find a way to relate to a wide cross section of the community.

My professional life has afforded me extensive personal and professional growth experiences. All have been fundamental in identifying my strengths and abilities, shaping who I am today, and ultimately discovering my passion to help families at their hardest times.

A mature professional with a skillset that includes public speaking, writing, and communication. I have a strong focus on meeting the needs of others, it is never about me. I am a very relaxed person with a strong focus on detail, but who is not flustered by sudden changes or situations.

My journey into the role of a Funeral Celebrant has been interesting, challenging but very enjoyable. I feel very privileged to be doing this role.

Jennifer Broadbent

Honour your loved one with a personally prepared and unique civil funeral.  Together we will prepare a service which will be delivered with warmth, compassion and sincerity. Grieving family members need encouragement to express their views and ideas and I see my role as a celebrant to ensure that everyone’s needs and feelings are respected. Family members are invited to pay their own tributes and special consideration is given to the use of music and poetry throughout your loved ones service. I have been a celebrant since 2007 and have officiated at many Funerals and Weddings. I am comfortable at both large and small intimate services.

My values are based on: Integrity, Honesty, Inclusivity, Humour, Joy and Confidentiality.

I am based in the Goulburn Valley and am happy to travel within Victoria and NSW.

Rosemary Steele

I have lived in the Wangaratta community for almost all my life and love it. I am married to Des and we have five children and eight grandchildren between us. My background in teaching and in Aged Care with the Uniting Church has prepared me well for officiating meaningful funeral services. I am honoured to have worked alongside Mason Park for 15 years and I feel privileged for the connections I make with families as we prepare services for their loved ones.