Walking beside families before, during and after farewell.
At Banksia, we know that supporting a family through grief and loss takes more than one person. We work alongside a range of small, local businesses and practitioners who can help families with the different elements that come together around a memorial or celebration of life.
Our priority is working with people who share our values, thoughtful, grounded and genuinely caring in the way they support families during difficult moments.
Katie Spain
Celebrant/StorytellerKatie Spain is a journalist, wine writer, and author who tells stories with heart. She grew up in rural South Australia and now lives on a little farm in a Fleurieu Peninsula community that nurtures her love for deep conversation, colour, creativity and connection.
As a celebrant, Katie brings this same narrative magic to life’s most poignant milestones. She specialises in memorials and eulogy assistance, expertly weaving together the many chapters of a loved one’s life into a cohesive, meaningful tribute. Katie ensures every story is told with grace and authenticity.
Paul Charles Bartlett
PhotographerPaul is an Adelaide-based documentary photographer shaped by a life of music and travel. With a musician’s instinct, he shuns manufactured poses to capture the raw "spaces in between" where real life happens.
Following the poignant experience of documenting his own father’s final days, Paul now specialises in weddings and end-of-life photography. He sensitively captures final moments with loved ones to ensure legacies are cherished always. Paul brings a calm, intuitive presence to every room, disappearing into the background to recognise the magic in the moments that truly matter.
Funeral celebrantDanette O’Brien
Danette works solely as a celebrant in the end of life space. She founded Farewelled with Love early in 2022 and specialises in creating personalised and beautiful end of life ceremonies that honour and celebrate life authentically, with warmth and care while nourishing the hearts of those who are grieving. Each ceremony – traditional or contemporary, is thoughtfully designed to reflect the uniqueness, the story and the essence of the person being honoured.
In Danette you’ll find a versatile professional who will tailor her role to suit – whether that be guiding a ceremony as an MC, to leading the entire service or delivering elements of it.
Compassionate, creative, calm, easy to connect with, she ensures each end of life service she crafts and guides people through will be remembered for all the right reasons.
CounsellorMarie Sulda
Marie Sulda is a counsellor who walks alongside individuals and families as they navigate grief, loss and life's many transitions. With more than 20 years' experience mentoring people to discover purpose and create balance, she brings warmth, compassion and understanding to every conversation. Following her own experience of child loss, Marie developed a deep interest in the emotional journey of life, death and healing. She holds a Diploma of Counselling and a Diploma of Regression Therapy, providing a thoughtful and supportive space where people can feel heard, understood and empowered to move forward.
You can reach Marie at marie@travelthemind.com
Mark is the founder of Restored Connection, supporting families through deep conversations, shared stories and connection during times of change and grief.
With a background in youth work and school wellbeing, Mark understands the importance of helping children and young people feel heard, supported and connected when life feels difficult. His work is grounded in preventative wellbeing and restorative practice, with a focus on strengthening relationships and creating safe spaces for families to navigate grief together.
Mark believes in connected families, valued young people and resilient communities, and brings warmth, understanding and a genuine love of helping people feel less alone.
Restored ConnectionMark Koen
Brandon Lawrence
Coast to Vines AdvisoryBrandon is a Chartered Accountant and founder of Coast to Vines Advisory. He provides practical accounting and tax support to families, with a focus on making things feel clear, manageable and less overwhelming. He can support families and executors with tax and accounting matters that may arise after the loss of a loved one.
This may include establishing what has already been taken care of, what still needs to happen, and whether any matters may require further assistance from another trusted professional. His approach is friendly, approachable and tailored to each family, helping them feel supported during a difficult time.