About this Site

The Uniting Church's "Creative Ministry Network" in Prahran, Melbourne, under the directorship of the Rev John Bottomley, has been working for some years with those grieving after a workplace death, through their "Work Related Grief Support" program.

In 2000 Wesley Mission were encouraged by The Rev Bottomley to research whether a specific web site offering information to those grieving after a workplace death, especially in Queensland, might be of help to those grieving and compliment this Program.

During this research we have been privileged to listen to many moving stories. These stories illustrate the complicated system all those bereaved after such a tragedy suddenly find they are part of.

We recognize that Australia is a multicultural society with a workforce made up of people from different countries, cultures and religions. While death in is common to us all, the way different cultures approach and deal with the death process can vary significantly.

Throughout our research one sentiment arose time and time again regardless of cultural background. Just at a time when a breathing space is needed to allow the grieving family to start to come to terms with the enormity of their loss, they find themselves thrown headlong into chaos. Struggling to deal with the legalities and practicalities that accompany such a death.

The perceived attitude of the deceased's employers, the seemingly distant legal system and the individuals different ways of coping can create great stress.

Families expressed feelings of being shut out by the very people and processes that they felt should be helping them. They pleaded for a system that promotes better communication and understanding between them, the workplace, the law and the government bodies, "a partnership in grieving".

Norma Thouliss

The sad stories and courageous sentiments expressed by Mrs. Thoulis, Mrs. Phillips and other bereaved families inspired Wesley Mission Brisbane to persevere with this web site with the ongoing support of the Uniting Church's Creative Ministry Network in Melbourne.

It is hoped this web site will offer the grieving and those trying to support them, useful information which may promote a better understanding between all parties and restore some feeling of control to the bereaved at a time when "Lives and emotions are in chaos and denial conflicts with reality" Mrs. Bette Phillips.

It is also hoped this commitment by inter-state partners in the Uniting Church to support those bereaved by work-related death may continue. And that in co-operation with the many people and agencies with the same concerns we may work towards transforming workplace health and safety so that the grief and trauma can be considerably reduced.

Acknowledgements

Many organizations and individuals have contributed to this web site through discussion, advice and materiel.

The Wesley Mission is most grateful for their time ,support and patience. In particular we would like to acknowledge the time given by;

• Dr. Judith Murray
• Shirley White
• Mr. Paddy O'Regan
• Mr. David Spann
• Mr. Bob Grimley
• Mr Arthur Marshman
• Mrs. Marion Downey

We are also extremely grateful to Rev. John Bottomley and to all the families who have shared their stories with us. We would especially like to thank Mrs. Bette Phillips and Mrs. Norma Thoulis for allowing us to print their moving stories

Privacy:

Wesley Mission Brisbane respect the privacy of those individuals who may respond to the Partnerships in Grieving website.

We will not publish information provided in any form without the permission of the author.

E-mail address will only be used for the purpose of our response (if deemed appropriate) back to the sender.

Wesley Mission Brisbane is an activity of the Albert Street Congregation of the Uniting Church, QLD Synod.