ESMP - News - Winter 2011
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO Introduction Welcome to our Winter edition. I can safely say this because, as I write this, the temperature is a miserly 12°C! Winter is a special time as it conjures up imagery like warm gatherings over hearty discussions and meals. The Park is no different now with our café serving up some lovely winter fare for visitors and families. Winter does not mean that the Park slows down. Far from it, as you’ll see as you read on! Our new section of the Memorial Grove crypts and vaults section has been completed with families very excited with the additional space. The adjoining “Glade” has been simultaneously completed to complement the Grove precinct and, currently, it displays beautiful winter-hardy plantings for families to enjoy. Our grounds and gardening staff are working very diligently to ensure that your visit during the winter period is as enjoyable and colourful as possible. Please do not hesitate to ask them, if you get a chance, of any questions you may have on any of the plants, shrubs or in general. They would be only too happy to oblige! Good news on our proposed Asian Gardens area. The concept plan has been slightly amended, after consultation with local stakeholder groups, and will shortly be lodged with Council for approval. We look forward to, hopefully, commencing the first stage of this project prior to the end of the calendar year, following Council approval. Our professional customer service and funeral home staff would be happy to provide information. On the request of our communities for more burial space, our proposal to be assigned a portion of the adjoining Crown Lands, currently used as market gardens, under permissive occupancy, is still with the Department of Lands. We are enquiring, rest assured, of its status following the change of Government in March and are hopeful to receive direction in due course. I hope to keep you informed of progress over the coming months as the Trustees and I are fully aware of your concerns. In the meantime, you may also wish to continue correspondence with the Department via the office of the Minister, the Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson MP for Burrinjuck, Minister for Primary Industries (including Lands). Vale Aaron Ron Greenstein PhC (1927-2011) It is with sadness that I inform you of the recent passing of a long-serving Trustee, Ron Greenstein. Ron passed away in May after a short illness. Our condolences have been extended to Mrs Therese Greenstein and their son Dr James Greenstein and family. Ron joined the Trust in 1986 as the representative of the local member of the NSW State Parliament. Shortly after appointment, Ron became the Board’s Treasurer and held that position until the formation of Board Committees in 2004 whence he became the inaugural Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, a position he held until June 2010. Mr Greenstein saw many improvements and developments in the Park during his long time of office spanning 25 years. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition to the Park of land on the western side of Military Road formerly occupied by the Bunnerong Power Station. The Trustees and I have been grateful for his long service to the continued development and improvement of the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, a tradition we intend to carry on for the benefit of our communities. Ron would’ve had it no other way! PARK NEWS - SUMMER 2010/11 PARK NEWS Winter 2011 George H. Passas FAICD FCIS FCPA Chief Executive Officer funeral home • cemetery • crematorium In memory of Ron Greenstein PhC
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ESMPs Newsletter winter 2011
Transcript of ESMP - News - Winter 2011
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
IntroductionWelcome to our Winter edition. I can safely say this because, as I write this, the temperature is a miserly 12°C! Winter is a special time as it conjures up imagery like warm gatherings over hearty discussions and meals. The Park is no different now with our café serving up some lovely winter fare for visitors and families.
Winter does not mean that the Park slows down. Far from it, as you’ll see as you read on! Our new section of the Memorial Grove crypts and vaults section has been completed with families very excited with the additional space. The adjoining “Glade” has been simultaneously completed to complement the Grove precinct and, currently, it displays beautiful winter-hardy plantings for families to enjoy. Our grounds and gardening staff are working very diligently to ensure that your visit during the winter period is as enjoyable and colourful as possible. Please do not hesitate to ask them, if you get a chance, of any questions you may have on any of the plants, shrubs or in general. They would be only too happy to oblige!
Good news on our proposed Asian Gardens area. The concept plan has been slightly amended, after consultation with local stakeholder groups, and will shortly be lodged with Council for approval. We look forward to, hopefully, commencing the first stage of this project prior to the end of the calendar year, following Council approval. Our professional customer service and funeral home staff would be happy to provide information.
On the request of our communities for more burial space, our proposal to be assigned a portion of the adjoining Crown Lands, currently used as market gardens, under permissive occupancy, is still with the Department of Lands. We are enquiring, rest assured, of its status following the change of Government in March and are hopeful to receive direction in due course. I hope to keep you informed of progress over the coming months as the Trustees and I are fully aware of your concerns. In the meantime, you may also wish to continue correspondence with the Department via the office of the Minister, the Hon. Katrina Hodgkinson MP for Burrinjuck, Minister for Primary Industries (including Lands).
Vale Aaron Ron Greenstein PhC (1927-2011)It is with sadness that I inform you of the recent passing of a long-serving Trustee, Ron Greenstein. Ron passed away in May after a short illness. Our condolences have been extended to Mrs Therese Greenstein and their son Dr James Greenstein and family.
Ron joined the Trust in 1986 as the representative of the local member of the NSW State Parliament. Shortly after appointment, Ron became the Board’s Treasurer and held that position until the formation of Board Committees in 2004 whence he became the inaugural Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee, a position he held until June 2010.
Mr Greenstein saw many improvements and developments in the Park during his long time of office spanning 25 years. He played a pivotal role in the acquisition to the Park of land on the western side of Military Road formerly occupied by the Bunnerong
Power Station.
The Trustees and I have been grateful for his long service to the continued development and improvement of the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park, a tradition we intend to carry on for the benefit of our communities. Ron would’ve had it no other way!
PARK NEWS - SUMMER 2010/11
PARK NEWS Winter 2011
George H. Passas FAICD FCIS FCPA
Chief Executive Officer
funeral home • cemetery • crematorium
In memory of Ron Greenstein PhC
PARK NEWS - WINTER 2011 2
ASIAN GARDENS – nearer to commencement
Work on developing the Asian Gardens is proceeding on schedule with the appointment of
Argo Projects Pty Ltd to refine the design. Their Group Managing Director and Principal
Architect Will Marcus, who is in charge of the project, is a Feng Shui Master with many
years of experience in designing and building cemeteries and memorial parks for the
Asian community, both in Australia and overseas.
Argo Projects Pty Ltd will detail the design, including the temples, water features,
represented Gods/Buddha’s in consultation with the Temples and Parishes.
The project is building on the initial research, designs and approvals that were
completed by Jane Irwin and Sunita Shah of JILA Landscapes and we express
our appreciation to them for their significant contribution in its earlier stages.
NEW CRYPTS AND VAULTSstage 1 now complete!
The construction of Stage 1 of the new crypts and vault section
has been completed. They provide a significant increase in ESMP’s
capacity to meet the needs of families within our community who
prefer above-ground interments.
The new section provides the community with 320 additional crypt
spaces and two family vaults, each with space for 12 interments.
These have been progressively being sold from the Plan since 2008
and have proven popular with families.
They have been built on solid rock foundations and are made of high
quality concrete with polished granite panels in different colours.
Custom designed Vigil lights are being fitted, made of polished
cast bronze and fine sand-blasted cast glass. The vases are being
manufactured from deep-drawn alloy, designed to symbolise flowers,
the regeneration of life, and the burning of an eternal flame.
The design incorporates the Stations of the Cross, which are being
cast in bronze and will be mounted in September, for the additional
spiritual enjoyment of families.
The internal designs provide families with a number of options to
suit their particular needs and preferences. The area is beautifully
landscaped with paving and planting, offering families, friends and
visitors a serene and artistically finished burial area of great beauty.
You are welcome to see these new crypts and vaults by contacting
our Customer Service team on 9661 5655 during our office hours:
8.30am – 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
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NEW MEMORIALS CREATED WIThIN ThE GLADE
Our Glade area borders the new crypts and vaults section and is within convenient proximity to the main car park and crematorium office.
The section has been re-created with new memorialisation options, garden beds and plantings and provides families with a very accessible and attractive area in which to memorialise.
COMPLIMENTARY DVD’S OF ChAPEL SERVICES FOR FAMILIES
ESMP can now provide families with a complimentary DVD recording of their service when it is being conducted in one of our ornate art-deco chapels. The DVDs are recorded onto a beautifully presented disc with the name of the family’s loved one printed on the DVD.
NEW ChAPEL AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM
A major overhaul of the Chapel music system has been completed to provide families and their guests with the ability to play music of their choice before, during and after the service. The equipment is easily operated by Funeral Directors conducting services for families in one of our Crematorium Chapels. This additional service can be requested by the Funeral Director at the time of the booking of the service.
Also, don’t forget that our web-casting capability allows those who can’t attend a service in person to witness the proceedings on-line. Many friends and relatives have enjoyed this service from locations in Australia and overseas. Please enquire about this with our staff.
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The experience and professionalism of our Customer Service team continues to go from strength to strength!
Throughout the past 6 months, we have welcomed Fiona Stace, our Chapels Concierge and Raylene Engert, Customer Service Officer, to our dedicated team. Both have many years of experience in responding to, and caring for, the needs of customers.
We have continued our very successful training and development programs, which include our survey program and weekly planning and review meetings.
The customer service team now have new brochures to promote the Park and our Memorialisation services. We are currently reviewing all of our correspondence with families and Funeral Directors to see how these can be made more informative and helpful, and better explain ESMP’s full range of services. We are also developing a new product catalogue.
Copies of the brochures are available at our Reception or may be sent to readers on request.
ESMP’s on-hold-message service has been updated to provide important and helpful information to people contacting ESMP whilst waiting for one of our friendly customer service team to provide assistance.
CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM NEWS
NEW ESMP MAP
A new ESMP colour map has been produced now making it easier for visitors to navigate their way throughout the Park and find a particular grave or memorial section. It also shows the new buildings, Park features and services that are now provided to the community, including the funeral home, café, florist and condolence centre.
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Families expressing appreciation of our Funeral Home servicesThe Funeral Home has continued to build awareness and patronage, providing increasing numbers of Eastern Suburbs families of all cultures and backgrounds with a convenient and a highly professional service. Acknowledgement of this success has been the many warm and appreciative letters we receive from families, commending our people for their caring and personal service. The frequency and sincerity of these letters are a great boost to the team, rewarding them for their attention to detail and their genuine commitment to providing each family with the support they need in this very difficult time, and are confirmation of the Funeral Home’s commitment to professional service.
Informing the communityOur successful Q&A inserts into the Southern and Wentworth Courier’s continues to receive positive responses from the community. This is designed to provide readers with answers to the many questions that we receive in relation to what is involved with funeral arrangements, burials, cremations and memorialisations. The articles have included such topics as: • Why do funeral costs vary?• What happens after a service is held at the Crematorium Chapel?• How to decide whether to be buried or cremated?• What is a pre-paid Funeral Plan?• What happens when someone dies overseas?• How to prepare a Eulogy• Should I have a viewing?
For those who have not seen the articles they can be viewed on the Q&A sections on our ESMP website www.esmp.net.au. John Vogel reminds you that there is a complimentary morning tea for the best letter of the month! So get thinking and send in your questions.
George Passas, CEO welcomes Shannon Cullen to theEastern Suburbs Funeral Home
Left to right: Fabienne Rovida, John Vogel (Funeral Home Manager), George Passas (CEO) and Shannon Cullen
FUNERAL hOME NEWS
World Youth Day 2011 SponsorshipESMP is proud to sponsor Madalitso Masache a youth leader at the Church of the Holy Family Maroubra. With the support of the St Andrews Church in Malabar and his local community, Madalitso will be attending the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid, which will be held over six days from August 16–21. Madalitso has explained to John Vogel, that on his return, he is very much looking forward to sharing his experiences, in particular with those who were unable to go.
Shannon Cullen joins the teamJohn Vogel, the Funeral Home Manager, was delighted to welcome Shannon Cullen, who joined the funeral home team at the beginning of March.
Shannon has many years of experience in the Eastern Suburbs as a professional funeral consultant and prior to his appointment he has assisted many families in the arrangement of funerals for loved ones, particularly for members of the Greek Community.
PARK AND GARDENS NEWS
Our grounds staff have continued to work diligently in their ongoing program to improve and maintain the Park’s beautiful, award-winning gardens. In recent weeks, we have improved the safety and presentation of the Park to visitors by replacing the garden beds fronting Military Road. The new plantings are lower and provide greater visibility for pedestrians and drivers alike and provide a very clean and professional presentation.
We are currently preparing the garden beds for spring with the planting of:• An additional 150 rose bushes in all the rose gardens. • Daisy seedlings in the outer gardens around the crematorium.
We are also improving the Monumental burial areas with our new program of mulching with wood chip and/or planting gazanias on graves where no monument has been installed.
Tony Brown, the Park’s Operations Manager, would like to acknowledge and thank all of the grounds staff for their ongoing excellent work, with great achievements being made.
Madalitso Masache with John Vogel
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ASSISTANCE TO ARRANGERSESMP’s customer service team welcomes Funeral Directors to ask for assistance with the following:• Booking the new on-line Web Casting service.• Organising Audio/Visual equipment• ESMP staff (if required)• Testing of PowerPoint presentations prior to the day of the
service. • Arrangement of DVD keepsakes.• Viewings and witnessing.
CONTACT INFORMATION• Appointments for families wanting to choose the grave site of
their loved one can be made by calling ESMP on 9661 5655.• Condolence room, florist and café enquiries and bookings can
be arranged by phoning Eastern Suburbs Memorial Centre• on 9661 8865.• Clergy and celebrants are welcome to call 9661 5655 to
make appointments to familiarise themselves with our chapel facilities.
• If you require a funeral director contact our Funeral Home Consultants on 9694 9494.
Eastern Suburbs Memorial ParkPost Address / Administration & Cemetery Office12 Military Road Matraville, NSW 2036T | (02) 9661 5655F | (02) 9311 3654 E | [email protected]
Eastern Suburbs Memorial Centre49 Military Road Matraville, NSW 2036T | (02) 9661 8865F | (02) 9661 8952
Crematorium OfficeAt the Crematorium between the West and South ChapelsT | (02) 9661 5655F | (02) 9311 3654 E | [email protected]
Funeral Home61 Military Road Matraville, NSW 2036T | (02) 9694 9494F | (02) 9694 9495E | [email protected]
ParkingA public parking facility is available to the
left of the Crematorium entrance.
Gate Opening TimesGates open at 6.30 am.
Cemetery gates close at 6pm.
Main Crematorium gate closes at 8pm.
Botany
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Beauchamp
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Military
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borah Point Rd
La Perouse
Eastern SuburbsMemorial Park
Southpoint ShoppingCentre
Father’s Day 10am, Sunday 4th September, South Chapel
ESMP Open Day Saturday 29th October
FUTURE EVENTS CALENDAR
Christmas Service6pm, Wednesday 14th December, South Chapel
Quarterly masses 11am, Saturday 10th September, South Chapel11am, Saturday 12th November, South Chapel
funeral home • cemetery • crematorium
funeral home • cemetery • crematorium
