What would happen if funerals were taken out of a business structure and put back into the community's hands?

Starting a Tender in your community

Our Community Project in Port Kembla saw a need for change in how funerals have evolved over the years. The passing of their caretaker Nigel sparked ideas on how they could really make a difference.

It worked. Communities across Australia are joining in bringing the Tender model to their communities.

Tender Funerals Australia operates on the principle that we must be invited into a community. Tender Funerals Australia will not be owning or operating a Tender Funeral Service in your area. All Tender Funeral Services are owned and operated by their own communities.

At Tender Funerals, we believe funerals and funeral care should be meaningful, authentic, and affordable.

Tender Funerals is a not-for-profit funeral service delivering personalised, meaningful and affordable funerals, ensuring those experiencing financial hardship are able to access these critical services.

Synopsis

Set against the stunning backdrop of the industrial seaside town of Port Kembla, a feisty and resilient community group have determined to take back the responsibility that most of us leave to someone else – to care for their own dead. Scattered throughout are stories that cut to the core revealing why this small band have decided to take on a practice that for most is taboo. 

As their plans for community-based funerals gather momentum one of their own is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  TENDER is at once a heartbreakingly beautiful and beautifully funny glimpse of an extraordinary community taking on one of the most essential challenges of human life…its end.