Our Story

Rooted in Community and Care

Our journey in Warrnambool begins with a deep connection to the community and a shared commitment to compassionate care. Karen Scull and Fiona Umbers, integral members of the Warrnambool community, initially connected through their work with hospice care. This connection led to the realization of a missing link in local end-of-life care – the need for a sanctuary where families could honour their loved ones when home care was not possible.

Bringing Care Home

End-of-life doulas play a crucial role in our mission, supporting families with intimacy and compassion within the comfort of their own homes. This approach has been welcomed with open arms in Warrnambool, where many were unaware that home-based death care was a viable option.

Founding Connections

Our roots in Warrnambool extend back to the foundational work of Dr. Eric Fairbank and Lu Butler in hospice care at Warrnambool and District Community Hospice. Their legacy of community and individual service resonates deeply with our mission at Natural Grace. Through preparation and immersion in the local culture, we discovered a profound connection to the people and their needs.

“Natural Grace Holistic Funeral Care is refurbishing O’Sullivan’s premises to begin an innovative way of providing end of life and funeral care services. Owned and operated by locals Karen Scull and Fiona Umbers with support from founders, Libby Moloney and Jacqui Morgan, Natural Grace offer a number of new initiatives that underline their philosophy of the friendly encouragement of families to be part of the care of their loved ones through the dying process to burial or cremation.
Warrnambool and District is fortunate to have the choice of a fresh and different approach that will complement the excellent traditional service provided by Guyetts.

– Dr. Fairbank 

Closing the Gaps

We are dedicated to closing gaps in end-of-life care by providing families with comprehensive support and guidance. Our experience helps us make sense of difficult situations and ensures that every aspect of honouring a loved one’s life is thoughtfully considered and executed.

Looking Forward

In addition to traditional choices, Warrnambool is ready and open to innovative approaches to death care and commemoration. We are honoured to bring Natural Grace’s ethos and expertise to our community, ensuring that every family receives the care, respect, and support they deserve during challenging times.

Join Us in this Journey

We invite you to join us in this meaningful journey. Whether you are exploring options for end-of-life care or seeking support after a death, Natural Grace Warrnambool is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

How Natural Grace was founded

My husband died when I was 26 years old, and our daughter was just 2. Whilst professionally arranged, his funeral was less than what he deserved. That’s why — after years of research exploring rituals and practices of cultures throughout the world — I founded Natural Grace, Australia’s first holistic funeral practice.

I wanted to give grieving families comfort and support but mostly I believed it was possible for families to care for their own dead and to lead their own ceremonies; that natural cremation and burial was legal and possible and that with some gentle care, families could authentically say goodbye to the person they have loved.

Our first funeral was for the 7-year-old daughter of my oldest friend. Since then, we have cared for hundreds of families, helping them honour and celebrate lives with beautiful, meaningful and eco-friendly funerals.

Libby Moloney, Founder

Natural Grace Values

Our Promises To The Community:

Emotional Generosity – We are willing and able to offer comfort, guidance, and support to all people. We offer warm hospitality, up to date and relevant information and an abundance of time.

Leadership – We empower and guide our community to access holistic options at end of life and to make authentic, beautiful, and sustainable funeral choices.

Innovation – We create and embrace valuable change in our profession and pursue innovation, education, and professional and personal development.

Kindness – We are naturally open and kind people. We start every interaction with kindness and believe from there, anything is possible.

Trust – We work diligently to earn your trust and promise to hold you gently, safely, and respectfully.

Participation – With full hearts we participate in all forms of funeral care, rituals and ceremonies and believe that family and community directed funerals lay the best foundation for healthy bereavement.

Sustainability – Natural and sustainable funeral care is legal, possible, and beautiful.

Our Values & Model of Care

As members of the National Funeral Directors Association of Australia, we adhere to the code of ethics that promise:

• To provide a high standard of facilities which are adequately equipped for all services provided.
• To provide staff who are well trained and experienced in all aspects of the funeral profession.
• To always be scrupulous in the confidentiality of our clients’ personal information.
• To give a written, itemised estimate of costs when required by families at the time of taking instruction.

Inclusion & Diversity

Inclusion and diversity in death care are fundamental to providing compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive services for all individuals and communities. Our commitment to these principles ensures that every person, regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity, receives dignified and personalised care. We recognise and honour the diverse traditions, customs, and practices related to death and mourning, striving to create a supportive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

We are particularly dedicated to providing gender-affirming death care, with all team members trained in inclusive language, respect, and empathy. This commitment guarantees that individuals of all gender identities and expressions are treated with the utmost dignity and recognition, fully honouring their wishes and identities.

Natural Grace is a proud member of the Welcome Here Project.