Tender screening

In November, the award-winning documentary 'Tender' was screened on Nguma-Bada campus at James Cook University (JCU). Together with support from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) and in collaboration with Tender Funerals Far North Queensland (TFFNQ) and the Social Enterprise Network for the Tropics (SENT), the event attracted over 50 residents in the region.

The film is set in the industrial seaside town of Port Kembla, New south Wales. The documentary follows a determined community group reclaiming the responsibility of caring for their own dead—a practice often seen as taboo in modern day Australia. It is interwoven with poignant and humorous stories and reflects a deeply moving and inspiring glimpse into people addressing one of life’s most profound challenges; its end.

Following the screening, a discussion ensued amongst the attendees which was facilitated with the representatives from TFFNQ and SENT. Attendees shared their past experiences and were interested in Tender Funerals transformative approach in Far North Queensland.

Tender Funerals is a social enterprise offering meaningful, personalized, and affordable funeral services, particularly for those facing financial hardship or distress. Based in Cairns, TFFNQ is part of a growing movement to reclaim the rites around death and dying. By providing education on legal rights and responsibilities, and encouraging open conversations, they empower people to take control of their end-of-life journey, from planning to the funeral itself.

TFFNQ has focused this year on several key areas:
• Building community networks and raising awareness of their mission.
• Grant writing and fundraising to secure start-up capital.
• Volunteer recruitment and coordination to grow their team.
• Searching for a suitable site for their operations.

The event marked an important step in fostering community engagement and support for TFFNQ’s vision of accessible, dignified, and community-driven funeral care and SENT’s continued support of Social Enterprise in Far North Queensland.

Image: Attendees in the JCU Ideas Lab. Credit: N.Gopalkrishan