MELISSA’S FAREWELL
THE Queensland Government move to lift the cap on funeral gatherings to 100 people has come at the perfect time for the family of Melissa Nielsen, who will lay the beloved lawyer to rest today.
Health Minister Steven Miles said the easing of restrictions would allow double the amount of people to attend funerals.
“We’ve received hundreds of heartbreaking stories from families wanting to have more people to grieve their loved ones,” he said. “It’s an event that people don’t get to choose the timing of.”
Under the relaxed restrictions, funerals will no longer need to be approved by health authorities. But organisers will need to keep a list of those who attend and hold onto it for eight weeks.
Mourners were urged to stay home if experiencing any cold or flu symptoms.
The day restrictions ease will coincide with the funeral service for Ms Nielsen, who died of a malignant glioma brain tumour last Wednesday.
Her aunt, Linda Huey told the Cairns Post it was welcome news for the family.
“We’re very excited, we can up the number of people now, which is great,” she said.
“She deserves a send-off.”
The funeral service will be held today, hosted by Black’s Funerals.
Owner Kerry Black said the funeral would still be invitation-only, but the easing of restrictions would make it easier for family and friends.
“It’s great news that they’re able to start lifting the restrictions to make it easier for more funerals,” she said.
“It was going to be a livestreamed funeral, but now they’ll be able to have more family and friends to support each other.”
Ms Black said people had been understanding of the restrictions placed on funerals over the past few months, but many would be glad to see them eased.
“Everyone’s been understanding and respectful of it … but now that we’re coming out of flattening the curve, it’s a relief to family to have more people attend,” she said.
“We will continue with the livestream moving forward regardless of when we’re back to normal attendance.”
Public live streaming will still be available via www.blacksfunerals.com.au/tribute-centre commencing at 10.30am. Mourners have been asked to make donations to Send Hope Not Flowers at www.sendhope.org