Mourning the loss of a loved one has been fraught with more heartache than usual during the COVID-19 restrictions.
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A limit of a maximum of 10 mourners during the height of restrictions was experienced by many Southern Highlands families.
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Delivering the news that only 10 mourners were permissible at a funeral was also tough for funeral homes tasked with organising the final farewell of loved ones who had passed.
The region's longest running funeral house, G Beavan Funerals was at the forefront of the challenge, caught between navigating the tough regulations and ensuring that families could farewell their loved ones with honour and respect.
The Beavan's team is quick to admit that the responsibilities have weighed heavy.
Funeral director and manager Josh Peszko said that during the tightest restrictions from late March to mid-May some families had to make very hard decisions.
"Not only were families dealing with their loved one's passing, but also dealing with the fact that they could not hold their loved one's service how they pictured," he said.
"The majority of families chose to hold a service despite the restrictions, but this sometimes meant families had to make some very hard decisions as to who could attend.
"In some cases immediate family exceeded the 10-person limit."
Josh said Beavan Funerals had been very busy throughout the pandemic especially during the height of restrictions.
"The news [of a limit of 10 mourners] was always hard to deliver and became our daily job," he said.
"Families were always understanding, even though saddened and disappointed with the reality of the situation.
"Once we explained all the options that still existed and with the assistance of all local clergy, celebrants and service providers, families were always quick to adapt and plan a fitting and memorable service.
"Families of the Southern Highlands, have been so gracious in their grief, understanding and adapting to what has been an unimaginably hard time for them."
Restrictions have more recently eased with an unlimited number of mourners now permitted at a funeral service.
However, Josh said there were still challenges to consider.
He said that constant changes alone had been very hard.
"It seems we finally get our head around one lot of changes and implement procedures to comply then it changes again," he said.
"The information provided to the public regarding restrictions, at times, has been very unclear and caused a lot of confusion.
"The lack of resources due to the shutdown has also been a challenge, however, the business community, I feel, really came together in managing these obstacles."
Josh said he was prepared for many challenges to remain for some time.
"Families need to be aware, although restrictions have eased and there is no limit to the number of mourners allowed at a service, venues are still limited in their capacity," he said.
"For example a church that could hold 250 mourners can now only hold 50.
"This is due to the one person per 4sqm rule.
"There are also extra duties involved in order to comply with government regulations, that take time and resources, such as the completion of COVID-19 tracing registers, and deep cleaning of all funeral venues apply."
But it would seem that the families have taken positives from the situation during some of their toughest moments.
Josh said that the feedback had been extremely positive.
"With small services, most families explained that they felt as though they were present for the day and they were not on show in front of a large number of people," he said.
"They have felt more comfortable in speaking and delivering a eulogy or tribute and the expectation of a formal gathering or wake had been removed.
"Many families have said they will hold a second gathering at a time when this is possible, where they can celebrate a life with a larger gathering."
In the meantime, Josh said Beavan Funerals remained committed to supporting families and the community through ever-changing circumstances, with strict safety measures and new ideas to assist families at their toughest time.