History

Bereavement Assistance is an ethical charity structured as a public company limited by guarantee.   It was incorporated in July 1997 to formalise the charitable activities of its founder, Ted Worthington JP. For many years Ted Worthington had been assisting poor people for whom he was acting as a funeral celebrant. He often contributed funds from his own pocket.  Generous individuals were willing to assist financially but it was inadvisable to accept cash without properly accredited charitable status. Ted asked fellow Bail Justice, Bernard Morey, a Certified Practising Accountant, how these activities could best be structured.  Shortly afterwards, Bereavement Assistance was incorporated as a not-for-profit public company and Ted's vision became the basis of the charter. After considerable effort and many representations the Australia Tax Office deemed Bereavement Assistance a 'public benevolent institution' and granted the company deductible gift recipient and income tax free status. Our Founder Ted Worthington JP has been deeply involved in community service for many years.   He is one of Victoria’s leading civil marriage and funeral celebrants, a bail justice, former President of the Diamond Valley Chapter of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices and former Deputy Chairman of the North Eastern Regional Youth Committee, an appointment made by the Minister for Youth Affairs.  Our Patron We are privileged to have as our Patron Mr S.I. (Mick) Miller, AO, LVO, QPM, a former Chief Commissioner of Police in Victoria.  In his retirement Mr. Miller has been involved in community service and is actively involved in our work.