In life, there are moments that shape us, guiding us onto paths we never imagined traversing. For me, it was two deeply confronting personal experiences that sparked the beginnings of Critical Info, leading me to take a new path with the intention of helping other people navigate end-of-life planning as smoothly as possible.
The first of these experiences occurred in 2019, when I was involved in a car accident that resulted in lifelong injuries and chronic pain. This event forced me to leave behind a 13-year career as an events producer at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, disrupting many aspects of my life. More significantly, however, it brought me face-to-face with my mortality and the imperative need to prepare for death beyond the fundamental step of having a valid will.
The second pivotal moment came in February 2023, with the sudden death of a very close friend. Despite having a well-prepared will, he had left behind no details about his finances, day-to-day affairs, or preferences for his funeral arrangements. Sorting through the voluminous piles of paperwork in his apartment while grappling with shock and grief was a heart-wrenching experience. His adult children, traveling from the United States for his funeral, were forced to crowd-fund to cover costs, highlighting the lack of a consolidated resource to guide them through the process of dealing with a loved one's death in Australia.
This experience ignited a determination within me to create a secure and supportive platform that empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary for informed decisions and comprehensive planning around the end of life. Thus, Critical Info was born.
Supported by specialist organisations and resources, Critical Info aims to fill the gap by providing a comprehensive platform covering legal frameworks, medical institutions, funeral industry processes, and resources to assist individuals in preparing for and coping with the multifaceted aspects of death.
My diverse professional background, including roles in event management, caretaking, and business management, has equipped me with a unique set of skills that have proven invaluable in shaping Critical Info. Moreover, my values of openness, honesty, empathy, and sustainability serve as the foundation upon which Critical Info is built.
Beyond work, my life is enriched by pursuits such as perfecting the art of roasting, exploring gallery exhibitions and local gardens, and immersing myself in nature through walks with my dog and deep water running classes. My family is always at the centre of everything I do and the supportive foundation from which Critical Info has grown.
In summary, Critical Info is not just a platform; it's a culmination of personal experiences, professional skills, and deeply held values, all aimed at supporting individuals through one of life's most challenging transitions with compassion and purpose.
P.S. This is a photo of me with my family taken at Christmas time (from front to rear); my son Ethan, my Mum Elizabeth, me, and my husband Rodney.
