The Bottom Drawer Book: The After Death Action Plan

10/06/2026

PAVING OVER OUR PAST

A Catholic school in northern Tasmania plans to build over a former cemetery which has been part of its playground for decades. Before that can happen, the school needs to relocate any human remains it finds.

When does a cemetery stop being a cemetery? 🪦

xLisa

09/06/2026

Not everyone 'gets' death humour but when you write about death all the time there's always room for a gag! ⚰️ 🪏

08/06/2026

🤍 This is exactly why I released The Bottom Drawer Book almost 14 years ago. Four editions later, it's still saving families a world of grief and confusion at one of the hardest times of their lives. 🌥️💛 Thank you for your note, Carrie.

I'm so proud of what this amazing little book continues to do for families.🥰

xLisa

07/06/2026

What a legacy! What an obituary!

"Enjoy your life. Contribute to the things you're passionate about. Don't just lean in, leap in. That's how you can make a difference."

I love that he wrote a letter, a final goodbye. ✍️

Vale Prof Scolyer. 🩵

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-08/professor-richard-scolyer-dies-from-brain-cancer-aged-59/104442396

The 2024 Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer has died. In his final message he urged all Australians to "pursue their dreams and passion with humility, love and compassion".

06/06/2026

TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

Buzz Lightyear watches over the grave of a "brave and courageous little man", aged 2 years, 9 months, at Ashford Cemetery on the NSW tablelands.

I was reminded of this grave because of all the publicity surrounding Taylor Swift's new song, written for the movie Toy Story 5, which is being released in a couple of weeks.

These days, so many headstones only have a couple of dates and a name on them. I love seeing headstones that tell a story about the person within; their pastimes and interests, their character traits, their fave sayings.

Cemeteries are like libraries: so many chapters, so many stories. However, the newer cemeteries are often reflective of the 'few words' trend. People are so much more than a name and a date. They're worthy of their story being told, aren't they?

xLisa

01/06/2026

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. ⚰️

When planning a funeral, most people immediately think of a coffin or a casket. But there is another option gaining traction in mainstream Australia — and it involves no box at all.

It’s called a shroud, and while it has been a sacred tradition in Muslim, Jewish, and Bahá’í cultures for centuries, it is now becoming widely available for cremations.

In fact, Australia's largest funeral provider, InvoCare, just quietly approved shrouded cremations at around 20 of its sites across NSW and Queensland.

But there’s an interesting twist... 🤔
InvoCare won’t be actively advertising this option to its clients, probably because coffins are so lucrative. It’s primarily being opened up for other funeral directors who 'rent' their cremators.

What does this mean for you? If you or a loved one wants a shrouded cremation, you have to ask for it. And if your chosen provider says no? Find one who will.

Read my blog to learn about:
👉 The history of shrouds
👉 The practicalities (like why a timber "shroud bearer" is required)
👉 Why many people don't like the idea
👉 The psychological impact on crematorium staff handling the organic shape of a human form rather than a box.

READ MORE HERE: https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2026/05/30/shrouded-cremation-enters-the-mainstream/

What do you think? Is it something you'd consider?

xLisa
Author & 'deathie'.

31/05/2026

Hilariously, I'm being trolled by the cheeky crew at Charters Towers Compassionate Communities, who are doubting that Keith Urban will play at my funeral, whenever that will be! 😅

It comes after my post on Friday about Jimmy Barnes and Paul Kelly playing at James Valentine's lovely memorial, which had me pondering whether the country superstar would play at my farewell.

May I present to you ... THE EVIDENCE! Sure, the close friendship may be one-sided.... 😉

Have you met any high-profile people? I'd love to see your pics! Or, if you haven't met them (yet), drop a pic of who you'd like to play or speak at your send-off.

xLisa

29/05/2026

I was watching a news story about broadcaster James Valentine's memorial, which was today.

The reporter said something along the lines of, "James got the send-off he asked for. The man who spent his life behind the mic wasn't going to let anyone else do the talking for him".

Yes, he personally organised the lineup of speakers because he wanted the service to reflect his love for the radio medium. This meant he could chat with his audience one last time through the people he chose.

Who do you want to speak at your send-off? You can write your answer on page 46 of the Bottom Drawer Book. And you can write your music preferences on page 42. James had Paul Kelly and Jimmy Barnes. Who would you like to sing at yours?

Do you think Keith Urban will say yes to playing at mine? 😉

xLisa

28/05/2026

I found this death exhibition, DEARLY DEPARTED: DEATH IN LIFE at the state library very worthwhile.

Have you been?

xLisa

28/05/2026

Earlier in the week I used this dunny photo on a post. Now, by popular demand, here's the story about that loo!

An old timber dunny frame in the front yard of my house provides screening between the house and the park across the road. It was moved there by a former owner. Previously the station master’s toilet at the Warwick train station, it comes with a cool story!

On 29 November 1917, Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes was at the Warwick railway station, campaigning for the 1917 plebiscite on conscription.

Standing on the platform at back of a train, he attempted to give a speech to the people at Warwick but was smacked in the head by an egg thrown from the crowd, knocking his hat off. 🥚

It’s said that the Prime Minister then entered the dunny where he cleaned himself up.

Hughes demanded local police arrest the culprit, Patrick Michael Brosnan, for breaking Commonwealth Law, but they refused. Instead, Sgt Kenny told the PM that he was only beholden to Queensland law and that “You have no jurisdiction”.

Of course, the PM was furious. He later commissioned a new police force - the Federal Police Force - to make sure Commonwealth Law would be upheld across Australia. And that’s how the AFP was born.

It's a historical dunny!

There are so many cool stories that we never hear about. feel free to she your random or quirly stories below. :)

xLisa