Meet your local funeral directors

Arranging a funeral means placing a great deal of trust in the people guiding you. As a small local team, our funeral directors and planners provide that certainty by remaining personally involved from the first conversation through to the final farewell.

Personally responsible for every detail

Professional funeral directors

Local funeral planners you can rely on

Personally responsible for every detail

Professional funeral directors

Local funeral planners you can rely on

A legacy of trust

Simple Goodbyes has supported Canberra families for many years as trusted, independent funeral directors. Originally established by Peter Dinn and Mark Copley, the business built its reputation on fair pricing and respectful care.

Today, that same approach continues under the ownership of Mariana Galinec and Steve Baker, who remain closely involved in upholding the standards and values families rely on. They are committed to preserving what has always made Simple Goodbyes different: a transparent, straightforward and dignified alternative that places the needs of families first.

Simple Goodbyes custodians

Mariana and Steve have both arranged funerals for people close to them and recognise how overwhelming and vulnerable that time can be. They believe families deserve honest advice from a funeral director who is calm, transparent and respectful, helping them navigate arrangements without unnecessary complexity or pressure.

Mariana’s experience in home-based palliative care has given her a deep appreciation of the importance of calm, unpressured support when families are facing illness, death and loss. Steve brings strong operational and organisational expertise, ensuring the systems and processes behind each service run smoothly and with care.

Together with their team of funeral planners, Emma, Garth, Erica and Greg, they provide continuity of care and clear guidance, uphold the standards families rely on and support their families with respect and understanding at a difficult time.

Together with their team of funeral planners, Garth, Erica and Greg, they provide continuity of care and clear guidance, uphold the standards families rely on and support their families with respect and understanding at a difficult time.

Our values and guiding principles

We listen carefully and understand how you want to say goodbye

We explain options clearly, in plain language

We take responsibility for every detail

We stay organised behind the scenes

We are transparent about costs and inclusions

We support families respectfully, without pressure

You’re in experienced hands

From the first call onwards, one dedicated funeral planner remains responsible for your arrangements. This continuity means you always know who to speak with, and the person guiding you already understands your wishes and circumstances.

What we personally oversee

Our funeral planners will handle the practical details, coordinating every aspect of the funeral, cremation or memorial service, including legal documentation, care of your loved one and liaison with celebrants or clergy.

Explaining options and guiding arrangements

Completing all paperwork and registrations

Funeral arranging and timing, from the memorial service to the crematorium.

Preparing music and slideshow productions

Provision of a template for home production of a service booklet

Collecting clothing and personal items

Managing flowers, notices and on-the-day logistics

Transferring your loved one into our care and arranging cremation locally

Care for your loved one

From the time someone comes into our care, we remain responsible for their preparation and wellbeing through to cremation. From the time someone comes into our care, we remain responsible for their preparation and wellbeing to cremation.

Professional transfer and preparation

Essential mortuary care suitable for viewing

Local cremation within the ACT

Our professional roles

You’ll have one dedicated point of contact who stays by your side and guides you through each step. The same person manages the process from planning and arrangements to the delivery of the memorial service with care and professionalism. Our roles cover:

Funeral planner / arranger / director

Funeral service coordination

Master of ceremonies

Families should be able to understand costs easily and make decisions without pressure.

Clear pricing and honest guidance

All inclusions and pricing are listed upfront, and we don’t rely on hidden fees or unnecessary add-ons.

We specialise in cremation-based services. If something sits outside our scope, we’ll explain this openly and help you find the right provider.

Direct Cremation Package

Complete Funeral Service with Chapel

Local, independent funeral planning you can rely on

Simple Goodbyes is proudly independent and Canberra-based. Choosing a local provider means supporting a business that’s part of the community, understands the area and cares deeply about the people it serves.

Local funeral planners & arrangers

Local chapel

Local crematorium

Local accountability

Supporting families across Canberra, including North Canberra, South Canberra, Queanbeyan to Yass and beyond.

North Canberra services South Canberra services Queanbeyan to Yass services

Speak with our team

If you’re comparing, planning, or need guidance from our funeral planners on what to do next, we’re here to help. Call to speak directly with a team member or explore our service options below.

Contact Simple Goodbyes