About us

The Australian Celebrants & Celebrations Network (ACCN) is a private independent celebrant network provided by, and in the trading name, of Rona Goold, Robertson NSW - celebrant since 1989. The ACCN launch date was 1st July 2008. 

However the ACCN is a major sponsor of Civil Celebrants Network Inc and is working with other celebrants and with Civil Celebrations Network Inc to:

• celebrating respectful caring family, friendship and other relationships in the context of various rites of passage and other significant events for individuals, families and communities
• promoting concepts of courtesy, creativity, cooperation and respect for all others without discrimination
• promoting understanding rights and responsibilities to give and receive justice (“a fair go”) in all one’s affairs and
• supporting democratic principles and promoting ‘harmonious' relationships  between all sectors in society
• be capable of taking on the resources of the ACCN if that is appropriate

ACCN aim:

How?

Networking - bringing together civil celebrants, celebration suppliers and communities to create unique celebrations.

Why?

Our families and communities are stronger when they receive affirmation, love and support at specific stages in their life's journey.

Celebrations and ceremonies, especially those organised by civil celebrant, can bring people together from different walks of live - different races, religions, cultures- to focus on their common strengths and resources, whilst appreciating their differences.

Where?

Anywhere your family or group chooses – homes, community halls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, reception function places, resorts – provided the venue has a safe space for all the senses !

When?

There are many opportunities to honour a loved one or couple. The yearly calendar has days such as Mothers', Father's, Valentine, International Year of ..." days and wells as special holidays such as Australia Day that can be used as a time to celebrate.

The event needs to be planned and organised to ensure maximum benefit for all who attend. The ACCN cautions against 'total surprises'. People need to be psychologically ready to participate in an event to be able to fully engage with it and the people present.

Cost?

Make the celebration a combined gift – everyone contributes in some way to create a gift of priceless worth.

The ACCN aims to compliment and support non-profit celebrant associations by being a resource to the celebrancy & celebrations field.  The ACCN welcomes ideas on how we can assist in this way and feedback on this website and our products and services.

ACCN Principal: Rona Goold.

The ACCN has grown from Rona's volunteer work for a national non-profit celebrant association. The ACCN is the trading name Rona uses for this new business which aims to support other celebrancy practices in their work to service Australian communities.

Rona was appointed as a Civil Marriage Celebrant in 1989 when the role was considered a community services and appointments made on a needs basis. Rona believes that, in this new era in celebrancy, as in our lives generally, we need to work together for the common good.    

Celebrations can bond people together in ways that are difficult to achieve through other means. Rona is also passionate about celebrations and ceremonies being opportunities for celebrants to work with individuals, families and organisations in recording family information and personal histories. In time poor lives, celebrants are uniquely placed to assist in this way. This century may in fact be the first one in which the stories of  'ordinary' families can be preserved for their descendants.

ACCN Distribution Manager: Ginny Bydder

Ginny was appointed as a Civil Marriage Celebrant in 2004 and has worked quietly, and patiently with a fast evolving sense of humour, alongside Rona in providing celebrant resources.

Ginny brings to the ACCN her passion for celebrancy, good customer service and a commitment to be of service to all ACCN members and visitors.