The Healing Hearts One Headstone at a Time program was run for nearly 5 years, by Kelvin, Foketi and Monica. The program ran 5 or 6 times. Each program ran over 2 days for 10 weeks, ending with a headstone laying ceremony at the cemetery.

During the program days, participants were provided with a home cooked meal made by and largely funded by Kelvin and Foketi. Evidence of the programs success can be seen at our local cemetery.

Healing Hearts One Headstone At A Time

A recent message from Kelvin Thornycroft on social media updated us about the Healing Hearts One Headstone At A Time program. Here at the Wilcannia News, we wish to thank Kelvin and Foketi (whom we miss very much) for the program they ran along with Monica Whyman.

Moving into the future, Monica has become the sole owner of the business, Paaka Thartu Karnu Mosaic Headstones, which manages the many things needed to run the program. Monica is hoping to find the financial support to restart the program.

Healing Hearts One Headstone At A Time program is a grief and loss program. It is led by community and has very real benefits for those who participate. There are organisations receiving funding to run ‘Grief and Loss’ programs. Perhaps a conversation with Monica would ensure successful outcomes for those organisations who have funding to invest in the community around grief and loss.

This article appeared in Wilcannia News, March 2025.