General News
12 June, 2023
New lease of life for heritage funeral home
The home of Dimboola and District Funerals has undergone a complete makeover, emerging with a fresh modernist style in calm neutral tones. Emiley Bone, who shares ownership with her husband Matt, said they had already received many favourable...
The home of Dimboola and District Funerals has undergone a complete makeover, emerging with a fresh modernist style in calm neutral tones.
Emiley Bone, who shares ownership with her husband Matt, said they had already received many favourable comments on the new look of the building.
"Clients are finding it comfortable to be there now, which is exactly what we wanted: to have people comfortable in the environment," Ms Bone said.
The couple needed a permit from council to undertake additional extensive work on the nature strip facing Wimmera Street.
They decided together on the white roses that flank the walk – a classic touch.
The entire project was pricey but Ms Bone said it was a foregone conclusion that it had to be done.
"If you had seen the way it looked before, all ugly concrete and dingy.
"It was a horrible building. We had to get rid of a lot of rubbish."
Mr Bone added that they left the centre of the building clear to allow for smooth manoeuvering of the hearse.
Surprisingly, in the lot behind the funeral home, Mr Bone is planning a museum featuring the tractors, engines and other period pieces that he has collected over the years.
"I'm painting some but leaving others in their natural state," he said.
"I want to give the town something to look at other than a bare lot.
"I've been looking into the history."
Historically, the building has always housed a business that offered both mortuary and car repair shop services – a combination that defies imagination.
However, those days have passed.
Dimboola and District Funerals also assists clients from Jeparit, Rainbow and Kaniva.
Regarding funerals, Mr Bone said it was important to get a loved one's wishes down on paper while they were alive.
"This saves having to agonise over funeral decisions at a stressful time," he said.
"It's easier for the family."