Funeral Director & End-of-Life Planning in the Northern Rivers
Need to speak with a Funeral Director immediately? Please call 0410 478 713 or 1300 242 490
A Calm Place to Land: Funeral Director & Celebrant in the Northern Rivers
When someone you love dies, the world can feel suddenly loud, confusing, and heavy. You’re grieving, and at the same time, you’re expected to make decisions you’ve likely never made before. You don’t have to do this alone.
I’m Rachel Bracken, a Funeral Director, Celebrant, and End-of-Life Educator based in Ballina, supporting families across the Northern Rivers. My role is to gently guide you through this time with clarity, care, and compassion, so you feel supported, informed, and never rushed. This is a place where things are explained simply, choices are respected, and you are held every step of the way.
A Human Approach to Funerals in Ballina and Beyond
Funerals don’t need to feel cold, clinical, or transactional. They should feel like the person they’re honouring. My approach is calm, personal, and deeply human. I take the time to listen to what matters most to you, explain your options clearly, and help you create a farewell that feels right for your family. There is no “correct” way to do this. There is only your way.
About Rachel Bracken: Your Funeral Guide
My name is Rachel Bracken. I’m 47 and I live in Ballina, on the Northern Rivers of NSW. This work is deeply personal to me. When my own mum died, her funeral was loving and meaningful, yet there were moments where our family felt unsure, rushed, and without much choice.
That experience stayed with me. It shaped the way I work today. I know how vulnerable this time can feel, and how important it is to be listened to, to be given clear options, and to feel like you still have agency. My role is to offer calm guidance, honest support, and a steady presence, so you feel held rather than overwhelmed.
How I Support You with Funeral Planning & Ceremony
From our first conversation through to the days and weeks after the funeral, I’m here to help carry the weight. I support you by:
Listening carefully to what you want and need.
Explaining all options for burial, cremation, services and memorials.
Handling practical arrangements, paperwork, and logistics as your Funeral Director.
Creating and leading a meaningful, personal ceremony as your Celebrant.
Supporting speakers, readings, music, and rituals.
Checking in after the day, because grief doesn’t end when the service does.
You can move at your own pace. I’ll walk beside you.
Serving Ballina, Byron Bay, and the Northern Rivers
I proudly support families across Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Lennox Head, Bangalow, and surrounding Northern Rivers communities. Whether you’re planning something very simple or something deeply personal, I’m here to help you honour your person in a way that feels true.
You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be
Grief is heavy enough. Planning a farewell shouldn’t add to that burden. If you’re unsure where to start, have questions, or just need to talk things through, you’re welcome to reach out for a no-pressure conversation. I’m here when you’re ready.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Whether you need to plan a service now, or you’re simply looking for some clear information and a calm voice, I am here to help. There is no pressure and no rush—just a conversation about what you need.
Send an email, Text Message or View My Services For immediate support, please call me on 0410 478 713.
“Rachel and her team acted quickly, professionally and sensitively to ensure the funeral and burial of our beautiful mother was completed within a week, just before Christmas. It was an interstate transfer, so more complicated than a local death. We can’t thank them enough for the work they put in and the kind communication with us messy, grieving family. Their costs were reasonable with several options to take on tasks ourselves (flowers, catering etc…). When the live video link at the service faltered, a solution was quickly found. We are all proud and thankful for the beautiful service. Thank you 🙏.”
“Rachel provided exceptional care and support in planning a beautiful service for my mother. From the very beginning, she was kind, compassionate, and attentive to every detail, ensuring the farewell was truly personal and meaningful. Her warmth and professionalism made a difficult time so much easier, and we felt completely supported throughout the entire process. The service was a perfect reflection of my mother’s life, and we are deeply grateful for Rachel’s dedication and thoughtfulness. I highly recommend Rachel and the team at Picaluna Funerals for their outstanding care and service.”