Sharon Todd

Kariyarra Elder; Funeral Director, Towards the Dreaming Funeral Services

Sharon Todd, a Kariyarra Noongar woman has made history as Western Australia’s first female Indigenous funeral director & funeral company holder. Sharon’s commitment to her community led her to establish Towards the Dreaming, a funeral service that bridges cultural gaps and honours traditions.

Sharon recognized a need for culturally sensitive funeral services, especially for Indigenous people. Her business, Towards the Dreaming, aims to encourage families to be comfortable using our culture and tradition in our funerals. Here are some key points about Sharon and her remarkable venture:

• Founding Date: Sharon launched Towards the Dreaming in Oct 2021.
• Location: The business started in Perth, where the first request came from but as a Kariyarra / Whadjuk / Gnarla Karla Boodja Noongar Sharon wants to have the spread across the country of her birth and that of her father’s country too.
• Growth: The company has expanded significantly, employing 39 people on a casual basis and appointing its first two full-time employees not including her position in the last financial year.
• Mantra: Sharon’s mantra, ‘Our Culture, Our Funerals, Our Way’, encapsulates her mission.
• Specialisation: While specialising in traditional Aboriginal funeral services, Towards the Dreaming is also adaptable to provide personalized funeral services that suit each family’s needs.