Barry Young OAM has been a member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants since 1998, and a leading professional funeral celebrant of twenty years' experience. Being mindful of grief and the provision of comfort to young and old on his journey as a funeral celebrant, he saw a need for books to assist celebrants in making each ceremony unique and meaningful.

Barry's funeral service structure and his creative meaningful writing style have put new meaning into what can be a solemn and heart-wrenching occasion. His book The Funeral Celebrants Handbook has been widely acclaimed around the globe and is an inspiring training manual and guide to those wishing to enter this significant and caring ministry.

Barry was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia) on Australia Day 2008 for meritorious service to the community through support for a range of youth, service and aged care organizations and grief counselling. In 2013 he was awarded the NSW Government award for the Albury Citizen of the Year and in 2015 the City of Albury Australia Day Honour Volunteer of the Year award. Barry is a dedicated Rotarian and a recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship. Barry lives with his wife Bev and family in the beautiful rural valley of Thurgoona in NSW.