Divorce Parties
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Divorce parties are taking off in Sydney as people swap tears for tequila. Lauren Day and Larteasha Smith show how Sydney's divorcees are celebrating their newfound freedom.
'Divorce Parties' Transcript
JOURNALIST
This is not a celebration of a birth, a birthday, or a marriage. This is a celebration of the end of a marriage. It's a divorce party, and in Sydney they're taking off. Divorcees are celebrating their split with anything from paintball, to pole dancing parties. Relationships Australia estimates that one in three marriages end in divorce. That's good business for some party planners.
Simon wheeler, from divorceparty.com.au, says people are after closure.
SIMON WHEELER
Go with a copy of your marriage certificate, go with all your friends and family, burn it before you start and say 'that's it, that part of my life is over now and I'm looking forward to the future.'
JOURNALIST
Mr Wheeler organises nights out for people who haven't been out partying for years.
SIMON WHEELER
They're looking for a new place to go out with their friends and say 'hey everyone, wanna go out and celebrate my divorce?' 'yeh, for sure, he was a bastard. Let's get out there and have some fun.'
JOURNALIST
Clinical psychologist, Heide McConkey had a divorce party after her separation.
HEIDE MCCONKEY
After over a year of fighting for it, finally the divorce came through and I said freedom. And I started with a party.
JOURNALIST
She warns they're not for everyone.
HEIDE MCCONKEY
It depends on the person. If they are very angry, very depressed, I wouldn't recommend it. In some instances, I would discuss new beginnings and yes, why not start it off with a party?
JOURNALIST
Almost 40 per cent of people regret their divorce five years on. That's not bothering this crowd though. For now, it's not about celebrating the beginning of marriages...but rather about celebrating their end.