The funeral will begin with a service at Saint John’s Anglican Church, Bega, at 11am, followed by interment at the Bega Cemetery.

The service, to be conducted by Pastor John Tompson of the Seventh Day Adventists Church, Bega, will reflect the strong community grief being experienced through the entire valley.

“We sense very strongly this is a community event,” pastor Tompson said.

“Primarily, the attention will be focused on the family’s grief, but it will also acknowledge how it has touched the lives of a lot of people and the pain the community is feeling.”

He added other members of the community, who are themselves in an abusive situation and may relate in some way to this tragedy, will also find “there is something in the service for them too”.

The service will include a life sketch on each of the children, Jack, 8, Maddie, 7 and Bon, 16 months.

Three candles will be lit, one for each child, to commemorate their life and as a symbol to those children in the community who have experienced domestic violence and abuse in their life.

The children’s mother, Karen, will say a personal goodbye and there will be a pictorial presentation during the service.

Pastor Tompson said other churches in the community, businesses and organisations have also been involved in the service.

“There has been a huge outpouring of support and help,” he said.

“A lot of people in the community have had an input ... it may not necessarily be seen but it will be there.”

“I’ve never dealt with something on this scale before,” pastor Tompson said.

“What has been difficult in coming to grips with is the unfairness of the children’s lives being snuffed out.

“It’s been very emotional putting the service together and seeing the pain Karen and her family are going through.