Our Story

Drawing on our 90 years of history, Funerals Australia (formerly the Australian Funeral Directors Association) stands as Australia’s trusted leader and advocate on funerals, uniting the best of the funeral profession to support and guide families with care and compassion as they manage end of life events.

We believe that everyone has the right to a fitting farewell, in whatever form that takes, delivered with empathy and skill by experienced and trusted professionals

Our Mission

Purpose

For the community to have access to the support and guidance that empowers them to receive a fitting farewell.

Our Mission

Promote and advocate for the value of funerals and the profession, leading the way in standards and education to drive the advancement in the sector and empower community decision-making.

Our Vision

That the community more openly discusses death and dying and makes informed and planned decisions about what happens at end of life.

Our Goals

Compassion

To be a guiding hand to communities to help them better navigate death and funerals with compassion and care.

Expertise

Provide training, peer support, and nationwide connections with like-minded professionals to deliver professional and meaningful funerals.

Trust

To be the leading voice of the funerals sector, guiding those who work within it and shaping how it is understood by the community.

Our Board

National Executives
Asha Dooley

Asha Dooley

National President

Grace Funerals

Deanne McLeod_web

Deanne McLeod

Senior Vice-President

Bowra & O'Dea Funeral Directors

Luke Gregson_Gregson & Weight_web

Luke Gregson

Junior Vice-President

Gregson & Weight

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James Macleod

Treasurer

Tobin Brothers Funerals

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Dale Gilson

Chief Executive Officer

Funerals Australia

Our Ethics & Standards

Funerals Australia members uphold uncompromising high standards, always acting in the best interests of the families and communities they serve. As a sector-leading standard setter, Funerals Australia drives professionalism, ethical care, and continuous improvement across the funeral industry.

Looking for a Funeral Professional?

Choosing a Funerals Australia member means choosing trusted guidance, genuine care, and the highest industry standards.

Help when something goes wrong

Funerals Australia is committed to helping families feel supported, heard, and respected even when something goes wrong. If a concern arises with a Funerals Australia member, we offer a fair and transparent path to resolving concerns.

Our Team

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Dale Gilson

CEO
Edwina Ellicott

Edwina Ellicott

National Education

Executive & Member Liaison (NSW/ACT & QLD)

AFDA Office_Sherida Good

Sherida Good

Executive & Member Liaison (VIC & TAS)

Event Coordinator (VIC & TAS)

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TBC

Executive & Member Liaison (SA/NT & WA)
Lucinda Cate

Lucinda Cate

Communications & Marketing

Member Services

AFDA Office_Theresa Bernstein

Theresa Bernstein

Finance Manager
AFDA Office_Deanne Brown

Deanne Brown

National Event Coordinator
Coralie Higgins

Coralie Higgins

Administration Coordinator

Our Corporate Partners

National Office

PO Box 1048, Mt Waverley VIC 3149
Ph:  03 9859 9966
Fax: 03 9819 7390
Email: info@funeralsaustralia.org.au

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