Our Story Timeline

Tobin Brothers Funerals launches a new website, an update to its initial website in 2011, which is now arguably the most comprehensive website of any Funeral Director worldwide.

Maintaining his commitment to transparency, Managing Director James MacLeod says :

“One of my main priorities was to take the transparency of Tobin Brothers Funerals to new levels. For far too long I felt the funeral industry had hidden behind what I have termed ‘a veil of secrecy’ which created far too many myths and misinformation surrounding death.”

He adds “Whilst the website is a gateway to the information the community and in particular client families are looking for in their absolute time of need, it takes far more than a very good website to be a competent, caring and professional funeral provider.”

Tobin Brothers Funerals made waves on radio, formed valuable connections with radio personalities and told the stories of hundreds of Australians.

Singer and former Young Talent Timer Denis Walter, who was the Afternoon Program host on 3AW in 2014, became and still is an outstanding ambassador for Tobin Brothers Funerals.

Tobin Brothers Funerals also began sponsoring ‘The Family Counsellor’ hosted by Fr Gerard Dowling, and founded and sponsored various radio shows such as ‘Great Australian Lives’, ‘This is Your Sporting Life’, ‘This is Your Football Life’, ‘Sunday Celebrations’, ‘This is Your Racing Life’ and ‘This is Your Journey’ all of which tell the stories of various media personalities and Australians who have a significant story to tell which ties in with the company ethos of ‘Celebrating Lives’.

“Because some of the most glowing accolades are paid to people after they have died, we decided to tie our brand to these shows which celebrate the lives of eminent Australians, broadcast on mainstream commercial radio”

Interestingly, some of these interviews have in fact provided the interviewee with their last opportunity to share their life story and lessons with the world, further emphasising the message of telling our own story before it’s too late.

Tobin Brothers Funerals opened the Tobin Brothers Museum at North Melbourne on 9th October 2014.

Encouraged by Tobin Brothers Funerals Chairman, Michael Tobin, to be a ‘living museum’, The Tobin Brothers Museum is not only a fascinating history of the family-owned company of more than 90 years but also an evolving modern testament to the innovation and professionalism of the people who work at Tobin Brothers.

The museum will continue to evolve and grow as new events unfold and new developments and changes are made to the industry. It is closed to the public unless under special invitation or request.

Tobin Brothers Funerals Celebrated Moments Coffin range launched in March 2014.

Once again showing their leadership and innovation in the Funeral Industry, Tobin Brothers Funerals launches an exclusive range of completely custom printed, vinyl wrapped coffins.

These personalised Celebrated Moments Coffins first became available in sixteen different designs to truly celebrate and reflect the life of a loved one. They can also be personalised with completely custom images.

The Generational Lord Mayor’s Commendations recognise family businesses that have operated continuously within the City of Melbourne across at least three generations.

On Wednesday 1st October 2014, the Tobin Family was awarded the City of Melbourne Lord Mayor’s Commendation ‘for the professional services provided to the people of Melbourne over four generations’. Leo T Tobin represented his family and accepted the award.

Tobin Brothers Funerals marks their 80th year serving Victorian families.

Tobin Brothers Funerals introduced The Harley Hearse to their fleet of vehicle options.

A 2013 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy with a custom made side car bed accommodates any coffin or casket from the Tobin Brothers Funerals range.

The Tobin Brothers Funerals Thomastown Chapel was named ‘Orlando’s Chapel’ on 23rd August 2013 in honour of the late Orlando Mascitti who was a well respected, well loved and well known member of the Tobin Brothers staff and Thomastown community.

Tobin Brothers Funerals is inducted into the ‘Family Business Australia Victoria Hall of Fame’ as a Victorian family business that is recognised in its field of endeavour for their contribution to Australia’s future, community and culture on 10th May 2013.

Tobin Brothers was also named as the ‘Best Third Generation Family Business’ in Victoria.

Tobin Brothers was awarded a ‘Business Excellence’ Award by Business Excellence Awards Manningham in the category of ‘Technology Business of the Year 2013’ for our Memory Maker app.

Tobin Brothers Funerals was awarded the ‘AFE Innovation Award’ at the Asian Funeral Expo Industry Awards in 2013, for the ground breaking work done by the company in developing and marketing the MemoryMaker app