Our Story Timeline

The launch of the Tobin Brothers MemoryMaker App in 2012 – a bold new initiative which was the first of its kind in the Funeral Industry worldwide!

Using tablet and smartphone touch-screen technology, the aim of the MemoryMaker App was to enable client families to make more informed decisions about products and costs, even before meeting with the Funeral Planner.

“The introduction of the Tobin Brothers MemoryMaker App has since assisted thousands of client families to make better informed decisions so much so that on numerous occasions when we arrive to meet with the client family to plan their loved ones funerals, many of the decisions and choices have already been made.

Often it was difficult for families to communicate in front of the Funeral Planner because they wanted to talk about costs, they had a different opinion of the colour or the style of what their loved one would have liked or would not have liked.

MemoryMaker made it easier for families and that is something I am most proud of.” – James MacLeod

In 2012, Tobin Brothers Funerals launched their Creative Communications division, comprising a group of people who possess expertise in voice, video, journalism, and graphic design.

The company now produces blogs and podcasts on many funeral related issues and produce video features on various ‘not for profit’ organisations who deserve funding and recognition such as The Wellington, The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Redkite, Kids Helpline, The Aussie Swag, Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation, Cultural Diversity, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, Motor Neurone Disease, The Organ Donor Registry, Beyond Blue, The Make a Wish Foundation, Operation Stitches and World Vision to name a few.

Tobin Brothers also filmed and produced 20 different multicultural commercials for TV and radio, has one of the most comprehensive and transparent websites in the Funeral Industry, and has an extensive collection of YouTube videos with millions of views per video with millions of views on videos about the funeral industry, loss and grief.

This Creative Communications division also manages the content and the community in the online space which has become another form of support for thousands of people.

“I very much wanted to build a social community, a place where people could find comfort and others who were dealing with loss and grief, a place where people could find help and information about death.” – James MacLeod

Tobin Brothers Funerals hosts its first ‘Art for the Heart’ exhibition.

Art for the Heart was a free art exhibition that honoured the use of creativity as a powerful source for healing. It allowed members of the public to submit their works in any medium, to share these often hidden experiences of loss, love & hope with the community as a way of processing their own feelings while also having the opportunity to connect with and give to others in need.

Works were submitted from people from different cultures, countries, socio-economic backgrounds and with different types of losses. Both groups and individuals whose expressions of loss and grief were displayed in craft as well as painting, poetry, drawing and sculpture were displayed in Federation Square and various venues of Melbourne each successive year. Funds raised through the optional sale of artworks were donated to meaningful organisations within the field of trauma, loss and grief support, disability support and mental health organisations. The event continued to run annually until 2018.

“It’s amazing that people can overcome the worst moments of their lives to do something for others.”

Art for the Heart

Tobin Brothers Funerals built and opened the current ‘Tides of Life’ Chapel in Rosebud on 26th April 2012.

Tobin Brothers is the proud recipient of Victoria’s Multicultural Awards for Excellence ‘Business Award’

James MacLeod was appointed Managing Director in February 2011.

As Australia’s largest family owned funeral company, a fundamental company objective had always been that ownership of Tobin Brothers Funerals remains in Tobin hands; however the family has never held the view that the business must be headed by a family member.

The belief had always been that, if no suitable person within the family was available to fill the role, then an external candidate should be chosen. So, following Martin Tobin’s resignation as Managing Director in January 2011, James MacLeod was appointed to succeed him. Although not a member of the family, James, his brother Peter, and their father Norman, had all been long time employees of the company and had all served on the Tobin Brothers Board of Directors.

Much to the chagrin of competitors, soon after assuming the mantle of Managing Director James promised client families complete transparency with regard to costs and services and this transparent approach to Funerals remains a core part of the company today.

Tobin Brothers Funerals ‘Wyndham Chapel’ established in Werribee on 10th August 2011 after acquiring Tattersalls Funerals. It was later refurbished in 2021.

Tobin Brothers Funerals is named the Winner of Victoria’s Multicultural Award for Excellence 2010

Tobin Brothers Funerals Malvern location was renovated and reopened as the ‘Tree of Life Chapel’ on 20th May 2010.

Tobin Brothers Funerals established in Rosebud after acquiring Morningside Funerals.