Our Story Timeline

Tobin Brothers acquired Herbert King Funerals in Ashburton and Richmond.

The Funeral of Most Rev. Thomas Francis Little, Archbishop of Melbourne, in 2008.

The formation of the Memories and Tributes division at Tobin Brothers Funerals.

Memories & Tributes, as a stand-alone department within the company, came into being in January 2006 with the aim of bringing video and print production in-house. Up to that time, the production of print materials had been limited to a small number of templates printed by external providers. Now, with greater control over time frames, Tobin Brothers Funerals became able to offer a more complete service to client families.

What sets the Memories & Tributes graphic designers apart from others who work in this field is that they understand that no two people grieve in exactly the same way. They are highly experienced in assisting families who are often going through the process of arranging a funeral for the first time and may be finding it hard to make decisions.

Personalisation options such as liturgy booklets, order of service booklets, thank you cards, remembrance and santini cards, audio visual presentations, framed photographs and portraits of life banners provide special moments of reflection within the funeral ceremony.​ Afterwards, they also provide family and friends with an appropriate keepsake that celebrates a life.

Memories and Tributes

Tobin Brothers Funerals established in Echuca after acquiring James Ferris funerals and crematorium. Tobin Brothers opened the doors to the newly renovated Murray Valley Cremations in Moama in November 2006.

Of paramount importance to Tobin Brothers Funerals has always been their need to create points of difference between themselves and their competitors and by doing so, create a better experience for client families. One of the differences of which they are especially proud is that they are in a position to care for a deceased person from the moment a family engages their services up until the actual cremation of their loved one.

Managing Director James MacLeod says that “families feel comforted in the knowledge that their loved ones will remain at all times in our care and custody.”

“Tobin Brothers Funerals makes a personal commitment to the client family to be there to oversee everything from beginning to end, not only before and at the funeral but also afterwards.”

The Funeral of Peter Brock, St Paul’s Cathedral in 2006.

The motor racing legend was farewelled by sports personalities, politicians and thousands of fans at a state funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, from 11am on Tuesday 19th September 2006.

O’Connor Funerals locations in Sunbury and Moonee Ponds become Tobin Brothers Funerals locations.

The Funeral of Francis (Frank) Eugene Galbally, St Patrick’s Cathedral, conducted by Michael Tobin in 2005.

The establishment of the external training arm, Funeral Industry Development Australia (FIDA) in 2003.

The training and education program, devised by David Treloar, administered by Allen Anderson and Geoff Rowcroft, ultimately led to the establishment in 2003 of the external training arm, Funeral Industry Development Australia (FIDA).

Managing Director James MacLeod says that with the increasing expectations of client families, the complexity of funerals and a stronger emphasis on industry regulation, the training and professional development of funeral staff has never been more important.

“In the eyes of our clients, our staff are our business, so investing in the development of staff is investing in the future of the business” – James MacLeod

The Funeral of Richard (Dick) Sylvannus Reynolds.

The funeral for the former VFL and AFL player and coach, AFL Hall of Famer and three time Brownlow medalist was held at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, on 6th September 2002.

In 1986 we established our Ringwood Chapel on the back of the property at 331 Maroondah Highway. The purpose built Funeral Centre served the local community through to early 2001.

Construction of the current ‘Tobin Brothers Funerals Seasons of Life Chapel’ commenced in early 2001 at the top of the same block of land, and the building was officially opened on 20 September 2001 by members of the local community who provide essential care and support services in the local area.