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Our Legacy

Honouring the Journey

Our story began in the early 1870s with Mr. William Farmer, a skilled cabinet maker whose craftsmanship and commitment to his community led him to create coffins for local families in their time of need. As was customary in those days, his role gradually expanded to arranging and conducting funerals, establishing the foundations of what would become William Farmer Funeral Directors. Built on care, trust and service, those values continue to guide us today.

The Farmer family remained custodians of the business until around 1960, after which ownership passed through several local families and investors. Despite changing hands over the years, the business retained its strong connection to the Bendigo community. In the mid-1970s, William Farmer Funeral Directors was purchased by Jim Summers, owner of Appleby Funerals in Inglewood, bringing together two respected names in funeral service.

In 1987, Andrew and Heather Hampton purchased both William Farmer Pty Ltd and Appleby Funerals. Together, they dedicated nearly four decades to caring for generations of local families, building a reputation for professionalism, compassion and personal service. In October 2023, they proudly sold the business on to their nephew, ensuring its family ownership and traditions would continue.

For over 150 years, William Farmer Funeral Directors remains proudly family-owned and operated, serving the City of Greater Bendigo now from our two chapels. Under the leadership of Jesse and Megan Cattell, together with their dedicated team, they continue the tradition of providing compassionate care and meaningful farewells. While much has changed in our industry since our beginnings, our commitment to supporting families with dignity, warmth and respect remains unchanged.

“More than 150 years of history have shaped our story, but it is the trust placed in us by generations of families that defines our legacy.”

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We value your thoughts

At William Farmer Funeral Directors we are dedicated to providing an experience to our community that exceeds expectations and is always working to innovate and develop.

Whether you loved something, or think there is something we can improve, we want to hear from you. As a family owned and operated funeral home we are always trying to evolve, and your insights help us to shape our future. You can provide feedback to us through different means:

Via Email – megan.cattell@williamfarmer.com.au

Via Mail – Megan Cattell – Company Co-Director – PO BOX 699, Bendigo Victoria, 3555

Via Phone – Call during business hours on 03 5441 5577

In person – Making an appointment at a mutually convenient time to discuss feedback in person.

Alternatively, please complete the form below.

We value the time and effort involved in providing feedback, thankyou.

Timber Veneer

Price Range 3,195.00 - $4,095.00

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GP/Mental Health Plan

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Archie

Team Comfort Dog

Meet Archie!

Our beloved ‘Comfort Dog’ has a cheeky and infectious spirit. He brings a unique warmth to our team in their daily life. His playful antics and gentle presence creates a calming atmosphere, providing support to our team so they can provide the best of care to our families.

Whilst Archie isn’t accessible to the public, his role in our workplace is invaluable – simply being around him lifts the team spirits and fosters a sense of camaraderie. Whether he’s wagging his tail or playfully nudging us for attention, Archie reminds us of the importance of compassion and connection in our daily lives.

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Solid Timber

Price Range $4,095.00 - $4,895.00

Caskets

Price Range $4,095.00 - $12,500.00

Natural Alternative

Price Range $895.00 - $3,495.00

Paul Neunhoffer

Funeral Assistant

Paul is a kind, compassionate, and professional individual who brings a deep sense of care and empathy to his role in the funeral industry. With a wealth of experience, he strives to provide families with the support and guidance they need during their most challenging times. Paul’s commitment to helping others is evident in the thoughtful and respectful manner with which he handles each situation.
Outside of his professional life, Paul is a dedicated family man who values the time spent with his loved ones. In his free time, he enjoys referring basketball, a passion that allows him to stay active and engaged with his community. Paul’s warm nature, attention to detail, and dedication to service make him an invaluable part of our team.

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Dwayne Stevenson

Funeral Assistant

Dwayne is a dedicated community member and family man, and is a valued member of our team. His professional support and care for our families is paramount during a funeral service, initial transfer or when someone visits our locations.
His nature of wanting to help others and going above and beyond the call of duty is of great comfort to the families we serve.
Dwayne regards a funeral service as a very important event in a family’s life and often assists our Funeral Director’s on the day of a service.

Beyond Dwayne’s work at William Farmer he is always interested in travelling the world, seeing new things and supporting his family. Oh and enjoying a winery, always a winery!

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Paul Stuckenschmidt

Funeral Assistant

Paul joined our team in 2024, and has quickly become an integral part of our funeral operations team. His caring nature ensures that every detail is carried out with tremendous respect and that all family wishes are achieved with professionalism and compassion.
He is often one of the faces families meet to transfer their loved one into our care, and ensures that this step is carried out with dignity and respect. He takes his time to learn about those who have passed away and comfort those left behind.

Outside of his dedication to our company Paul loves experiencing life with his family, spending time by the beach or on his bike.

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Marg Barty

Catering

A kind, caring, and compassionate individual, Margaret plays a vital role in maintaining the function rooms at William Farmer. Her strong commitment to exceptional service ensures that everyone who visits our locations are greeted with a warm smile and provided with a relaxing and welcoming environment, perfect for sharing memories and stories.
Margaret takes great pride in handling all our catering needs with attention to detail, ensuring that each event is not only enjoyable but also runs smoothly. She presents our function rooms with a sense of class and elegance, ensuring that every detail is taken care of, from the décor to the atmosphere, creating an environment where families can feel at ease.

Her infectious energy and zest for life keep us all on our toes and inspire those around her. Margaret’s positive attitude and dedication to her work make her a valuable and cherished member of our team. Her ability to balance professionalism with genuine warmth has earned her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and the families we serve. Margaret’s contributions to our team are truly invaluable, and her presence ensures that each function is a memorable and meaningful experience for all.

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Helen Kranz

Administration Officer

Joining our team in 2021, Helen has quickly become a longstanding and loyal asset to William Farmer. A caring, compassionate, and highly valued member of our daily operations, Helen brings a sense of calm and dedication to every aspect of her role. She finds her work extremely rewarding, and feels grateful to be part of a team that helps support families during such a vulnerable and difficult time. Helen views her role within the Administration team as both challenging and fulfilling, where each day presents opportunities to make a positive impact.
As Helen says, “I’m lucky to work in such a supportive team who are all passionate about what they do. We all aim to provide service of the highest standard and we work together to ensure that we provide the best possible support to families.” This team spirit is one of the many reasons Helen thrives in her role. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is evident in every task she undertakes, and her attention to detail ensures that the families we work with receive the care and respect they deserve.

Helen brings with her a wealth of experience, having honed her skills over the years, and her dedication to excellence is second to none. She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the needs of our families are met with compassion and professionalism.

Outside of work, Helen has a creative side that she nurtures through nature journaling, quilting, and calligraphy, hobbies that reflect her keen eye for detail and appreciation for the beauty in life’s small moments. She also enjoys reading Irish literature, which speaks to her love of storytelling and culture.

We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside Helen. Her positive energy, commitment to our team’s goals, and unwavering support of our mission make her an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful for her continued contributions.

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Anna Wakefield

Office Administrator / Company Accountant

While Anna works primarily behind the scenes, she is often based at Eaglehawk and enjoys being part of the day-to-day life of the community. She values the opportunity to work closely with families and colleagues, and takes great pride in building genuine connections with those she supports.
Anna plays a vital behind-the-scenes role, supporting the business so the wider team can focus fully on caring for families.
Having grown up in Bendigo and completed all of her education locally, she has a deep and genuine connection to the community she now serves, and a strong appreciation for the people and values that make it unique.

As a qualified accountant, Anna brings extensive experience from her background in public accounting, including both internal and external audit. This experience has shaped her strong sense of responsibility, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and integrity. Her work is guided by professionalism and trust, ensuring the organisation’s administrative and financial processes are managed with care and precision.

Anna takes great pride in ensuring that systems and processes run smoothly, respectfully, and efficiently. By creating a calm, well-organised foundation behind the scenes, she helps support an environment of dignity and reassurance during what can be an especially sensitive and emotional time for the families the team serves.

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Kelsea Spurr

Graphics Administrator

Kelsea brings a unique depth of compassion and understanding to her role as a Graphics Administrator at William Farmer. Kelsea has a extensive background as a registered nurse and experience in palliative care, she has supported and see first hand what individuals and families go through, during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.
While she sought a change in career, her desire to continue serving her community and supporting those experiencing grief remains at the heart of everything she does.
Her clinical experience has shaped a calm, empathetic approach, allowing her to work with families in a way that feels both reassuring and respectful. Kelsea understands the importance of honouring each life with care and intention, and she takes great pride in contributing to meaningful and personalised tributes with her creative and innovative approach.

Outside of work, Kelsea enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the outdoors. Whether camping or exploring nature, she values the sense of connection and grounding these moments bring.

For Kelsea, being part of a family’s journey during such significant times is both a responsibility and a privilege – one she carries with quiet strength and genuine care.

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Millie Ovenden

Graphics Administrator

Millie has deep roots in Bendigo, where she has grown up surrounded by the love and support of her close-knit family. Having always valued family connections, she enjoys the close bonds she shares with her loved ones in the community. Millie recently spent a short time in Melbourne, where she studied Graphic Design at university, furthering her passion for creativity and visual storytelling.
Her early working life was spent in Bendigo’s primary schools, where she worked in after-school care programs and served as an integration aide in classrooms, developing her nurturing and empathetic nature. This background in supporting children and families laid a solid foundation for her future career.

Millie made the transition into the funeral industry while in Melbourne, where she began her career and developed her skills in a field that deeply resonates with her. We are now fortunate enough to have Millie at William Farmer, where she has found a fulfilling role as our Graphics Administrator. In this capacity, Millie works closely with families, creating meaningful visual tributes to celebrate their loved ones’ lives. She understands the importance of providing a thoughtful and expressive way to honour your loved ones, ensuring that each tribute is a heartfelt reflection of the individual’s story.

Millie is truly honoured to have the opportunity to share the life story of a loved one through the power of photographic memories. Her creativity, attention to detail, and sincere dedication to this work ensure that the tributes she designs are both personal and meaningful. Her contributions to our team are invaluable, as she helps families commemorate their loved ones in a way that reflects their unique lives and legacies.

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Adam Haley-Perkins

Funeral Administrator

With over ten years of administrative experience across a range of industries, Adam plays an integral role as a Funeral Administrator, providing calm, organised, and compassionate support to both families and the wider team.
He is a highly valued member of the team and is often the first point of contact when families reach out, frequently being the reassuring voice on the other end of the phone. Known for his friendly and welcoming manner, Adam is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, attentive customer service and ensuring every detail is managed with care, respect, and sensitivity during what can be a very difficult and emotional time.

Raised on a small farm on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, Adam developed strong moral values and a deep appreciation for family, community, and connection. A devoted family man, Adam considers raising his family to be his greatest achievement—an experience that has shaped his genuine empathy and reinforced his commitment to supporting others. He takes great pride in creating a comforting and supportive environment, helping families feel heard, cared for, and supported every step of the way, from the very first phone call through the entire process.

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Sandra

Catering

Sandra is a friendly and familiar face within our catering team, bringing many years of experience in catering and hospitality. She takes great pride in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for families and their guests, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully prepared with care.

Living locally and surrounded by the family she loves, Sandra understands the importance of community and connection. Her warm nature and genuine kindness shine through in everything she does, helping families feel cared for during a difficult time.

Whether she is preparing refreshments, setting up for a gathering, or quietly assisting behind the scenes, Sandra approaches every task with professionalism, compassion, and attention to detail. Her dedication to caring for others makes her a valued member of our team and an important part of the support we provide to families.

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Robin

Funeral Assistant

Robin is a valued member of our team whose genuine kindness and down-to-earth nature help families feel comfortable from the moment they meet her. With a warm heart and a calm presence, she has a natural ability to make people feel supported during one of life’s most difficult times.

As one of our Funeral Assistants, Robin takes great pride in helping every service run with care, dignity and respect. Whether she is welcoming families, assisting on the day of a funeral, or quietly working behind the scenes, she understands that it is often the smallest acts of kindness that leave the greatest impact.

Robin’s passion for the funeral industry is something truly special. She feels privileged to help families honour and celebrate the lives of those they love, and approaches every farewell with genuine compassion and respect. Her caring nature, gentle presence, and willingness to go above and beyond make her a much-loved member of our team and someone families truly value.

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Connor Hampton

Mortuary Manager

Connor joined the team at William Farmer in early 2019. You will often find Connor greeting you when you visit our office or when you phone for assistance. He brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and is frequently helping to provide support to families in this area. Connor’s genuine want to provide care and compassion to the families we care for is a great benefit to our team.

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June Andrew

Mortuary Manager

June has completed studies in grief counselling, bereavement, and mortuary technology. This formal training is only a small portion of the skills June brings to William Farmer.
As our mortuary manager, her sensitive and caring demeanour has proven to be of great comfort to grieving families with loved ones in our care. Her attention to detail ensures every aspect of our mortuary care is carried out to the highest level, with dignity and respect at all times.

In addition to providing the highest level of mortuary care, June is also a Funeral Director. Her range of skills is often a great comfort to the families we care for and every aspect of the funeral is planned and carried out according to each family’s wishes.

June’s passion and sensitivity, and her grief and bereavement background are a great asset to the team at William Farmer and she believes that her role is more of a “calling” than a job.

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After Funeral Care
Although the day of the funeral is over, our care does not end. We are here to assist you and your family through the grieving process. One of the services we offer is Bereavement Care in a series of books. We send out a set of 4 books over an 11 month period starting at the third week after the funeral. They are designed to arrive at the time where your grief has progressed to. We send these books to those families in need of reassurance. Please contact our office if you would like more information on our after funeral care. Our caring team are always available to assist you, and help you through a very difficult time.

Other Helpful Organisations

  • The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement
  • National Association for Grief and Loss
  • Reach Out
  • Support After Suicide
  • The Anna Centre
  • Bendigo Community Health Services
  • Lifeline
Please do not hesitate to contact your Funeral Director for further information. Remember, we are here when you need us. That is our promise.
Personalising A Funeral

You can create a funeral that reflects the unique and special qualities of your loved one. The secret is to add personal touches. Here are some thoughts: Choosing a Celebrant or Clergy member, asking mourners to wear a special something to the funeral, select some life symbols to be displayed, light a candle, give guests a printed item to take home, project photos on a screen during the funeral service, include humour during the funeral, select music and special readings/ poems, invite other associations such as RSL or maybe have a balloon or dove release.

To often we hear that the funeral was ‘just a funeral’. Here at William Farmer we want the service to honour and celebrate the life of you or your loved one. Reflecting the personality, traits and stories that made up the persons life. Maybe through music, photos and stories this can be done, or maybe through a specially designed coffin or a live band. We will help honour the life being celebrated with suggestions, advice and a listening ear to help create a fitting tribute. If it’s legal, it’s possible.
Funeral Service Formats
You can choose a wide range of formats for a funeral service. There is no ‘right’ way to format a funeral service, this is completely up to the family. Our Funeral Directors will provide advice and guidance during this time of planning. There are many formats available, these are just a few of the most popular below:

Helpful Points

  • Church or Chapel service followed by a burial
  • Church or Chapel service followed by a cremation
  • Private burial followed by a public memorial service
  • A graveside service
  • Service held in the crematorium chapel
  • A Private family service held at the family home
  • An informal gathering held in our reception room

If you or a loved one has an association with a church or religious group your clergy will most likely be your first choice. May you you or your loved one has not attended church for many years, but would still like a clergy member, your Funeral Director has easily arrange this. You may prefer a celebrant to lead the funeral service- we have celebrants that we can highly recommend to you. Maybe a family member would like to lead the service, this is ok to. If available, and at the families request, our Funeral Directors can also assist as an MC.

You or the person who has died may already know the clergy or celebrant. However, this is often not the case and we will ensure that the person we recommend will help honour and celebrate the life being farewelled.

Eulogy Guide
A eulogy is a speech made during a funeral service which is about the person who has passed away and is often a very important and memorable moment during the funeral. A eulogy can be made up of personal anecdotes, stories, favourite sayings and idiosyncrasies, or a combination of all these. The eulogy may be delivered by the Minister, Priest or Celebrant of the service or by a family member or friend. Public speaking is always a difficult task and coupled with the emotion of a funeral service of a loved one can make a eulogy very difficult and challenging to deliver.

Helpful Points

  • When and where was the person born
  • Nicknames and/or names known to others
  • Parents names - where they met and married
  • Brothers and Sisters
  • Early childhood - localities and interests
  • Schools attended, awards gained
  • Academic or trade qualifications and achievements
  • Some interesting items about childhood days
  • Details of any war or military service
  • Stories shared with others
  • Details of marriages, divorces, children, significant relationships
  • Details of grandchildren/great grandchildren
  • Details of any Club memberships, position held
  • Details of sporting achievements
  • Details of any hobbies or interests, travel, crafts etc.
  • Details of historical significance
  • Preferences, likes and dislikes
  • Details of activities e.g. music, theatre etc.
  • Any special stories, sayings, qualities that are significant to others
  • Special readings, music or poetry to be included
Mortuary Care & Viewing

Mortuary Care

When a loved one is brought into our care, they are looked after in our mortuary care centre. This is where we care for those that have passed away by bathing and dressing them. Our team of experienced mortuary technicians will carefully and respectfully carry out any family wishes whilst maintaining the highest level of dignity at all times. Sometimes families wish to assist in the care process and we highly encourage this. After mortuary care, a family’s loved one will safely rest in the chosen coffin until the day of the ceremony.

The Viewing

The viewing is a time for family to support one another in their grief. During this time your loved one will be resting in there coffin, allowing you and others who loved the person to acknowledge the reality of the death and to say goodbye. You may consider giving friends the opportunity to come into the viewing. If possible, try not to leave the viewing last minute. Allow enough days between the death and the day of the service to benefit from the viewing.

Floral Tributes
Select flowers that were meaningful to the person who died or solely as an expression of your love. Perhaps you can think of something more appropriate than flowers to be displayed on the coffin or casket. The choice is yours. We work with a wide range of florists in Bendigo, however you may prefer to use the florist you have always gone to, this is ok to. We will organise and handle all the floral tributes on the day of the service with tremendous care and respect at all times.
Unique Urns
Cremation Jewellery
Accessories
Eco Friendly Urns
Ceramic Urns
Wooden Urns
Metal Urns
Expressions Coffin Range
Casket Range
Eco Friendly Range

Composite Board

Price Range $1,450.00 - $3,595.00

The Fleet
At William Farmer, we have a fleet of professionally built vehicles designed in every aspect to reflect the importance of the occasion. From the subtle silver colours, to the cleanliness of each vehicle, our eye for detail can be seen in each vehicle.
Viewing Room
Selection Room
Choosing a coffin or casket can be an extremely important and symbolic choice for your loved one. Many funeral homes have chosen to remove there display rooms, we see the true value in being able to feel and touch when selecting and always encourage families to take their time in this room.
Arrangement Rooms
Arranging a funeral involves making a lot of decisions. Our arrangement rooms provide privacy and comfort where you can contemplate decisions without distraction. Home consultations can also be arranged.
Outdoor Reflections Chapel
Maybe you want something a little different, a space that is in a natural environment surrounded by garden- The Outdoor Reflections Chapel was designed for a place for family and friends to gather in a less formal environment. You may choose to hold a service, or maybe just have a gathering in honour of your loved one. No matter which you choose, this space can celebrate life in a unique environment.
The Oakley Room
Most families like to gather following a funeral for tea, coffee, refreshments and to share memories of their loved one or friend. An option for families; is to choose to use the catering facilities of William Farmer Funeral Directors. Our refreshment room at our Bendigo Chapel is named the “Oakley Room” in recognition of W.H. Oakley Funeral Directors which was incorporated with William Farmer many years ago. This facility included an indoor/ outdoor area that help creates a pleasant ambiance for various size gatherings and provides plenty of seating for family and friends.
Reception Room
The Reception Room is located on site at our Victoria Street Chapel. Recognised as Bendigo’s largest facility, it offers a space to gather following a funeral service amongst family and friends. In 2020 we remodelled the reception room to ensure we continue to provide the families of Bendigo the very best. A wide rang of catering options is available to your family, together with freshly brewed coffee, tea, juice and water.
Bendigo Branch

The William Farmer Memorial Chapel has many years of history attached to it, and has the capacity to seat 100 people plus standing room. This traditional chapel is tastefully decorated and has been used by families for many generations. The Memorial chapel offers updated Audio Visual Equipment for music and photo presentations. The Oakley Room is our refreshment room at this location, and will comfortably cater for refreshments following a funeral service.

We also have a large carpark beside this chapel for family and friends to park in during the funeral service and refreshments following the funeral. Located on site is a lovely outdoor seating area for family and friends to gather prior to the funeral service commencing.
Eaglehawk Branch

Opened in 2010, the William Farmer Victoria Street Chapel was designed as a place for reflection, celebration, reunion and our community.
With the main chapel seating 280 people with plenty of standing room, this chapel provides a beautifully peaceful atmosphere. Set among manicured gardens and plenty of parking, this chapel offers state of the art Audio Visual Equipment, Video Streaming, Service Recording and a Hearing Loop for the hearing impaired. We also have a playground to help entertain young children before, during and after the service. In addition to this chapel, we also offer a large outdoor chapel.

Conveniently located across from the Eaglehawk Remembrance Park and Bendigo Crematorium, our chapel allows families to accompany their loved ones on there final journey. Often a very special and meaningful time.

Our Reception Room is Bendigo’s largest and newest dedicated after funeral function centre and courtyard. With audio visual facilities and a fully equipped kitchen, we can cater to every need and request. Our staff will ensure you are looked after and that your time following a funeral service is stress free and comfortable.
Connor Hampton
Connor joined the team at William Farmer in early 2019. You will often find Connor greeting you when you visit our office or when you phone for assistance. He brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and is frequently helping to provide support to families in this area. Connor’s genuine want to provide care and compassion to the families we care for is a great benefit to our team.

Becca Bruce

Funeral Consultant

Becca’s journey to becoming a Funeral Consultant at William Farmer is one marked by unique experiences and a deep connection to the people she serves. Growing up on a farm in the Scottish Borders, Becca’s life took a significant turn when she met a family from Bendigo at the age of seven. This early encounter sparked a lasting friendship that brought her to Bendigo on several holidays to visit her ‘second’ family, this journey has encouraged her to spend more time in Australia, and she is quickly becoming a part of our local community.
Before transitioning into funeral services, Becca’s early career was diverse and rooted in a passion for helping others. She spent time coaching tennis, primarily working with children, and later worked for the Department of Work & Pensions (Scotland). It was during her work in the William Farmer office that led Becca to develop her career in the funeral industry further, a place where her natural ability to connect with others and her drive to make a difference led her to her current role.

As a Funeral Consultant, Becca works closely with families, guiding them through the process of celebrating their loved one’s life in a meaningful way. Her patient, sympathetic nature, and exceptional organisational skills have made her a great asset to our team and the families she serves. Becca is committed to ensuring that each family’s wishes are respected, and their loved one’s memory is honoured with dignity.

Beyond her work within funeral care, Becca has been making an impressive impact in our mortuary care, further solidifying her as a young and developing funeral director. Her dedication to learning and growing in her profession is something we take great pride in. Becca’s attention to detail and respect for the dignity of the people within our care is evident in everything she does, and her contributions continue to enhance the services we provide.

Becca has become an integral and valued member of the William Farmer team. Her compassion, combined with her ongoing professional development, ensures that she continues to provide exceptional care to the families we are entrusted with. We look forward to watching her grow as a funeral director and continue making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

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June Andrew
June has completed studies in grief counselling, bereavement, and mortuary technology. This formal training is only a small portion of the skills June brings to William Farmer. As our mortuary manager, her sensitive and caring demeanour has proven to be of great comfort to grieving families with loved ones in our care. Her attention to detail ensures every aspect of our mortuary care is carried out to the highest level, with dignity and respect at all times. In addition to providing the highest level of mortuary care, June is also a Funeral Director. Her range of skills is often a great comfort to the families we care for and every aspect of the funeral is planned and carried out according to each family’s wishes. June’s passion and sensitivity, and her grief and bereavement background are a great asset to the team at William Farmer and she believes that her role is more of a “calling” than a job.

Jesse Cattell

Director & Funeral Consultant

Jesse became part of the William Farmer team in 2012, starting as a young funeral director. His passion for his work and his unwavering dedication to the families he serves are at the core of his being. Jesse considers it a profound honour to support families in honouring their loved ones in a way that is truly special and personalised to each family.
Beyond his role at William Farmer, Jesse is deeply engaged in the community, serving on various committees and boards. He is always exploring new technologies and innovative ways to enhance the experience for the families of William Farmer.

His commitment and excellence were recognised when he received the prestigious 2019 Australian Funeral Directors Association Scholarship which took him to Chicago and Canada on a study tour. Jesse currently also holds a position on the Victorian Council of the Australian Funeral Directors Association.

In 2023, Jesse and his wife Megan assumed the responsibility of managing the business from his Aunty and Uncle, Heather and Andrew Hampton. They are dedicated to upholding the proud legacy of this family-owned business and serving the families of Central Victoria.

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Allison Toppinen

Funeral Consultant / Funeral Operations Supervisor

Allison’s unwavering commitment to the families we serve is at the heart of her role as a Funeral Consultant. Her genuine care and compassion offer great comfort as she guides families through the often difficult and emotional funeral planning process. With her thoughtful approach, Allison ensures each service is meticulously planned and carried out with the utmost respect, honouring the legacy of each individual.
Her exceptional attention to detail, combined with her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, is consistently recognised and deeply appreciated by the families she works with. It is this dedication that has made her a standout member of our team.

Recently, Allison has stepped up into a leadership role within our company, taking on the responsibility of leading our funeral operations team alongside Jesse. In this new capacity, she continues to demonstrate her commitment to excellence, ensuring that each family’s needs are met with care and respect.
Allison’s approach to leadership is grounded in her belief in family values. She treats each family with the same level of care and dedication as if they were her own, fostering an environment of compassion and respect throughout every aspect of the funeral service.

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Megan Cattell

Director & Funeral Consultant

In 2023, Megan returned to the William Farmer team to support her husband, Jesse, in maintaining a company centered on family and community values. At William Farmer, we consider it a privilege to provide unwavering support to the families we serve.
Megan brings a gentle and compassionate approach to her work, offering solace to the families in her care. With a background in psychology and bereavement care, Megan has a deep understanding of families needs and is dedicated to leading and training not only our team, but local community groups, hospitals and nursing homes in grief care.

Raised in Bendigo, Megan completed her education locally and actively engaged in sports and community service. Outside of her work at William Farmer, Megan finds joy in time with their beautiful fur-baby, Archie, and takes pride in watching her nieces blossom into remarkable young girls. Megan also loves a sneaky getaway to anywhere a beach is in sight!

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