Tuckers - Our Team

Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service is the largest regional funeral company in Victoria and is still proudly 100 per cent locally owned and operated. We employ our staff from across the Geelong region, from Bannockburn, and Lara to the Bellarine Peninsula, and our staff live and work throughout your community.

Our staff are trained professionals and can make every arrangement necessary; from transporting your loved one to our funeral chapel, to providing Bereavement Care before and after the funeral. Bereavement care is provided free of charge to all family members including children and friends, who choose Tuckers for their funeral or memorial service.

To speak to one of our professional staff,
call (03) 5221 4788.

Trevor Cole
Company/ Funeral Director

Trevor originally worked for his father (Les) joining Tuckers in 1962. In later years he was an equal partner in the company with Les and Phyllis (Trevor’s parents). Trevor was awarded the title of Master Funeral Director and his passion, commitment and drive, coupled with his foresight and business acumen have built Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service in to what it is today. Member of many clubs and various Community groups Trevor remains an active company Director, Shareholder and although semi retired assists in funeral activity and services as time permits.

Nita Cole
Funeral Assistant

Nita has been with Tuckers for over 40 years and, as Trevor’s wife she has actively supported the Company in many roles. Now with her sons (Brendan and Gavin) and their families actively involved in the business her life is very full. Although semi retired Nita will still assist as required when time permits.

Brendan Cole
Company/ Funeral Director

Brendan is a company Director and Shareholder of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service. Growing up within the family Company Brendan has worked in many roles. Currently Brendan is one of our most experienced Funeral Arrangers and specialises in ethnic funerals.

Brendan commenced fulltime work with Tuckers in 1984 and is a passionate member and supporter of his beloved Geelong Football Club.

Gavin Cole
Company / Funeral Director

A cabinet maker by trade, Gavin grew up in the family business. Commencing full time work with Tuckers in 1993 Gavin is now a Company Director, Shareholder and Funeral Arranger. Gavin was the Victorian President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) from 2006 – 2008 and remains on the Victorian Council of the AFDA. He is an active member of the Bayside Rotary Club in Geelong as well as being involved in many other Community activities.

De'Arne Cole
Operations Manager/ Bereavement After Care Coordinator

De’arne commenced with Tuckers in 1994 initially in administration. After resuming formal studies De’arne specialised in our Bereavement and After Care area before accepting a role as Operations Manager in 2007. Whilst still actively involved in the Bereavement and After Care services provided by the Company De’arne also specialises in the delivery of baby’s funerals and providing care to those families.

Mark Osborne
Company Director/ CEO

Mark is the CEO and oversees all aspects of the Company business. A Company Director and Shareholder Mark initially worked for Tuckers as a Business Consultant from 2000 – 2007. In 2007 Mark commenced full time with Tuckers after a previous career as an Executive Officer with the Commonwealth Government

Michele Van Liessum
Company Director - Community Relations

Michele commenced with Tuckers in 2002 and quickly built the Community Relations Team and educational program. In 2008 Michele was appointed as a Company Director to a subsidiary Company of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service. Based at our Grovedale facility Michele leads a dynamic team of staff in our pre-need and Community educational areas and continues to develop our pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral service options.

Tania Goss
Community Relations Officer

Tania started with Tuckers in 2008 and works in the Community Relations area. Tania is primarily focused on working with families on pre-arranging or pre-paying funeral contracts. Tania also has a Community Education and Training role relating to the funeral industry.

Ross Allen
Funeral Director

Ross started with Tuckers in January 1972 and continues to provide families with the highest level of service and commitment. His wealth of industry knowledge and experience is invaluable to our Company. Ross has been very involved in many Community groups and clubs and initially opened and managed our Grovedale Chapel facilities. Ross remains a very valuable member of our staff and works in a semi retired capacity.

Alan Miles
Finance Manager/ Funeral Director

Alan commenced with Tuckers in 1996 and has worked as a Funeral Assistant, Funeral Arranger, Operations Manager before becoming our Accounts Manager in 2001. Alan combines his current finance role with that of a Funeral Director. Living in Portarlington Alan is an active member of his local Community.

Tom Daley
Mortuary Technician/ Supervisor

Tom is a qualified embalmer and mortuary technician. Commencing with Tuckers in 2005 Tom primarily works in the mortuary. Tom is also skilled at creating audio visual and DVD presentations to celebrate the life of your loved one.
Tom’s abilities across a range of industry activity have made him a very valuable member of our staff.

Ebony Hovey
Funeral Director

Ebony started work with Tuckers in 2006, initially as a casual Funeral Assistant and in 2007 commenced full time as a Funeral Arranger. Ebony is based at our Geelong West facility and is a core part of our Arranging team. Ebony also assists in the mortuary area and specialises in the delivery of babies funeral services and the unique care provided to those families.

Neil Galbraith
Chaplain / Funeral Assistant

Neil started with Tuckers in 1999 originally as a Chaplain, after spending many years working in the Community as a Minister. As a full time employee for over 10 years, Neil was able to combine his Chaplaincy role with Funeral Arranging. Now working in a semi retired capacity Neil remains a valuable member of our team.

Beryl Kenny
Funeral Director

Beryl commenced with Tuckers in 2007 after the purchase of the Geelong and Lara interests of Tattersall Funeral Care and Hepner Funeral Service. Beryl is a Funeral arranger with a wealth of experience and knowledge making her a key member of the Tuckers staff. Beryl has many Community interests and particular connection to the Lara area where she grew up and now lives.

Tamara Bolger
Communications and Media Liaison

Tamara joined Tuckers in 2009. With undergraduate studies and previous employment in both Management and Marketing, Tamara is based at our Geelong West office and her role incorporates liaising with local media publications, organising general and specific advertising campaigns and supporting the Tuckers Community Relations Team.

Graeme Barnett
Funeral Assistant

Graeme has extensive experience in the funeral industry having worked at the Le Pines Funeral Group in Melbourne prior to working at Tuckers. Graeme primarily works as a Funeral Assistant but he is also a qualified Minister and occasional Chaplain for the Company. As an experienced full time staff member Graeme is a valuable contributor to Tuckers overall service delivery and providing care for the families that we serve.

Ross Dow
Funeral Assistant

Ross commenced with Tuckers in 2007 and came across after the purchase of the Geelong and Lara interests of Tattersall Funeral Care and Hepner Funeral Service. Ross works as a casual Funeral Assistant and has added value to our experienced team.

Shaun Fisher
Funeral/Mortuary Assistant

Shaun commenced with Tuckers in 2007 as a Funeral Assistant and also works in our mortuary area as required. He is currently undertaking formal training in embalming and mortuary work. Coming to Tuckers with previous funeral industry experience Shaun has added further value to an already experienced and skilled team.

Lee Freeman
Funeral Assistant

Lee commenced with Tuckers in October 2000, initially as a casual employee and in 2001 commenced full time work as a Funeral Assistant. Lee also specialises in DVD and audio visual presentations, oversees the maintenance of our vehicle fleet including the vintage hearses. Lee is a back up Funeral Arranger, assists in the mortuary as required and is a key member of the Tuckers staff.

Tim Osborne
Funeral Assistant

Tim is currently working with Tuckers as a casual Funeral Assistant whist working through his degree at Deakin University. His skills across a range of areas make Tim a valuable member of our team.

Katherine Welch
Administration Assistant

Katherine joined the Company in 2008 as a casual Administration Assistant. Whilst predominately working weekends at the Geelong West office Katherine also provides support and skills in the booklet and printing area as well as DVD and audio visual presentations.

Adam Gaylard
Funeral Assistant

Adam joined Tuckers in 2008 as a full time Funeral Assistant. Adam’s previous career at Fords Geelong and the experience and skills he gained with Ford have given him a practical, hands on approach to his role. He has joined an experienced team of Funeral Assistants and has been able to learn whilst adding significant value to the team and the Company overall.

Brenda Simpson
Administration Manager

Brenda started with Tuckers in April 2003 as an Administration Assistant. Currently Brenda is our Administration Supervisor and coordinates the general administration activity, staff and assists the accounting area as required. Brenda is based at our Geelong West facility.

Vesna Petroski
Administration Officer

Vesna commenced work as an Administration Assistant in 2007 and has been developing her skills and the Company’s service booklets and design work as well as DVD presentations. Based at our Geelong West office Vesna’s primary roles are reception, administration and funeral support.

Barb Duggan
Receptionist/ Administration Officer

Barb joined Tuckers in 2007 after working in the administration area of Tattersall Funeral Care in Geelong. Based at our Grovedale office Barb provides reception and administration support predominately for pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral contracts. Barb’s experience in the funeral industry has further added to the strength of the Tuckers Administration Team.

Lorretta Hose
Family Liaison Officer

Lorretta started with Tuckers in March 2007 having gained experience in corporate administration within the health sector. Lorretta brings a wealth of knowledge to our administration team and is also an important member of our Bereavement Aftercare Team. In her role Lorretta adds significant value to the service Tuckers are able to provide the Geelong Community.

Jane Brushfield
Receptionist/ Administration Officer

Jane works as a casual Administration Assistant and primarily works on weekends at our Geelong West office. Jane also contributes in printing and booklet design and has a key weekend reception role.

Liz McKiterick
Funeral Assistant

Liz started with Tuckers as a casual Funeral Assistant in November 2006. Liz is also part of our transfer staff, works on the weekend transfer roster and is a valuable member of the overall Tuckers staff.

Emma Osborne
Administration Officer

Emma joined the Company in 2008 as a casual Administration Assistant. Whilst predominately working weekends at the Geelong West office Emma also provides support and skills in the booklet and printing area as well as DVD and audio visual presentations.

Aaron Hille
Funeral Director/ Chaplain

Aaron joined Tuckers in 2008 as a full time Funeral Arranger. He also provides Chaplaincy support as he was a Minister in his previous role. Aaron’s inclusion in an already great team of Funeral Arrangers has further strengthened this team and our Company overall.

Paul Downie
Bereavement After Care Manager

Paul Downie has been a part of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service team for over 25 years now. He has been personally involved in conducting services to working in staff training & development. Paul has a pastoral counselling background and has a deep desire to see people walk their journey of grief into wholeness.

Alyson Burchell
Funeral Director

Alyson joined Tuckers in 2009 starting as a casual Funeral Assistant. In October of the same year, Alyson commenced her full time position as a Funeral Director. She has combined her qualifications and experience in previous business management, welfare and ministry disciplines to become a valuable member of our team. Based at our Geelong West facility Alyson has added a new strength to our already great team of Funeral Directors.


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	About Us Our Team Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service is the largest regional funeral company in Victoria and is still proudly 100 per cent locally owned and operated. We employ our staff from across the Geelong region, from Bannockburn, and Lara to the Bellarine Peninsula, and our staff live and work throughout your community. Our staff are trained professionals and can make every arrangement necessary; from transporting your loved one to our funeral chapel, to providing Bereavement Care before and after the funeral. Bereavement care is provided free of charge to all family members including children and friends, who choose Tuckers for their funeral or memorial service. To speak to one of our professional staff, call (03) 5221 4788. Trevor Cole Company/ Funeral Director Trevor originally worked for his father (Les) joining Tuckers in 1962. In later years he was an equal partner in the company with Les and Phyllis (Trevor’s parents). Trevor was awarded the title of Master Funeral Director and his passion, commitment and drive, coupled with his foresight and business acumen have built Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service in to what it is today. Member of many clubs and various Community groups Trevor remains an active company Director, Shareholder and although semi retired assists in funeral activity and services as time permits. Nita Cole Funeral Assistant Nita has been with Tuckers for over 40 years and, as Trevor’s wife she has actively supported the Company in many roles. Now with her sons (Brendan and Gavin) and their families actively involved in the business her life is very full. Although semi retired Nita will still assist as required when time permits. Brendan Cole Company/ Funeral Director Brendan is a company Director and Shareholder of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service. Growing up within the family Company Brendan has worked in many roles. Currently Brendan is one of our most experienced Funeral Arrangers and specialises in ethnic funerals. Brendan commenced fulltime work with Tuckers in 1984 and is a passionate member and supporter of his beloved Geelong Football Club. Gavin Cole Company / Funeral Director A cabinet maker by trade, Gavin grew up in the family business. Commencing full time work with Tuckers in 1993 Gavin is now a Company Director, Shareholder and Funeral Arranger. Gavin was the Victorian President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) from 2006 – 2008 and remains on the Victorian Council of the AFDA. He is an active member of the Bayside Rotary Club in Geelong as well as being involved in many other Community activities. De'Arne Cole Operations Manager/ Bereavement After Care Coordinator De’arne commenced with Tuckers in 1994 initially in administration. After resuming formal studies De’arne specialised in our Bereavement and After Care area before accepting a role as Operations Manager in 2007. Whilst still actively involved in the Bereavement and After Care services provided by the Company De’arne also specialises in the delivery of baby’s funerals and providing care to those families. Mark Osborne Company Director/ CEO Mark is the CEO and oversees all aspects of the Company business. A Company Director and Shareholder Mark initially worked for Tuckers as a Business Consultant from 2000 – 2007. In 2007 Mark commenced full time with Tuckers after a previous career as an Executive Officer with the Commonwealth Government Michele Van Liessum Company Director - Community Relations Michele commenced with Tuckers in 2002 and quickly built the Community Relations Team and educational program. In 2008 Michele was appointed as a Company Director to a subsidiary Company of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service. Based at our Grovedale facility Michele leads a dynamic team of staff in our pre-need and Community educational areas and continues to develop our pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral service options. Tania Goss Community Relations Officer Tania started with Tuckers in 2008 and works in the Community Relations area. Tania is primarily focused on working with families on pre-arranging or pre-paying funeral contracts. Tania also has a Community Education and Training role relating to the funeral industry. Ross Allen Funeral Director Ross started with Tuckers in January 1972 and continues to provide families with the highest level of service and commitment. His wealth of industry knowledge and experience is invaluable to our Company. Ross has been very involved in many Community groups and clubs and initially opened and managed our Grovedale Chapel facilities. Ross remains a very valuable member of our staff and works in a semi retired capacity. Alan Miles Finance Manager/ Funeral Director Alan commenced with Tuckers in 1996 and has worked as a Funeral Assistant, Funeral Arranger, Operations Manager before becoming our Accounts Manager in 2001. Alan combines his current finance role with that of a Funeral Director. Living in Portarlington Alan is an active member of his local Community. Tom Daley Mortuary Technician/ Supervisor Tom is a qualified embalmer and mortuary technician. Commencing with Tuckers in 2005 Tom primarily works in the mortuary. Tom is also skilled at creating audio visual and DVD presentations to celebrate the life of your loved one. Tom’s abilities across a range of industry activity have made him a very valuable member of our staff. Ebony Hovey Funeral Director Ebony started work with Tuckers in 2006, initially as a casual Funeral Assistant and in 2007 commenced full time as a Funeral Arranger. Ebony is based at our Geelong West facility and is a core part of our Arranging team. Ebony also assists in the mortuary area and specialises in the delivery of babies funeral services and the unique care provided to those families. Neil Galbraith Chaplain / Funeral Assistant Neil started with Tuckers in 1999 originally as a Chaplain, after spending many years working in the Community as a Minister. As a full time employee for over 10 years, Neil was able to combine his Chaplaincy role with Funeral Arranging. Now working in a semi retired capacity Neil remains a valuable member of our team. Beryl Kenny Funeral Director Beryl commenced with Tuckers in 2007 after the purchase of the Geelong and Lara interests of Tattersall Funeral Care and Hepner Funeral Service. Beryl is a Funeral arranger with a wealth of experience and knowledge making her a key member of the Tuckers staff. Beryl has many Community interests and particular connection to the Lara area where she grew up and now lives. Tamara Bolger Communications and Media Liaison Tamara joined Tuckers in 2009. With undergraduate studies and previous employment in both Management and Marketing, Tamara is based at our Geelong West office and her role incorporates liaising with local media publications, organising general and specific advertising campaigns and supporting the Tuckers Community Relations Team. Graeme Barnett Funeral Assistant Graeme has extensive experience in the funeral industry having worked at the Le Pines Funeral Group in Melbourne prior to working at Tuckers. Graeme primarily works as a Funeral Assistant but he is also a qualified Minister and occasional Chaplain for the Company. As an experienced full time staff member Graeme is a valuable contributor to Tuckers overall service delivery and providing care for the families that we serve. Ross Dow Funeral Assistant Ross commenced with Tuckers in 2007 and came across after the purchase of the Geelong and Lara interests of Tattersall Funeral Care and Hepner Funeral Service. Ross works as a casual Funeral Assistant and has added value to our experienced team. Shaun Fisher Funeral/Mortuary Assistant Shaun commenced with Tuckers in 2007 as a Funeral Assistant and also works in our mortuary area as required. He is currently undertaking formal training in embalming and mortuary work. Coming to Tuckers with previous funeral industry experience Shaun has added further value to an already experienced and skilled team. Lee Freeman Funeral Assistant Lee commenced with Tuckers in October 2000, initially as a casual employee and in 2001 commenced full time work as a Funeral Assistant. Lee also specialises in DVD and audio visual presentations, oversees the maintenance of our vehicle fleet including the vintage hearses. Lee is a back up Funeral Arranger, assists in the mortuary as required and is a key member of the Tuckers staff. Tim Osborne Funeral Assistant Tim is currently working with Tuckers as a casual Funeral Assistant whist working through his degree at Deakin University. His skills across a range of areas make Tim a valuable member of our team. Katherine Welch Administration Assistant Katherine joined the Company in 2008 as a casual Administration Assistant. Whilst predominately working weekends at the Geelong West office Katherine also provides support and skills in the booklet and printing area as well as DVD and audio visual presentations. Adam Gaylard Funeral Assistant Adam joined Tuckers in 2008 as a full time Funeral Assistant. Adam’s previous career at Fords Geelong and the experience and skills he gained with Ford have given him a practical, hands on approach to his role. He has joined an experienced team of Funeral Assistants and has been able to learn whilst adding significant value to the team and the Company overall. Brenda Simpson Administration Manager Brenda started with Tuckers in April 2003 as an Administration Assistant. Currently Brenda is our Administration Supervisor and coordinates the general administration activity, staff and assists the accounting area as required. Brenda is based at our Geelong West facility. Vesna Petroski Administration Officer Vesna commenced work as an Administration Assistant in 2007 and has been developing her skills and the Company’s service booklets and design work as well as DVD presentations. Based at our Geelong West office Vesna’s primary roles are reception, administration and funeral support. Barb Duggan Receptionist/ Administration Officer Barb joined Tuckers in 2007 after working in the administration area of Tattersall Funeral Care in Geelong. Based at our Grovedale office Barb provides reception and administration support predominately for pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral contracts. Barb’s experience in the funeral industry has further added to the strength of the Tuckers Administration Team. Lorretta Hose Family Liaison Officer Lorretta started with Tuckers in March 2007 having gained experience in corporate administration within the health sector. Lorretta brings a wealth of knowledge to our administration team and is also an important member of our Bereavement Aftercare Team. In her role Lorretta adds significant value to the service Tuckers are able to provide the Geelong Community. Jane Brushfield Receptionist/ Administration Officer Jane works as a casual Administration Assistant and primarily works on weekends at our Geelong West office. Jane also contributes in printing and booklet design and has a key weekend reception role. Liz McKiterick Funeral Assistant Liz started with Tuckers as a casual Funeral Assistant in November 2006. Liz is also part of our transfer staff, works on the weekend transfer roster and is a valuable member of the overall Tuckers staff. Emma Osborne Administration Officer Emma joined the Company in 2008 as a casual Administration Assistant. Whilst predominately working weekends at the Geelong West office Emma also provides support and skills in the booklet and printing area as well as DVD and audio visual presentations. Aaron Hille Funeral Director/ Chaplain Aaron joined Tuckers in 2008 as a full time Funeral Arranger. He also provides Chaplaincy support as he was a Minister in his previous role. Aaron’s inclusion in an already great team of Funeral Arrangers has further strengthened this team and our Company overall. Paul Downie Bereavement After Care Manager Paul Downie has been a part of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Service team for over 25 years now. He has been personally involved in conducting services to working in staff training & development. Paul has a pastoral counselling background and has a deep desire to see people walk their journey of grief into wholeness. Alyson Burchell Funeral Director Alyson joined Tuckers in 2009 starting as a casual Funeral Assistant. In October of the same year, Alyson commenced her full time position as a Funeral Director. She has combined her qualifications and experience in previous business management, welfare and ministry disciplines to become a valuable member of our team. Based at our Geelong West facility Alyson has added a new strength to our already great team of Funeral Directors.

About Us Our Team

About Us
Our Team