Judith McGrath-Colquhoun

As the Manager of Australian Heritage Funerals, my overall priority is to ensure that we deliver exceptional service every day. That each and every thing we do is of the highest standards and helps the families who rely on us.
I love the variety and complexity of my work. Every day is different and an opportunity to help and support someone, to provide comfort during one of life’s most difficult times. That is very special to me and why I come to work each day. We receive wonderful letters of appreciation and verbal thanks on almost a daily basis and so I also find this work very satisfying on a deep personal level. I am very fortunate to work with wonderful caring people. Each contributes greatly to what we do and I am grateful to each and every one of them.
I am very involved with our community having served on the CentaCare Board for over 12 years, The Toowoomba Hospice Board for 5 years, the Zonta Club of Toowoomba Board for 2 years and as a past Treasurer of the Board of the Australian Funeral Directors Association, Queensland division. As well as a member of various other groups in Toowoomba, I also present educational sessions to many other groups, clubs and staff members of Nursing Homes, Hospitals etc every year.
I enjoy spending my spare time with family and friends (often in various coffee shops!) or escape into the garden. Recently I decided to try something new so I am learning dancing, which I thoroughly enjoy.
My parents were both Funeral Directors, now retired, and although I originally worked as a teacher, I was drawn to Funeral Care and I am passionate about the work we do. For me, I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else or doing anything else. I feel this is very special work and a honour and a privilege to work with our client families.

Michelle

I joined the team at Australian Heritage Funerals as a natural progression for me from my previous role in aged care, where I helped many families along the pathway to the end of life. It’s strange but the question that people ask me the most when they find out I am a Funeral Consultant is “isn’t it depressing?” and my reply is always the same; “This is the most rewarding role I have ever had. Helping to celebrate a person’s life is the best thing you could ever do”. Because Australian Heritage Funerals is a smaller company, we can offer very personalised care and service to each of our clients. Our team at Heritage are all here, because they genuinely want to help others, and I am very proud to be a part of that.

Simon

Compassion and empathy and many years as working as a volunteer at the local Toowoomba Hospice is what inspired me to join the Australian Heritage Funerals Team as a Funeral Director. My respect for all forms of life, radiates into a comforting respect and deep compassion for the bereaved family and friends, and for the person who has died. I believe that the family environment created by the team at Heritage allows for personal ties with each and every family.

In my spare time, I love cycling, hiking, travelling, gardening, joinery and reading.

Glad

Following the sudden death of my late husband, I needed to get back into full time employment. Having dealt with the trauma of losing someone so dear, I felt I wanted to assist others. I am extremely passionate about my work and gain great satisfaction in my job and the feedback I receive from clients is always testament to this! I love the variety of tasks and the complexity of the details. I feel fulfilled at being able to help others through one of life’s most difficult of times. Don’t get me wrong there can be challenging times, but the Australian Heritage Funerals team is second to none, everyone is extremely hands on, considerate and helpful, and I see them all as an extension of my immediate family. During my spare time, outside of work hours, I enjoy the simple pleasures in life, family get togethers, gardening, walking and reading.

Robert

My role at Australian Heritage Funerals is that of Funeral Director and Mortuary Technician, and there are a number of reasons why I love my job so much. Firstly, it is not your standard career path and secondly, I never dread the end of weekends or holidays coming to a close. I find in this position, time flies by and the role is so varied, that before I know it, another day is done. I often get asked by friends and colleagues, "How do you do it?" My answer is simple, I enjoy the fact that what I do is meaningful and to receive feedback from family members such as "Mum hasn't looked this beautiful since..." and "You have been a wonderful help with..." makes it all worthwhile.

Sarah

I have lived in Toowoomba all of my life, so it is a great honour to be able to look after, care and guide those families from my local community. Families that I have known all of my life! Being able to support them when they are at their most vulnerable gives me huge work satisfaction. People assume my job would be very sombre and it is very difficult at times. But working at Australian Heritage funerals is wonderful and you meet lovely, caring and interesting individuals and families along the way. Outside of the office, I recharge by tending to my animals as we have a small family farm with chooks, horses, cats and dogs – the perfect way to unwind!

Tony

The caring work environment and the chance to offer compassion and respect to those in need are the main reasons that I joined the Australian Heritage Funerals team. I just love working in this role because I can provide compassion, dignity and care for people in need and during what may be some of the worst time in the lives, the passing of a loved one. In my spare time I like to spend time with his family and friends.