Academy Funerals

5 Sheree Black 22nd Aug 2019

When my mum was dying I was told about Academy Funerals by a dear friend. Then I made the phone call and Ashley sounded so calm and friendly. Ashley and his dear wife Katrina were just like family. When they arrived at my house, after travelling for and hour, it was as though I had come home. I can't explain it. Nothing was difficult or too hard for them. They were so very caring and kind to me and looked after my mum so tenderly. They helped me get through one of the hardest times in my life. I will be forever grateful. Their prices are very reasonable and I have no hesitation in recommending them as funeral directors.

5 Madonna Quixley 11th Jun 2019

Ashley provided a professional and friendly service which we all appreciated very much.

5 Michele Nash 30th Apr 2019

Thank you Ashley - your kindness and willingness at such a challenging time was much appreciated. Your immediate response was very impressive and asking loads of questions was always welcomed. Again thank you very much.  Kind regards Michele Nash 

5 Gwenda Vatro 27th Apr 2019

A very sensible way to save thousands of unnecessary dollars at a time when you are feeling particularly raw and vulnerable. I’ll be requesting this company in my will. It’s quite shocking to see how other companies manipulate people financially when they are at their most fragile. 

5 Evelyn Morataya 1st Apr 2019

Both Katherine and Ashley were amazing. They were gentle and caring, down to earth. We were able to tell them what we wanted for our Grandma and they didn't try and push or sell us anything that we hadn't requested. Extremely amazing service despite it being a sad time for us. I can't thank them enough for taking care of my grandmother. Thank you so much.

5 Bridgett Lennox 23rd Mar 2019

From the very first contact Ashley provided information to assist me to make informed decisions at a very stressful time. His continued professionalism matched with kindness and understanding impressed when family dynamics came into play. Ashley remained true to his word. Delivered and coordinated all aspects of the funeral arrangements as per our family"s wishes from the commencement through to completion.

5 Mirama Mosese 19th Mar 2019

Ash and his crew were so supportive and caring throughout the funeral process of my Grandmother. This is the second time we have used ‘Polynesian Funerals’ and we would never use anyone else now. Losing loved ones is such a tough thing to have to go through but Polynesian Funerals definitely make the process so much easier through their genuine care, support and understanding. Thanks Ash & the crew! ❤️

5 Marlene Woodward 18th Mar 2019

Very Happy with the help and support from Academy thank you Ashley and Katrina

5 Melissa Mahoney 11th Mar 2019

Everything was taken care of in our time of grief.

5 Lisa McKeaten 9th Dec 2018

Thank you Ashley for organising Mum’s funeral easily and in a straightforward way. Your celebrant Kerry was fabulous. The extra attention to detail and advice was vert much appreciated! Lisa McKeaten

5 Ngawinika Mott 5th Nov 2018

Ashley & Andrew were absolutely wonderful during our loss. Talked to us about what we wanted, explained everything, were available for questions, night or day. Absolutely amazing professionals with quality service. 100% recommend.

5 Kym Percival 27th Oct 2018

Ashley and his team at Academy Funerals were fantastic from the initial phone call to the service itself. Ashley instantly made me and my family feel trust in him and his compassionate yet honest demeanor helped us greatly to be at ease and make decisions for the day without concern. When Ashley visited us at our home he went through the options and there was no pressure to go with a particular package. We were able to tailor the details to suit our wants, needs and budget. During the entire period which was also our mourning period, we never once felt we or our mum didn't matter and their understanding and flexibility with multiple visits to the viewing room made it so much easier to grieve and say a proper goodbye. Thankfully this has been my first experience organising a funeral and whenever the time comes again I will be definitely going through Ashley and Academy.

5 Kreskin Valera 19th Sep 2018

Good communication

4 Marie Smith 3rd Aug 2018

Ashley and the team were very quick to respond to any requests we had. The funeral went smoothly and we were happy overall with the service provided. A special thanks to Kerrie Hayes who officiated on the day - she did a great job

5 John Broadfield 13th Jul 2018

Helped us through a difficult time with keeping us informed and guiding us through what was required. Use them with confidence!

4 Brenda Simpson 13th May 2018

Ashley & Katrina from Acadmey Funerals were very attentive and compassionate. We thank them for their support during this sad time. Brenda Simpson & Family

5 Geoffrey Phillip Barbaro 2nd Apr 2018

Academy Funerals were fantastic in looking after our deceased mum and the family. Ashley and Katrina advised us flawlessly. Mum died at the beginning of the Easter weekend (2016) and one family member had to return home to Chile. They handled the hospital, all arrangements, worked with the family, created a great atmosphere in their eclectic but delightful viewing area, and dealt with all of the cremation requirements, and did it all quickly, efficiently and in line with our timelines. Throughout it all, they looked after the family, not themselves, making suggestions that helped an inexperienced family group deal with every issue. Thank you for the great work.

5 Susan Blackley 12th Dec 2017

Ashley and Katrina ensured that the experience was a smooth as possible - they were compassionate, professional and understanding. Their suggested celebrant was a perfect fit. Thank you for making an emotionally difficult process less challenging.

5 Kate Peter-Kennedy 27th Nov 2017

My family and I would like to sincerely thank Ashley and Katrina of Academy Funerals for the assistance and kindness that they have showed to all of our family over the years. Ashley and Katrina have now done 15 funerals for our family and friends over the past 20 years. Each funeral has been different and at times have presented challenges that Ashley handled for us with complete professionalism. We have used Churches, Crematoriums, the Beach and in one case our uncle was returned to New Zealand after passing in Brisbane. Subsequently, not one of us have cause to criticize the amazing service that has been provided to our family. At all times Ashley and Katrina have been available to take our calls and have always made their premises available for us to come and view and dress our family members. The viewing room is a delight. It has been decorated and fitted out to make the whole experience as peaceful and serene as possible. Times spent with our family members have never been rushed even to the extent of one of our family remaining with our aunty until way past midnight when because of the distance to the cemetery Ashley had to leave for the funeral at 5:00 Am the following morning. Furthermore, at all times all of our family have found Ashley and Katrina to be open and honest and have never attempted to up sell as many other companies are prone to do. Our collective families are very large and we will continue to support Ashley, Katrina and Academy Funerals. On behalf of the Peter-Kennedy clan we can highly recommend Academy Funerals for: 1 Honesty 2 Integrity 3 Friendliness 4 Price Kate Peter-Kennedy

5 Janelle Greenfield 13th Nov 2017

Our family appreciated the professional and friendly service provided by Acadamy Funerals at our time of loss.

1 Dale Johns 9th Nov 2017

At the initial meeting with Ashley, discussion occurred around the type of coffin requested, my response was just a basic coffin, thinking it would be similar to the coffin I had for father two years ago.  My mistake was in not asking to see a picture of the coffin.  It was unfinished, raw timber, with nails protruding. A quote from one of the people who attended, "we thought it was an environmentally friendly coffin" I requested that the funeral director be a half hour earlier on the day of the funeral, for sound and music checks, this was refused. Allegations about another family being handled by the funeral director at the same time and how the time we were taking from the other grieving family were made to me which were inappropriate, and I responded by hanging up the phone, if I remember stating that we were equally in a similar situation and that time management could have been handled a little better. I was asked on two occasions, did I want an open coffin, my response both times that it was not to be open. The coffin was placed in the chapel on the day of the funeral.  It was uncoated raw timber that I don't even think had been sanded.  It was unlined, this we know because I requested that a medal of St Anthony be placed in the coffin.  The coffin was taken out the back for the cremation with Ashley saying numerous times when asked, that he would place the medal inside  A family friend followed it around to ensure that my request was upheld.  On arrival she observed that the lid of the coffin was off and it was unlined and open for the medallion to be placed with him.  This I find totally inappropriate and feel that I was undersold something which was of inferior quality. The argument that I had with the funeral director was totally unnecessary and should not have occurred.  He also mentioned that he had done me a favour to allow the two hours on the Sunday for viewing!  The funeral parlour was in an industrial estate and totally not fit for purpose. The people at the Goodna Crematorium couldn't have been kinder and helpful, with the statement made, "they have never seen a request from the family to the funeral director ever refused, left shaking their heads! I am totally devastated that at such an critical time I feel that I haven't done the right thing by my boy, and have been let down by an inefficient service at a cost significantly higher than my father's funeral two years before.

5 Graham Clarke 1st Nov 2017

Very good web site and with over 1200 hits it certainly reaches many people. Thank you Ashley for a job well done.

5 Douglas Van De Hoef 7th Sep 2017

Very helpful and responsive people. Good value for money.

5 Vicki Harvey 8th Aug 2017

Ashleigh and Katrina were very caring and helpful. They did a wonderful job. 

4 David Rielly 8th Aug 2017

I was very happy with the service and professionalism from Academy Funerals. The management and staff provided caring assistance and the service was exactly what was requested.  On behalf of our family I say a sincere thank you. David Rielly.