Brisbane Independent Funeral Directors

My experience with Acedemy Funerals was Excellent. My dealings with Ashley was always proffessional and understanding.
I really felt my Mum was in excellent hands.
Responses to Emails were answered promptly.
I highly recommend Acedemy Funerals.

We have used Academy funerals twice now first time for my wonderful mother in law and a more compassionate and caring group of people you would not find.
And when my beautiful partner of 32 years passed again I cannot praise them high enough
The care for my partner and compassion for myself and my family and took all the worry of what to do was handled with no fuss.
This left time for our family to grieve our huge loss
Thank you academy and Ashley Bergh for your care for us all.

We are extremely grateful to Academy Funerals for their outstanding service during such a difficult time. They were punctual, reliable, and very compassionate, always getting back to us quickly whenever we had questions.

Everything was handled with care and personalised to our needs, which meant so much to our family. A special thank you to Ashley, who made the process much simpler by coming to our home, completing all the paperwork with us, and patiently showing us all the photos and options. This personal touch truly eased our stress and brought us comfort.

We are so glad we chose Academy Funerals and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, caring, and supportive funeral service.

I cannot speak highly enough of Academy Funerals at Lawnton. From start to finish, Ashley Bergh and his team took care of absolutely everything during an incredibly difficult time for our family.

Dad travelled from New Zealand to Brisbane for a holiday and sadly passed away suddenly in Brisbane from cancer. Ashley and his team handled the entire process with compassion, professionalism, and care — from arranging the funeral service here in Australia, to organising Dad’s international transfer from Australia back to New Zealand. They also assisted with coordinating the New Zealand funeral directors, making what could have been an overwhelming process feel manageable and supported every step of the way. In addition to all of this, they also specialised in cultural processes, which further streamlined the task at hand, and provided much needed reassurance.

Nothing was too much trouble, communication was clear and available 24/7, and we always felt that Dad was treated with dignity and respect. The team was fantastic, and we are deeply grateful for everything they did for our family.

I highly recommend Academy Funerals Lawnton. Thanks Ashley and team!

Haydn- Brisbane

2 years ago, Ashley and his amazing team did a fantastic job helping us say goodbye to my nanna. Then just recently, my mum passed away and because of the positive previous experience, we chose Academy Funerals again. The way they treated us was professional, compassionate and with understanding. They handled all the arrangements with one simple appointment and helped make the process simple abd stress free.

Thank you Ashley and the team at Academy Funerals for everything.

Academy funerals were the most supportive funeral home when planning for my new born son’s cremation. They were kind and understanding and didn’t take advantage of us in a sad time of our lives. I tried multiple funeral homes but every single one made it complicated and tried to overcharge me. Academy funerals made it simple, easy, didn’t overcharge and kept me informed throughout each step of the process. I knew where my son was at all times. I couldn’t fault this funeral home.

Genuinely surprised and saddened to see any negative reviews for this company, as my family's experience with them, particularly with Ashley, was nothing short of extraordinary.

​During what was undeniably one of the toughest and most heartbreaking moments of our lives—the sending off of our beloved daughter—Ashley provided more than just a service; he provided genuine care and support.

​From the moment we engaged with the organisation, we felt like we were being looked after by someone who understood our pain. Ashley handled every detail with immense dignity, professionalism, and heartfelt compassion. It truly felt as though he was invested in helping us navigate this difficult journey, rather than just completing a job.

​The level of empathy and personalised attention we received was absolutely outstanding. Ashley's dedication helped us through this immense tragedy. We cannot thank him enough and highly recommend this funeral company to anyone seeking compassionate, dedicated, and truly human-centred care for their loved one.

We had the unimaginable experience of losing our baby at full term. It was traumatic, disorienting, and saturated with a kind of sorrow we didn’t know a human body could hold. In those first days, as we tried to navigate death, grief, guilt and shock, we found ourselves dealing with several funeral companies whose approach felt painfully predatory and profit-driven. It left us feeling even more vulnerable and alone.

And then we found Ashley.

From our very first interaction, it was clear he understood the landscape we were now forced to navigate. He understood the heaviness on our shoulders that threatened to flatten us, the hollow ache of despair that lurked like a void, the way we were suddenly and irrevocably changed. He recognised that we had been inducted into a club no parent ever wishes to join, marked by a pain that feels almost like its own living thing.

Most importantly, he understood our need for time. Time to think. Time to breathe. Time to say goodbye without being hurried along. He offered flexibility, gentleness, and the space we needed to make decisions in a moment when decisions felt unbearable.

Ashley was a steady, calming presence in the darkest chapter of our lives — a rare source of compassion and dignity when we needed it most. We will be forever grateful for the care he showed not just to our daughter, but to us.

I lost both parents this year and had Academy Funerals handle both services. I found Ashley to be caring, patient and understanding through both funerals. I would have no hesitation
in highly recommending Academy Funerals should you be needing a funeral director.

Ashley from Academy Funerals was very helpful and patient during the process of organizing my mum's cremation.
This is the third time we have chosen Academy Funerals to care for our family members, because of the respect and dignity they show for both the living and those who have passed away.
Thank you,Ashley, and all your team for all your help during these times.
I highly recommend Academy Funerals.

Ashley and the team were so supportive and took so much pressure of us when we had to say goodbye to my Dad. I had phoned around to a few places and all were very expensive, so I was very pleasantly surprised at how affordable Academy was in comparison to others. I was shocked at how much of a mark-up other companies had for the fee for opening the grave compared to Academy, it was very obvious that other companies were profiting on having to open the grave, while Academy kept it affordable.

Ashley was always very kind when we met with him and made sure that Dad was buried in his favourite clothes. At the cemetery my nana couldn't get out of the car because of her ill health, and Ashley made sure there was room for her car to park beside the grave so she could still view the funeral.

I hope I don't need Ashley's services again soon, but I know if I do lose a loved one Ashley will look after us.

Ashley was phenomenal. In a very dark and difficult time for us, he showed us real compassion and guided us through it all with the utmost care. We cannot describe how grateful we are for his help and kindness. God bless.

At a difficult time in our lives, it was a pleasure to meet Ashley from Academy Funerals and have his help in guiding us through the process of arranging the funeral for our loved one. From beginning to end he was caring and helpful. Highly recommended. Thank you so much Ashley.

Asley definitely know what he is doing his approach and understanding and wisedoom definitely deserves 5 stars thanks Asley for your services

Compassionate, understanding and very helpful.
We couldn't be more grateful for Ashley's help navigating through this unfortunate process.

Ashley and the team at Academy Funerals were fantastic. Their patience and compassion for the passing of our mother was so greatly appreciated.
Their care for our mum was evident.
It didn’t matter what time of day it was Ashley was always willing to open the doors to let us have that one last moment with mum.
The flower arrangement was beautiful and she look radiant and peaceful in her eternal resting bed.
Thank you so much Ashley. We truly appreciate all that you have done for us.

My experience with Ashley was amazing, he was caring, friendly and helped me navigate a traumatic time in our families lives, he was constantly checking too see if I was ok. He answered every question I had and he was a shoulder to lean on. I cannot recommend Acedemy Funerals enough they will help you through one of the toughest moments in your life. Don't go to a big firm, I tried and was just a number too them.

Academy Funerals are amazing. I can't thank Ashley enough for everything he did for us through this hard time. Ashley made the whole process easy and comfortable. Academy Funerals are all about the family and the deceased and what they would like and not about the profit they could make which I really appreciated. Thank you again for making this difficult time more manageable.

I would like to acknowledge the professional service of Ashley, in the way he so kindly assisted our family in this time of sadness. Not only his professionalism but his empathy and compassionate understanding shown to our family. I highly recommend Academy Funerals.

Very considerate of what were going through, never hounded or continually called. After my mother Passed this company were very professional and helped me navigate through something I had no idea about. I had never had to deal with a funeral and Ashley was extremely helpful and informative.

I found Ashley and his team to be very helpful, respectful, compassionate and understanding of our needs and followed the legislation to the law. I would definitely recommend Ashley and his staff to anyone who is in need of his services. Continue doing your best work

Ashley, the funeral director, was extremely professional in every way possible. Ashley was also very compassionate, kind, Helpful, and very respectful in our time of grief.

The funeral director, named Ashley was so professional in every step of the way. Cannot recommend him enough. If I could give 10/10 stars I would.

I spoke to Ashley on behalf of my friend whose son died. I knew from the moment I spoke to Ashley that Academy Funerals would be perfect. Ashley is a patient and caring man who made such a difficult time so much easier. The funeral home is lovely and feels warm and homey. I highly recommend this family business
that is not there just for the dollars but care about families who have lost their loved one. My friend and her family were so grateful and felt listened to. Keep up the good work.

Thank you so much to Ashley and the team at Academy Funerals for looking after dad when he passed away. I found the options of funeral homes daunting, but Ashley and Academy Funerals came highly recommended from family friends who actually work within the industry. Ashley was patient, warm and helpful at every step of the process and has a lovely sense of humour, and guided me to the simplest no fills approach we were looking for with dads cremation. Highly recommend.

I found Ashley to be wonderfully helpful and compassionate throughout an extremely emotional time in my life. Ashley answered all of my questions with kindness, and his packages are very reasonable. As an Australian owned company, I would highly recommend Academy Funerals.

Thank you to Ashley who was like a friend though out the stages of preparing mum for her burial. To know that a family business was looking after mum gave me comfort, and everything went so well, and was much more personal than using a large overseas based company.

Ashley Bergh from Academy Funerals is a wonderful person to deal with. He is compassionate and understanding and makes himself avaialbe to talk to at any time, even on weekends! I have now used Academy Funerals twice and will certainly go back to them again. You can always rely on a family business to go the extra mile!

Academy Funerals was our choice for my mom's funeral.Ashley and the team where very professional,caring, very approachable, I would recommend them highly.

It took a phone call… I explained what I wanted to Ashley… it was a very different funeral to any he had previously organised… but nothing was too much trouble and his willingness and professionalism were outstanding… in giving my beloved partner what we wanted. Johns funeral was held at Lakeside International Raceway (they too were amazing) the service ending with a procession of Ferraris behind the hearses doing two laps then John was given the checkered flag one last time… a befitting tribute to my partner. Ashley was truly wonderful and nothing was too much effort his willingness to go outside the square was brilliant and his recommendation of Tasteful Transitions (live streaming/slides) was excellent. Academy funerals I can’t recommend you high enough! (My partner wasn’t Polynesian) but I needed someone who would work with me to give J the best send off ever! And that was done!

Ashley handled everything with care for my late father, took care of me every step of the way. The process was smooth and Ashley was compassionate and kind and assisted with absolutely everything I needed.

Thank you from our family we really appreciated your kindness in a time of sadness and need ❤️

Australian owned was my first prerequisite for the funeral director I wanted to care for my husband. Australian owned, affordable and attention to detail is what Ashley from Academy Funerals gave us for my husband’s final journey. Ashley was extremely caring, no American style sales gimmick or pitch, just genuine kindness which is what I needed most at such an emotional time.When Ashley called me to tell me he had my husband with him I was at first taken aback and then I realised the tenderness of that statement.
I cannot recommend Australian owned Academy Funerals and Ashley more highly. Easy 5 stars.

I'm happy to recommend Academy Funerals. Robin was professional with his dealings with me and my siblings. He gave good advice on the process of dealing with the deceased, and offered suggestions on the coffin, flowers and cards. He also tidied up images that we used for cards.

Very grateful and glad to have found Ashley and his team. Ashley was able to accommodate to our Buddhist needs (e.g., waiting 8-12 hours before sending his team to pick up the body). The ladies he collaborates with to pick up our loved one’s body also deserve high praise - very respectful and handled with care (after hours).

Ashley was able to organise a cremation spot that perfectly suits our need for a simple and small service. Also impressed by how he made our deceased love one’s skin tone looked very natural (no over the top make up).

The communication (email, SMS, & phone) and payment process were also easy - very reasonably priced. Academy Funeral is a small family-owned company that highly diverse the support from us locals. I highly recommend their service!

This is the third time that Ashley has provided his professional services to our family.
A huge thank you for the exceptional level of care and support you showed.
Your guidance ,empathy, compassion and professionalism during this difficult time made it easier to bear.
We highly recommend Ashley and his family's services at Academy Funerals.

On the day my father passed suddenly, we were calling around funeral homes. Academy was by far the friendlies and warmest. Was exceptionally helpful every step of the way. Incredibly accommodating and understanding. The viewings before the funeral and the day itself, were exactly how he would have wanted it. Thanks to the people of Academy Funerals, I will always remember this unfortunate time in our lives. Fondly and without any regrets.

Out of the vast array of funeral director options, I chose Academy Funerals because they are truly family owned and independent, and I dealt directly with Ashley the owner. Ashley made the whole process of memorialising my mother pleasant and easy, at a time that I felt overwhelmed and stretched. I would highly recommend anyone seeking to arrange a memorial to speak with Academy Funerals.

Thank you Academy Funerals for the wonderful services you provided for my sister. From collecting her body, saying goodbye to her and arranging her cremation, your service was of the highest calibre. Thank you for your personalised service and sensitivity at this difficult time.
You made the whole process so much easier for us. When my time comes, please do my cremation.
I have no hesitation in recommending your services to any family requiring your attention.
With sincere thanks, Suzanne Barnett.
My beautiful sister and myself.

As is always the case with funerals, this was truly our hour of need and with not much experience we really needed guidance. We were so fortunate to have been referred to Robin Drury at Academy Funerals and from the word go, his experience and compassion really got us through. Nothing was too much trouble and Robin helped us so much with his words of wisdom and step by step approach. I can't speak highly enough of Academy funerals and will recommend them every time I'm asked. Thankyou Robin for everything you did for our family.

We couldn't be more pleased with the assistance we received from Robin and Acadamy Funerals during what is naturally a very difficult time. Robin was very caring in the way he dealt with our late father, and made the whole process very easy for us, seamlessly taking care of all the details and administrative requirements. Nothing was too hard for Robin, and he even went above and beyond to collect the royal naval uniform that dad was to wear from my house.

I have zero hesitation in recommending Acadamy Funerals to assist you when you have lost a loved one.

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Ashley Bergh, the managing director of Academy Funerals. From our very first consultation two years ago, Ashley demonstrated a level of compassion and endearment that truly set him apart. He took the time to thoroughly explain the process, listened attentively to our requests, and offered thoughtful suggestions, allowing us to make informed decisions with confidence.

When I recently reached out to Ashley with the news of my father's passing, his empathy and compassionate guidance were a source of great comfort. He promptly arranged for my father to be collected from the nursing home and assisted with all aspects of organising the funeral.

Ashley demonstrated exceptional support regarding our cultural and specific funeral requests, attentively ensuring everything was managed with the highest respect and care. On the day of the service, Ashley and his assistant, Robin were both welcoming and supportive. The music was played exactly as we had requested, contributing to a service that was smooth, peaceful, and comforting.

Academy Funerals is a local business that offers excellent communication and correspondence without being overpriced. I am grateful for their support during such a difficult time and highly recommend their services to anyone in need of compassionate and professional funeral services.

Thank you Academy Funerals for the help with the cremation of our dear family member on 19/2/2025.We received a completely stress free,100% service from you at a very reasonable price.Peter Dunne.

Academy Funerals gave me and my family the most thoughtful, gentle & thorough walk through the challenging process of putting my Dad to rest. The care that went into making sure everything was perfect was outstanding. Robin checked in with us nearly every day, not just on a business level but on an emotional level as well. I can’t rate this business high enough, thankyou guys for making my Dad’s funeral the best send off I could’ve asked for.

During such a surreal and difficult time of our Dads sudden passing. We reached out to a few funeral companies. We went with Academy Funerals, they were compassionate, understanding. A family business that took the time to listen and guide us every step of the way. Suggested venues & arranged a viewing at a venue. They were efficient to collect Dad, updating us every step of the process. Took beautiful care of him, for us. Robin went above and beyond with assisting us. We are incredibly grateful for your care, patience, guidance and making such a difficult day such a wonderful celebration that showcased our Father so beautifully. We had friends and family at the wake commenting on how fabulous it was and a few saying how they would like their funeral like that. So personable. Thank you so much Academy Funerals!

Great experience. I was able to arrange everything over the phone & Ashley walked me through the process & arranged everything. Everything was done as promised with minimal fuss & stress.

Amazing and caring service! I have engaged Academy Funerals to assist with the funerals of both my Parents and each time they have provided a steady hand to guide me through the process, most recently I had to contact them on a public holiday in the evening and they were available and able to provide advice and wonderful customer service, cannot recommend their service more highly.

Academy Funerals are truly amazing, and I’m so grateful I found them! I was completely lost when planning my grandfather’s funeral, but Ashley was there to guide me every step of the way. He ensured my grandfather received the utmost care and handled everything with such kindness and compassion. Ashley is such a gentle soul, and I highly recommend their services. If I could give more than 5 stars I would in a heartbeat!