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Meet Our Team

A caring team — here when you need us most

Arranger Directors

CARLO DI MARTINO

Stapylton

Carlo Di Martino is an experienced Funeral Director with 7 years in the industry. Originally from Tasmania, Carlo made a career shift after a background in hospitality, seeking a more fulfilling role. His commitment to helping others led him to Newhaven Funerals, where he brings empathy and professionalism to his work. Prior to his current role, Carlo served as a volunteer firefighter, demonstrating his dedication to his community. Outside of work, he’s a proud father, and enjoys spending time with his kids, playing golf, spending time with his dogs, and supporting his footy team. Carlo is driven by his desire to provide compassionate service during difficult times and continues to build a meaningful career in the funeral industry.

BRAD HOLCOMBE

Gold Coast

Brad Holcombe is an experienced Funeral Director with 28 years in the funeral industry. Though he’s relatively new to Newhaven Funerals, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to guiding families through their most challenging times with integrity and compassion. Outside of his professional life, Brad is passionate about supporting local charities and community clubs. He enjoys staying active and healthy, with hobbies that include riding motorbikes, fishing, and working on cars. Brad also loves travelling and spending time with his French Bulldog, Lotti, who brings plenty of joy into his life. A devoted family man, he is happily married with a daughter and values his time spent with loved ones.

ADMIN

KERRY SPINKS

Stapylton

Kerry Spinks has 14 years of experience in the funeral industry, bringing a compassionate and understanding approach to her work. Prior to this, she spent 8 years in aged care and has a background as a beauty therapist, which has further honed her skills in providing comfort and care. Kerry is a proud wife and mother of two adult children, and she shares her home with two dogs. In her free time, Kerry loves to travel overseas, enjoy cruises, and spend quality time with her family. She’s also an avid movie watcher and enjoys curling up with a good book when she needs some relaxation

MORTICIAN

ERIKA GWYNNE

Stapylton

Erika Gwynne is a highly experienced Mortician with 17 years in the funeral industry. Known for her deep empathy, bubbly personality, and perfectionist approach, Erika connects with families in a meaningful way, helping them spend their final moments with their loved ones in peace and comfort. Outside of her professional life, Erika has a passion for photography, travel, and exploring Gothic and Medieval architecture. She enjoys staying active, whether it’s hitting the gym or going on motorbike rides with her family and loves spending time with her pets , she is an avid collector of snow globes. Erika’s compassionate nature and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of the team.

BRANCH MANAGERS

SIOBHAN BRITTON

Stapylton

Siobhan Britton embarked on her career with Newhaven Funerals in 2020 as a Funeral Director and has since transitioned to the role of Branch Manager at Stapylton. With a background in social and psychological sciences, Siobhan brings a deep understanding of human emotions and behavior, allowing her to offer compassionate support to families during the challenging process of saying goodbye to their loved ones. Outside of her professional life, Siobhan is happily married with three children and another on the way, cherishing time spent with her growing family. She also enjoys traveling overseas, finding that her trips offer the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge. Siobhan’s empathetic nature and strong leadership skills make her a highly valued member of the team.

AMELIA WEST

Stapylton

Amelia West brings many years of experience in the funeral industry, now transitioning into a Management and Operations role while continuing her work as a Funeral Director at Newhaven Funerals. With a background in nursing and aged care, Amelia’s compassionate and skilled approach to supporting families is backed by her extensive experience in healthcare. Born and raised in Southeast Queensland (SEQ), Amelia is a proud wife and new mother, balancing her career with time spent with her family. Outside of work, she loves relaxing at the beach, spending time with friends and family, and curling up with a good book in her downtime.

 

JESSIE VILLER

Stapylton

Jessie Viller is a dedicated professional with 3 years of experience in the funeral industry, having joined Newhaven Funerals in 2022. Prior to this, Jessie studied and worked in film production, which has given her a unique perspective on storytelling and the importance of creating meaningful experiences. Driven by a passion for education, she transitioned into the funeral industry with a strong desire to help guide others through difficult times. Jessie is particularly passionate about natural burials and their role in creating environmentally conscious options for families. Outside of work, she is actively involved in theatre, live music, and drag, bringing her creative energy to various artistic communities. Jessie is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma in Counselling to further develop her skills in supporting others.

GENERAL MANAGER

DARREN IRVINE

Stapylton

Darren Irvine has over 30 years of experience in the funeral industry, starting as a fresh-faced professional in his mid-20s. Throughout his career, Darren has held various roles, including Funeral Director, Branch Manager, and eventually General Manager across Newhaven Funerals’ branches. His extensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the industry and a strong leadership presence. Outside of work, Darren is a dedicated family man, happily married with two children, both with special needs, whom he loves spending time with. He enjoys taking holidays, playing golf, and visiting the beach to unwind and make the most of his family time.

BRANCH MANAGER

RAEWYN WRIGHT

Burleigh

Raewyn Wright, originally from New Zealand, Raewyn became an Australian citizen in 2024 after living on the Gold Coast for over 2 decades. She is the Branch Manager at Newhaven and holds qualifications across the board in management, with a background in customer service and a commitment to providing exceptional care.

Raewyn brings a unique flair, humour, empathy, and compassion to the families she supports. Her dedication to helping others comes from a deeply personal place—after the heartbreaking loss of her premature son Ashley, Raewyn was inspired to give back the same compassion and care she received from her funeral director.She is committed to guiding families through their most difficult moments with warmth, understanding, and unwavering support.

 

DAVID SUNTER

Burleigh

David Sunter has been with Newhaven’s Gold Coast Branch since November 2024. He joins Newhaven with a high level of empathy and compassion, bringing over 20 years of experience as a fully qualified nurse to his new role. David’s connection to the funeral industry comes from his father, a funeral director, and his grandfather, a police inspector. Prior to joining Newhaven, David worked as a Duty Manager at a Retirement Village. David’s passion for classic vehicles led him to create the Tweed Shire’s biggest car event, Coffee and Cars Terranora. His background also includes working in radio and owning a car detailing company. Outside of work, David’s idea of fun is spending quality family time with his kids as a dedicated father of four.

ADMIN

BENITA CHURCHWARD

Benita Churchward before joining Newhaven, Benita was involved in both retail and allied health. She was previously a physiotherapy assistant and now in her current role at Newhaven, she manages funeral files, media, and accounts and the face of our Burleigh heads front office. Benita also specializes in allied health, with expertise in speech and occupational therapy and a Diploma in Remedial Massage.

A loving mother to one and devoted to her dog, Benita enjoys spending time with her family and pets. Outside of work, she’s passionate about music festivals, gigs with friends, traveling, and exploring the beach. She also enjoys art and prefers outdoor adventures such as visiting national parks and participating in activities like ziplining.

JANE LEVIN

Jane Levin has been with Newhaven Funerals for 9 years and is deeply committed to providing excellent customer service. With a background in retail, she brings valuable experience in client relations and service delivery. Jane plays a key role in managing the Memorial Gardens at Eco Memorial Park, ensuring families receive the care and respect they deserve. A passionate dog lover and a dedicated mother of three, Jane enjoys spending quality time with her family and her furry friends

SHARNA DAVIS

Sharna Davis is the IT whizz at Newhaven Funerals, with years of experience in creating and managing funeral files and media for Newhaven services. Her technical expertise plays a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Outside of work, Sharna is passionate about fantasy books, enjoys cosplaying, and loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys time with her big dog and has a keen interest in cars, combining her love for adventure with her hands-on nature.

LYNNE WRIGHT

Lynne Wright brings a wealth of experience to Newhaven, with a diverse background in nursing and a creative stint as a florist. In her role, she acts as a liaison with multiple funeral homes that utilize Newhaven Funerals’ facilities and crematorium, as well as managing accounts. She is married and enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and three grandsons. When she’s not working, Lynne loves catching up with family and friends. She brings a warm personality to the office, making her an invaluable part of the team.

ALEXIS ARISTIDOU

Alexis Aristidou brings many years of experience to Newhaven Funerals, where she liaises with other funeral directors and creates detailed funeral files. Deeply connected to the Greek and Cypriot communities, Alexis is also actively involved in her local church. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, and is currently busy planning her upcoming wedding. Alexis is also an avid gamer, finding relaxation and fun in her favourite games. Her strong cultural ties and diverse interests make her a well-rounded and valued team member.

LIBBY VILUMSONS

Libby Vilumsons brings 30 years of experience to Newhaven Funerals and is a proud part of the founding family. As a Repatriation Specialist at Newhaven Funerals, Libby is dedicated to supporting families with care and professionalism during difficult times. Married with one adult daughter, Libby values spending quality time with her immediate and extended family. Her wealth of experience and family-centered approach make her an integral part of the team.

ACCOUNTS

CHRISTINE KESTING

Christine Kesting has been an invaluable member of the Newhaven Funerals team for many years. With her extensive experience, she expertly manages our pre-need funeral files, as well as overseeing accounts and payroll. Her attention to detail and dedication ensure that all aspects of these critical areas are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

When Christine isn’t busy at work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children, and her beautiful German Shepherds. Family is very important to Christine, and she treasures the moments spent with loved ones.

Christine’s passion for her work and her commitment to her family make her a cherished member of both the Newhaven Funerals team and her home life.