Our Team
Newhaven Funerals
At Newhaven Funerals, we are committed to providing trusted funeral care across South East Queensland. Our success is built on a strong company culture that empowers our dedicated team to deliver exceptional funeral services with professionalism and compassion.
Each member of our team plays a vital role in upholding our high standards of funeral care, ensuring that every family we serve receives the highest level of support, guidance, and personal attention. We value and appreciate our staff for their dedication, expertise, and compassionate approach to helping families through difficult times.
By fostering a culture of excellence in funeral service, we continue to provide personalised funerals, memorial services, cremation services, and pre-paid funeral plans.
Funeral Services Team
Carlo Di Martino
Funeral Director
Stapylton
Carlo Di Martino
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
Funeral Director
Burleigh Heads
Brad Holcombe
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.
Darren Irvine
Funeral Director
Stapylton
Darren Irvine
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.
Emily Dando
Funeral Assistant
Stapylton
Emily Dando
Emily is a dedicated Funeral Director Assistant at Newhaven Funerals, bringing care, precision, and a calm presence to every family she supports. Having been with the team for around a year, she has quickly become known for her exceptional attention to detail. Emily takes great pride in ensuring every element of her work is completed to the highest standard, believing that even the smallest details make a meaningful difference.
She is particularly skilled in coffin preparation and trimming, where her steady hands and artistic eye allow her to create beautifully finished results that honour each individual. Outside of her role, Emily has a passion for painting, which reflects her creative nature and appreciation for thoughtful expression. She also enjoys listening to music while she works, finding it helps her stay focused and present.
At home, Emily is kept company by her much-loved cat, Dougie, who she affectionately considers her adopted son. Her warmth, creativity, and commitment make her a valued member of the Newhaven Funerals team.
Ben Surridge
Funeral Assistant
Burleigh Heads
Ben Surridge
Ben is one of our wonderful Funeral Assistants, originally from Timaru, New Zealand, and now proud to call the Gold Coast home. Ben enjoys playing golf, swimming, spending time with loved ones, and exploring everything the Coast has to offer. He has been drawn to the funeral industry since finishing high school, guided by a genuine desire to support families through difficult moments. At Newhaven, Ben is committed to providing every loved one with the dignity, compassion, and respect they deserve.
Patrick Jones
Advanced Planning Consultant
Stapylton and Burleigh Heads
Patrick Jones
Patrick is a dedicated Advanced Planning Consultant with Newhaven Funerals, bringing over 14 years of experience supporting families with thoughtful and well-planned funeral arrangements. Throughout his career, more than 3,000 clients have placed their trust in Patrick to guide them through the process of pre-arranging their funerals, a responsibility he approaches with genuine care and professionalism.
Patrick is passionate about helping people understand the emotional and practical benefits of planning ahead. He regularly delivers engaging presentations and information sessions at Probus clubs, sporting organisations, retirement communities, nursing homes, and industry expos, making complex topics clear and accessible.
Known for his warm and personable approach, Patrick prefers to meet clients in the comfort of their own homes, where conversations can take place in a relaxed and familiar environment. This allows him to provide tailored guidance that reflects each individual’s wishes and values.
Outside of his professional life, Patrick enjoys travelling the world with his wife and adult children, embracing new cultures and experiences whenever he can.
Admin Team
Kerry Spinks
Admin
Stapylton
Kerry Spinks
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.
Benita Churchward
Admin
Stapylton
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 is the face of our Burleigh Heads front office. Benita also specialises 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, travelling, 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
Admin
Stapylton
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 and Pet Cremations, 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.
Danni Cole
Admin
Stapylton
Danni Cole
Danni is a recent addition to the Newhaven team, and and has already proven herself to be an admin powerhouse. Using her many years of experience in Education, Danni brings a warm and genuine energy to the team, and we are constantly in awe of the beautiful media she creates for families in her role. In her spare time, Danni loves relaxing with her 5 children, and enjoys building Harry Potter Lego sets.
Christine Kesting
Accounts
Stapylton
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.
Support Team
Erika Gwynne
Mortician
Stapylton
Erika Gwynne
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 also an avid collector of snow globes. Erika’s compassionate nature and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of the team.
Sharna Davis JP (Qual)
Digital Marketing
Stapylton
Sharna Davis JP (Qual)
Sharna has been a valued member of Newhaven Funerals for many years, beginning her journey as a Funeral Desk Administrator. In that role, she provided compassionate support to families while ensuring the smooth coordination of daily operations. She has since transitioned into a Digital Marketing role across the broader Walker Funeral Group, where she combines creativity with strategic thinking to strengthen the group’s online presence and community engagement.
Outside of work, Sharna enjoys cosplay, martial arts, novel writing, Formula 1, and spending quality time with family and friends. Holding a Diploma in Screen and Media and a Certificate III in Crime and Justice Studies, she brings both creative flair and analytical insight to her role, along with a genuine passion for storytelling and meaningful communication.
Jessie Viller JP (Qual)
Digital Marketing / Funeral Director
Stapylton
Jessie Viller JP (Qual)
Jessie is a dedicated professional with several years of experience in the funeral industry, where they are passionate about guiding families through difficult times and advocating for alternative funeral practices, particularly natural burials. Before entering the industry, Jessie studied and worked in film production, which shaped their appreciation for storytelling and creating meaningful experiences. In 2025, Jessie transitioned into Digital Marketing, expanding their role across Queensland. Outside of work, Jessie is a musician and drag performer who enjoys contributing creatively to the community. In their spare time, they also practice taekwondo and are an avid Formula 1 fan. Jessie was recently appointed as a Justice of the Peace in Queensland, expanding their skillset to better serve their community.
Leadership Team
Siobhan Britton
General Manager
Stapylton
Siobhan Britton
Siobhan embarked on her career with Newhaven Funerals in 2020 as a funeral director and has since transitioned to the role of General Manager at Stapylton. With a background in social and psychological sciences, Siobhan brings a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviour, 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 travelling 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
Operations Manager
Stapylton
Amelia West
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.