Funeral services in Lidcombe

Brendan Brooke

Your local Guardian

How long have you been a funeral arranger? 
I have been a funeral arranger since July 2024. Prior to this, I have worked with animals, children, and retail management. This role appealed to me because I have always been drawn to empathetic situations where I can help others in their time of need.

What do you like about being a funeral arranger?
While I love the amazing people I work with, what I enjoy most about being a funeral arranger is being able to take a lot of the stress and pressure off the families I am supporting. By doing this, it can allow the families more time to be with their loved ones during what could be one of the toughest times of their lives. I also like to be able to put their minds at ease, knowing that we are giving their person the farewell they deserve.   

What do you like about your local area?
I love all the different cultures and personalities in the area. I wasn’t here long before having people walk past and wave to me through the window. Some of them don’t speak much English, but that doesn’t stop them from saying hello and popping in for a little chat. I enjoy learning about all the different rituals people in the area have and how they are always happy to share these to educate me.

What charities does your brand/location support in your area?
We support Wrap with Love by donating blankets, most have been knitted by the wonderful locals. We also collect bedding and toys to donate to the RSPCA on behalf of our community. People can drop bedding donations off at our location and we will organise for them to go to their preferred charity (Wrap with Love or RSPCA). 

What makes your brand special?
For me, it’s the people I work with. Some of us have more experience than others, but we are all sharing the same goal – to care for the people in our care, and their families who love them dearly. We all understand that each goodbye is different, and we want to do whatever we can to support the families in providing a dignified and personalised farewell. I know I can always lean on my colleagues if I’m stuck with something or need any recommendations. 

CJ Chang

Your local Guardian

What do you like about being a funeral arranger?
"I find genuine joy and meaning in helping people through their most difficult moments. Being present for families when they need support the most — that's what makes this work truly worthwhile."

What do you like about your local area?
"Lidcombe is one of Sydney's most vibrant multicultural communities. You can meet people from so many different backgrounds and cultures, and the growth of the Korean community here in particular is something I find truly inspiring. It's a place where the past and the future coexist — and that's what makes it so special to me."

What made you want to become a funeral director?
"When families experience loss, they're suddenly faced with so many decisions and processes to navigate — often in a state of shock. I've seen firsthand how language barriers and the differences between Australian legal and cultural practices can leave people feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. I became a funeral director because I wanted to be the person who helps bridge that gap, and makes an incredibly hard time just a little more manageable."

What are your passions/hobbies outside of work?
"Music is a big part of my life. I enjoy creating my own music, and I've made a decision — whenever my time comes (hopefully not too soon!) — I'd love my own compositions to be played at my funeral. I'm even considering asking my family to screen a YouTube performance on the day. A little unconventional, perhaps, but life is meant to be celebrated!"

What makes your brand special?
"The name Guardian carries a meaning that resonates deeply with Korean culture. In traditional Korean villages, a pair of carved wooden figures called Jangseung (장승) stood at the village entrance — guardians that marked the boundary of the community and protected its people from illness, misfortune, and harm. For generations, villagers would pass by these figures and offer a quiet prayer for safety and peace. Just as 'Guardian' in the Western world means someone who protects and watches over others, the Jangseung served that same role in Korean communities for hundreds of years. That connection between the name and our heritage is something I find truly meaningful — and it's one of the reasons I'm proud to be part of the Guardian family."