Our History

Who Are We

We’ve been an integral part of the Bendigo community for generations, helping to create unique and memorable goodbyes for your loved ones.

We’re owned and managed by local people, offering you quality, supportive care when you need it most. Focused on outstanding service and attention to detail – from our beginnings to today, our values haven’t changed.

The Mulqueen Story

Beginnings

1853 – The Bridge Street Funeral business embraces its origins form 1853 when Thomas Abell opened a carpentry and undertaking business in Bridge Street.

Relocation

1855 – After obtaining a town lots in May 1855, Thomas Abell and Philip Kennedy constructed an impressive two-storey building and relocated the business to the corner of Bridge and Cemetery streets directly in front of what was then the Sandhurst Burial Grounds.

New Owners

1856 – Thomas Oakley purchased the business and operated under his own name.

Oakley & Fizelle

1886 – Thomas Oakley operated the business until 1886 when his son William took over in partnership with Peter Fizelle.

Sole Proprieter

1895 – Peter Fizelle became the sole proprietor on 1 March 1895, and ran the business under his own name. This was the beginning of continuous ownership by the Fizelle/Mulqueen family. Michael Mulqueen was an Irish immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1891 and he subsequently married Peter Fizelle’s daughter Elizabeth.

Fizelle & Mulqueen

1900 – On the 5th of February 1900, the business became known as FIZELLE & MULQUEEN.

Mulqueen & Sons

1934 – The name changed to MULQUEEN & SONS and was managed by Michael’s son John until his death in 1950. The business was then managed by John’s son Peter with his mother Irene (Gerdsen) on behalf of the family.

Peter & John Mulqueen

1965 – Peter Mulqueen and his brother John (4th generation) took over the business together with their wives Adele and Ruth respectively.

Present Times

1999 to Now – Peter died in 1999 and Adele has always taken a keen interest in the business. Four of her sons, Peter Jnr (Director and Accountant), Paul (Director and Media), Daniel (previous Director) and Corey (Finance and pre-paid funerals) have taken over responsibility for the business interests. Each use their specialised skills and experience contributing to the ongoing operations and continued development of Mulqueen Family Funeral Directors. Although John retired back in 2000, he, Ruth and their children still have a strong affinity with the business.