Our Team of Staff
Our team are dedicated individuals that aim to provide a quality, caring and personal service to every family. All our staff are from diverse backgrounds and are carefully chosen and trained to ensure we maintain our high standards. They take care of all details and help guide families to create fitting farewells that celebrate life. All our staff are available to meet with, and discuss every detail, any question or query you may have.
To learn more about our team, please continue to scroll down.
Andrew Hampton- Funeral Director
Andrew was educated at Gravel Hill School, Bendigo High School, Dookie College and the College of Advanced Education (La Trobe University). Andrew has always been involved with the community and has been an active member and volunteer in- Apex, CFA, Rotary, Bendigo Yacht Club, Land Care, and the Bendigo Caledonian Society.
In 1987 Andrew and Heather made a life changing decision when they purchased William Farmer so that it would remain a locally owned, independent business. Andrew enjoys being involved with families, helping them farewell a loved one. He and Heather are proud to own and operate there business which has been part of Bendigo's history for 150 years.
They strive to ensure that honesty; integrity; care; and compassion; are the cornerstones of the way they operate their business and continue to look for new ways to improve the experience for their client families, staff, and the community.
Heather Hampton- Funeral Director
Heather grew up in Bendigo and attended Girton College and Bendigo High School. In her younger years she played Basketball, Netball and Tennis. She also enjoyed coaching Netball. Heather and Andrew met at her first job Hampton's News agency, and since then have worked together for the majority of their lives. They are married and have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Heather manages the office, looks after the advertising, arranges funerals and assists on funeral services. She helps those who wish to pre-plan their funeral service by discussing and recording down their wishes. She is very caring, thoughtful and a friendly person, who is always trying to make life a little easier for their families.
Her hobbies include writing, cooking, jigsaw and crossword puzzles.
Jesse Cattell- Funeral Director
Jesse has been a Bendigo local for many years now, and is the nephew of Andrew and Heather. Jesse joined the William Farmer team 9 years ago and whilst being a young funeral director, his commitment to his work and dedication to the families we care for is paramount. He finds it a great honour to look after families, and assist them to celebrate their loved ones life in a unique, individual and special way.
Jesse is an active member of the community through his involvement with the State Emergency Service, Cystic Fibrosis, Bendigo Easter Fair Society and many sporting groups. He enjoys exploring new technology and ways to create a different experience for the families of William Farmer.
Jesse was awarded the prestigious 2019 Australian Funeral Directors Association Scholarship for his presentation on the importance of funerals, innovation and modernism within the industry. His prize took him to Chicago and Canada in October 2019 to interact, network and develop further at the worlds largest funeral convention.
Michelle Newlan- Funeral Director
Michelle joined our team in early 2020. With a large range of skills and experience, Michelle brings balance to our team, support to the families we care for, and a passion for the funeral care industry.
Her caring and compassionate approach to her work has proven to be of great comfort to the families we serve. Her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty is often recognised by the families she guides through the funeral planning and pre planning process.
Michelle continues to look for ways we can better support the families we care for day to day and has a commitment to provide our families with first class funeral care.
June Andrew- Funeral Director & Mortuary Care
June has completed studies in grief counselling, bereavement, and mortuary technology. This formal training is only a small portion of the skills June brings to William Farmer.
As our mortuary manager, her sensitive and caring demeanour has proven to be of great comfort to grieving families with loved ones in our care. Her attention to detail ensures every aspect of our mortuary care is carried out to the highest level, with dignity and respect at all times.
In addition to providing the highest level of mortuary care, June is also a Funeral Director. Her range of skills is often a great comfort to the the families we care for and every aspect of the funeral is planned and carried out according to each family’s wishes.
June’s passion and sensitivity, and her grief and bereavement background are a great asset to the team at William Farmer and she believes that her role is more of a “calling” than a job.
Timothy Attwater
Tim is not only a dedicated community member and family man, he also is a valued member of our team. Tim's professional support and care for our families is paramount. His nature of wanting to help others, and looking for ways to better what we do is of great benefit to our team here at William Farmer.
Tim regards a funeral service as a very important event in a family's life and is often assisting our Funeral Director's on the day of a service.
Connor Hampton
Connor joined the team at William Farmer in early 2019. You will often find Connor greeting you when you visit our office or when you phone for assistance. He brings a wealth of knowledge in technology and is frequently helping to provide support to families in this area.
Connor's genuine want to provide care and compassion to the families we care for is a great benefit to our team.