Funeral Arranging Team
Karen Perrone
Funeral Arranger
With nearly two decades of experience in the funeral industry, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge, understanding, and compassion to the team at Albert & Meyer, where she has been a valued member for the past four years. Known for her kind and empathetic nature, she takes great pride in supporting families with warmth and care through one of life’s most difficult times. Her calm presence and deep industry experience along with her gentle approach make her an integral and trusted part of the team. Outside of work, Karen is a proud mum to three grown children and has recently celebrated becoming a grandparent—something she’s absolutely loving. She enjoys travelling with her husband, ballroom dancing, and exploring nature on bushwalks with their groodle, Chester.
Jono Ayling
Funeral Arranger
Jono has been a part of our team for almost seven years working as a Funeral Arranger. Having previously worked as the director of a before and after school centre, Jono brings a gentle, compassionate and empathetic personality to the team. He uses these acquired people skills to interact with the families he cares for and is able to make them feel like they are being understood and are in good hands during a difficult time. During his free time, Jono enjoys playing soccer and Oztag, passionately following Newcastle United in the English Premier League and watching his mighty Penrith Panthers dominate the NRL!
Myles Burgin
Funeral Arranger
Myles graduated the Australian Institute of Music in 2014 acquiring a Bachelor of Performance and still maintains a love of the theatre and performing. Myles journey into the Funeral industry started after he spent 10 years in FMCG and Retail Sales, where he learned to appreciate getting to know new people and building relationships with customers. His thoughtful, caring and empathetic approach to Funeral arrangements is something Myles takes great pride in as well as helping families get the closure they deserve. In his spare time Myles in an avid NRL Fan, so much so that in recent years he has entered the world of content creation as Co-Host of “The Casual Athlete” one of YouTube’s biggest Rugby League channels.
Peter Russell
Funeral Arranger
With a diverse career spanning business, leadership, and community service, Peter brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his role as a Funeral Director. Seeking new challenges and a chance to serve his country, Peter joined the Royal Australian Navy, where he spent nine years in a variety of technical and leadership roles on submarines, ships and various bases, receiving training in Maritime Logistics, Ship Husbandry, Military Policing and Chaplaincy. Outside of work, Peter is a devoted single father to his three sons — Together, they enjoy social volleyball, and touch football, sharing a strong family bond built on mutual pride and support. Deeply connected to Asian cultures, regularly participating in cultural events and celebrations, Peter is member of the Buddhist community who is an active temple volunteer across NSW, he finds great fulfillment in serving others — both professionally and personally — through kindness, respect, and understanding.
Rory McFarlane
Funeral Arranger
Rory began working at Albert & Meyer Funerals in 2022 after completing his high school certificate. He is currently studying a bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science at Macquarie University, hoping to use his time in the funeral industry to gain valuable experience while working with families. With a smile on his face, Rory embraces the unique challenges of the job, bringing his kindness and care to the team. Outside of work, he enjoys all things soccer, refereeing, playing and watching, as well as listening to music and enjoying an active lifestyle.
Support Team
Alenka Knevitt
Administration / Accounts
Alenka has a strong business and entrepreneurial background. Outside of the office, she is a very busy mother of four, who loves everything rugby union, spending time away on the coast or out the country.
Declan Webster
Funeral Director
Declan has been with Albert and Meyer for 3 years. In those years he’s been driving to further his skills in an industry he finds incredibly rewarding by undertaking new challenges and striving to provide the support for those who need it the most. Prior to joining the team Declan worked in Automotive and Education. Outside of work he enjoys exploring the natural world with his dogs Noodle and Rusty in tow.
Tom McFarlane
Funeral Director
Thomas is a full time employee at Albert and Meyer. He joined the team in early 2025 after graduating high school in 2024 and has found the job incredibly rewarding. He is enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at Macquarie University next year and looks to keep this job during that time. In his free time Thomas enjoys playing soccer and cooking.
Jarrod Tucker
Funeral Director
After beginning his career as a mechanic, Jarrod explored various paths, including roles as a wardsman and disability support worker. He has since found his true calling as a funeral director, where he brings compassion and dedication to supporting families during their most difficult times. In his free time Jarrod enjoys riding his motorbike or spending time with friends and family.
Nikolaj Knevitt
Funeral Director
Nikolaj is a casual staff member at Albert and Meyer. He finished school in the year of 2024, and is currently in his first year of tertiary education, studying business at UTS. Nikolaj enjoys the meaningful and friendly work environment that Albert and Meyer provides, in conjunction with the flexibility to enable him to do all the things he loves outside the office. This includes playing rugby and enjoying spending time with his mates.
Leadership Team
Tim Blake
Manager
With over 15 years of experience in the funeral industry, Tim began his career as a Funeral Director before moving into funeral home management. Now General Manager at Albert & Meyer Funerals, he brings deep knowledge and a compassionate approach to every family he supports. Tim takes pride in guiding families through the emotional and practical aspects of funeral planning, ensuring each service is meaningful and respectful. Known for his empathy and professionalism, he leads the team with a commitment to the highest standard of care. Outside of work, Tim enjoys time with his wife and two children and watching rugby league and cricket.
Ben Pollock
Manager
After nearly a decade in the funeral industry Ben is proud to now be leading the day-to-day operations of Albert & Meyer and to be a part of an organisation with a long history and a team of dedicated individuals.
Before joining Albert & Meyer, Ben worked in Printing and Business Relationship Management before moving into the much more rewarding field of Funeral Arranging. “There is much more satisfaction in the work I do here than in any other job that I have had”.
When not at work Ben enjoys reading, cooking and watching sport. He currently spends much of his weekends working on bringing his garden under control.