McGrath Funerals

14/05/2026

07/05/2026

(The poem was originally written by Linda Ellis)

THE DASH

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
From the beginning…to the end
He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them
Know what that little line is worth
For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash
Might only last a little while

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent YOUR dash?

05/05/2026

Grief doesn't have to break us ... it can reveal us, even to ourselves. Resilience is something we can all work towards to help us cope in the most difficult times. But remember, resilience includes accepting that we sometimes need to lean on others for support.

02/08/2024

McGrath Funerals has been established in the Toowoomba funeral market since 1972 and since 2001 has been an associate of Burstows Funerals, this regions only family owned funeral company, established in 1900.

We are currently seeking a Funeral Director/Arranger. This role will involve directing and arranging funerals and serving our clients, families and the community with respect and professionalism.

Main aspects of the role:
• Discuss and plan funeral details with bereaved families, including associated administrative and planning tasks
• Assist families every step of the way through the arrangement and funeral planning, including meetings to confirm audio visual requirements or any additional requests
• Manage viewing opportunities, sensitively companioning the family through this important time
• Consult with facilities such as hospitals, aged care, medical practitioners, and client families around first call requirements, including assisting with the transfer of the deceased person into our care
• Set up for the funeral services at external churches, chapels, and venues
• Assist families and the wider community at the funeral
• Discuss and meet with pre-need clients to pre-plan funerals
• Participate in the cleaning and maintenance of facilities and vehicles
• Assist with administration duties and phone answering

Although no previous industry experience is needed, the role requires an individual that can demonstrate they are self-directed and able to coordinate a variety of tasks and stakeholders to deliver service for our families and support other team members. Superior communication skills and the ability to connect and have meaningful conversations with our clients to navigate them through a difficult time.

This position requires participation on the weekend and weekday evening rosters to ensure a responsive service is provided to our families and the community. Industry-leading salary on offer. Full corporate uniform provided.

Skills and requirements:
• Skills in people/relationship management
• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal with an impeccable presentation
• Ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure
• Excellent attention to detail with intermediate administration and IT skills
• Refined customer service skills with a passion and vocation for people
• Personal accountability and motivation to deliver on outcomes.
• Current unrestricted driver's license
• Police Check
• You must pass a pre-employment medical.

McGrath Funerals has been an established funeral home in the Darling Downs region since 1972.

24/12/2023

Sending Christmas & New Year Wishes from the team at McGrath Funerals Toowoomba, as we focus on what the festive season is really all about. Thank you for your trust and support throughout 2023 as we have sought to bring comfort to many families going through the most difficult of times. We wish you all a safe and happy 2024.

Beautiful and inspiring artwork by Kerri Cunningham , author of A Book to Brighten Your Day. https://murphyssketches.co.uk/