Our Story
Over A Century Of Care
F.W. Barnes & Son is Ballarat’s longest-standing funeral home, with a story that stretches back well over a century. But our history isn’t simply a timeline of dates, it’s a record of the families we’ve supported, the lives we’ve helped honour, and the trust that has been placed in us during life’s hardest moments.
Across generations, one thing has remained constant: a commitment to dignity, respect, and steady guidance when it matters most. That enduring focus has shaped who we are, a funeral home woven into the fabric of the Ballarat community.
From Early Beginnings
The business that would become F.W. Barnes & Son first began life as Jordan & Tippett Furnishing Undertakers, serving Ballarat in the late 1800s. In June 1913, Frederick William Barnes purchased the firm, a defining moment that would shape its future and reputation.
Frederick brought a strong sense of professionalism and service to the role, establishing the values that families came to rely on. By the mid-1920s, the name F.W. Barnes & Son was adopted, reflecting the growing involvement of his son, Douglas Barnes, and signalling a new era for the business.
Tradition, Adaptability & Community
Following Frederick’s passing in 1940, Douglas continued to lead the funeral home through the mid-twentieth century, guiding the firm with a calm, family-centred approach that Ballarat had come to know and trust. While ownership eventually moved beyond the Barnes family, the foundations they established have never left.
As funeral customs have evolved, from the simplicity of early services to the deeply personalised farewells of today, F.W. Barnes & Son has continued to adapt with the community it serves. From our facilities on Darling Street, Redan, we remain committed to providing a place of comfort, privacy, and reassurance.
Today, our staff continue that long-standing promise: to support families with kindness and respect, and to create meaningful services where stories are honoured, memories are shared, and loved ones are celebrated.
Read the full history
Explore the original newspaper feature and learn more about the Barnes story through the years.
