About Us

Since 1925, Millingtons have been crafting ‘goodbyes’ in southern Tasmania. We understand that every life is different, and we work closely with you to honour your loved one’s individual memory. We help you capture the precious moments, character and accomplishments in a way that celebrates the life lived.

Millingtons Funeral Directors has a proud history spanning over 100 years of service in Tasmania. Our story begins with Harold Charles Millington, a celebrated professional cyclist who twice won the Burnie Wheel and claimed numerous five- and ten-mile Australian titles. Known for his sporting achievements, Harold also ran a successful fine furniture business at 229 Liverpool Street in Hobart.

In the 1920s, Harold was approached by Alex Clark to supply first-class blackwood and Huon pine coffins. Inspired by his late uncle’s earlier work conducting funerals for Hobart’s poor around 1880, Harold expanded into the funeral industry. In 1925, he purchased 200 Liverpool Street and established H.C. Millington & Co, with Mr Harold Hooper as the first manager. Harold focused on the furniture business while Hooper managed the funeral services.

The Great Depression brought challenges, with declining furniture sales leading to staff reductions. After losing Mr Hooper, the business faced a difficult period, but by 1940, Harold, his eldest daughter Betty (later Mrs Christian Fuglsang), and Mr Harry Case were running the company. Betty became one of Tasmania’s first female funeral drivers, demonstrating the pioneering spirit that continues to define Millingtons.

By the 1950s, Millingtons had grown into Hobart’s largest funeral company. In 1952, Harold encouraged his son-in-law, Christian Fuglsang, to join the business, with the hope that his sons, Peter and Christopher Fuglsang, would eventually follow. In 1958, Christian purchased 151 Main Road, Moonah, transforming an old doctor’s home into Tasmania’s first dedicated funeral home. The property expanded with the addition of a large chapel and an adjacent car park to accommodate 80 vehicles. Around the same time, Millingtons acquired the business of Alex Clark & Son, solidifying its position in the market.

Peter and Christopher Fuglsang joined the firm in 1958 and 1964, learning every aspect of the trade, from coffin making to French polishing, reflecting Harold’s belief in mastering every detail.

After Harold Millington passed away in 1969, Christian Fuglsang became Managing Director. Under his leadership, the firm rejoined the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA), with Peter Fuglsang later serving as National President in 1980–1981. The company continued to grow, acquiring Clark Bros Undertakers in Argyle Street and expanding its presence across Hobart.

In 2000, Millingtons established a state-of-the-art Funeral Centre and Crematorium at 25 McIntyre Street, Mornington. Opened in 2002, the centre features two chapels, a large reception area, modern audiovisual systems, and a hospital-standard mortuary.

Millingtons manages cemeteries across five Hobart locations: Cornelian Bay, Kingston, East Risdon, Cambridge, and the Catholic Cemetery at Pontville. Today, we are proud to be part of Propel Funeral Partners, one of the largest funeral service networks in Australia and New Zealand, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. This partnership allows us to offer comprehensive, professional services across every stage of the funeral process.

From our early beginnings to our modern facilities, Millingtons remains committed to compassionate, professional care for families in Tasmania.

Source, book: A Tasmanian Undertaking by Peter Fuglsang