Our Staff
A family company with a rich history.
Allan Pearse Funerals
Allan Pearse Funerals is a 100% Australian, family-owned business that has proudly served the Great Lakes and Manning districts since 1985. We are deeply connected to our local community and committed to providing genuine, compassionate care to every family we serve.
We pride ourselves on attention to detail, supported by a dedicated team of experienced staff. Each member of our team plays an important role in ensuring families receive personal, respectful support and a seamless experience from the first call through to final arrangements. Once your loved one is in our care, they remain with us every step of the way.
Whatever the specific nature of your needs, you can rely on our skilled personnel to facilitate your requests with empathy and professionalism. We understand the importance of funerals in providing comfort, dignity, and closure for family and friends, and we do everything we can to guide you through the process with care and understanding.
If you would like to learn more about our range of funeral services, we welcome you to speak with one of our certified funeral directors. We take a comprehensive and compassionate approach and will ensure you receive the support needed to honour the life and memory of your loved one.
Adam Gersbach
Brand Manager
Adam Gersbach - Brand Manager
Adam serendipitously fell into the funeral industry when a good friend Chris Edwards offered him the role of General Manager. Joining us later in his professional career, Adam has taken to the Funeral Industry like a duck to water, finding his niche working with families.
Adam’s career began as a horticulturist managing Sydney’s premier parks, eventually moving back to his hometown of Forster Tuncurry. For a decade Adam established himself as a leading Real Estate Agent in the local area. With his wife Karina, they went on to establish Valley View Farm serving wholesome food, coffee and growing organic garlic & vegetables.
Now on the family farm of 100 acres at Rainbow Flat, the family grow vegetables, tend to chickens and Beef cattle, whilst creating a wildlife sanctuary for future generations.
Adam’s weakness is a small double shot ¾ flat white – ‘And don’t break the crema!’
Brendan Shelley
Funeral Director
Brendan Shelley - Funeral Director
Brendan first dipped his toes in the funeral industry back in the early 90’s in the Blue Mountains, as a Casual Funeral Assistant before moving out to Central West NSW to turn his hand in the land. In 2005 Brendan’s sister coaxed him back to the mountains as she had started her own funeral home. During this time Brendan met the love of his life and 7 years later made the sea change to Forster Tuncurry. During this period, he worked within the Aged Care industry before starting his illustrious career at Allan Pearse Funerals in 2017.
In short Brendan is our Chief Engineer who keeps our boat afloat. Whilst not at work, he teaches boxing and enjoys fishing.
Brendan has a weakness for strong coffee.
Greg Smith
Funeral Director
Greg Smith - Funeral Director
Greg is our resident Jack of All Trades, with experience in Grounds keeping, landscaping and owning a Handyman Business. Greg has lived locally in Forster Tuncurry for over 25 Years.
Greg became interested in the Funeral Industry after his weekly carpooling escapades to the Boxing Gym with Brendan. Greg is working hard behind the scenes under Brendan’s mentorship, gaining the knowledge and skills to have a successful career within the funeral industry.
When not at work Greg can be found at the beach bodyboarding or finding Zen in a local Yoga class.
Coffee is not a taste Greg enjoys but he has become a master of sculling a cold cup of coffee for that quick caffeine hit.
Jessica Lowe
Funeral Arranger
Jessica Lowe - Funeral Arranger
Affectionately known as ‘Jlowe’, Jessica is the little ray of sunshine at Allan Pearse Funerals always having an infectious smile on her face. Jessica is a happy-go-lucky kind of gal that you can’t help but like. She joined the company after a 10-year career in aged care and hasn’t looked back. Jessica has a wonderful way with families, creating a quick rapport and always willing to go above and beyond in her role, leaving the families with comfort and confidence that their loved one is in good care.
Jessica grew up in Gloucester and resides in Nabiac with her husband, daughter and border collie Milo. When not at work Jessica likes to shop for a good bargain at local markets with her family in tow, followed by a ‘quick’ trip to Kmart and Bunnings to satisfy her latest home reno ideas.
Unfortunately, Jlowe is not a coffee drinker but does love a good cup of strong white tea.
Audrey Bannantyne
Funeral Arranger
Audrey Bannantyne - Funeral Arranger
Audrey’s distinguished career began at just 15, when she secured her first position in a stockbroker’s office in Sydney’s CBD. From there, her administrative expertise flourished as she gained experience across a wide range of industries, including finance, insurance, building supplies, Sydney Olympic Park, and the licensed and sports club sector.
Her passion for community connection grew during her time as Secretary Manager of Strathfield Sports Club, where she also invested in several businesses. She thrived on the challenge of developing each venture to its full potential. Her love of transformation extends beyond the workplace—Audrey is an avid home renovator who enjoys breathing new life into spaces.
In the funeral industry, Audrey finds genuine fulfilment in building relationships with families. She values the stories they share and feels privileged to guide them through the funeral process during such an emotional time.
Born in Liverpool, England, Audrey remains true to her roots—her daily ritual always includes a comforting English Breakfast tea (or two).
Get In Touch
We can arrange a personal discussion with the family or executor at the family home or other suitable location anywhere in New South Wales; or at one of our branches.
