Life Membership Award Allan Piddington

Allan Piddington, Managing Director of Piddington's Funerals in Armidale, NSW, is a name that resonates with excellence and dedication in the funeral profession.

Allan’s contribution to the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) has been invaluable, making him an ideal candidate for life membership.

Life membership is the highest award presented by the AFDA and is only afforded to a person who has rendered service to the Association that displays their outstanding knowledge, loyalty and dedication in pursuits connected with the profession of funeral director and who in the opinion of the National Council is a proper person to hold the distinction of Life Member.

With 50 years of experience as a funeral director and managing director, Allan has been a member of the AFDA for over 28 years continuously, serving in every executive position and leading the NSW/ACT Division as President. Furthermore, he has been a National Councillor for 19 years and served as the National President from 2017-2019, demonstrating his commitment to the industry.

Piddingtons Funerals have been serving the Armidale community for five generations. Succeeding George William Piddington who founded the firm in 1899 came his two sons Bill and Allan. Bill’s sons Lloyd and Max entered the business in the 1940s and Lloyd’s three sons, Allan, Graham and Ron also joined the firm.

After 1991, Lloyd, Allan, Ron and Ron’s wife, Helen have continued to run the business, with Lloyd retiring in 1996 his grandson Sam, (Ron & Helen’s child), has continued on carrying the family legacy in the business from 2008.

Allan's exceptional service to the AFDA is evident from his involvement in critical discussions with the NSW Health Department regarding the Disposal of Bodies Regulation 2002 legislation. He was also an AFDA representative for the updating of the Funeral

Industries State Award 2005 and worked closely with the NSW Department of Fair Trading to create a "Basic Funeral Service" as per Funeral Inquiry recommendation.

In addition, Allan served as the AFDA representative on the NSW government Funeral Industry Council and was the previous chairperson of the National Membership Committee. He also contributed his expertise to the National Sub-committee, drafting and implementing AFDA PEV Requirements and AFDA-ACCA document Bookings to Backfill.

His efforts in representing the AFDA on the NSW government taskforce regarding the implementation of the state deceased persons transfer and persons without means contract on multiple occasions were also remarkable.

Allan's commitment to the community is reflected in his executive membership of Ulysses Club and Australian Goldwing Association. He is also a Master Funeral Director and has been recognised for his dedication to his local government member.

Allan's decades-long service to the AFDA is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the industry and its members. He has always been a voice for the membership he serves, going beyond the call of duty to ensure that their concerns are addressed. As such, he is a truly deserving recipient of life membership of the AFDA.

Through all of this, his wife Maureen has been a close support and a trusted friend to many in the industry and she has been a staple at conventions and events. Allan is a proud father, grandfather and a friend to many.

The contribution of Allan Piddington to the AFDA is significant and invaluable. His selfless service to the industry and the community has set a standard that should inspire others to give their best. We celebrate his life membership and wish him continued success in his endeavours.