Thomas Allison began the family’s story in Liverpool in 1806, later establishing himself in Camberwell, London, as a cabinet‑, blind‑ and coffin‑maker. His son John, born in 1844, migrated to Melbourne in the 1860s and bought John Little’s undertaking business in Richmond—setting up the firm’s long‑time headquarters.

Leadership passed to John’s sons Jack and Roy; by the late 1920s Roy had full control and re‑branded the company John (Roy V) Allison to stand apart from other Allison firms. In 1944 Roy brought his own sons, John and Rob, into partnership; after their WWII service they steered the business, acquiring J. Monkhouse & Son in Brighton and Sandringham in 1956 and trading as Allison Monkhouse following Roy’s death the next year.

The fifth generation arrived in the 1970s when Rob’s son Clive joined. Managing Director since 1988, Clive has expanded Allison Monkhouse’s reach and reputation. Along the way, family members have been honoured: Roy was an AFDA Honorary Life Member and, with John, a Fellow of the British Institute of Embalmers; John and Rob became AFDA Life Councillors, and Rob received an AM in 1995 for services to the industry and the return of the Unknown Soldier.

Clive’s own contributions—such as assisting Thai tsunami relief—have been recognised by Australian and Swedish authorities. Throughout, the firm’s achievements have rested on loyal, long‑serving staff who share its strong family ethos and commitment to compassionate care.