Trust Members
SMCT Trust Members
A Board of appointed Trust Members oversees the strategic direction of the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT).
The Trust is responsible to the Minister for Health and must ensure good governance of the cemeteries entrusted under its care. Members of the Trust are appointed by the Governor in Council for a three-year term. Members may seek reappointment.
Current SMCT Trust Members:
Dr Vanda Fortunato - Trust Chairperson
PhD, MA, BA, FAICD
Also Chair of the Governance Committee
Vanda Fortunato brings over 25 years of experience in executive and strategic leadership roles across Australia and internationally. She has a diverse background spanning private equity, public health, primary care, not-for-profits, academia, pharmaceuticals, health insurance, and consulting. Vanda has served as CEO of two not-for-profit organisations and held senior executive positions in numerous organisations including private equity. She worked in developing countries for the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Currently, Vanda is the Chair of AMES Australia, Early Childhood Management Services, and Integrated living Australia. She also serves on the boards of Breast Screen Victoria and RSL Vasey Care.
Robin Buckham
BA, DipEd, MCom (Mktg), GAICD
Robin has had a diverse career spanning the commercial, academic, and not-for-profit sectors, demonstrating a strong track record of leadership and strategic oversight. She previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) at Deakin University, where she was responsible for both international and domestic marketing. More recently, Robin has held interim executive roles at Bendigo Kangan Institute and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
Robin is an active board member, currently serving as Chair of the Gippsland Port Authority and as a Board Member of the Law Institute of Victoria. She has also been the CEO of Family Business Australia, a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting and growing family-owned businesses, and operates her own consultancy practice.
Rosemary Barker
BA GDip HR & IR, Grad Cert Bus Management, MAICD
Chair of the Community Advisory Committee
Rosemary serves as the Director of Advocacy & Adult Protection at the Office of the Public Advocate, where she is responsible for leading strategic program planning to align with legislative and government priorities while meeting operational service demands focused on protecting people with disabilities. She brings extensive executive and board experience, having served as an independent Committee Chair, Board Member, and Executive Advisor to boards. Rosemary's expertise spans strategic planning, governance, human resources, and organisational development.
Chloe Shorten
BA (Comm) GAIST, GIA (CertGovPrac)
Chloe serves on the Board of Alfred Health, chairing the Community Advisory Committee, and on the Board of Industry Funds Services as a member of the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. She is also the Chair of the Centre for Digital Wellbeing. Chloe brings together public and private sector interests and is a strong advocate for children, families, and youth. A regular commentator on digital wellbeing and youth homelessness, she has authored two books on contemporary Australian families, published by Melbourne University Press.
John Nguyen
FCA, MBA, BCom, PostGradDipFin, MAICD
Chair of the Finance Risk & Audit Committee
John has over 25 years of experience in professional services and the corporate sector, spanning roles across Melbourne, New York, London, Singapore, Jakarta, and Canberra. A former partner at Deloitte and Ernst & Young, he has also held senior roles at ANZ Bank and KPMG. John has a strong background in advising public and private sector clients on financial and risk management, governance, strategic management, and large-scale program delivery. He is a Director at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a Trustee of the Nature Conservancy Australia, and serves on the audit committees for the City of Casey and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Jimi Peters
Jimi is a proud Yorta Yorta man from central Victoria. He is Oxfam Australia’s National Partnerships Lead for their First Peoples Program and is active in community health organisations, including as a board member of First Peoples’ Health & Wellbeing.
Jason King
Jason 'Jase' King is a Ngarigo and Gunditjmara (Yigar) man dedicated to improving the lives of Aboriginal people in Australia, particularly in Victoria. With a strong background in leadership and advocacy, he has served on the boards of NACCHO, VACCHO, and other Aboriginal Community Controlled Service Organisations. As CEO of several Aboriginal organisations, Jase has managed large budgets, implemented strategic plans, and strengthened stakeholder relationships. His expertise spans policy development, program implementation, and community engagement, leading to advancements in healthcare, child welfare, and cultural preservation. Currently, he is the ESG Procurement Lead at the University of Melbourne.
Catherine Scarth
BA(Hons), PBAS, MAICD
Cath's career has been dedicated to the design and implementation of innovative social programs and enterprises across Australia and the United Kingdom. She has successfully developed and executed programs aimed at enhancing economic and social participation for newly arrived migrants and refugees by forging strategic partnerships with government entities, employers, and community organisations.
As the Chief Executive Officer of AMES Australia, Catherine leads an organisation that offers a comprehensive range of services in settlement, education, vocational training, and employment across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. Additionally, she serves as a Board Member of The Social Policy Group and Thrive Refugee Enterprises, contributing her expertise to these influential organisations.
