From refugee to respected gardener: celebrating 40 years with Quynh at SMCT
For 40 years, General Hand Quynh Pham has been a familiar face in the beautiful gardens of Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), where many families visit to reflect and remember their loved ones.
His career journey began in 1986 at St Kilda Cemetery—his first job after arriving in Australia as a young refugee from Vietnam. It was a fresh start for him after the war, which has blossomed into a lifelong career in horticulture.
“I escaped from Vietnam at 17. After learning English, I just wanted to work,” says Quynh.
“I didn’t know much about gardening, but I learned on the job.”
That willingness to learn and grow has seen Quynh become not only a highly skilled gardener but also a valued team member known for his dedication, quiet leadership, and deep respect for his role.
At SMCT, we are proud to have a diverse team with members like Quynh, who bring lived experiences that reflect the many cultural backgrounds of the families who visit our sites.
A career rooted in community and connection
For 26 years, Quynh worked at St Kilda Cemetery before transitioning to Springvale Botanical Cemetery. His care and connection to the grounds became even more personal when his parents were laid to rest at Springvale.
“My parents are here. Over the years, I’ve also supported Vietnamese community members visiting the grounds,” he says.
Today, the City of Greater Dandenong is home to one of the largest and most established Vietnamese communities in Victoria. Many families, like Quynh, settled in Springvale and Noble Park, where they built new lives after arriving as refugees.
Over the years, Quynh has supported Vietnamese families visiting Springvale Botanical Cemetery. His presence—along with other team members from diverse backgrounds—ensures that the communities visiting our sites feel represented, supported and heard.
A well-respected colleague at SMCT
Quynh’s current Horticulture team leader, Marty Calleja, has worked with him for nearly two years and describes him as a well-respected team member.
“Quynh is dedicated to his role and enjoys the work he does and the teams he’s part of. He’s very reliable and can always be counted on when needed,” says Marty.
“He is polite, friendly, and dependable—just a great person to work with.”
Marty also highlights Quynh’s extensive horticultural knowledge in the team and his ability to deliver quality work each day.
Quynh treats his job not just as a role but as a commitment. His work ethic and reliability have been key to his long tenure.
He has seen many technological innovations and changes in the industry, and his passion for horticulture continued. Over the years, he has helped shape and maintain SMCT’s vast green outdoor spaces—whether it’s looking after our Springvale site that’s four times the size of Melbourne General Cemetery, pruning some of the 35,000 roses across our sites, or tending to the trees and seasonal plantings that make our gardens a place of beauty and solace for the community.
“I’m happy to keep working as long as I can. I’ve been here for 40 years, and I still enjoy it. I’ve been here through the changes, and I’ve stayed because it’s a good place.”
A legacy of learning and growth
Few people know Quynh’s journey as well as SMCT Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator Rob Morse, who has known him for 35 years and was his team leader when he moved to Springvale Botanical Cemetery from St Kilda Cemetery.
“Quynh has always been reliable and completes the work assigned to him,” Rob says. “Over time, he’s developed a deep understanding of the grounds and its history. When I visited St Kilda Cemetery for work, it was always nice to be greeted by his smile and friendly manner.”
Rob reflects on their shared commitment to having a long-standing career at SMCT. “I think we’ve stayed at SMCT so long because we enjoy our work and the people we work with,” he says.
When Quynh moved to Springvale, Rob explains that he also took the opportunity to upskill, completing a TAFE horticulture training course on-site. His passion for learning and improving his craft has been a defining attribute throughout his career.
Congratulations Quynh! We appreciate everything you do.
Celebrating dedication and diversity
Quynh’s story is one of dedication and diversity. From a young refugee with no gardening experience to becoming a skilled and respected horticulturist, his story is inspiring.
As we celebrate his 40 years with SMCT, we thank him for his hard work and the lasting impact he has made on our grounds, his colleagues, and the community.
At SMCT, diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of our organisation and community. Quynh’s story is a testament to the strength of a diverse workforce, where people from different backgrounds can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Through our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategy, initiatives and partnerships with organisations that promote workplace inclusion, we continue to foster a welcoming environment where all team members feel valued and supported.
For more information about working with us to support people, and celebrate and honour life at our beautiful sites, visit our Careers page.