Spotlight on Helen

18 July 2022
Helen, People Services & Experience Generalist

Tell us about your role at SMCT (in a sentence or two)

I’ve worked at SMCT for 6 years in various roles. Currently I am one of the People Services & Experience Generalists in the People Team. My role provides leaders and employees with support when accessing a wide range of people services.

What’s your number one work-related goal this year?

I would love to re-establish relationships outside of my team now that we are returning to the office. I miss the hallway ‘hellos’ and the chats in the team room while warming lunch.

What is one thing that surprised you about working at SMCT?

I was shocked at how good the food is at SMCT. Whether it’s the baked goods in the café or the curries from HQ, all the food is so delicious and makes dieting very difficult. I have loved returning to the office and taking home a treat for dessert.

What advice would you share with new or future employees at SMCT?

I would assure them that despite any preconceptions they may have about what it will be like to work at a cemetery, I can assure you that you will have fun.

If you can, share one memorable interaction you have had with a customer or colleague during your time at SMCT.

I was due to give birth to my daughter in the Year of the Pig, which is a highly regarded sign in the Chinese zodiac. Sherry, our Senior Accounts Payable Officer, crocheted a gorgeous pink pig for my daughter. It was such a kind gesture, not only because it would have taken a lot of work for Sherry to do, but because it was so thoughtful and personal. I appreciated it so much and it’s an example of the family that is SMCT.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

People may be surprised to know that I was born in Australia, but my parents were born in Sri Lanka. While I consider myself Australian, the Sri Lankan culture was a big part of my upbringing and continues to be now, mostly through food, which is probably why I love the curries from HQ so much!

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

My husband and I have this conversation often. If we won the lottery, the first purchase would be first-class plane tickets to New York. It’s our favourite city in the world and we can’t wait to get back there, maybe even move there one day!

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