Taking talent to the (tree) top at SMCT

05 September 2024

Three men wearing high-vis shirts. — Chris is pictured in the middle with Arbortrim Australia Instructor Oliver (left) and our General Hand Jame (right).

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) proudly presented its Building Talent Award to Operations Leader in Horticulture and Arboriculture Chris Hewitt at their 2024 SMCT Awards. With 23 years of service, Chris’ long tenure and loyalty have profoundly shaped the organisation. His influence as a mentor extends far beyond his daily responsibilities; Chris’ dedication has shaped SMCT into a nationally recognised leader in both arboriculture and education.

At SMCT, we are committed to acknowledging and celebrating the heart of our organisation—our people. The annual SMCT Awards are an opportunity to honour the remarkable achievements of our team members who consistently go above and beyond to positively impact both our organisation and the communities we serve. Chris’s work is a testament to the passion and dedication that drives us all at SMCT.

He has contributed to our reputation for maintaining a diverse and well-managed tree population. His leadership has ensured the biodiversity and health of our trees and established us as an industry leader in arboriculture education. Chris’ commitment to developing his team and advancing the industry is central to his, and our, success story.

The importance of building talent

"Building talent is really important to me because it allows us to progress people through the ranks and share our knowledge,” Chris says.

A man in a high-vis short pointing at a tree. — Chris believes it's important to pass on what we've learned so that we can all evolve.

At SMCT, we welcome learning and development. “With tertiary school groups, it’s wonderful to have a range of arborists showcasing our unique and special site,” Chris says.

Chris’s pride in his work at SMCT is evident. "Have a look around," he says. "The people here are amazing. I've never felt supported in a job like I have at SMCT. Whenever you need something or face a challenge, everyone is there for you.”

Chris enjoys making a difference for the Victorian public across our nine diverse cemeteries and memorial parks. He values the trust placed in maintaining these sites as peaceful spaces for families to honour and remember their loved ones.

“My motivation every morning is knowing that when people drive through the gates at SMCT, they can relax, knowing their loved one is in good hands.”

Climbing the knowledge heights

One of the many success stories under Chris’s mentorship is Jame Ross, who moved from a General Hand in the Horticulture team to the Arbor team at SMCT. Chris says, "Arboriculture presents unique challenges and rewards. To succeed in this field, you need to be adaptable, solve problems, and constantly learn new things."

Jame appreciates the guidance he has received from Chris. He says, "Chris has been a fantastic mentor. We’re always learning something new about trees."

A man in a high-vis shirt looking up at a tree. — Chris mentored Jame’s (pictured) successful transition from Horticulture to Arboriculture at SMCT, where the organisation also sponsored Jame’s Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing Arborist).

At SMCT, we are committed to learning and development by providing financial assistance to support our people to thrive in new pathways. For example, we sponsored Jame to complete his Certificate III in Arboriculture (Climbing Arborist) this year. His completion of the tertiary education reflects the passion and dedication he shares with Chris.

Our Arbor team, led by Chris, plays a critical role in managing tree health and risk, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Both Chris and Jame have been actively involved in significant projects, such as the development of a microforest at Springvale Botanical Cemetery. They have demonstrated their commitment to preserving the biodiversity that trees bring to our beautiful sites.

Mentoring the next generation of arborists

In addition to his daily work with us, Chris collaborates with leading Arborist training providers in Victoria, supporting students and apprentices in gaining hands-on experience on our grounds. The demand for qualified and skilled arborists is high across Australia, and Chris plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of arborists.

A team of arborists wearing high-vis shirts working on a tree. — Chris explains that the tertiary students on our beautiful sites can gain practical skills in arboriculture, such as tree work auditing, climbing and cutting.

Chris Hewitt’s dedication to building talent is not just about growing a team; it’s about fostering a culture of learning and development that benefits everyone—from our team members to the communities we serve. His passion for arboriculture and his commitment to mentoring others are inspiring, making him a deserving winner of our Building Talent Award.