More than a cemetery: Mandi Mlisa

21 March 2019

We recognise that our people are our greatest asset and with over 300 employees across our nine sites, we wanted to let you know a little bit more about us through the people who work here.

Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is a community based, not-for-profit organisation, committed to serving the needs of our Victorian community. Each year we take care of approximately 12,000 offering them choice and enabling them with the ability to grieve well, live well and love well.

Mandi Mlisa has worked with us for almost three years and is one of our many wonderful employees at SMCT, Mandi had this to say when interviewed:

Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself, your role and what that consists of.

I am a customer support team leader. I have been at SMCT for almost three years and look after the contact centre and reception team at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.

The contact centre is one the first touch points for many of our customers with over 40,000 calls taken yearly.

My job is to ensure that the team is well supported and that we provide first class service to our customers.

How did you find yourself working at SMCT?

I was finishing off my contract with my previous employer when my former manager heard about the role and thought it was right up my alley and provided me with the details. From my first interview, I had an inkling that it would be a great role and I’ve never looked back.

Did you have preconceived ideas of what working at a cemetery would be like? Has working at SMCT changed that?

Absolutely! I expected it to be a quiet, slow and slightly morbid place.

On my first day I was quite fascinated by how vibrant Springvale Botanical Cemetery was. My colleagues were and still are so friendly. No day is ever really the same and we have such a robust and agile work environment. Although a large proportion of our customers are here to attend a funeral, there are so many other customers that visit for varying reasons including just to have a good meal at the café.

What do you enjoy most about working at SMCT?

I love the people and the culture that we have here. Everyone is so pleasant and always willing to lend a helping hand. I have a wonderful and passionate team that inspire and challenge me to be a better leader every day.

If you’re interested in joining our SMCT Team, we encourage you to have a look at our career opportunities here.

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