The Executive Committee is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2009 Industry Improvement Award is Mark Fraser, Supervisor Crematorium and Cemeteries,  Port Macquarie - Hastings Council.  His employer stated:

"Mark has been working at Innes Gardens Memorial Park for the past 7 years.  During this time he is the most dedicated staff member to his job that I have seen.  His primary concern is for bereaved clients and how he can assist in making their experience with us more tolerable at a difficult time.  His dedication to the presentation of the complex is such that he often comes in on his time off to perform duties.  Recently, after losing several long term staff at once, Mark's dedication kept the complex running".

When asked to explain how Mark has exceeded expectations in his cemetery/crematoria work and list examples of how he has taken the extra step to help family members or colleagues, his employers stated: 

"In September 2007 we experienced the departure of three long term experienced outdoor staff out of a team of four.  Mark was required to not only step in and train two new staff but take on the Acting Supervisor's role as well.  At the beginning of 2008 we saw the departure of the Manager and Casual Office Assistant.  This left one person to both manage the complex and perform the Customer Service Officer Duties until another person could be trained.  Mark also assisted in the office whenever he could during this time.  With all the responsibility of training new staff and assisting family members and colleagues Mark has still managed to present the complex to the highest standard of maintenance seen for many years.  When he performs ash placement where families are present he lines the sites with rose petals, a gesture which has attracted gratitude from clients.  Mark often presents grieving clients who are in the gardens, a rose as a gesture to brighten their day".

As an indication of the Marks excellent maintenance standards, some before and after photographs are attached.  (You can also see them below)

As part of his award, Mark will spend a week at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium on work experience.  He will also attend the Melbourne Quarterly Conference, being held on 19 & 20 November 2009 and provide a report on his work experience.

I am sure you join me in congratulating Mark on winning the 2009 Industry Improvement Award. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium for hosting Mark.
The following images are "before and after" snapshots. Click on an image group to view it in higher resolution.