Annual Report 2015-2016
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ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016 INNOVATION SUSTAINABILITY PRODUCTIVITY CONNECTING GENERATIONS ABOUT THIS REPORT OF VICTORIANS TO PEOPLE, The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries PLACE AND MEMORIES Trust Annual Report 2015–2016 provides information about the trust’s governance At The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) we believe arrangements, objectives, functions, in caring for your loved ones with dignity and compassion. performance and achievements. In addition to the funeral services we provide, we commit to caring It highlights GMCT’s work throughout for your loved ones long into the future. Our perpetual maintenance the year and includes information about fund ensures all of our cemeteries are maintained in perpetuity, management, operations, infrastructure and planning, workforce, sector leadership, giving you, your family and future generations peace of mind. stakeholder engagement and financial We understand that the passing of a loved one is a difficult operations. It includes a joint report from experience and that everyone grieves in their own way. Making the chair and chief executive officer. decisions about how to honour someone’s life, such as choosing a The annual report is a statutory obligation final resting place, can be challenging. At GMCT, we are dedicated under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act to assisting individuals and families to make important, long-term (2003). It complies with financial reporting decisions that reflect their needs and wishes, and which honour directions and meets the requirements and celebrate life. outlined in the model report of operations. The GMCT annual report is tabled in the We respect all peoples, our heritage, our communities and Victorian Parliament before being released. the environment. This report covers the financial year ended We also recognise that every journey is different, whether 30 June 2016. that journey involves making arrangements for someone An alternative accessible version of the recently deceased or planning ahead for your own funeral and annual report is available on the GMCT memorialisation. Our role is to provide compassionate guidance website at http://gmct.com.au/about-us/ and support to help you make decisions that are right for you. annual-report/ CEMETERY LIFECYCLE GMCT manages 21 sites allocated for cemetery use under the Victorian Government Gazette. A number of sites have been providing services to the local community for more than 150 years, with many considered to be reaching peak capacity or to have entered a level of perpetual maintenance. 1 2 3 4 5 Concept Establishment Active Transitional Perpetual The initial Planning for the The operation Lessening The maintenance identification development of of cemeteries requirement for of cemeteries of need or new greenfield that have high infrastructure, which have opportunity and sites and visitation and continued minimal space identification acquired land. interments and but declining available, low and acquisition a wide range of interment and visitation rates of new land for services. services, medium and require cemetery use. visitation. ongoing maintenance and focus on heritage. Cover design The cover of this report shows a selection of community events hosted by GMCT throughout 2015-16 and highlights the diversity of our cemeteries. 02 OUR VISION OUR PURPOSE OUR STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Lasting memories, peaceful places The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust offers a wide range of burial, GMCT’s 2013-16 strategic plan focused cremation and interment options, on five key areas: OUR MISSION which allow Melbourne’s diverse community to make choices according 1 Providing strong leadership We provide the final care for to their, or their loved one’s, cultural, personal and religious preferences. your loved ones, with dignity Building a viable and and kindness. We make sure every experience with 2 sustainable organisation We respect all peoples, our us is helpful and supportive, so that Enhancing relationships with heritage, our communities and the memories you associate with your 3 the community, clients and loved one’s final resting place are the environment. stakeholders positive from the start. 4 Developing our people and All of our cemeteries have strong workforce connections with the local OUR VALUES Demonstrating strong communities they serve. 5 governance and accountability Compassion We are committed to maintaining Respect In addition, each year of the three- beautiful, restful and sustainable year plan was assigned a core theme Sustainability places that are also rich in history. to provide even greater focus and was Integrity used to establish annual priorities, objectives, plans and activities. 2015-16 Innovation and product development 2014-15 Customer care 2013-14 Build capability suppliers class B clients cemeteries local councils OUR KEY employees STAKEHOLDERS GMCT works with a number of regulatory authorities stakeholders across the funeral and special interest and religious groups cemetery sector, local communities and government. We greatly value stonemasons and these relationships and the positive business partners impact they have on our business and service delivery. local communities historical societies funeral directors and celebrants residents the Victorian government and its departments (particularly the Department of Health and Human Services) Annual Report 2015-2016 03 To The Hon. Jill Hennessy MP Minister for Health Level 22, 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Dear Minister We have pleasure in submitting to you, for presentation to Parliament, the Annual Report of The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) for the year ending 30 June 2016. The report was endorsed at an extraordinary meeting of the GMCT trust on 10 August 2016. It has been prepared in accordance with section 52 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 (No 80 of 2003) and the Cemetery Model Annual Report for 2015-2016, under Financial Management Act 1994. The report is divided into two sections (report of operations; and financial statements including explanatory notes) and provides a summary of operational achievements, statutory information and financial statements and details on performance against the Strategic Plan 2013-16. The report includes a joint report from the Chair and Chief Executive and a report from the Director, Finance and Business. The annual report 2015-16 signals the end of the trust’s three-year strategic plan (2013-16) and its transition from a period of establishment (following amalgamation in 2010) to a new phase of innovation, growth and improved land use planning. We commend the organisation’s achievements to you. In accordance with our commitment to sustainability, limited copies of this report are available in print. The full report is available online, to view or download: www.gmct.com.au/about-us/annual- report/ Regards Geoff Mabbett Jacqui Weatherill Chair Chief Executive Officer 04 CONTENTS RESPONSIBLE BODIES DECLARATION In accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, 06 Message from the chair and chief executive officer I am pleased to present the report of operations for The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) for 08 PART 1: OVERVIEW the year ending 30 June 2016. 09 Innovation highlights 12 Sites map and highlights 14 Organisational structure GEOFF MABBETT 15 PART 2 OUR PERFORMANCE Chair 16 Performance against objectives and indicators The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust 17 At a glance 10 August 2016 18 Strategic goal 1 19 Strategic goal 2 ATTESTATION FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE 20 Strategic goal 3 MINISTERIAL STANDING DIRECTION 4.5.5 – RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND PROCESSES 22 Strategic goal 4 I, Jacqui Weatherill, certify that The Greater Metropolitan 23 Strategic goal 5 Cemeteries Trust has complied with Ministerial Direction 24 Performance report 4.5.5 – Risk Management Framework and Processes. 25 Financial comparative analysis 26 PART 3: OUR ORGANISATION 28 GMCT trust members 29 GMCT trust members as at 30 June 2016 JACQUI WEATHERILL 31 Strengthening our community connections Accountable Officer The Greater Metropolitan 32 Community engagement and events Cemeteries Trust 34 Reporting to government Fawkner, Victoria 36 Management committees and staff leadership 10 August 2016 37 Internal committees and groups 38 Compliance and disclosures 40 Occupational health and safety 41 Commitment to sustainability 42 Workforce 44 Awards and recognition 46 Consultancies 48 Director finance and business message 49 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 51 Independent auditor’s report Victorian Auditor-General’s Office 104 Disclosure Index Annual Report 2015-2016 05 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2015-16 was another busy year for The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT). We provided burial, cremation and burial operations, new online systems, We invested more than $15M in memorialisation services to more a central enquiries and bookings capital works projects and awarded than 12,000 families and welcomed phone number, improved horticulture $15M in contracts. over 1 million visitors to our standards, effective signage, improved Major projects undertaken this year cemeteries and memorial parks. customer experience, successful include: upgrading function and marketing campaigns, community crematoria facilities at the Altona We also worked hard to nurture key events, and a consistent food and Chapels; completion of the Werribee stakeholder relationships and further beverage offering. develop systems and processes in Mausoleum extension;