Federation Council is thrilled to announce that staff member Tina Baker has been honoured with the highly coveted Rising Star Award by the Cemeteries & Crematoria Association of NSW (CCANSW). The award was presented at CCANSW's 60th Diamond Anniversary and Awards Dinner, held on June 4, 2025, at the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, by Australian television legend Ray Martin.
The CCANSW Rising Star Award recognises individuals who embody the future of the sector, bringing fresh perspectives and driving positive change through outstanding performance and commitment. Tina was selected from an unprecedented number of nominations, standing out for her extraordinary impact on cemetery administration at Federation Council in a remarkably short timeframe.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook, expressed immense pride in Tina's achievement. "On behalf of Federation Council and our entire community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Tina Baker on this significant recognition," Mayor Cook said.
"Tina's dedication and innovative spirit truly shine, and this award is a testament to the calibre of staff we have at Federation Council. It reinforces our commitment to providing outstanding service to our community, especially in such sensitive areas."
Federation Council General Manager, Adrian Butler, highlighted Tina's transformative work. "Tina stepped into her customer service role in early 2023 and quickly led a complete digital transformation of our cemetery administration," Mr Butler said.
"She replaced outdated systems with streamlined, modern tools, dramatically improving accuracy, efficiency, and overall service delivery. Tina's compassionate nature ensures that families receive exceptional care during difficult times, and we consistently receive heartfelt praise for her empathy. This award is well-deserved and reflects her proactive approach to best practice and her generous sharing of knowledge within our organisation."
Tina championed innovative platforms and solutions, including Chronicle Cemetery Software, and developed clear, supportive processes for her team. The judges noted her exceptional proactivity and enthusiasm towards best practice in cemetery administration, digital and data management, and customer service.
As part of the CCANSW 2025 Rising Star Award, Tina will receive a sponsored opportunity to further her knowledge and professional development, ensuring her continued growth within the sector.
Federation Council congratulates Tina Baker on this outstanding achievement and thanks her for her exemplary service and dedication to the community.
