Our Team

Mathew

Director

mathew@gardenworx.com.au

Mathew’s love and passion for the outdoors stems back to growing up on land in the South West of Vic. He managed Target stores for over 10 years which provided knowledge of maintaining and managing business before moving into Targets head office in store operations roles nationally and eventuating in equipment and project management.

This experience led to the love of personalising the individual needs of each customer, and customer service is now the highest of Mat’s priority with all of his projects.

The skills learned have now been adopted deep in the current work ethic of Gardenworx whether it’s managing the team, a project or the day to day deadlines, the satisfaction of each job is paramount to Mathew. Since commencing the family run business in 2012 Gardenworx has grown rapidly year on year taking the business from something as simple as a part-time one man mowing band into the multi pronged business with garden maintenance, landscaping and decking with 10+ employees it is today.

In his spare time Mat enjoys spending time with his wife and young family, Tayla & Jye. Mat loves his holiday trips to Thailand for a well earned break when time permits and considers this his second home.

Matthew

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Paul

General Manager

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Paul Hooiveld, 39 years old

A Little About Yourself

I have always had a strong passion for the outdoors – growing up my family owned and established a flower farm
which we also lived on. This planted a seed of love and interest in gardening and being outdoors.

At a young age, I helped my uncle working weekends and school holidays at Horticulture & Agriculture Products.
After school I joined the new boss and team and became a foreman. After just short of 8 years, I left to become a
plumber, Which I also became a foreman at.
Then, I met Mat (the boss) when he landscaped my new house in Armstrong Creek. Mat & I regularly stayed in
touch & I helped out Gardenworx occasionally on RDO’s and weekends when needed. Mat offered me a job early
2020 and I jumped at the opportunity. We have grown and continue to improve an amazing team.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
Team leader

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
5+ years

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
Seeing the transformations we do.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
Working outdoors everyday as well as every job is different

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Challenging, Diverse and Rewarding

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
2 Dogs, Snoop and Maverick
2 2 Cats, Zander and Oreo
1 Fish, Nick Daicos

Favourite and least favourite food?
Pizza yum… Tofu yuck…

Top three life highlights?
Meeting my Son
Meeting my beautiful partner
Meeting my Daughter

From the Boss

Paul actually came to us first as a client. We remained in contact after the job was completed and became good
friends. In his spare time, on his work holidays and weekends Paul regularly came and helped with hands on the
tools. In 2020, an opportunity arose for him to come and join Gardenworx and after a few conversations he was on
board full time. Finding someone as good quality as Paul is difficult, so I am thrilled to have him on the team.
Paul now leads the team, which he does a great job at. His mannerisms and nature are friendly, but he keeps the
team in line when needed. He is a clear thinker, an exceptional problem solver and is very easy to get along with.
This is what makes him approachable for both the team, and the clients. His passion and willingness to help
wherever possible shows just how hard of a worker he is. This work ethic is very much appreciated from me as it
filters through the team. We are very happy to have Paul as part of our team here.

Paul

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Olivia

Operations Manager

admin@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Olivia, 25 Years old.

A Little About Yourself

Before joining Gardenworx I worked as a PA in the workplace safety industry, which sparked my passion for
business organisation and worker safety.

After meeting Mat through previous work, he offered me the opportunity to start on a new and exciting career
in operations.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my Fiancè and our two beautiful little boys. We try to make the
most of our spare time, hanging out with friends or escaping for a camping trip wherever we can.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
I am the operations manager. I handle the day to day operations to keep everything running as smoothly as
possible.

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
I started in Feb 2025.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
Working with the team and learning new things.

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Fast paced, challenging and fun

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
2 Staffies, Pippa and Frankie

Top life highlights?
Having my two boys, Parker and Rory
Building our home.

3 words to best describe you?
Organised, Friendly, and easy-going

What does your typical weekend look like?
Spending time with friends and making memories with my little family.

What was your first job?
Frozen yoghurt shop

What’s on your bucket list?
Travel overseas

Do you have any phobias?
Spiders!

From the Boss

We were incredibly fortunate that Olivia’s availability coincided with the opening of our Operations Manager role. As a former employee of another company within our shared office space that we worked closely with, Olivia was already familiar with some of our operations and culture. When her previous position was unexpectedly lost, we were able to offer her a seamless transition and capitalize on her immediate availability. Olivia’s exceptional organizational skills and unwavering professionalism will be invaluable assets to our company. We are excited to welcome her into our team and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make.

Tye

Garden Maintenance Team

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Tye, 19 years old

A Little About Yourself

I grew up in Geelong. Since leaving school I have been looking for the right career path to go down. I am lucky to have found Gardenworx, as they have given me not only a great job but a great bunch of people to work with.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
I am a horticulture apprentice. I am mainly doing garden maintenance work, such as whipper snippering,
mowing, hedging and maintaining the equipment we use.

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
Over a year now

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
Working with clients and seeing the finished job

Any work-related achievements?
Although I am only new to the company, I would say learning new skills and completing the first 3 months of my apprenticeship.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
Going to different places each day, and doing a variety of different tasks with the team.

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Enjoyable, rewarding, and hard work

Where do you want to be in 10 years within the company?
Fully Qualified and working full time.

Most important thing you have learnt from working at Gardenworx?
Time Management and hardwork

Favourite Movie?
Wolf of Wall Street

Favourite travel spot?
Sunshine Coast

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
Missy, a 9 year old Chihuahua

Favourite and least favourite food?
Love pizza, Hate Chilli

Top three life highlights?
Buying a car, getting my apprenticeship with Gardenworx and moving into the new house my family and I built.

3 words to best describe you?
Happy, Caring, Energetic

What does your typical weekend look like?
Having a few beers with the boys

What’s on your bucket list?
Travel

One food you cannot resist.
Pizza

Biggest pet peeve?
Barking Dogs

Do you have any phobias?
Heights

From the Boss

Since joining Gardenworx, Tye has quickly become an invaluable team member. He approaches every task with wholehearted dedication, consistently giving his best effort. From just one meeting with Tye, it’s evident that he is a genuine, easygoing individual who is determined to excel in everything he undertakes. Tye is his own worst critic, which is not a bad trait to have as it shows he really cares and strives to be his best all the time. Tye is also a keen learner on the job, asking lots of questions as things are put before him and he has been applying himself exceptionally well in the early days of his apprenticeship gaining praise from his teachers. The best feedback comes from our clients, who regularly praise Tye’s effort, attitude, and willingness to help. It’s wonderful to see such talented young gardeners uphold our high standards of customer service as we continue to grow. Great to have you, Tye!

Tye

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Cassidy

Department Manager - Landscape Team

landscape@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Cassidy Whiteside, 23 years old

A Little About Yourself

I have always had a strong connection to the outdoors and nature. This stems from my family going on adventures
from a young age. When I finished highschool I knew I wanted to go into a job where I would be outside and
getting my hands dirty. I tried out doing some landscaping with Mat and Gardenworx, and instantly fell in love with
it. I have completed my apprenticeship with Gardenworx and now gone onto the leadership role taking onsite
management responsibilities as well as supporting our new apprentices as they come through. It is a very
rewarding & enjoyable job .

I take a lot of pride in the work I complete and I feel accomplished when the jobs are completed to my and the
customers satisfaction.

Outside of work, you can find me at the beach, out camping or spending time with my friends and family.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
I am the landscaping team leader, I lead a team who help me complete all the landscaping work Mat puts in front of us.

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
I’ve been with Gardenworx since 2019.

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
I love looking back at a job after everything is all finished and seeing how it has all come together.

Any work-related achievements?
Finishing my apprenticeship.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
There is a very good crew of people that all look out for each other and that you can share a laugh with.

What schooling have you completed (in regards this job if possible?)
I have completed my Certificate III in landscape construction

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
I have a cat named Precious, and a Bird named Sunshine.

Favourite quote? (From a famous person or anyone you know)
Those who say they can and those who say they can’t are both usually right

Favourite and least favourite food?
My favourite food is anything Thai, whereas my least favourite is onion

Top three life highlights?
2009, 2011, 2022, AFL Grand Finals

3 words to best describe you?
Friendly, Knucklehead, Adventurous

What does your typical weekend look like?
In the summer, I love to go to the beach. I also like to catch up with close friends, watching the footy and finding time in-between all that to relax

What was your first job?
I worked in retail as a fast food worker

From the Boss

Cassidy came to us many years ago now as a skinny kid fresh out of school looking to move into a long term career. He was working in a local Nandos store casually and showed great work ethic and good attitude from the start. After hiring him as an apprentice, he has more than proved himself as a quality employee and person. Cassidy’s first year as an apprentice had a few difficult challenges to contend with which he was able to pull himself through really well. Having proved himself so well over his apprenticeship years we earmarked Cassidy for a leadership role and started to test his capabilities in management and leadership. Nothing has ever been too much for Cassidy and he has always sought to achieve no matter what was thrown his way. We decided it would be a great opportunity for Cassidy and the business to grow and in 2023 Cassidy was promoted into our landscaping team leader role.

Having seen Cassidy grow and progress through the years with the business has been wonderful. Cassidy is a
natural leader and is great with our new apprentices as they come through the ranks just as he once did. Cassidy is
a real asset to the business and we are blessed to have him.

Cassidy

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Alex

Landscape Team

landscape@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Alex, 19 years old

A Little About Yourself

I have worked for gardenworx for around 2 years. I am also currently completing an on the job apprenticeship in
Landscaping to further my education in the field. My interest in landscaping and horticulture started when I was in
highschool, and was completing a school-based apprenticeship in horticulture when I decided to move into a
landscaping one instead. I have enjoyed the field ever since.

In my spare time I enjoy four-wheel driving and having a good time.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
I am a landscape apprentice so my everyday jobs include lawn edging, excavations, paving, turf preparations and all things typical residential landscape installation.

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
I started working here in late 2021

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
Seeing the ideas unfold throughout the span of the job and seeing how much you can improve someone’s yard.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
Enjoyable people to work with everyday

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Fun
Enjoyable
Challenging

What schooling have you completed (in regards to this job if possible?)
I have completed two years of a school-based apprenticeship, which I then moved into full time work with on the job training . I am currently completing my apprenticeship in landscaping.

Personal Mantra?
Those who say they can and those who say they can’t are usually right

What was your first job?
Gardenworx was my first job

Do you have any phobias?
Being in very deep water

From the Boss

Alex is a third year apprentice and came in right at Gardenworx busiest time in existence. Lots of uncertainty with Covid and yet business was
booming. Alex was able to take on a lot of workload right from the start of his apprenticeship. The fact that he
made it through his first 3 months of his apprenticeship working long, hard hours and kept coming back for more
was a testament to him personally & proved to us we made the correct decision to bring him into our team. Alex
more than proved he is a capable and worthy member of a very hard working team. Alex is now working to finish
off his apprenticeship years and continues to grow into his role, with improved learning and knowledge with every
job he works on. I, and the rest of the team at Gardenworx look forward to him continuing along this career path
with us.

Alex

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Alex

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Ash

Landscape Team

landscape@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Ash, 17 years old

A Little About Yourself

I have always loved the outdoors, from riding motorbikes to fishing, I love it. This led to me wanting to start a career in landscaping and/or horticulture, which was further strengthened when I completed work experience with
Gardenwork in 2022.

When I am not enjoying being outdoors in a work environment, I also play cricket and enjoy four wheel driving. This love for the outdoors is all around me.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
Landscaping

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
2nd year apprentice, but have done work experience
in 2022

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
Seeing the finished job

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
How friendly everyone is

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Fun, Interesting and Friendly

Most important thing you have learnt from working at Gardenworx?
How to work as a team

What was your first job?
Gardenworx

Do you have any phobias?
Spiders!!!

Worst fear as a kid or now?
Spiders

From the Boss

Ash first came to us in 2022 as a school based work experience venture. He has never left us. He was a young kid
that openly admitted that school wasn’t for him, and he would prefer to work. He continually wanted to work at
any opportunity he could. I, and the rest of the team were very impressed, even after just a few days, his work
ethic was prominent in everything he did. It was clear he loved what he was doing and had a genuine passion for it.
At the end of his school year I met with Ash & his family and had some open and honest conversations about his
future. Ash decided he loved Gardenworx so much that he would like to stay and carry on a career here. He is now
completing his apprenticeship in landscape construction. Ash is a valuable asset to us, always acting, thinking and
working well beyond his years would suggest. We look forward to seeing Ash continue to grow.

Ash

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Lindsay

Garden Maintenance Team

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Lindsay, 49 years old.

A Little About Yourself

I was born in warrnambool, however I moved to grovedale to attend primary and secondary school. Once I completed school I attended gordon tech and ballarat university to complete my parks and gardens and my advanced certificate.

In my spare time I love to travel to swap meets as well as tinker in the garage.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?

I am part of the Garden Maintenance Crew, so I travel to different jobs each day and make sure everything in our clients gardens are up to scratch.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
It is a great team to work for, everyone gets along and works together as a team, which is something I haven’t had in a job in a long time.

Where do you want to be in 10 years within the company?
I hope to still be working here as it’s been a real breathe of fresh air.

What did you want to be when you were younger?
I wanted to work in the garden trade.

Favourite travel spot?
Bendigo Swap Meet

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
I have two dogs, Zenna and Willow

Favourite quote? (From a famous person or anyone you know)
Promise the world, deliver nothing

Favourite and least favourite food?
Love: Chicken Parmi, Hate: Prawns

What does your typical weekend look like?
Processing scrap, tinkering in the shed and helping others.

What’s on your bucket list?
Own 7 commodores, own 5 acres with a 12 car garage

One food you cannot resist.
Lamingtons

From the Boss

Lindsay has been an invaluable addition to our team. His extensive expertise in gardening not only benefits our clients but also provides a fantastic learning opportunity for our younger team members, who gain from his vast experience. Lindsay’s commitment to doing things right the first time—his “do it once, do it right” philosophy—sets a high standard for everyone.

In addition to his gardening skills, Lindsay’s knack for tinkering has made him a key player in the warehouse, where he handles ongoing equipment maintenance and repairs. These practical skills, though sometimes overlooked, are crucial to a business like ours.

Beyond his technical contributions, Lindsay has also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the team. He initiated regular dinner catch-ups, where the team can unwind, share stories, and bond over a meal and drinks.

Lindsay has proven to be a tremendous asset, and we’re excited to continue growing with him as part of our team.

Lindsay

Gardenworx-TeamPhotos-Lindsay-new

Leith

Garden Maintenance Team

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Leith, 17 Years old.

A Little About Yourself

I have grown up in Geelong and have been looking for a career to be passionate about, which in turn led me to
Gardenworx. I also have a keen interest in fitness and attend the gym a number of times a week.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
I am a horticulture apprentice, I am supporting the team by looking after all our regular clients with garden maintenance like mowing, edging, pruning, plant health, debris collection and anything else required while also gaining knowledge to set me up for a career.

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
Seeing the transformation in each job

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Rewarding,Team-Work and Productive

What schooling have you completed (in regards this job if possible?
I have just started my Certificate 3 in Horticulture.

Favourite Movie?
Django Unchained

What did you want to be when you were younger?
A singer or a Youtuber

Favourite travel spot?
Bali

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
Buster and Bonnie – Two Border Collies

Favourite and least favourite food?
Favourite: Lamb HSP
Least: Pork

Top three life highlights?
1. My First overseas trip to Bali
2. When I benched 100kg
3. Getting this job

What does your typical weekend look like?
Going to the Gym, Watching TV, spending time with my little brother.

What’s on your bucket list?
Go back to Bali and going to Germany

One food you cannot resist.
HSP

Do you have any phobias?
Being in tight enclosed spaces

Worst fear as a kid or now?
Tsunamis.

From the Boss

Leith has recently joined us straight out of school, looking for a career path. Leith had started to seek his own gardening work over the summer which was a testament to his attitude. Leith made a great first impression with his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and contribute. Within his initial few weeks, it was clear to everyone that Leith was dedicated and determined to succeed. I’m excited to see Leith’s growth as he progresses his Horticulture apprenticeship with us!

Jesse

Garden Maintenance Team

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and Age

Jesse, 32 years old.

A Little About Yourself

I grew up on a farm in rural NSW with my mum, and my dad in Byron Bay, so I’ve been lucky to experience the best of both the land and the surf coast. I’ve always had a passion for nature – being outside and getting my hands dirty. Over the years, I’ve lived and worked in a few different cities, mainly in retail, while always gardening in my personal life – though never as a career. Once I started studying and made the switch everything just clicked and I haven’t looked back. Most recently, I came across an opportunity at Gardenworx and am excited to be a part of the team.

Spotlight Questions

Favourite Movie?
Cult film classes

Favourite travel spot?
Northern NSW visiting family

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.
2 King Charles Cavaliers, Louie and Spencer
1 Cat, Henry

Favourite quote? (From a famous person or anyone you know)
‘And what is good, Phaedrus, and what is not good – Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?’ – Platonic
dialogue

Favourite and least favourite food?
I love italian food, and hate fennel.

Personal Mantra?
What will be, will be.

Top three life highlights?
Paragliding in Austria, Cave exploring in Croatia, Snorkeling in Spain.

3 words to best describe you?
Kind, adventurous, understanding.

What does your typical weekend look like?
Community gardening, sunrise surfing and seeing friends.

What was your first job?
I was a kitchen hand.

What’s on your bucket list?
Hike the Camino trail in Spain. Travel through Asia by motorbike. It’s endless!

One food you cannot resist.
Chocolate

Worst fear as a kid or now?
Skydiving/Extreme heights, one day I will tackle the challenge!

Jesse

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James

Garden Maintenance Team

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and age:

James – 16 years old

A little about yourself: 

I just finished year 10 and am a hardworking and experienced Horticulture Apprentice.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?

I am apart of the Garden team that looks after all of our day to day regular maintenance and once off gardening jobs.

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?

I have just started my apprenticeship with Gardenworx.

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?

Learning new skills and seeing garden transformations, it is also a great to maintain physical health.

Any work-related achievements?

Gaining my apprenticeship.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?

Garden maintenance keeps me busy throughout the days.

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?

Learning

Rewarding

Variety

Where do you want to be in 10 years within the company?

I hope to have completed my horticulture apprenticeship and continue working in the garden team.

Most important thing you have learnt from working at Gardenworx?

I am very new but always learning new things.

Favourite Movie?

Superbad

Some random facts about you?

I am vegan.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be a youtuber when I was younger.

Favourite travel spot?

Fiji

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.

Shona my dog, a stag hound.

Favourite and least favourite food?

Favourite food is Subway, least favourite food is mushrooms.

Top three life highlights?

Travelling to Fiji, getting my playstation and visiting Disney World.

What was your first job?

Gardenworx is my first official job.

What’s on your bucket list?

I would love to own my own business one day.

One food you cannot resist.

Rice.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can solve a rubix cube.

Worst fear as a kid or now?

The ocean and wales.

What lead to you wanting to work in landscaping/gardening?

Making some money with my friends through odd gardening jobs from facebook.

What do you bring to the job as an individual?

I bring a lot of effort and and interest in learning.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to play video games and the odd gardening jobs.

From the boss:

James joined us after indicating he was thinking of leaving school early to pursue his passion for gardening and working outdoors. Before coming on board, he had already started doing his own gardening work around Armstrong Creek, showing great initiative at a young age.

James first reached out to me mid 2025 looking for work experience to help his knowledge and experience. While we couldn’t help at the time, he got back in touch at the end of the school year and was given an opportunity, one he quickly made the most of. His passion, work ethic, and willingness to learn stood out straight away.

James is an unassuming quiet young man, who listens well, takes feedback on board, and applies himself every day. We’re proud to have him as part of the team and excited to support his growth in the industry.

Blake

Garden Maintenance Team

team@gardenworx.com.au

Name and age:

My name is Blake and I am 16 years old.

A little about yourself: (refer to staff profiles subheading for help)

I moved from Melbourne to Geelong when I was 5. Now that I have finished school, I am looking forward to building a career with Gardenworx. On the weekend, I like hanging out with mates.

Company Related

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?

I am a horticulture apprentice. I help our clients by taking care of their lawns and gardens.

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?

I started work experience with Gardenworx in 2025 and just recently, officially joined the team as an apprentice at the beginning of 2026.

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?

The most rewarding part of the job is seeing the before and after results, as well as the look on the faces of our clients when they see the result.

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?

My favourite thing about working with Gardenworx is the friendships i’ve made within the team and seeing the results from the work I put in.

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?

Progression, teamwork, and safety.

Most important thing you have learnt from working at Gardenworx?

Taking your time pays off significantly.

Favourite Movie?

Titanic or Interstellar

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A commercial pilot.

Favourite travel spot?

My favourite holiday spot is Bali.

Do you have any pets? If so, introduce them.

I have a Kavoodle named Murphy, he is 8, nearly 9.

Favourite and least favourite food?

My favourite food is ravioli and my least favourite is tomato.

What does your typical weekend look like?

I like to spend my weekends hanging out with my mates.

What was your first job?

Gardenworx is my first job!

FROM THE BOSS

Blake came to us after making the difficult decision to leave school early, unsure of his direction and what the future might hold. Choosing to step into a full-time career at such a young age is never easy, but he’s taken that step with courage and a willingness to give it a real go.

Now in his first year with us, we’re already seeing strong growth in Blake. He’s eager to learn, asks questions, and is starting to find real confidence in his work. What’s been great to see is how much he values the simple things—finishing a job properly, seeing the result, and getting positive feedback from both his teammates and clients.

He’s still early in his journey, but he’s heading in a really positive direction. We’re proud of the effort he’s putting in and look forward to seeing him continue to develop into the years ahead.

Tom

Rest In Peace

20/6/2002 – 31/12/2024

It’s with heavy hearts that we are sharing with you the passing of our much loved team member and most importantly our friend Tom, who left us peacefully in his sleep over the break. Many of you will have met and experienced Tom’s service and will personally know just how great he truly was. We received so many positive texts, emails, phone calls etc with feedback about how meticulous, hardworking and friendly Tom was throughout the time we all were fortunate enough to have him work with us. Tom was so dedicated and selfless, he was one of a kind. Tom was a quiet soul who valued genuine connections and truly enjoyed one on one conversations. His thoughtful nature and calm presence left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Tom was not only a great team member to us at Gardenworx but also a great mate. If you needed anything he was the first to jump in and help. Although everyone here at Gardenworx are all devastated and shocked at his passing we are incredibly happy to have known him as a colleague and a friend.

He will be deeply missed by everyone who worked alongside him. Let us honour his memory by cherishing the simple, meaningful moments, embracing the quiet joys, and treasuring the relationships we have. Rest in peace, Tom. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Tom O’Neill

20.06.2002 – 31.12.2024

Forever 22, forever loved, forever missed.

Name and Age

Tom, 22 years old

A Little About Yourself

I am a 3rd year horticulturalist apprentice. I am currently completing on the job training to further my knowledge
and create more pathways within the industry. When I’m not enjoying being outdoors, I also enjoy maintaining my
health and fitness through different exercises and other routines.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising with my friends in person and through online streaming with my mates from
around the world.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
Gardening maintenance

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
3 years (Jan 2021) approx

Have you had a favourite project you have worked on?
Working at commercial sites

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
Working with regular clients since day one. They express their admiration and sense of understanding of our work

3 words to describe working with Gardenworx?
Motivated
Methodical
Ambitious

Favourite Travel Spot?
Beach

Favourite quote? (From a famous person or anyone you know)
Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have precious human life, I am not going to >waste it. – The Dalai Lama

What does your typical weekend look like?
Social online streaming with mates around the world, catching up with friends, going for a run locally around parks, go to the beach, spending some time around home

What was your first job?
Trolley Collector

From the Boss

After completing his year 12 VCE, Tom came to us looking for a career in the landscaping and gardening trade. Not
knowing exactly which way to go landscaping or horticulture I was able to have some really good conversation with
him and his family and determine horticulture would suit him best. He is a very quiet guy, who doesn’t speak for
the sake of speaking. However, when Tom does speak, the team here knows to listen intently as we know that what
he is about to say is generally correct and important. Tom is an absolute stickler for things being done correctly, as
well as in an organised and clean manner. Although not in a management role, he is more than happy to lend a
hand to me, or any of the other guys when things need doing. Tom has a genuine appetite to learn and continue to
progress. People like Tom are very hard to come by, his good intentions and honesty is always 100% paramount in
everything he does, he knows no other way. These attributes Tom presents as a whole, are very important to me
and it makes Tom very valuable to our Gardenworx team.

Tom

G Story Tom

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G Story - Tom

Andrew

Rest In Peace

19/02/1978 – 03/08/2026

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of not only our much-loved team member, but more importantly, our mate, Andrew. Andrew was our resident chippy, and the master of all things decking. For more than 10 years, we had the privilege of working alongside him, but even more importantly, calling him our friend. Many of you would have met Andrew over the years, whether he was building or restoring your deck, or lending a hand to our gardening and landscaping crews.

From the Boss

Andrew started working with us as a subcontractor many years ago helping with our landscaping carpentry work.
Andrew had his own Handy Man business operating. After many conversations over the years, I was able to
convince Andrew to come aboard the team and work full-time with us. Having Andrew onboard allowed Gardenworx to continue to grow and expand, which in turn led to the creation of our sister company DeckOut Geelong. Andrew’s knowledge, experience, attention to detail and work ethic is a fantastic example and learning tool for our up and coming landscapers in the team. Andrew is a great asset to us all as we are able to get some hands-on carpentry experience from time to time under the watchful eye of Andrew in the landscaping
environment. The team and I are very lucky to have Andrew on our team.

Andrew

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John

Retired

Name and Age

John, 63 years old

A Little About Yourself

I have not always lived in geelong, I moved here with absolutely nothing, looking for a fresh start. I worked odd jobs
around until I found one that he enjoyed, Gardening. I decided to make a career change out of something I enjoyed.

Although I started out in a tough spot, everything was able to pan out how I imagined when I received a job offer with Gardenworx. Being outdoors everyday is one of the best things for Me. Working with such a great team is also up there with my biggest achievements.

In my free time, you will find me helping my family with their gardening needs, such as mowing and weeding.
When I retire, I hope to travel as much as I can.

Spotlight Questions

What do you do for Gardenworx? Day to Day jobs?
Gardening maintenance

How long have you worked for Gardenworx?
5+ years (2018)

Most rewarding part of the job in your opinion?
Being outdoors all day every day

Any work-related achievements?
Working with a great team each day is an achievement in itself for me

What is your favourite thing about working with Gardenworx?
Working with a great group of people

Most important thing you have learnt from working at Gardenworx?
How it has paved a way for me to have a good life experience. When I come to geelong with nothing.

Top three life highlights?
My top of all time is travelling around when i was younger, that cannot top anything.

3 words to best describe you?
Talkative, Straight-forward and Upfront

What does your typical weekend look like?
Helping my family with their gardening needs

What was your first job?
I was a jockey.

What’s on your bucket list?
I want to be able to travel more, and to more diverse places

From the Boss

John is the Stalwart of Gardenworx & is our longest serving team member. John first came to us looking for a few
days of work a week to keep himself busy. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to join the team on a permanent
basis. He is now fully entrenched in the garden maintenance team with a vast array of knowledge coming from a large variety of fields over many years of his working life. John is a very humble, Genuine man who is a great support person for anyone in the team, including myself. He is ever reliable, a hard worker and loves to tell a few yarns from yesta year. Gardenworx would not be the same without John’s input and hard work. John seamlessly fits in with what is a much younger crew and helps provide great balance and sometimes a different perspective. John continues to be a very important part of the team and we all love having him onboard with us.

John

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