THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
MR DAMIAN HALE MP
Member for Solomon
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
015/2010
NT employers stretch themselves with Defence
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP,
and the Member for Solomon, Mr Damian Hale MP, have thanked some of
Australia’s leading employers for volunteering to learn more about Australian
Defence Force Reserves, through participation in an upcoming Exercise Executive
Stretch (EES) in the Northern Territory.
Staff from Coffey International, MacDonnell Shire Council, Australian Industry
Defence Network – NT, Cridlands MB Lawyers, Australia Post, and various NT and
Commonwealth Government Departments are among those participating in the
activity from 15 to17 April 2010, held within the Darwin/Palmerston Military Area.
EES, coordinated by Defence Reserves Support, is aimed specifically at middle and
senior management. It is designed to allow the employers an opportunity to
experience a range of activities that show them the invaluable skills that can be
gained through participation in the Australian Defence Force Reserves.
Dr Kelly said EES was an excellent opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to
demonstrate the benefits of Reserve service to employers and supervisors of
Reservists who have no prior experience of the military.
“Participants in Exercise Executive Stretch are genuinely surprised at the nature and
extent of the skills taught in the Reserve,” Dr Kelly said.
“Skills such as leadership, public speaking, self-confidence, initiative, discipline and
motivation are critical to the Reserve and, of course, are equally relevant to the
civilian workplace.”
“All this comes as a bonus to employers of Reservists and Exercise Executive
Stretch is the opportunity for employers to experience first hand how this is achieved
in the Reserve.”
Damian Hale MP applauded local businesses involved in the initiative.
“The exercise is a great opportunity for local industry to be a part of a challenging
and rewarding program that will benefit their employees and the workplace as well”
said Mr Hale.
“The Australian Defence Force Reserves is an important program in Australia and
the Exercise Executive Stretch is a great approach to encourage businesses and
individuals to get involved.”
Media contacts:
Elyse Gatt (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
