THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Thursday, 10 December 2009
095/2009
SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYERS THANKED IN VICTORIA
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM
MP, congratulated a select group of Victorian employers for receiving
Employer Support Awards at an event held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
last night (Wednesday, 9 December 2009).
The 2009 Employer Support Awards, attended by more than 200 people,
recognised the outstanding support for Australian Defence Force (ADF)
Reserves by businesses whose workplace policies enabled Reservists on
their staff to fulfil training and Defence service commitments.
“The Australian Defence Force's capability is significantly enhanced by our
Reserve Forces,” Dr Kelly said.
“Reservists are currently deployed on operations overseas and are also
carrying out important roles here in Australia.
“Employer support of Reservists is critical and these awards clearly
demonstrate the value Defence places on the importance of their relationship
with employers.”
Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council's Victorian Committee, Leigh
Purnell said a diverse group of nominations representing a wide cross section
of the business community had been received.
“It is also pleasing to see the nominations coming from each of the three
Services - Navy, Army and Air Force,” Mr Purnell said.
“The strength of our Reserve base in Victoria is exemplified by the diversity
and commitment of the employers.
“Employers of Reservists gain an employee who is not only twice the citizen,
but one who is capable of being assigned a variety of tasks; an employee who
demonstrates high values and commitment to the business and for what it
stands. Reservists generally bring to the business community additional skill
sets that are highly sought after.”
Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Greg
Melick and Mr Purnell presented the awards to the worthy recipients.
AWARD WINNERS:
Deakin University
Goulburn Valley Health
Alfred Hospital
Scorpion Engineering
BAE Systems Australia – Maritime
Australian Red Cross
St Vincent’s, Mental Health Service, Melbourne
Hampton Park Baptist Church
Victoria Police
Department of Justice - Corrections Victoria, HM Melbourne
Assessment Prison
Torus Games
For more information about the awards and the support available for ADF
1800 803 485.
Media contacts:
Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220
Deanna Nott (Defence Reserves):
0438 013 548
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
