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For more information on any of these publications please contact Director of Communication, Deanna Nott.
Click here for our RSS Latest News Feed.
2009 News
2008 News
2007 News
2006 News
2005 News
March 2010
3 March 2010
Air Commander Australia, Air Vice Marshal Mark Skidmore spoke to the employers about how the Defence Reserves Support Council provides an effective link between Reservists and their employers. He discussed the role the Reservists play in the Australian Defence Force, the nature of their involvement in operations, training and other activities and the benefits they can bring to an employer.
Following dinner, guests moved out to the grandstand to be entertained by the Australian Army Band and a stunning fireworks display. The Royal Hobart Regatta is an historic event in Tasmania. It started 173 years ago as a commemoration of the discovery of Tasmania by Abel Tasman.
3 March 2010
3 March 2010
3 March 2010
3 March 2010
3 March 2010
February 2010
15 February 2010
1 February 2010
1 February 2010
1 February 2010
1 February 2010
1 February 2010
1 February 2010
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3 March 2010
DRSC Entertains Employers During Regatta Function
The Defence Reserves Support Council Tasmania, in conjunction with the Royal Hobart Regatta Association, hosted an employer engagement function as part of the Royal Hobart Regatta in early February. Guests, including CEOs from numerous businesses in southern Tasmania, attended the function.
The Defence Reserves Support Council Tasmania, in conjunction with the Royal Hobart Regatta Association, hosted an employer engagement function as part of the Royal Hobart Regatta in early February. Guests, including CEOs from numerous businesses in southern Tasmania, attended the function.
Following dinner, guests moved out to the grandstand to be entertained by the Australian Army Band and a stunning fireworks display. The Royal Hobart Regatta is an historic event in Tasmania. It started 173 years ago as a commemoration of the discovery of Tasmania by Abel Tasman.
3 March 2010
DRS Attends Pacific 2010
As part of the on-going Defence Reserves Support (DRS) National Office program, DRS staff attended Pacific 2010 in Sydney from 26-29 January. They were assisted by Commander John Willy – a star of the DRS print advertising campaign and the DRS DVD.
Pacific 2010, the 2010 Pacific International Maritime Exposition, is the commercial maritime and naval defence showcase for the Asia Pacific. The event provides a meeting place for industry representatives to exchange ideas and to establish personal and business contacts. During the three days over 200 people visited the DRS stand and took away information.
As part of the on-going Defence Reserves Support (DRS) National Office program, DRS staff attended Pacific 2010 in Sydney from 26-29 January. They were assisted by Commander John Willy – a star of the DRS print advertising campaign and the DRS DVD.
Pacific 2010, the 2010 Pacific International Maritime Exposition, is the commercial maritime and naval defence showcase for the Asia Pacific. The event provides a meeting place for industry representatives to exchange ideas and to establish personal and business contacts. During the three days over 200 people visited the DRS stand and took away information.
3 March 2010
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Gets Recognition via Employer Support Award
Staff of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) are committed to the care of sick and injured people, wherever they are.
Some staff take their considerable talent to parts far and wide through their activities as serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists.
RBWH has been recognised for the support it, as an employer, gives to the ADF Reserves through an award presented to the Director of Intensive Care Medicine Professor Jeff Lipman last week.
Professor Lipman was singled out in the nomination for the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) sponsored Employer Support Award as going the extra mile to ensure his staff were given all the assistance needed to fulfil their Reserve commitments.
Professor Lipman said the service provided to the Reserves by staff from the ICU was testament to the commitment all his department’s personnel have to patient care.
“The staff at RBWH ICU are some of the finest intensivists around and it is very satisfying to see them take their skills to a broader arena,” Professor Lipman said.
The award was presented by Defence Reserves Support Council - Queensland Committee Chair, Tony Behm.
Staff of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) are committed to the care of sick and injured people, wherever they are.
Some staff take their considerable talent to parts far and wide through their activities as serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists.
RBWH has been recognised for the support it, as an employer, gives to the ADF Reserves through an award presented to the Director of Intensive Care Medicine Professor Jeff Lipman last week.
Professor Lipman was singled out in the nomination for the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) sponsored Employer Support Award as going the extra mile to ensure his staff were given all the assistance needed to fulfil their Reserve commitments.
Professor Lipman said the service provided to the Reserves by staff from the ICU was testament to the commitment all his department’s personnel have to patient care.
“The staff at RBWH ICU are some of the finest intensivists around and it is very satisfying to see them take their skills to a broader arena,” Professor Lipman said.
The award was presented by Defence Reserves Support Council - Queensland Committee Chair, Tony Behm.
3 March 2010
Life and Military Skills Focus for NT Program
Defence Reserves Support is involved in a program designed to provide young indigenous adults with life skills to secure and sustain continuous employment of their choice as well as being role models within their communities.
Defence Reserves Support is involved in a program designed to provide young indigenous adults with life skills to secure and sustain continuous employment of their choice as well as being role models within their communities.
The DRS involvement allows these young adults to meet with a range of employers and, importantly, gives prospective employers an opportunity to view first hand the quality of the training and the individuals.
DRS-Northern Territory/Kimberley Manager Lieutenant Colonel Peter Herden said 10 people graduated from the Inaugural Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP) in 2009.
Over the seven-month course, the students undertook basic military recruit training and specialised NORFORCE patrolman training with the Department of Defence. They also received concentrated literacy and numeracy training, life skills programs and were assisted with a strong mentoring program.
All graduates received a Certificate Level 2 Qualification for both Rural Operations and General Education with most graduates now in full time employment or full time study.
Participants, drawn from the NT and Kimberley region, studied primarily at Charles Darwin University - Katherine Rural Campus.
"We are proud to be involved in the program, especially as it gives graduates the opportunity to learn skills that will help them gain civilian employment at the same time as serve in the Army Reserve,” said Lieutenant Colonel Herden.
“Some may also see a full time career in the Defence Forces as achievable and now possess the basic skills and confidence to make an informed decision on the future direction for them and their family.
“This year’s program will begin in April and we will again sponsor the end of course function, where we can promote the benefits of Reserve service to employers and the Indigenous community.”
The DIDP is a joint initiative between the Department of Defence, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training.
DRS-Northern Territory/Kimberley Manager Lieutenant Colonel Peter Herden said 10 people graduated from the Inaugural Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP) in 2009.
Over the seven-month course, the students undertook basic military recruit training and specialised NORFORCE patrolman training with the Department of Defence. They also received concentrated literacy and numeracy training, life skills programs and were assisted with a strong mentoring program.
All graduates received a Certificate Level 2 Qualification for both Rural Operations and General Education with most graduates now in full time employment or full time study.
Participants, drawn from the NT and Kimberley region, studied primarily at Charles Darwin University - Katherine Rural Campus.
"We are proud to be involved in the program, especially as it gives graduates the opportunity to learn skills that will help them gain civilian employment at the same time as serve in the Army Reserve,” said Lieutenant Colonel Herden.
“Some may also see a full time career in the Defence Forces as achievable and now possess the basic skills and confidence to make an informed decision on the future direction for them and their family.
“This year’s program will begin in April and we will again sponsor the end of course function, where we can promote the benefits of Reserve service to employers and the Indigenous community.”
The DIDP is a joint initiative between the Department of Defence, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training.
3 March 2010
DRS Staff Member Receives Public Service Australia Day Medallion
"It's awesome! Completely unexpected."
This was Kylie Ormerod’s response to receiving her Australia Day Medallion for outstanding management in her role as the Acting Director, Employer and Industry Engagement.
In his citation, Lieutenant General Hurley said that Kylie’s “enthusiasm, professional manner and management coordination skills were clearly demonstrated” when she planned and administered the 2009 International Conference on Employer Support for Reserves.
The Medallion was awarded at a morning tea ceremony on February 23 that also marked the end of Kylie’s three years with Defence Reserves Support.
“The morning tea was my official farewell from CRESD,” Kylie said.
"My new job is Assistant Director, Defence Export Unit."
Kylie’s colleagues at DRS would like to wish her all the best in her new role at DMO and to thank her for her service .
"It's awesome! Completely unexpected."
This was Kylie Ormerod’s response to receiving her Australia Day Medallion for outstanding management in her role as the Acting Director, Employer and Industry Engagement.
In his citation, Lieutenant General Hurley said that Kylie’s “enthusiasm, professional manner and management coordination skills were clearly demonstrated” when she planned and administered the 2009 International Conference on Employer Support for Reserves.
The Medallion was awarded at a morning tea ceremony on February 23 that also marked the end of Kylie’s three years with Defence Reserves Support.
“The morning tea was my official farewell from CRESD,” Kylie said.
"My new job is Assistant Director, Defence Export Unit."
Kylie’s colleagues at DRS would like to wish her all the best in her new role at DMO and to thank her for her service .
3 March 2010
Captain Pat Trainor is no Stranger to Civic Responsibility
A father of three young children and a local councillor with the Shire of Tea Tree Gully, Pat’s civilian job involves managing large public works for Adelaide Airport Corporation.
2010 marks the 13th year that Pat has pulled on Army greens to serve his country in a military career that began as an infantry Private for his university regiment.
“I was a keen member of the cadets during secondary school and joined the Reserves while I was studying my civil engineering degree at Adelaide University,” Captain Trainor said.
“I wanted to do something for the country but I also wanted to be one of the boys. As a Private, I had less responsibility than the officers and my service was very flexible around my degree.
“I spent four years as an infantryman with the University’s Regiment and added a lot of competencies to my CV during that time. I collected trades! I qualified as a Rifleman, a Combat Signaller, a driver, an engineer…I got to explore a number of different qualifications and professions and was promoted to Lance Corporal six years after I’d joined.
“Around eight years after I’d joined up, the demands on my time in my civilian life increased. I got married and started a family and had begun working on my career as a civil engineer.
“I felt I’d learned what I needed to from the infantry and I wanted to do something that was a bit more relevant to my civilian job — managing civil engineering projects.
“Rejoining the Reserves as an Officer was a natural progression. My civilian job involves managing people and projects. The leadership training I get in the Reserves complements that role. It builds on what I do at Adelaide Airport Corporation at the same time as giving me experiences that make me into a more valuable employee in my day job.
“Project Management at the Airport puts me in charge of some big ticket infrastructure development projects. Coordinating plant and personnel, achieving cooperation among sometimes competing stakeholders and interests and making sure that the job gets done are skills that come in handy in both my civilian and military jobs,” he said.
Captain Trainor is a High Readiness Reservist, able to be called up with a months notice or less. In return for keeping himself fit, well-trained and available, he receives a bonus of $10,000 for every two years of HRR duty as well as $2,500 annually for health insurance and support.
“I’ve just finished a rotation with 9th Brigade Combat team, a support company that helps create the advantageous battlefield conditions our troops need for success. We clear and build obstacles, harden defences, do demolition work and generally give our troops better battle terrains.
“The Reserves has given me very meaningful personal and professional development opportunities as well as the satisfaction of serving my country. I’m willing to go anywhere, wherever my skills are required, and at short notice and am looking forward to serving in East Timor towards the end of this year to contribute to our efforts to rebuild the country,” he said.
A father of three young children and a local councillor with the Shire of Tea Tree Gully, Pat’s civilian job involves managing large public works for Adelaide Airport Corporation.
2010 marks the 13th year that Pat has pulled on Army greens to serve his country in a military career that began as an infantry Private for his university regiment.
“I was a keen member of the cadets during secondary school and joined the Reserves while I was studying my civil engineering degree at Adelaide University,” Captain Trainor said.
“I wanted to do something for the country but I also wanted to be one of the boys. As a Private, I had less responsibility than the officers and my service was very flexible around my degree.
“I spent four years as an infantryman with the University’s Regiment and added a lot of competencies to my CV during that time. I collected trades! I qualified as a Rifleman, a Combat Signaller, a driver, an engineer…I got to explore a number of different qualifications and professions and was promoted to Lance Corporal six years after I’d joined.
“Around eight years after I’d joined up, the demands on my time in my civilian life increased. I got married and started a family and had begun working on my career as a civil engineer.
“I felt I’d learned what I needed to from the infantry and I wanted to do something that was a bit more relevant to my civilian job — managing civil engineering projects.
“Rejoining the Reserves as an Officer was a natural progression. My civilian job involves managing people and projects. The leadership training I get in the Reserves complements that role. It builds on what I do at Adelaide Airport Corporation at the same time as giving me experiences that make me into a more valuable employee in my day job.
“Project Management at the Airport puts me in charge of some big ticket infrastructure development projects. Coordinating plant and personnel, achieving cooperation among sometimes competing stakeholders and interests and making sure that the job gets done are skills that come in handy in both my civilian and military jobs,” he said.
Captain Trainor is a High Readiness Reservist, able to be called up with a months notice or less. In return for keeping himself fit, well-trained and available, he receives a bonus of $10,000 for every two years of HRR duty as well as $2,500 annually for health insurance and support.
“I’ve just finished a rotation with 9th Brigade Combat team, a support company that helps create the advantageous battlefield conditions our troops need for success. We clear and build obstacles, harden defences, do demolition work and generally give our troops better battle terrains.
“The Reserves has given me very meaningful personal and professional development opportunities as well as the satisfaction of serving my country. I’m willing to go anywhere, wherever my skills are required, and at short notice and am looking forward to serving in East Timor towards the end of this year to contribute to our efforts to rebuild the country,” he said.
February 2010
15 February 2010
Case Study - Ken Nelder – Engineer
“A cross-cultural extravaganza.” This is how Private Ken Nelder describes an average working day as an Army Reserve patrolman in Far North Queensland.
“Patrolling the bush with indigenous people from the Doomadgee Aboriginal Community in the Far North has opened my eyes to the cultural differences and similarities between white Australians and Aboriginals,” Private Nolder said.
“The soldiers I work with in my unit have amazing bushcraft skills. They’ll see an animal from hundreds of yards away and set off at a run for a patrol waypoint that they’ll find unerringly two hours later without needing to bother with a map or a compass.v
“A cross-cultural extravaganza.” This is how Private Ken Nelder describes an average working day as an Army Reserve patrolman in Far North Queensland.
“Patrolling the bush with indigenous people from the Doomadgee Aboriginal Community in the Far North has opened my eyes to the cultural differences and similarities between white Australians and Aboriginals,” Private Nolder said.
“The soldiers I work with in my unit have amazing bushcraft skills. They’ll see an animal from hundreds of yards away and set off at a run for a patrol waypoint that they’ll find unerringly two hours later without needing to bother with a map or a compass.v
Click here to read more of this case study
1 February 2010
Church Leaders Discuss Reserve Benefits
Heads of Churches from across New South Wales have been formally thanked for supporting Defence at a function in Sydney.
His Eminence, Cardinal George Pell, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM, Honorary Life President of Rabbinical Council of NSW, Mr Andrew Ball, Executive Ministry Director of Churches of Christ in NSW, Reverend Nial Reid, Moderator of the Synod of NSW and ACT and Reverend Robert Bartolomaeus, Acting President of the Lutheran Church of Australia (NSW District) were amongst the esteemed guests at the function.
Many of Ausralian Defence Force chaplains are Reservists and the event, sponsored by Defence Reserves Support - New South Wales, aimed to explain the role that permanent and Reserve chaplains play in the Services.
"The function also gave us an opportunity to outline the requirements a clergy person needs to meet to serve as a chaplain, and also explained the benefits the church receives through clergy being involved in Defence Chaplaincy ministry," said State Manager DRS-NSW Squadron Leader Del Gaudry.
"It was a great evening and it was terrific to have so many outstanding leaders at the event."
Heads of Churches from across New South Wales have been formally thanked for supporting Defence at a function in Sydney.
His Eminence, Cardinal George Pell, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Rabbi Pinchus Feldman OAM, Honorary Life President of Rabbinical Council of NSW, Mr Andrew Ball, Executive Ministry Director of Churches of Christ in NSW, Reverend Nial Reid, Moderator of the Synod of NSW and ACT and Reverend Robert Bartolomaeus, Acting President of the Lutheran Church of Australia (NSW District) were amongst the esteemed guests at the function.
Many of Ausralian Defence Force chaplains are Reservists and the event, sponsored by Defence Reserves Support - New South Wales, aimed to explain the role that permanent and Reserve chaplains play in the Services.
"The function also gave us an opportunity to outline the requirements a clergy person needs to meet to serve as a chaplain, and also explained the benefits the church receives through clergy being involved in Defence Chaplaincy ministry," said State Manager DRS-NSW Squadron Leader Del Gaudry.
"It was a great evening and it was terrific to have so many outstanding leaders at the event."
1 February 2010
New Deputy Head for Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division
Brigadier Bill Sowry has joined the Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division following a successful nine-month deployment to East Timor.
In fact, Brigadier Sowry, who has a wealth of experience in a variety of roles with almost 30 years service in the Australian Army, was awarded a prestigious medal for service to East Timor by President of Timor-Leste Dr. José Ramos-Horta.
"Brigadier Sowry's highly-developed interpersonal skills have nurtured constructive engagement with key Timor-Leste leaders in a healthy cooperation towards consolidating peace and national development," President José Ramos-Horta said.
“Brigadier Sowry stands out as a leader of compassion and humility.”
While on deployment, Brigadier Sowry worked closely with many Reservists and said the skills Reservist brought to Operation ASTUTE were invaluable.
“As Commander of the multi-national International Stabilisation Force in East Timor, I faced interesting challenges and often I called on Reservists and their civilian workplace skills and experience to help me solve the issues,” said the father of four.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Reservists and their employers in my new role and assisting in the development of policy that assists both parties.
“Working with cadets will also be a wonderful experience, especially given many cadets go on to become Reservists or Permanent Defence Force members.”
Brigadier Sowry is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India and the Australian Defence College. He also has degrees in Engineering, Science, Management and International Relations. His operational service includes the UN Mine Clearance Training Team based in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1990 and in November 2003 he deployed on Operation ANODE as the Military Advisor to the Special Coordinator for the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. His has also been involved in the planning of engineer contributions to deployments in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Aceh, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Before deploying to East Timor, Brigadier Sowry worked within the Defence Organisation’s Infrastructure Division, helping develop the Defence White Paper and Companion Reviews. Before this he was responsible for the delivery of a number of large Public Private Partnership projects.
Brigadier Bill Sowry has joined the Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division following a successful nine-month deployment to East Timor.
In fact, Brigadier Sowry, who has a wealth of experience in a variety of roles with almost 30 years service in the Australian Army, was awarded a prestigious medal for service to East Timor by President of Timor-Leste Dr. José Ramos-Horta.
"Brigadier Sowry's highly-developed interpersonal skills have nurtured constructive engagement with key Timor-Leste leaders in a healthy cooperation towards consolidating peace and national development," President José Ramos-Horta said.
“Brigadier Sowry stands out as a leader of compassion and humility.”
While on deployment, Brigadier Sowry worked closely with many Reservists and said the skills Reservist brought to Operation ASTUTE were invaluable.
“As Commander of the multi-national International Stabilisation Force in East Timor, I faced interesting challenges and often I called on Reservists and their civilian workplace skills and experience to help me solve the issues,” said the father of four.
“I am very much looking forward to working with Reservists and their employers in my new role and assisting in the development of policy that assists both parties.
“Working with cadets will also be a wonderful experience, especially given many cadets go on to become Reservists or Permanent Defence Force members.”
Brigadier Sowry is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India and the Australian Defence College. He also has degrees in Engineering, Science, Management and International Relations. His operational service includes the UN Mine Clearance Training Team based in Peshawar, Pakistan, in 1990 and in November 2003 he deployed on Operation ANODE as the Military Advisor to the Special Coordinator for the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. His has also been involved in the planning of engineer contributions to deployments in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Aceh, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Before deploying to East Timor, Brigadier Sowry worked within the Defence Organisation’s Infrastructure Division, helping develop the Defence White Paper and Companion Reviews. Before this he was responsible for the delivery of a number of large Public Private Partnership projects.
1 February 2010
Tasmanians Hit the Golf Course in Name of Defence Reserves
A group of employers from Hobart recently enjoyed a round of golf at the prestigious Royal Hobart Golf Club while discussing Defence Reserves.
Member of the local Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) committee teamed up with employers for a 'soggy' game after a weekend of heavy rain.
At the clubhouse, DRSC Tasmania Committee Chair Michael Barrett welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support of Reservists.
Managing Director of DJ Motors Michael Johns was guest speaker at the event.
A supportive employer of Reservists, Mr Johns recently saw Reservists at work during Exercise Talisman Saber, held near Rockhampton.
Over lunch, he entertained the players with a very comprehensive and interesting presentation abou this experience and spoke of his amaxement at the complex and authentic training camp established at Shoalwater Bay.
He said he was also very impressed with the facilities at the field hospital. This training facility is used by military from around the world.
A group of employers from Hobart recently enjoyed a round of golf at the prestigious Royal Hobart Golf Club while discussing Defence Reserves.
Member of the local Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) committee teamed up with employers for a 'soggy' game after a weekend of heavy rain.
At the clubhouse, DRSC Tasmania Committee Chair Michael Barrett welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support of Reservists.
Managing Director of DJ Motors Michael Johns was guest speaker at the event.
A supportive employer of Reservists, Mr Johns recently saw Reservists at work during Exercise Talisman Saber, held near Rockhampton.
Over lunch, he entertained the players with a very comprehensive and interesting presentation abou this experience and spoke of his amaxement at the complex and authentic training camp established at Shoalwater Bay.
He said he was also very impressed with the facilities at the field hospital. This training facility is used by military from around the world.
1 February 2010
Northern Territory and Victoria Celebrate Employer Support
2009 ended with two prestigious Employer Support Award functions held in early December.
The first was held in the Northern Territory, with the Australian Federal Police - Aviation, being named Employer of the Year.
This event was closely followed by an awards ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to thank Victorian employers for their outstanding support over the past year.
Deputy Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council's Northern Territory/Kimberley Committee, and Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce NT, Chris Young said that a strong relationship between Reservists and their employers was vital to the ADF.
"The commitment shown by all of this year's finalists to their Reserve personnel has been outstanding and bodes well for future recruitment opportunities," Mr Young said.
"Many employers are recognising the benefits that accrue to their business from employing staff with the skill set that comes from being Reserve personnel.
"The partnership between industry and Defence to support Reserve personnel could not be better illustrated then with those who have been nominated for this year's awards."
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 in his State.
"It is also pleasing to see the nominations coming from each of the three Services - Navy, Army and Air Force," he 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 whit it stands. Reservists generally bring to the business community additional skill sets that are highly sought after."
NT Award Winners:
* Employer of the Year 2009 - Australian Federal Police - Aviation
* Small Business - Barker Hume Homes Ltd, Alice Springs
* Medium Business - CDE Capital Pty Ltd, Darwin
* Large Business/Government - Australian Federal Police
VIC Award Winners:
* Deakin University
* Goulburn Valley Regional Hospital
* Alfred Hospital
* Scorpion Engineering - East Keilor
* BAE Systems Australia - Maritime
* Australian Red Cross
* St. Vincent's Hospital Mental Health
* Northern Hospital
* Hampton Park Baptist Church
* VICPOL
* Dept of Justice
* Torus Games - Bayswater
2009 ended with two prestigious Employer Support Award functions held in early December.
The first was held in the Northern Territory, with the Australian Federal Police - Aviation, being named Employer of the Year.
This event was closely followed by an awards ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to thank Victorian employers for their outstanding support over the past year.
Deputy Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council's Northern Territory/Kimberley Committee, and Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce NT, Chris Young said that a strong relationship between Reservists and their employers was vital to the ADF.
"The commitment shown by all of this year's finalists to their Reserve personnel has been outstanding and bodes well for future recruitment opportunities," Mr Young said.
"Many employers are recognising the benefits that accrue to their business from employing staff with the skill set that comes from being Reserve personnel.
"The partnership between industry and Defence to support Reserve personnel could not be better illustrated then with those who have been nominated for this year's awards."
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 in his State.
"It is also pleasing to see the nominations coming from each of the three Services - Navy, Army and Air Force," he 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 whit it stands. Reservists generally bring to the business community additional skill sets that are highly sought after."
NT Award Winners:
* Employer of the Year 2009 - Australian Federal Police - Aviation
* Small Business - Barker Hume Homes Ltd, Alice Springs
* Medium Business - CDE Capital Pty Ltd, Darwin
* Large Business/Government - Australian Federal Police
VIC Award Winners:
* Deakin University
* Goulburn Valley Regional Hospital
* Alfred Hospital
* Scorpion Engineering - East Keilor
* BAE Systems Australia - Maritime
* Australian Red Cross
* St. Vincent's Hospital Mental Health
* Northern Hospital
* Hampton Park Baptist Church
* VICPOL
* Dept of Justice
* Torus Games - Bayswater
1 February 2010
Golf Day Hits Mark with Industry Reps
Defence Reserves Support - Victoria (DRS-VIC) had the opportunity to promote the benefits of Reserve service to Australian Industry and Defence Network members during a successful golf day in Melbourne.
DRS-VIC sponsored a hole, and with the extra support of Royal Australian Air Force Reservists from 21 Squadron, engaged with more than 50 employers during the day.
Navy, Army and Air Force Reservists led four of the golf teams and one of them, the Directorate of Employer and Industry Engagement's Steve Smith, won longest drive of the day.
Defence Reserves Support - Victoria (DRS-VIC) had the opportunity to promote the benefits of Reserve service to Australian Industry and Defence Network members during a successful golf day in Melbourne.
DRS-VIC sponsored a hole, and with the extra support of Royal Australian Air Force Reservists from 21 Squadron, engaged with more than 50 employers during the day.
Navy, Army and Air Force Reservists led four of the golf teams and one of them, the Directorate of Employer and Industry Engagement's Steve Smith, won longest drive of the day.
1 February 2010
Reservist Profile - Flight Sergeant Kevin Tottle
At 59 years of age, Kevin Tottle, father of four and grandfather of nine, has only ever failed one Defence Force fitness test.
The year was 1968 and the Tet Offensive had taken the Allies by suprise as more than 80,000 Viet Cong troops surged into towns and cities in the war's largest campaign.
For two months, the Communist forces were beaten back and contained, It was a decisive military victory for the Allies that was broadcast into living rooms throughout the world.
Kevin was 18. He wanted to serve Australia. A country boy who was training to be a carpenter in Werribee, Victoria, he volunteered to fight in what would turn out to be our longest running military engagement in history.
"I wanted to go to Vietnam but they knocked me back, said I wasn't fit enough," Kevin said.
A few short years later, the was was over and Kevin and his new wife from Finely, New South Wales had started their family and a successful house building business in Werribee. The carpentry trade was booming but Kevin held onto his dream to serve in the Defence Force and in mid 1970 he was accepted into the Royal Australian Air Force as a full-time fire fighter.
"In those days, fire fighters had a much more rigorous fitness test regime that was a lot harder than the one we have to do today," Kevin said.
"Training as a fire fighter was a natural choice for me. You find with most of the 'fireys' that they have a trade behind them before they join up. We like to be outdoors and to keep fit and to do things with our hands. With this job we're out in the open, driving trucks, training, keeping buildings and air strips safe from fire hazards.
"I love it. It's a 24/7 kind of job and if you are on a shift with four or five people and in a job that has a lot of pressure, it forges a really close bond with the mates that you work with. I still keep in touch with people who left the Air Force 20 years ago and because I've had a lot of experience, many people come to me and ask me for advice and mentoring.
"These days, the young blokes are always asking me when I'm going to bring a walking frame into work but I haven't failed a fitness test since I joined the ADF and I'm going to keep going with the job until I can't do it anymore.
" Both of Kevin's daughters also joined the military.
"They signed up as cooks in the Army and while one daughter got out 10 years ago as a Lance Corporal to start a family of her own, my other daughter's a Sergeant now and we'll both be deployed in Afghanistan in April next year," he said.
2010 won't be the first time Kevin has served in fire fighting crews overseas. For two years, he and his family lived in Malaysia at Butterworth air base and he's just returned from a stint with Operation SLIPPER, Australia's military contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.
"It's a different atmosphere over there and I've learned a lot about the culture and from working with Defence personnel from other countries," Kevin said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting over to Afghanistan again. I get to put into practice all the things I've been training to do for years and working alongside local fire fighters as well as Canadians and Dutch forces showed me that even if we all have different ways of going about our jobs, we're all working to comply with international fire safety standards.
"Afghan culture teaches the local people to respect their elders so I don't have any trouble mixing with the local population. They tell me that they won't talk to younger soldiers because they have no respect for them but they look up to my experience and talk easily to me if they're able to speak English.
"When I first went overseas with Defence I was on a fire fighting crew at the base looking after air fields and buildings. As a Reservist, I'm in exactly the same role. "I'd recommend the Reserves as a rewarding job for anyone who likes a challenge. Young people these days might work in a job for three to five years until they get bored and move onto something else. Nothing's permanent. Working with Defence teaches them about loyalty, integrity and accountability.
"I've been a Reservist for 20 years now and I work 150 to 180 days a year and spend the rest of time with my children and helping to raise my grandchildren. My oldest grandchild is 21 and has been living with me since he was very young and my 33-year-old son has just moved back home again," he said.
At 59 years of age, Kevin Tottle, father of four and grandfather of nine, has only ever failed one Defence Force fitness test.
The year was 1968 and the Tet Offensive had taken the Allies by suprise as more than 80,000 Viet Cong troops surged into towns and cities in the war's largest campaign.
For two months, the Communist forces were beaten back and contained, It was a decisive military victory for the Allies that was broadcast into living rooms throughout the world.
Kevin was 18. He wanted to serve Australia. A country boy who was training to be a carpenter in Werribee, Victoria, he volunteered to fight in what would turn out to be our longest running military engagement in history.
"I wanted to go to Vietnam but they knocked me back, said I wasn't fit enough," Kevin said.
A few short years later, the was was over and Kevin and his new wife from Finely, New South Wales had started their family and a successful house building business in Werribee. The carpentry trade was booming but Kevin held onto his dream to serve in the Defence Force and in mid 1970 he was accepted into the Royal Australian Air Force as a full-time fire fighter.
"In those days, fire fighters had a much more rigorous fitness test regime that was a lot harder than the one we have to do today," Kevin said.
"Training as a fire fighter was a natural choice for me. You find with most of the 'fireys' that they have a trade behind them before they join up. We like to be outdoors and to keep fit and to do things with our hands. With this job we're out in the open, driving trucks, training, keeping buildings and air strips safe from fire hazards.
"I love it. It's a 24/7 kind of job and if you are on a shift with four or five people and in a job that has a lot of pressure, it forges a really close bond with the mates that you work with. I still keep in touch with people who left the Air Force 20 years ago and because I've had a lot of experience, many people come to me and ask me for advice and mentoring.
"These days, the young blokes are always asking me when I'm going to bring a walking frame into work but I haven't failed a fitness test since I joined the ADF and I'm going to keep going with the job until I can't do it anymore.
" Both of Kevin's daughters also joined the military.
"They signed up as cooks in the Army and while one daughter got out 10 years ago as a Lance Corporal to start a family of her own, my other daughter's a Sergeant now and we'll both be deployed in Afghanistan in April next year," he said.
2010 won't be the first time Kevin has served in fire fighting crews overseas. For two years, he and his family lived in Malaysia at Butterworth air base and he's just returned from a stint with Operation SLIPPER, Australia's military contribution to international campaigns against terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.
"It's a different atmosphere over there and I've learned a lot about the culture and from working with Defence personnel from other countries," Kevin said.
"I'm really looking forward to getting over to Afghanistan again. I get to put into practice all the things I've been training to do for years and working alongside local fire fighters as well as Canadians and Dutch forces showed me that even if we all have different ways of going about our jobs, we're all working to comply with international fire safety standards.
"Afghan culture teaches the local people to respect their elders so I don't have any trouble mixing with the local population. They tell me that they won't talk to younger soldiers because they have no respect for them but they look up to my experience and talk easily to me if they're able to speak English.
"When I first went overseas with Defence I was on a fire fighting crew at the base looking after air fields and buildings. As a Reservist, I'm in exactly the same role. "I'd recommend the Reserves as a rewarding job for anyone who likes a challenge. Young people these days might work in a job for three to five years until they get bored and move onto something else. Nothing's permanent. Working with Defence teaches them about loyalty, integrity and accountability.
"I've been a Reservist for 20 years now and I work 150 to 180 days a year and spend the rest of time with my children and helping to raise my grandchildren. My oldest grandchild is 21 and has been living with me since he was very young and my 33-year-old son has just moved back home again," he said.
1 February 2010
Diary of Excercise Boss Lift 05/09
It was a diverse group of employers who met in Sydney in December as part of the Exercise Boss Lift 05/09 to Malaysia.
The group was made up of a senior police officer, farmer, local government official, financial manager, security manager, senior members from Correctional Services, supermarket owner and Defence IT supervisor just to name a few.
Also accompanying the group was the Commander of the Second Division, Major General Craig Williams and Chief of Staff for Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Colonel Tim Grützner.
There were briefings and issuing of documentation before heading to Sydney International Airport to catch flight QF 5 to Singapore.
The group were escorted from Changi Airport by the Commanding Officer of the 2nd/30th Training Group, Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Paine, the Officer Commanding Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) Rotation 88, Major Steve Brumby, and the Boss Lift Liaison Officer, Captain Alex Richards.
The hotel was soon reached in the southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru.
An early start the following day allowed for more necessary briefs on culture, security and history. Lieutenant Colonel Paine outlined the history of RCB and the enduring relationship between Australia and Malaysia.
Following the briefs, it was on the bus to the Malaysian Army base at PULADA where the Boss Lift participants met with their Reservist employees. From the outset, it was evident the Reservists were very pleased to see their bosses alight from the bus.
PULADA is an acronym for Pusat Lathan Tempur Tentera Darat – the real name of the military base but no one attempted this tongue twister even after the four days.
It wasn’t long before the employers found themselves in a platoon defensive position in the jungle and looking at the contents of an Australian Army ration pack for their lunch-time meal.
An element of realism was added when the heavens opened with a tropical downpour soaking everyone in seconds. The soldiers were impressed that not one employer headed for the dry interior of the vehicles which were parked nearby — instead choosing to sit it out and continue to enjoy the delights of the ration packs while trying to keep the streams of rainwater out of the food.
A series of stands in the platoon position gave the employers an insight into how an infantry platoon operates — including a weapon display and section attack demonstration.
This understanding was further enhanced that evening when, after dinner at Camp Burma, the employees were driven to the range for a spectacular night live-fire demonstration of infantry weapons.
Day two commenced with a demonstration at the Malaysian Army War Dog section. Dogs trained in search and rescue, guarding and attack and explosive detection showed off their skills in an impressive display accompanied by a commentary from Lieutenant Colonel Toh – Commanding Officer of the War Dog Section.
Morning tea was held at the office of Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Lim Eng Seng, who is the Chief Instructor (CI) of this Army Combat Training Centre at PULADA. Like most CIs of any training establishment, he oversees all training matters for the various courses run in PULADA, including the RCB rotations.
This position as the CI always has been the liaison point for the ADF when on RCB with the liaison going all the way back to the 1970s.
Lieutenant Colonel Paine gave more of a perspective on the enduring relationship between the two nations.
“RCB uses the facilities at PULADA including the live firing facilities, jungle training areas, obstacle course, sports fields and Camp Burma where the RCB live when not in the field,” he said.
“There are also two other Australian exchange instructors at PULADA and they usually facilitate sporting events against the Malaysians. We also send soldiers onto the 6-week Survival Course and the 6-week Tracking Course - that are both world class. Every RCB also does a 3-day survival package.”
Following the morning tea, Quick Decision Exercises provided the challenges for teams of employers. Guy Sim from NSW Department of Corrections impressed everyone with his prowess during a leap and forward roll through the spider web obstacle course.
After lunch, the employers were treated to a different level of culinary delights at the PULADA Survival Village. There were plants to eat and vines to provide water. Sergeant Edwards of the Malaysian Army demonstrated a range of jungle traps before the bosses experienced jungle cooking. On the menu was cat-fish, chicken, python and monkey which were all cooked in the traditional style. The expressions during the taste tests were interesting but no-one baulked at tasting meat which usually is viewed alive and swinging in trees in a zoo.
However, Dean Hanson, area manager for KFC, ruled out bringing in primate and reptile as new meals in their restaurants.
The final day saw the employees take to the range under the tutelage of their Reservist employees, firing the F88 Steyr and the F89 Minimi – light support weapon.
Following lunch at Camp Burma, each employee and their Reservist gave an address to the rest of the Boss Lift participants on their civilian workplace and relationship. The pride each employer had in their Reservist was evident and many spoke about the skills they had identified in their respective employees that will benefit the civilian workplace.
The final evening saw the Boss Lift participants and employees treated to a cultural show of traditional Malaysian dancing and farewell dinner at the hotel. Afterwards some of the Boss Lift participants joined the hotel band on stage, singing “Leaving on a Jet Plane” – a somewhat dismal attempt all round.
The next morning it was a return across the Johor-Singapore causeway to Singapore and the Customs run. There was time for personal reflection and commemoration at the Changi Prison Museum and Chapel where many Allied prisoners were interned after the fall of Singapore in WWII before the flight home.
It was a diverse group of employers who met in Sydney in December as part of the Exercise Boss Lift 05/09 to Malaysia.
The group was made up of a senior police officer, farmer, local government official, financial manager, security manager, senior members from Correctional Services, supermarket owner and Defence IT supervisor just to name a few.
Also accompanying the group was the Commander of the Second Division, Major General Craig Williams and Chief of Staff for Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Colonel Tim Grützner.
There were briefings and issuing of documentation before heading to Sydney International Airport to catch flight QF 5 to Singapore.
The group were escorted from Changi Airport by the Commanding Officer of the 2nd/30th Training Group, Lieutenant Colonel Campbell Paine, the Officer Commanding Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) Rotation 88, Major Steve Brumby, and the Boss Lift Liaison Officer, Captain Alex Richards.
The hotel was soon reached in the southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru.
An early start the following day allowed for more necessary briefs on culture, security and history. Lieutenant Colonel Paine outlined the history of RCB and the enduring relationship between Australia and Malaysia.
Following the briefs, it was on the bus to the Malaysian Army base at PULADA where the Boss Lift participants met with their Reservist employees. From the outset, it was evident the Reservists were very pleased to see their bosses alight from the bus.
PULADA is an acronym for Pusat Lathan Tempur Tentera Darat – the real name of the military base but no one attempted this tongue twister even after the four days.
It wasn’t long before the employers found themselves in a platoon defensive position in the jungle and looking at the contents of an Australian Army ration pack for their lunch-time meal.
An element of realism was added when the heavens opened with a tropical downpour soaking everyone in seconds. The soldiers were impressed that not one employer headed for the dry interior of the vehicles which were parked nearby — instead choosing to sit it out and continue to enjoy the delights of the ration packs while trying to keep the streams of rainwater out of the food.
A series of stands in the platoon position gave the employers an insight into how an infantry platoon operates — including a weapon display and section attack demonstration.
This understanding was further enhanced that evening when, after dinner at Camp Burma, the employees were driven to the range for a spectacular night live-fire demonstration of infantry weapons.
Day two commenced with a demonstration at the Malaysian Army War Dog section. Dogs trained in search and rescue, guarding and attack and explosive detection showed off their skills in an impressive display accompanied by a commentary from Lieutenant Colonel Toh – Commanding Officer of the War Dog Section.
Morning tea was held at the office of Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Lim Eng Seng, who is the Chief Instructor (CI) of this Army Combat Training Centre at PULADA. Like most CIs of any training establishment, he oversees all training matters for the various courses run in PULADA, including the RCB rotations.
This position as the CI always has been the liaison point for the ADF when on RCB with the liaison going all the way back to the 1970s.
Lieutenant Colonel Paine gave more of a perspective on the enduring relationship between the two nations.
“RCB uses the facilities at PULADA including the live firing facilities, jungle training areas, obstacle course, sports fields and Camp Burma where the RCB live when not in the field,” he said.
“There are also two other Australian exchange instructors at PULADA and they usually facilitate sporting events against the Malaysians. We also send soldiers onto the 6-week Survival Course and the 6-week Tracking Course - that are both world class. Every RCB also does a 3-day survival package.”
Following the morning tea, Quick Decision Exercises provided the challenges for teams of employers. Guy Sim from NSW Department of Corrections impressed everyone with his prowess during a leap and forward roll through the spider web obstacle course.
After lunch, the employers were treated to a different level of culinary delights at the PULADA Survival Village. There were plants to eat and vines to provide water. Sergeant Edwards of the Malaysian Army demonstrated a range of jungle traps before the bosses experienced jungle cooking. On the menu was cat-fish, chicken, python and monkey which were all cooked in the traditional style. The expressions during the taste tests were interesting but no-one baulked at tasting meat which usually is viewed alive and swinging in trees in a zoo.
However, Dean Hanson, area manager for KFC, ruled out bringing in primate and reptile as new meals in their restaurants.
The final day saw the employees take to the range under the tutelage of their Reservist employees, firing the F88 Steyr and the F89 Minimi – light support weapon.
Following lunch at Camp Burma, each employee and their Reservist gave an address to the rest of the Boss Lift participants on their civilian workplace and relationship. The pride each employer had in their Reservist was evident and many spoke about the skills they had identified in their respective employees that will benefit the civilian workplace.
The final evening saw the Boss Lift participants and employees treated to a cultural show of traditional Malaysian dancing and farewell dinner at the hotel. Afterwards some of the Boss Lift participants joined the hotel band on stage, singing “Leaving on a Jet Plane” – a somewhat dismal attempt all round.
The next morning it was a return across the Johor-Singapore causeway to Singapore and the Customs run. There was time for personal reflection and commemoration at the Changi Prison Museum and Chapel where many Allied prisoners were interned after the fall of Singapore in WWII before the flight home.
