Defence Reserves - News 2009

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News articles from 2009.

December 2009

1 December 2009

Christmas Message

Reservists have again made their mark over the past year.

They made a significant contribution to Australian Defence Force operations overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan,
the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

Army Reservists are currently leading the ADF's Operation Anode in the Solomon Islands, helping restore
law and order and bring peace to one of our neighbours.

Reservists have also helped save hundreds, if not thousands of lives, in Indonesia after an earthquake
devastated parts of the country. Our Specialist Reserve health professionals, upon whom we rely for certain
medical expertise, played such a pivotal role in Operation Padang Assist.

The capability that Reservists bring to the ADF was most prominent in February during the Victorian
bushfires. Around 1300 Reservists were involved in Operation Victoria Fires Assist.

During February and March, when we switched on the television, we saw our Navy, Army and Air Force
Reservists, working together to save lives and help rebuild lives.

This important work would not have been possible without the support of Australia's civilian employers,
the enthusiasm and commitment of our Reserve forces and their families.

I thank our Reservists, their families and employers at this festive time and wish them all a peaceful
Christmas and a safe New Year.

Greg Melick
Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division

1 December 2009

Paintings Bring Defence and Queensland Police Closer

In a gesture that has further strengthened ties between Defence and Queensland Police,
Commissioner of Police Bob Atkinson APM has donated four pastel artworks which highlight the
history of Victoria Barracks to the Defence Reserves Support Council.

Commissioner Atkinson donated the artworks, which he won during the Defence Charity Ball
silent auction in September, while attending the recent Supportive Employers’ Pageant and Open
Day at the Barracks.

When the Commissioner realised he was the successful bidder for the artworks, he immediately
thought their true home was at Victoria Barracks Brisbane. So when Defence Reserves Support
staff members asked the Commissioner if they could borrow the artworks for the Open Day, he
quickly agreed.

“I am a great admirer of history and there is a wonderful history between the Queensland
Police Service, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Victoria Barracks,” said Commissioner Atkinson.

“When I saw them here today it was clear and obvious that this is where they belong and that this is their home.

“I was just delighted that the people organising this event today saw fit to put them on display.”

More than 1200 South-East Queenslanders came to the event, which celebrated Queensland’s
150th birthday and also commemorated the opening of Victoria Barracks on 27 October 1864 —
145 years ago.

Since the official opening of the Barracks, the area has been modelled and remodelled to accommodate
Queensland’s Defence and police personnel.

“I think it is so important that we preserve and value our history, that’s not just the history of how
this place started, but all the things that have happened between then and now,” he said.

“This day will go down in the history of Victoria Barracks and people will look back on us, one day,
and the photographs and record of today, 100 years from now, maybe with a sense of amusement
and enjoyment of an earlier time.

“It’s nice to be a part of this. The Police Department and I feel quite privileged that we are able to
engage with the Defence Force and be part of the history of Victoria Barracks.”

The Commissioner also said he was “very proud” that so many Queensland Police members
served as Reservists.

“I think it is true to say that in an earlier time, and quite properly so, the situation was that the
Defence Force looked after Australia’s security at a national level in terms of those who
would do us harm from outside of Australia.

“Fortunately all of that wonderful work and the wars that they were involved in took place off
shore and the Police Department was seen as providing for Australia’s safety and security internally.

“That all changed after September 11 in terms of the threat of international terrorism and if it
did not change then it certainly changed after Bali, a year, a month and a day later after on 12
October 2002.

“So, we work more closely together now… the importance of that relationship cannot be underestimated.”

“While it is great that my people can support the ADF by being Reservists, equally they get a lot
from that and bring a lot back to the Police Department. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.”

1 December 2009

Profile: DRSC-NT Committee Chair – The Honourable Daryl Manzie

The Honourable Daryl Manzie’s CV reads like an extract from Who’s Who.

A Territorian for more than 40 years, the Chair of the Northern Territory’s Committee of the Defence Reserves
Support Council says he hopes his six-year stint in the job will have resulted in growing the awareness
of the benefits of employing Australian Defence Force Reservists.

Daryl’s retirement from a distinguished political career six years ago turned out to be a gain for the Defence
Reserves Support Council and by no means signalled an end to the public service and civic duty that have
been the hallmarks of his career. As the presenter of a Top End’s 104.1 FM current affairs show, he likes
to “keep his finger on the pulse” of a community in which more than 10 percent of workers are directly or
indirectly involved in Defence.

“I don’t go in for the shock-jock stuff on my radio show,” Daryl joked.

“We’ve interviewed everyone on my show from the Prime Minister down. We’ve had John Howard and
Kevin Rudd in the studio and we talk with them and others about any issue that’s directly relevant to the
Territory — whether that’s news and current affairs or sports and entertainment,” he said.

Before he came to the DRSC, Daryl spent 15 years as a police officer and 18 years as a Territory politician,
including stints as Attorney General and as a cabinet minister in portfolios as diverse as health and education.

He also spent some years in the Territory Cabinet position as the Minister for Defence Support, a portfolio
that makes him uniquely qualified to appreciate the big picture of the region and the military’s mutual
reliance; a long-standing partnership that began with Darwin’s active involvement in WWII.

“It’s not just that Defence employs so many people here, it’s that the Territory’s history reflects the close ties
the area has with the ADF. People tend to forget that Darwin was directly involved in the Second World War for
18 months,” Daryl said.

“Sydney might have had a miniature sub find its way into the harbour and had a bit of a scare but Darwin
was bombed constantly by the Japanese for 18 months. That history has helped make a community that
appreciates the importance of a strong Defence Force,” he said.

In addition to his role as the NT Committee Chair, Daryl finds time for the aforementioned radio journalism
career as well as a bewildering and impressive list of hobbies and public service pursuits. He’s Patron of
the Northern Territory Variety Club and the Northern Territory Football Association and is into vintage
cars; getting around in a 1959 Mercedes Benz or an old Yamaha 650 motorcycle as the mood takes him.
Each year, Daryl also joins a panel of judges to bestow the Territory’s Tourism Awards — along with
Defence, the Territory’s major money spinner in terms of the local and national economy. He also likes to
keep fit. One of his earliest inaugural actions as Committee Chair was to participate in a rigorous Exercise
Executive Stretch for a first-hand look at what DRS puts the bosses through and in his spare time Daryl
is a keen dragon boat racer with the Arafura Dragon Boat club. He even paddled his way to a bronze
medal with the Australian Team when it contested the World Championship in 2006.

Married with three children and eight grandchildren, Daryl’s goals for his time with DRS are deceptively modest.

“During the past six years as Chair of the Territory’s Committee I hope I’ve managed to grow public
recognition about the importance of Reservists in the military,” Daryl said.

“There used to be this perception among the community in general and ADF full-timers in particular that
Reservists were just weekend warriors, a kind of Dad’s Army that was marginal to the country’s defence effort.

“People are only just now starting to appreciate the terrific things that Reservists have been doing in Defence
— whether that’s keeping the peace in the Solomons or helping to re-build East Timor after a devastating
civil war. In the Territory, people understand Defence’s role in keeping our borders secure; Navy, Army
and Air Force are strongly supported here. Many of the crews of Patrol Boats include Reservists in key roles.
They’re doing great work helping to keep our borders secure.”

Daryl's job at DRS, in fact, all of Daryl’s jobs, benefit from his strong ties to the community as well as his easy sociability.

“I do a lot of talking to people,” he jokes.

“A very large part of my job involves getting together with people, talking to them and hearing their views
on the things that matter to them. It’s all part of educating employers on the positive benefits of having
Reservists working for them and telling the community what a great job Reservists are doing.

“When they employ a Reservist, employers are not just about getting more than $1000 per week
compensation under the Employer Support Payment scheme. They’re getting staff with tremendous
self-discipline and dedication who have received management and skills training that’s incredibly valuable.”

1 December 2009

Operation Padang Assist

The call came in the middle of the night for the medics aboard HMAS KANIMBLA.

After an exhausting day spent treating the victims of Sumatra’s earthquake, a rapid response team
geared up quickly and a landing craft was launched to take doctors and nursing staff to shore where
they were needed.

Army soldiers involved earlier in the day with rebuilding Sumatra’s earthquake-damaged infrastructure
were suffering from what doctors describe as “acute respiratory distress”; swollen tongues and severe
difficulty breathing. It was as though a whole section of troops was suffering from a severe and life-threatening
allergic reaction.

“The troops had contracted a very uncommon disease,” said Lieutenant Commander Noel Tait, a
Wollongong-based surgeon, who was serving his first operational deployment as a Reservist aboard
the KANIMBLA at the time.

“Scomboid Disease is caused by an excess of histamines in the bloodstream.

“The emergency response team dispatched very quickly and stayed on the island overnight before we
could bring the troops back aboard for hospital care. It was a dramatic incident that highlighted the team’s
efficiency. All the members of the medical team put the time that we’d been trained together to good use.
The team worked very well together,” Lieutenant Commander Tait said.

“During my two week deployment, we had many other emergencies to deal with including joint and
crushing injuries, burns caused by the earthquake, a case of lymphatic cancer and we even delivered a baby.”

A Professor of Surgery at Wollongong Hospital and the University of Wollongong, Lieutenant Commander
Tait and an emergency medical team comprised almost solely of Reservists were part of the ADF’s rapid
response to Sumatra’s call for international help.

Operation Padang Assist was a measured and graduated response from the ADF that delivered fresh
water, tonnes of equipment and humanitarian supplies as well as fresh drinking water within days of the
earthquake off Sumatra that killed more than 1000 people.

“I’ve only joined the Reserves recently and have only just finished Officer Training School,” Lieutenant
Commander Tait said.

“I got a call in the office asking me ‘Can you get on board KANIMBLA tomorrow. We’re deploying to render
assistance to Sumatra after the earthquake’. It was very short notice and we didn’t know how long we’d
be needed or when we’d be getting back but I said ‘Yes, I can. But it’s going to be complicated’.

“We were flown to Darwin and boarded the KANIMBLA a day later. It took three days to sail to Sumatra.”

For Queensland Government Environmental Health Specialist, Paul Clancy, Padang Assist was also a first
operational deployment.

Flight Lieutenant Clancy, who belongs to 1 Expeditionary Health SQN based at RAAF Amberley, went to
Padang to assess the level of damage to the island’s infrastructure and ensure that clean water, food and
shelter were available to the thousands left homeless by the quake.

“Most of the infrastructure was still in good condition when I arrived and the local emergency services were
handling the crisis very well,” Flight Lieutenant Clancy said.

“But there was no fresh drinking water available to the hospital, which had been badly damaged, farmers
were worried that newly unstable land would cause landslides and subsidence in their paddy fields and we
had to check a number of buildings to ensure that they were still structurally sound and able to be rebuilt.

“Within two days of arriving, we had set up a primary health care facility to deliver badly needed medical help
to an outlying community and Army engineers had come up with an ingenious solution to the problem of getting
fresh water supplies at the main hospital so that water was flowing freely again for the doctors and patients
there. We hit the deck running when we arrived and within three days were able to supply government
aid agencies with an environmental assessment that would help them rebuild everything that had been damaged.

“I’ve been working as a sanitary engineer for local government for 13 years and for the State Government for
five years. I’ve been in the RAAF three years and the work we do there renews the foundations of my profession.
Towns and cities have elaborate infrastructure to deliver environmental safety, but landing in an earthquake
zone or constructing a mobile base in the middle of nowhere both require a return to the basics and it’s my
job to ensure that these displaced populations have access to clean water, food and air.

“If there are open drains or no drains at all or rubbish isn’t being disposed of properly, there’s a risk of disease
breaking out. Vector control is also part of the work I do with the RAAF. This is grass roots stuff that takes me
back to the foundational science of my profession. It was a very positive experience and great to see that
the city’s services were coping so well with losses of electricity, and damaged roads and bridges after the
earthquake,” he said.

Lieutenant Commander Tait agreed that his first deployment to a regional humanitarian disaster was a “very
positive experience”.

“When I first boarded the KANIMBLA, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I was uniquely qualified in my area of
expertise but I realised that I had something to learn from everyone from Officers to Non-Commissioned Officers
about ship protocols and deployments,” he said.

“Working aboard a ship is a very challenging environment.

“The operation showed that the Navy and other services were able to put together a full casualty reception team,
including general and specialist nurses, surgeons, GPs and an anesthetist at very short notice.

“I’ll certainly be putting up my hand for more operations like this one in the future and am looking forward to the
commissioning of the new Canberra class ships that have very large hospital facilities that will make our
humanitarian responses even more effective.”

1 December 2009

South Australia's Employer Support Awards Night

The State Library of South Australia has provided an impressive backdrop for the State’s annual Employer
Support Awards.

A group of 28 employers were recognised for their support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves.

ABC Radio personality Sonya Feldhoff announced the winners, before Dr Pamela Schulz, Chair of the South
Australian Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council, presented the awards.

“It is exciting to see such an array of distinguished and dedicated employers who are themselves part
of what I call the ‘Champion Network’,” said Dr Schulz.

“The real champions though, are our wonderful Reservists who take the time to wear the uniform and
represent all that is great about Australians who are indeed ‘twice the citizen’.”

Employer Support Award Winners
State Employer of the Year	Adelaide Airport Limited
Small Business Category	Churches of Christ in SA & NT Inc
Medium Business Category	Conroy’s Smallgoods Pty Ltd
Large Business Category	Baptist Care (SA)
Government Category	Department of Correctional Services

Several businesses have been highly commended
Small Business Category	South East Vet Service Internode
Government Category	Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service – Women’s and Children’s Hospital
	Warrant Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy South Australia Wing
Individual Recognition	Associate Professor Andrew O’Neil and Doctor Maryanne Kelton, both from the Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Political and International Studies, Flinders University

1 December 2009

Exercise Boss Lift

An invitation to visit their Army Reserve employees on deployment saw three senior officers of NSW
Police head to the Solomon Islands recently as part of Exercise Boss Lift.

Conducted by the Department of Defence’s Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division (CRESD),
Exercise Boss Lift allows employers to experience first hand their civilian employee’s Reserve
role and duties while deployed overseas.

In early November, Superintendents Max Mitchell (Newcastle) and Peter McErlaine (Maroubra) and
Detective Inspector Greg Randall (State Crime Command) joined with 13 other employers to travel to the
Solomon Islands for a four-day visit to the Combined Task Force 635 Rotation 19 -– the Australian
Defence Force contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

The visit gave Superintendent McErlain an opportunity to catch up with one of his sergeants, Russell
Thomas, who is a Warrant Officer Class 2 in the Army Reserve with 21 years’ service.

“It is good to see him and good to know that he is actually over here as I thought he could possibly
be just on a tropical holiday,” Superintendent McErlain said.

“I appreciated the invitation to come over and see Russell and it’s good that he’s looking fit and healthy as well.”

Warrant Officer Thomas was as equally as pleased to see his boss and the two wasted little time in
catching up.

“It’s great – good to have the boss over so he can see what we actually do here and the way we do
our training,” Warrant Officer Thomas said.

“He can get to see what he’s given to the Army and what I can bring back to police.”

Superintendent McErlain said the absence of a member for long periods of Reserve may impact on police operations.

“Russ is one of around 15 sergeants in my command at Maroubra and to lose someone as capable
and confident as him from the workplace for long periods of time does impact at the coal face.”

“Having said that, the leadership and the decision making qualities he uses as a Reservist only enhances
the skills he brings back to policing.”

For Detective Inspector Greg Randall, catching up with Corporal (Detective Sergeant) Sheldon Klotz was a
reunion of a policing team that had been operating together for the past six years.

“As a small unit of around half a dozen officers, and as Sheldon is a very good operator, I had some trepidation
about him going away for that period of time,” said Detective Inspector Randall.

“But when he explained what it was about and the skills he would gain over here and bring back to our
workplace, I knew it would be worthwhile.”

“As I said, he had been a very hard worker and it would be good for him to have this experience deploying as a Reservist.”

Detective Inspector Randall said that seeing his Reservist employee in the operational environment reinforced to
him the value of Army Reserve.

“Sheldon is a section commander in charge of nine Reservists and I didn’t really know what he did as a
Reservist until I came over here to the Solomon Islands – aside from training including two weeks a year
and the occasional weekend.”

“Exercise Boss Lift has provided me with an opportunity of seeing first-hand the contribution that the ADF
Reservists are providing to the Solomon Islands.”

Detective Inspector Randall said he was very impressed with their professionalism and the commitment to
their role in restoring peace and providing security to the Islands, which was echoed by many of the locals that he
spoke with.”

“Sheldon and his fellow officers are doing a fantastic job representing our country and they are being exposed
to a diverse range of operational duties that enhances their personal development and leadership skills, which
will provide benefit to the NSW Police Force.”

“My Reservist is Kurt Greenwood who is attached to signal operations within the ADF Reserve,” Superintendent
Max Mitchell said.

In policing, Kurt is a senior constable posted to general duties at Newcastle.

“Kurt is a general practitioner of policing, and coming over here, watching him functioning as a corporal with
other ADF members around him, how he conducts himself, his leadership skills, his planning and his decision
making has really opened my eyes as to his capability when he returns home.”

“I would describe [Exercise Boss Lift] as a tremendous experience, not only from a personal perspective, but
also seeing the schools at Gifu and the Deaf School in addition to experiencing what the Reservists are involved
in was outstanding,” Superintendent Mitchell said at the conclusion of the trip.

“Their community spirit and what the Australian Army is doing here has to be applauded.

“It’s been very enlightening for me to come over and watch what our Reserve members can do not only for our
country but for the people of the Solomon Islands.”

During the four days the three officers took battlefield tours, shot on the range under the tutelage of their Reservists,
visited schools with the Army and toured Honiara.

“Boss Lift is primarily about bringing employers of Reservists, that is their civilian employers, to operational or
training areas to facilitate an awareness of what the Reservist does in that environment,” said Head CRESD
Major General Greg Melick.

“This awareness also includes the benefits of that training or experience that the Reservist can take back into their
every day jobs.”

1 December 2009

Reservist Rewarded for Making Mark in Business World

Enthusiastic, energetic, committed and knowledgeable - a very apt description of one of Defence
Reserves Support’s hardest working personnel, Squadron Leader Del Gaudry.

On the weekend, Squadron Leader Gaudry was presented a Vice Chief of the Defence Force Commendation
for her dedicated approach to promoting the benefits of Reserve service.

Squadron Leader Gaudry, who is the Defence Reserves Support - New South Wales (DRS-NSW) State Manager
and a proud member of No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron, joined DRS in Nov 2006.

During the past three years, she has promoted Reserve service to thousands of employers and members of the
community, attending hundreds of events, often after hours.

Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division’s Executive Director Reserve Support Ian Flawith said he was
delighted Squadron Leader Gaudry had been honoured with the award.

“It is wonderful that the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley decided to highlight
Del’s achievements in this way,” said Mr Flawith.

“Del has made such an important contribution, not only in New South Wales, but nationally.

“She has a wonderful ability to be able to liaise with all ranks, all types of employers and members of the community,
both one-on-one, and also when speaking at large events.”

Squadron Leader Ivan Benitez-Aguirre, Commanding Officer 22 Squadron, said SQNLDR Gaudry “is a worthy
recipient of this award”.

“Del embodies the essence of the Air Force Reserves — committed, innovative and an utmost professional.”

While Squadron Leader Gaudry, who is a Reservist on Continuous Full Time Service, is pleased her work has
been recognised, she is very humble when asked to speak about her achievements.

One of her most notable accomplishments is building Defence’s relationship with the business community in
Western Sydney.

The Greater Western Sydney region represents 43% of Sydney’s population and it includes a labour force of
more than 900,000 people, and 242,000 businesses. Western Sydney produces more than 10% of Australia’s
GDP and is the 3rd largest city in Australia. One in ten Australians live in Western Sydney.

In 2008, Squadron Leader Gaudry was elected Senior Vice President Western Sydney Business Connection
(WSBC), a business to business networking and development organisation. On 25 November this year, her
title was changed to President!

Through her involvement with the WSBC, Squadron Leader Gaudry has the opportunity to liaise with employers,
politicians and the local community, explaining the benefits Reservists bring to business.

“I was really surprised was they called out my name on parade at RAAF Richmond,” said Squadron Leader Gaudry,
who is a Human Resources specialist, having led HR teams in companies such as Mobil, Pacific Brands and Visy.

“While the award is lovely to receive, I am happiest in knowing that I have been able to make a difference to
individual Reservist’s lives, helping them through issues with their employers and giving them guidance on how
to deal with issues that may occur in the future.

“I find it extremely rewarding to talk to Reservists to help them work through the problem, especially when they ring
back to tell me how it all worked out for the better without having to bring in the heavy artillery.

“My background in HR helps me convert military speak into a language that employers understand. I can talk to
them about the skills Reservists bring to business.

“Employers are obviously focused on their bottom line and I want to help them and their Reservists so it is a win-win
situation.”

1 December 2009

Reservist Profile: Glen Waters

While thousands of Australians join the Defence Reserves, not many people do it twice!

Army Reservist Glen Waters falls into this latter category.

The Queensland Police Liaison Officer has just rejoined the Army Reserve, six years after leaving it to follow
his law and order career.

The newly re-enlisted Corporal at 25th/49th Battalion in Toowoomba is continuing a proud family tradition
in the Australian Defence Force.

“My uncle, Leonard Victor Waters was a decorated fighter pilot in World War II,” Corporal Waters said.

“In fact, he was Australia’s first indigenous fighter pilot in the war. Uncle Len was posted to 78 Squadron and
flew more than 90 sorties against the Japanese.

“He flew in a Kittyhawk aircraft that, coincidentally and luckily for him, was called ‘Black Magic’.

“I guess you could say the military was in my blood. I was in the school cadets at Mt Lofty High School in Toowoomba.”

Keen and proud to continue a family tradition, Glen Waters joined the Army Reserve in 1981 and served
until 2003 when his job as a Police Liaison Officer took him back to his home town of St George in western Queensland.

“I became a Liaison Officer so I could work more closely with my people,” he said.

“It’s a community-based job where I help to divert people away from the justice system.

“I do home visits, interventions and programs, mainly with young people. If I keep them out of the court house,
then I’ve succeeded.

“Another part of my role is to educate other police in Aboriginal culture and awareness. Aboriginal people don’t
like being interviewed or being in confined spaces. When police know this and alter their methods it works out better
for everyone.

“I’m proud that in the five years I was a Liaison Officer in St George, not one Aboriginal person ended up in the
watch house. Some were summonsed and went to court, but they weren’t locked up, which is a victory in my eyes.”

While working hard in his civilian role in Queensland Police, the Reserves were never far from Glen Waters’ mind.

“I couldn’t meet my Army commitments in St George but when I returned to Toowoomba my old mates asked
me to re-enlist. I guess you could say I was conned into it,” he laughed.

The legacy of his Uncle Len is always close by.

“He had a brother, Jim, who was in the infantry in WWII.

“They were both in New Guinea at the same time and it’s likely that Uncle Len gave Uncle Jim air cover a couple of
times in 1943 and 1944.

“Not bad for a bloke with just a Grade 5 education at Nindigully and St George in western Queensland!”

Top

November 2009

11 November 2009

Reservists Thanked for Outstanding Effort During Victorian Bushfires

On 12 October, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP,
hosted a function to thank Australian Defence Force Reservists for their involvement in the ADF
operation in support of the Victorian bushfires, Operation Vic Fire Assist.

“While the employment of Australian Defence Force personnel to assist the Australian community
during times of natural disaster is not uncommon, this Operation was unique in that it was a task
given primarily to Reservists,” Dr Kelly said.

“Members of our Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves worked together with their full time
counterparts as part of Joint Task Force 662, and these members showed great skill and flexibility
during the Operation.”

100 Reservists were thanked at the function which was held at Maygar Barracks, Melbourne.

More than 1300 Reservists were involved in the two-month Operation, which saw the Australian Defence
Force assist Victoria police and emergency services during the bushfire emergency.

Dr Kelly said employer and community support is vital to Australia’s Defence capability.

“Employer support gave Reservists the ability to assist their fellow Australians during this tragic
natural disaster,” he said.

“The Defence White Paper highlights the important role our Reservists play now and the increased
role we want them to play in the future.

“We need employers of Reservists to continue offering their support.”

11 November 2009

AICD Gets a Taste of Military Life

Every year the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Queensland branch provides
the opportunity for 100 company directors and business leaders to discover a region and
industry within the State.

Previously, the AICD Outback Forum has put areas such as the Sugar Cane Industry
under the microscope. This year, the Forum traveled to Townsville to the Army’s Ross
Island facilities and Lavarack Barracks for a first-hand look at the training and facilities
offered by the country’s largest logistical organisation.

“The Outback Forum was a once-off both for Defence Reserves Support and the AICD,”
said DRS-QLD State Manager Major Rosina Handley.

“With a membership base from industry, commerce, the professions, government, and
not-for-profit organisations and more than 24,000 members, the AICD is Australia's peak
body for directors. So this year’s Forum to Townsville was a great opportunity for the DRS
to educate.

“The head of the Queensland AICD branch, Richard Moore recently went on Exercise
Boss Lift to Malaysia and after doing three days of activities was gob smacked by his
experiences there,” said Major Handley.

Mr Richard Moore, said the Forum was an effective promotion of the benefits to businesses
of employing Reservists and that he would be forging closer ties with the DRS in the future.

“The people who went on the Forum were directors and business leaders from some very
serious businesses, some of which had previously worked with Defence but many of the
members had underestimated the value that Reservists can bring to their companies,”
Mr Moore said.

“Everyone came back from the Forum with a greater understanding of the ADF. The training
facilities that we were shown were state of the art — from the laser weapons training to
the night vision training facilities. And we also learned a lot about how the Army
manages the social considerations of employing people Australia-wide and moving them
around the country that was directly applicable to our businesses’ needs.

“The Forum raised our awareness of the skills that Defence training can bring to our
workforces — self-discipline, leadership, communication and risk assessment for
example, are skills that are directly applicable to the needs of every kind of business.

“Many of the members told me afterwards that they hadn’t previously considered the plusses
of employing Reservists. The Forum highlighted for all of us the competence and professionalism
of the Reserves as well as benefits of having Reservists on staff.

"I’ll be joining the DRSC QLD Committee to promote those benefits and to make closer,
positive connections between businesses and Defence,” Mr. Moore said.

Holding the Forum up at Townsville gave AICD members the chance to visit Ross Islands
Barracks and have a look at water transport assets as well as military aircraft including the
Blackhawk, Chinook, Multi-Role Helicopters and a RAAF Caribou at Townsville RAAF Base.
They also got some hands-on experience of Army training at the Army’s weapons training
facility and a ride in a Landing Craft Medium (LCM-8).

11 November 2009

AHRI and DRS Team Up in Tasmania

The global financial crisis featured prominently on the agenda at the Australian Human
Resources Institute (AHRI) get-together in Tasmania last month.

Delegates from Australia and overseas heard the CEO of AHRI, Serge Sardo and
keynote speakers Chairman of the Tasmanian Chambers of Commerce Andrew Scobie,
General Manager – HR for Luxottica, Rhonda Brighton and Tasmanian Treasurer, the
Honorable Michael Aird MLC discuss innovative solutions and the necessity for training
and leadership during an economic downtown.

DRS-TAS State Manager, Major David Zehmeister, spoke at the conference about the
benefits of Reserve service and to draw delegates’ attention to Reserve-friendly workplace policies.

The conference and exhibition is an annual event jointly sponsored by Tourism Australia and
Defence Reserves Support. AHRI Organiser, Carlie Newman, hailed the event as a resounding
success even if attendance may not have been as high as in previous years.

“Defence Reserves Support sponsors the conference in five Australian states and our relationship
with DRS is very important,” Ms Newman said.

“Businesses have been hard hit by the global financial crisis and the fact that training is one of the
first areas to be cut during a downtown does account for the smaller number of acceptances we
received this year.

“Numbers of participants are only just starting to rise again after a very slow start to the year but
under the circumstances we were pleased with the attendance for the Tasmanian conference.

“The annual event remains a really good opportunity to raise employers’ awareness about the
Reserves. I know I had very little idea about what Reservists did when I first began working with
AHRI,” she said.

DRS-TAS Operations Manager, Lyn Winters, said conference delegates responded well to informative
promotional material.

“In addition to handing out our Employer Handbook to every delegate, our trade stand at the
exhibition featured all the usual promotional materials. AHRI is an excellent opportunity for
us to speak directly to key decision-makers,” she said.

11 November 2009

Upper Hunter/New England Region Employer Support Awards – 2009 Joblink Plus
Quality Business Awards

The highlight of the annual business calendar in Tamworth, Regional NSW is the Joblink Plus
Quality Business awards, which despite the economic downturn, was the most successful in
the history of the event with 700 people filling the Tamworth Entertainment centre.

Defence Reserves Support was a proud sponsor of the event, enabling the inaugural Tamworth
Defence Reserve Employer of the year category (State Award) and other regional Employer Support
Awards to be presented at the event.

With a significant Defence presence in the town through the Australian Defence Force (ADF)
Basic Flying Training School and the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers, Independent Federal Member,
Tony Windsor MP, was delighted to present the Reserve Employer Awards at the event, and
spent some time with the nominated employers to better understand the benefits that Defence
Reservists provide to the business community.

Over 400 businesses were nominated for the 24 awards, of which 16 businesses were nominated
for the Reserve Employer category. The award recipient was Hunter New England Area
Health – Linen Service, for their outstanding support to a Defence Reserve employee who was deployed
to Iraq in 2008 and required a subsequent 10 months leave before returning to civilian duties to recover
from an injury sustained whilst deployed.

The other finalists were Alliance People Solutions, Northern Inland Credit Union and Cargill Beef.

11 November 2009

Hunter Valley Employers of ADF Reserves Recognised

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, has congratulated
the eight employers from the Hunter Valley who were recognised last week for their support of the
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves.

The function, held at the RAAF Base Williamtown Officers’ Mess, and organised in conjunction
with the New South Wales Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC),
recognised the employers who have actively supported their Reservist employees in rendering
Defence service.

Dr Kelly offered his congratulations to all the award recipients.

“Our Reserve forces significantly enhance Defence capability, particularly their support of current
operations,” said Dr Kelly.

“Without the ongoing support of employers such as those represented at the Awards, it would not
be possible for Reservists to effectively coordinate their civilian and Service occupations.

“Working closely with employers to develop a mutual understanding as well as providing financial and
other support is critical. These awards clearly demonstrate the value Defence places on the
importance of the relationship with employers.”

List of winners:

Henry Kendal High School – State Award
Tafe NSW Belmont Electrical Section – Certificate of Appreciation
New South Wales Fire Brigades – Cooks Hill - Certificate of Appreciation
Hunter New England Mental Health Services – Certificate of Appreciation
Wilson and Oliver Engineering – Certificate of Appreciation
Austpower Engineering Pty Ltd – Certificate of Appreciation
DMO – Certificate of Recognition
MAS National Australia Apprenticeship Centre – Certificate of Recognition

11 November 2009

DRS-NT Gives Employers Insight into Military Life

DRS Northern Territory (DRS-NT/K) gave a handful of employers a taste of military life in late September.

Participants were flown in on a Friday evening and stayed at Larrakeyha Barracks. On Saturday morning
they were up bright and early for a tour of the Barracks followed by boarding an Armidale Class Boat.

Participants were then transported to Mount Bundy Training Area (approximately two hours from Darwin)
where they joined NORFORCE Training Teams. They were shown tanks, Armoured Personnel Carriers
and other equipment used by 1 Brigade in their pre-deployment training.

That night they used night vision equipment and stayed the night in hootchies with the NORFORCE teams.

On Sunday afternoon the group returned to Darwin and were shown around Robertson Barracks and RAAF
Base Darwin on the way back to Larrakeyah Barracks.

That evening DRS-NT/K and NORFORCE held a barbeque for the participants. Lieutenant Colonel
Chris Goldston, Commanding Officer NORFORCE attended as well as DRSC Committee members.

The group departed back to their home locations on Monday morning all very impressed with the level and
quality training that was being made available to the Reservists.

11 November 2009

Defence Reservists Shine at Major Women’s Conference

This year’s Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (WCEI) conference, sponsored by Defence
Reserves Support was a huge success.

Defence Reserves Support representatives Deanna Nott and Squadron Leader Del Gaudry
spoke at the event, with the goal of strengthening the link between Defence and the business community.

“Without the support of civilian employers, it is very difficult for Reservists, our part-time members,
to contribute to Defence’s capability,” said Deanna Nott, Director of Communication for the Cadet,
Reserve and Employer Support Division.

11 November 2009

Reservist Profile: Steven Markowskei – Pennant Hills Medic in Sumatra Rescue

These days West Pennant Hills man Steven Markowskei is a long way from his normal work
at the Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga. He’s now working at a joint AusAid/Army Primary Health
Care Facility in Sungai Geringging village near Padang in Sumatra. It’s part of his other job as a
doctor in the Army Reserve.

Captain Markowskei joined the Army Reserve for the experience and to give something back to the
community and this is his third deployment.

“It’s an excellent experience overall,” he said. “I get to see a lot, learn a lot, and see things from a
different perspective than from a comfortable city hospital.”

In Sumatra Captain Markowskei is a Resuscitation Medical Officer and treating acutely injured and
sick patients. He says the locals are really grateful for what the Australians are doing.

“It’s been a real privilege to help out and the locals are genuinely appreciative of the care the Australians
are providing,” he said.

Captain Steven Markowskei is currently serving on Operation Padang Assist with the Australian
Defence Force’s Joint Task Force 629. As part of the operation, Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen
are working day and night to provide health care, purified water, and to deliver aid supplies to the people
of Padang and the surrounding areas of West Sumatra in the wake of the devastating earthquakes
that recently rocked the Indonesian province.

11 November 2009

Reservist Profile: Dr Sam Hay, Major – Australian Army Reserve

There will always be a need for doctors to help the serving members of the Navy, Army and Air
Force and for Doctor Sam Hay, a Major in the Australian Army Reserves, helping to provide the
best possible care for them is something he is proud to be a part of.

“I joined as a sponsored undergraduate into the Australian Regular Army back in 1996 while still
completing my medical degree,” Sam said.

“I was attracted to the Army because of the teamwork, skills in remote areas and the notion of
serving your nation.

“The fact that I would get paid to study was a definite sweetener,” he said.

The leadership and management training opportunities are something Sam feels has especially helped
him both in his Army career and working as a GP.

“I really relish the challenges and opportunities Army has provided me,” Sam said.

“I have learnt to practise medicine in remote areas and become very flexible and adaptable in challenging
situations.

“These opportunities have taught me how to work with minimal resources and still provide quality outcomes.

“I now feel prepared to handle almost any situation that comes my way, in both my military and civilian
roles, knowing I can find a solution and get on with the job at hand,” Sam said.

While still working full-time with the Army, Sam was part of several deployments. It was in Aceh where
he faced some of his biggest career challenges.

“I got there six weeks into the operation and was tasked as the Senior Medical Officer for the 1st
Health Support Battalion Hospital, supporting the local University Hospital there,” Sam said.

“This was the first time I had been asked to step up to this role and it was daunting.

“I not only had to ensure we were delivering the right services but also, as this was a diplomatic
role liaise with the other countries involved to make sure we were all working together to get the best outcome.

“It was a real eye opener and very much outside my comfort zone, but I really relished the challenge it
presented,” he said

“My Army training really came to the front.

“I think that the leadership training and challenging opportunities you are involved with, that you
don’t get in the civilian structure, are what makes working in the Services so attractive,” Sam said.

There are many opportunities available for both full-time and part-time Medical Officers in the Navy, Army
or Air Force.

If you are interested in finding out more visit www.defencejobs.gov.ay or call 13 19 01.

Top

October 2009

6 October 2009

Celebrating Queensland’s History

The State of Queensland was established in 1859, so this is the Sunshine State’s sesquicentenary year.
The milestone has created a high profile opportunity for Defence Reserves Support with an Open Day at
Brisbane’s Victoria Barracks organised for later this month.

Tony Behm, Chair of the Queensland Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council, is excited
about the event.

“Victoria Barracks was actually established five years after the State of Queensland came into being
on 27th October 1864,” Mr Behm said.

“The Queensland Regiment started at Victoria Barracks and the original police barracks were next door.

“On the 25th of October, we’ll be celebrating with historical displays and a showcase of contemporary
military activities.”

Tony Behm presides over a big State with plenty of regional committees and activities. "As well as the
Committee in Brisbane, we have hard working Regional Committees in Mount Isa, Cairns, Townsville,
Rockhampton and Toowoomba,” Mr Behm enthuses.

“Made up of a wide cross section of the community, the Regional Committees are a vital link between
employers, their communities and Defence.

“An important part of what we do in regional Queensland is form relationships with other community
groups.

“DRS works with and supports the Variety Club, Red Cross and the Royal Flying Doctor Service,
among others, in our bid to spread the good word about Reservists.”

The current economic downturn has created some challenges for the Reserves but Mr Behm says there
have been tremendous opportunities as well.

“We knew that the mining industry, particularly around Mount Isa, Townsville and Cairns, would
be hard hit and decided to act,” he said.

“The Reserves are short of qualified mechanics so we approached various mining companies about getting
some of their trades people into uniform.

“The companies were keen to assist and a number of qualified trades people have made enquiries about
joining the Navy Reserve as a result.

“The Reservists receive training and professional development while their employers receive the
Employer Support Payment. It is a win-win situation.”

Mr Behm has been the Queensland Chair since 2003 and boasts a long and distinguished career in the
Air Force.

“I was 25 years in the Permanent Air Force and have nearly a decade as a Reservist as well,” Mr Behm said.

“There is a part of my brain that’s in constant Reserve mode. It stems from my postings in the late 90s
as Director of Reserves – Air Force and Deputy Assistant Chief of the Defence Force (Reserves). My
greatest aim from that time still remains — to make employers and the community better understand the
real value of Reservists and the benefits of employing them. If you have a Reservist on your books you
are tapping into the resources and knowledge of the Australian Defence Force.

"By supporting the Reserves you are supporting the security and defence of Australia as well as getting
a highly trained, loyal worker with excellent leadership skills. What more could a boss ask for?”

6 October 2009

Employers - Doing it Tough in Wagga Wagga

Starting the day with a ration pack for breakfast and donning camouflage gear before diving into the
“Bear Pit”, the preface to the punishing scramble over, round and under obstacles in a bayonet course
that is routine training for Reservist infantry is not the usual way the 47 employers on Wagga Wagga’s
Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) spend their weekends.

Getting down and dirty with a weapon on their shoulders gave these managers, solicitors, journalists
and others from a variety of industries a first hand look at the rigours of Defence Force training.
This and the other exercises throughout the weekend — sleeping rough in a Hoochie, abseiling, braving
the high wire, weapons training and keeping watch on “patrol” — contributed to a memorable event that
expanded the knowledge base and experiences of all who took part.

Solicitor Julie Bradley hadn’t known quite what to expect when she signed up.

“I knew David Coates from the gym we both go to and he suggested that someone from the practice might
like to come along,” Julie said.

“This was my first experience with Defence and the Reserves in particular. I had no idea how
well-integrated Reserves were in the Defence Force. I had thought it was just a weekend a month
and Tuesday night training sessions and that was about it. But I found out that Reservists helped
out a lot after the Victorian bushfires and that they actually serve overseas along with the regular
forces in peacekeeping and even in wars.

“It was fascinating to see the level of training they go through. They really do it tough. The weekend
as a whole was challenging, well-disciplined and superbly well-organised and it gave me a much better
idea about the Reserves. My aching muscles certainly appreciated a hot bath on Monday night but after
what I found out on the weekend I’m going to recommend Reserve Service to our junior clerks. The skills
they learn in the Army such as respecting their superiors, and being prompt and self-disciplined team
players are valuable things for their civilian jobs as well.”

Like Julie, many of the participants on EES had no prior experience with the Defence Force Reserves.
And, like Julie, after the weekend the employer’s knowledge of the skills and experience that a Defence
Reservist has often results in the participating employer holding a much more informed and positive view
of hiring a Defence Reservist if the opportunity arose in the future.

“It was the most wonderful 48 hours I’ve ever spent,” said Wagga Advertiser photographer Hayley Hillis.

“I haven’t stopped talking to people about it. It far exceeded any expectations I had and was a really
uplifting experience.

“Exercise Executive Stretch was a great name for this weekend because it really stretched us outside
our comfort zones,” Hayley said.

Both Hayley and Julie said that they were impressed by the level of professionalism of the soldiers
guiding them through the program.

“I’m five foot two, 49 years old and weigh 47 kilos and I thought ‘My legs are never going to reach
those pegs on the High Wire Confidence Course’. It was tricky. Terrifying! And I thought ‘There’s just
no way.’

“For most average people, an active weekend might be a bit of walking or cycling or a jog or whatever
but Exercise Executive Stretch was a different order of magnitude altogether. Who'd bother with a theme
park when the Kapooka Executive Stretch would have to be the best gig going? With the encouragement from
the Kapooka people, I did all the stuff that I just wasn’t expecting that I’d be able to do. They were so
patient, knowledgeable and encouraging that I always felt safe and well looked-after.

“I’d never even picked up a rifle before and was a bit dismayed when my weapons training marks up on
the screen seemed lower than most. The guy who was supervising the shoot then explained to me that lower
scores are best and I ended up discovering that I wasn’t a bad marksman and actually got the highest
score in the first shoot that we did.

“There were so many highlights of this weekend for me that it’s really difficult just to single one out.
We all felt a huge sense of achievement as well as gaining an incredible insight, admiration and respect
towards the Defence Reserves. My Dad who died earlier this year was an Army Reservist for a long time and
he would’ve been so proud to know that I went on this weekend and managed to do all the activities they
organised for us.”

Almost 40,000 Australians are Defence Reservists in the Navy, Army and Air Force. As the operational
tempo of the Australian Defence Force has increased over the past few years, reliance on Reservists has
also increased. Defence Reserves Support activities such as Exercise Executive Stretch seek to further
develop community and employer support for Defence Reservists, leading to an enhanced availability of the
personnel for Reserve service in support of Australia’s national and international interests.

6 October 2009

Lake Attack Proves a Great Success Once Again

One of the highlights of the Defence calendar in Victoria has again proved to be a great success.

On 30th August, about 2800 people made their way around Melbourne’s picturesque Albert Park Lake
in the Defence Lake Attack Fun Run/Walk. Defence Lake Attack is a community event where Defence
raises money for charity. This year’s recipients are the Compassionate Friends Victoria, Legacy
Victoria, Kidsafe Victoria and Red Kite. 2009 was the Fun Run’s 27th year and it’s expected that
more $200,000 will be raised.

The event was for serious and recreational runners along with groups and families who walked the
route. There was a large contingent of school, community and business groups participating,
including many Defence units and teams. They were entertained during the day by a Roulette
(part of the RAAF’s elite formation aerobatic display team) and also by a vintage aircraft
flyover and the RAAF Band.

Defence Reserves Support (DRS) was again a sponsor of Defence Lake Attack, using the day to
promote the Reserves to employers. DRS had a large display at Albert Park Lake with staff
spending the day talking to the public and also a large number of Defence contractors and suppliers.

"The event this year attracted a growth in all categories and very pleased to note a 100%
increase in Defence members competing in the Defence and Emergency Services category," said
Defence Lake Attack Manager, Commander John Goss.

"It was a most successful day with registrations up by 20%. Comments from people at the event
highlighted the good spirit and safe environment created by Defence Lake Attack."

This year’s beneficiaries include:

Compassionate Friends Victoria, an organisation that offers friendship and understanding to
families following the death of a child;

Legacy Victoria which provides assistance to the families of Australian Defence Force members
who’ve died during service, and supports Defence personnel and their families after operational
service;

Kidsafe Victoria which promotes child injury prevention and educates the community in preserving
and protecting the lives of children;

Red Kite which supports children, young people and their families who are dealing with cancer
through a range of support, assistance and services.

6 October 2009

Employers Get a Taste of Reserve Life

Ration packs, a rifle shoot, and an attempt to finding their way around in the dark using
night vision equipment were the order of the day for 18 employers who turned out
for Exercise Executive Stretch held in Rockhampton recently.

The employers, who included representatives from a diverse range of organisations
including the Queensland Ambulance Service, Q Mag, Plantability, Allenstown
Upholsterers, Campco, and QRS, were put through their paces by serving members
of Central and North Queensland’s Army Reserve unit 31^st/42^nd Battalion.

Defence Reserves Support Council Regional Chair Leigh Turnbull said that the employers
had enjoyed the opportunity to see Reservists in action, and get a taste of some of their
experiences and responsibilities.

“A day like today is an opportunity to expose employers to some of the very basic
aspects of military life that highlight things like self-discipline, personal responsibility,
and physical fitness,” he said.

31^st/42^nd Battalion’s Captain Robert Grant said that employers were often surprised
to see the level of responsibility taken on by Reservists.

“It’s important for employers to be able to see the different levels of responsibility
that their employee might have. Simple examples are the safety supervisors on the range.

They are all senior soldiers, but may not have that level of responsibility at work,” he said.

“It is often quite an eye opening experience for business people to see how the skills might
translate into a civilian professional environment.”

Brian McGowran, from McGowran Lawyers, said he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“It’s certainly made me aware that Reserve service could be of benefit in terms of personal
discipline and experience,” he said.

6 October 2009

Employers Get a Lift From Their Close-up Look at Rifle Company Butterworth

Most people working 4000 km away from their boss would shudder when they are
told s/he is going to spend four days watching them at work.

Not so for those Army Reserve soldiers from Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB 87)
whose employers visited them in Malaysia during Exercise Boss Lift.

“It’s exciting to see a familiar face from home and it’s great for my boss to
come and see the other side of my life,” Private Sophi Thorjussen said. Sophi
is a 20 year old storeman in both civilian and Army Reserve employment from the
northern Perth suburb of Clarkson.

Exercise Boss Lift — a Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division initiative
designed to encourage employer support for the Reserve Forces through a four-day
visit to Malaysia — is an acknowledgement by the Australian Defence Force of
the importance of employers in providing important military capability through
their Reservist employees.

And it’s the human resource managers that feel a lot of the pressure.

“It’s hard to balance our employees’ work in the Army Reserve during the current
skills shortage as they have skills that are important to both jobs,” Lindsay Van
Jager, HR Manager for British Aerospace Australia Logistics said.

“Boss Lift provided me with a different perspective on full-time service with
the Army,” WA Police HR Director, Darian Ferguson said. “You can look at it as
a loss of the employee but then you look at the skills and discipline they bring
back to the civilian workplace”.

Twenty employers left the office behind for a close-up look at the Rifle Company
Butterworth (RCB) in action at the Malaysian Army’s combat training ground near
Johor Bahru, in the country’s south.

“Normally you don’t get to see the nuts and bolts of the Army and we saw what
they do really well,” Tweed Heads Fire Station Officer Chris Perrin said.

The group reflected the diversity of the Australian employment landscape.
Participants were drawn from businesses large and small, local and state
government, mining, manufacturing and service industries, and police and emergency
services. Most held positions within senior and middle management or ran small
to medium enterprises and could not afford to take too much time away from work.
But it was an important opportunity for all.

“This was a once in a life time experience and I have a much better understanding
of the Army Reserve by seeing all this training,” Boost Juice franchise owner
Paul McAllister said.

Despite the diversity of the members, formwork company manager Gary Clarke said
the group was very cohesive and got along.

“If it was just a lucky dip of who came and who didn’t, it turned out well.
It just shows that Reservists are in every corner of society,” Mr Clarke said.

Reservists are an important part of Australia’s military capability, with one
third of the Army being made-up from the Army Reserve. Many employers only learnt
this fact during Boss Lift. For this deployment all but four of the 120 soldiers
are Reservists.

“The visit has changed my attitude. I now realise how Reservists are used.
I thought it was about training and readiness, just in case; rather than being
actively involved in operations,” Mr Van Jager said.

Stan Mania, MD of a plumbing and manufacturing business held a similar view.

“I used to think that Reservists were just ‘weekend warriors’, but they are much
more than that,” he said.

Lance Corporal Matt Bannister, a section commander in Rifle Company Butterworth,
and a Senior Constable at Cottesloe Police Station, also appreciated the visit
by the WA Police representatives.

“It was good for employers to see what we do and to go through the different
aspects of a soldier’s work because through their generosity we are able to
come out here to Malaysia,” he said.

Gary Clarke believes it is important that he and the other employers pass
on to others what they have observed and encountered during Boss Lift.

“We’ve had such a positive trip so we will be talking to people about our
experiences. We have so many people who will listen to us as employers,” he said.

WA District Fire Officer Brad Stringer and his employer colleagues gained
first-hand experience of the type of work that their civilian employees do
when they serve as a Reserve soldier.

“Now I understand what he does, his timeframe to do his (Army) job and
the workload it entails,” Mr Stringer said. “I also see how it benefits
himself and what the Army and community gets from his service.”

This experience has given others a deeper understanding of the training, skills
and capabilities that Reservists use when they return to their civilian job.

“I am incredibly impressed. I came with limited knowledge of the Army and can
see that the teamwork factor required is excellent preparation for anyone in our
firm because we also work in teams,” Charissa Maxwell from commercial lawyers
Freehills said.

“You can see that when one person falls out, the whole team does too.”

The participants were given hands-on lessons in tactics, shooting, survival
skills and eating from an Army ration pack. They saw the troops in the jungle
during a platoon attack which demonstrated the application of teamwork,
leadership, and tactics.

“I was blown away. All the demonstrations were relevant and made the whole
event very meaningful,” Keith Hood, Chairman of exploration company Ridley
Resources said.

During the last day of the exercise the Boss Lift participants went to Singapore
to visit the Changi Prison Chapel. At Fort Canning they walked through the bunker
complex that commanded the Allied forces during the Battle of Singapore.

“If you were a multi-millionaire your money couldn’t buy this [Boss Lift]
experience,” Chris Perrin said.

But the last word should go to one of the Diggers, Lance Corporal Tom Wayne, 27,
a corporate account executive from East Fremantle.

“I have been [for a total of] 12 months away with the Army and it has never been
a problem for my boss to allow me to go. To be able to give him a trip over here
is my way of saying thank you and a way of helping him to better understand what
I do and why I love it,” Lance Corporal Wayne said.

6 October 2009

Defence Reservists to Speak at Major Women’s Conference

Women with an optimistic perspective on the world will speak to delegates at this
year’s Women Chiefs of Enterprises International (WCEI) conference in Brisbane.

The conference, titled ‘Intelligent Optimism: Women Looking Forward’, is being
sponsored by Defence Reserves Support. Master of Ceremonies, Libbi Gorr, will bring
a unique blend of journalism and humorous observation to the event.

More than 150 women are expected to attend the event, being held at the
Stamford Plaza.

WCEI Queensland State President Myra Berzins said she expected the event would
predominantly attract Chief Executive Officers of significant business and
government enterprises and other senior business women.

“We hope this conference will provide much food for thought for Australian
business women,” said Ms Berzins, who is the Managing Director of Cable Laying
Products.

“The conference program is filled with extremely intelligent and successful women,
including Brisbane City Council CEO Jude Munro and the University of New South’s
Joint Director (Economics) Regina Betz.

“Our speakers will provide insights on how they look forward with optimism,
especially at a time when the world is facing extreme economic and environmental
challenges.”

This year’s Diamond sponsor is Defence Reserves Support.

Defence Reserves Support representatives Deanna Nott and Squadron Leader Del
Gaudry will speak at the event, with an aim of strengthening the link between
Defence and the business community.

“Without the support of civilian employers, it is very difficult for Reservists,
our part-time members, to contribute to Defence’s capability,” said Deanna Nott,
who, in her civilian work, is the Director of Communication for Cadet, Reserve
and Employer Support Division.

“We have sponsored this event so we can explain to the business women that
employing a Reservist can help their bottom line.

“Reservists bring a diverse range of skills to workplaces, including leadership,
problem solving and the ability to work under pressure.”

To register for the WCEI conference, visit www.wcei.com.au

6 October 2009

Chief of Defence Applauds Employers of Reservists

The Australian Defence Force has such a dynamic and effective Reserve thanks to
supportive civilian employers, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal
Angus Houston, said at this year’s Defence Charity Ball.

More than 700 guests attended the Ball at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“There are a number of employers here tonight who support our Reserves. Now, quite simply,
without that support, we would not have as dynamic and effective a Reserve force as we
currently have and that’s across all three Services. Our Reserves right now are on operations,”
Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“There are a lot of people who are on continuous full-time service, particularly in the Royal
Australian Navy, in fact 500 of them. It is quite definite that on occasions we could not
deploy operational capability without Reserves.

“Same is true of the Air Force and it’s particularly true of our Army. We have Reserve
special forces in Afghanistan right now. We have also had great success with our
Reserves in the Solomon Islands in recent times.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston thanked the employers for their support and generosity.

“It’s quite simple. You enable our Reserves and our Reserves enable our operations and
without them we couldn’t do the job we are doing. I thank you very sincerely,”

Air Chief Marshal Houston said. Air Chief Marshal Houston also asked guests to give
generously to the Ball’s charity, Legacy, and they did.

The event, which was hosted by celebrity MC and the Today Show’s Karl Stefanovic, raised
more than $80,000.

“Legacy was formed out of the carnage of World War I where we lost about 70,000 soldiers on
the Western Front,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Australia has lost 102,000 people on military operations over the years.

“From World War I to the present day in Afghanistan, Legacy has been there to support the
Australian Defence Force and the veteran community.”

Air Chief Marshal Houston also thanked the Ball’s sponsors - John Holland Group, Boeing,
Defence Reserves Support, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, TAE, Frontline and Fosters.

6 October 2009

Reservist Profile: Steve McGregor

“Being in the Reserve, I have been able to experience things I would not have
been able to in my normal day-to-day life.”

Steve McGregor: Army Reservist and Senior Parking Patrol Officer / Ordinance
inspector with Holroyd City Council

Corporal Steve McGregor is one of 40,000 Australian Reservists living a
double life. Just like many Local Council employees, Steve is employed in a
civilian role while also serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserve.

Steve signed up to the Army Reserve in October 2000. Both his father and
father in-law were in the ADF and this strongly influenced his decision to
join. He also wanted to experience Army life, but having a young family made
joining full-time difficult. The Reserves provided the perfect balance.

After starting as an Infantryman he worked his way up to his current role
as Section Commander for 11 Platoon Charlie Company 1st Military Police
Battalion. Steve has been with the Military Police for approximately seven
and half years and posted as the Section Commander for approximately four years.

“Being a Reserve member I have gained experience and have been able to
experience things I would not have been able to in my normal day to day life,”
Steve says.

“Meeting new people and gaining friendships that will last a life time is
another one of the benefits of being a Reservist.”

Steve’s civilian job is with the Holroyd City Council as the Senior Parking
Patrol Officer / Ordinance inspector (Ranger). Basically, Steve’s role enforces
all Local Government Laws and Bylaws.

The Council is very supportive of Steve’s Reserve commitments. They have
allowed him to attend courses which have helped to further his career with
the ADF. Additionally, after starting with the Council in February 2006,
Steve was released for Reserve Service in March 2006 to deploy to Melbourne
to provide security for the Commonwealth Games.

“I keep my current manager and team leader informed of all courses that
may come up and future deployments but like all jobs I will still have a few
hoops to jumps through to have this time off if and when the opportunity to
deploy overseas in the future.”

There are many memorable moments throughout Steve’s Reserve career. One that
stands out is assisting on ANZAC Day 2009.

“Driving in the ANZAC Day march through Sydney with elderly retired serving
members on board; the amount of cheers and calls of ‘thank you’ received from
the general public and young children directed not just at you but to the
retired serviceman.”

“To sum up my career in the Defence Reserves it has been a wonderful
experience. I believe that the skills I have gained in the Defence Force
have been used in my civilian life and have made me a better person.”

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September 2009

1 September 2009

DRS Visits Exercise Talisman - Saber 09

On 16 July, Defence Reserves Support conducted a VIP visit to Exercise Talisman-Saber 09 (TS09). Guests included CEOs and executives from diverse areas, such as: BHP Billiton, the South Australian Department of Health, New South Wales Police, Western Australia Chamber of Commerce and the Queensland Government.

Accommodated in Rockhampton, the guests were transported by bus to Shoalwater Bay Training area, an hour and a half drive from Rockhampton.

Guests were first taken to the new 1st Health Support Battalion (1HSB) deployable (Weatherhaven) hospital facility which had been erected for the first time for TS09. They were given a full and comprehensive tour of the hospital and its facilities and the area surrounding the hospital.

This was followed by lunch at the hospital — everyone was pleasantly surprised at the quality and variety of the food on offer!

After lunch, guests visited the Urban Warfare Operations Facility in Shoalwater Bay, followed by a visit and tour of the Exercise HQ Command post.

All guests were impressed by the size of the exercise and the personnel involved. All guests took away an awareness of the ADF, and the Reserve in particular.

On 23 July, DRS conducted a visit by medical personnel to the (Weatherhaven) 1HSB deployable hospital in Shoalwater Bay.

Guests for this visit included both doctors, nursing and administrative staff from hospitals including: Royal Melbourne, Sydney West Area Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred, St George Hospital, Queenland Health Department, Rockhampton Hospital, South Australia Health and Nambour Hospital.

The focus of this visit was the hospital. All guests were treated to a full tour of the hospital and its facilities. Much time was spent talking to the medical and administrative staff and comparing work practices and procedures.

All were very impressed by the visit and some expressed interest in joining the Reserve themselves! All agreed they would promote Reserve service to their colleagues.

Both visits were organised by Sheila Shaw and Ian Flawith, Executive Director Reserve Support, was the official host.

1 September 2009

WA Chair Looks Forward to Three More Years in the Job

After three years as Chair and a total of 15 years as a Council member, Duncan Warren is looking forward to another term as Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council’s Western Australia committee (DRSC-WA).

“It’s a great feeling to know you are making a difference,” Mr Warren said, after being reappointed to the role he has held since 2006.

“Having another three years in which to spread the word to Government, industry and the community of Western Australia about the value of Reservists is a task I am keen to take on.”

The role and standing of Reservists has changed greatly since Mr Warren joined the Army in 1968.

“Initially, I was conscripted but really enjoyed those two years and stayed on in the Army for nearly three decades until I retired as a Brigadier ten years ago.

“The Reserve now is more relevant than it was back then — and its focus is far sharper. In this sense it’s easier to convince employers of the benefits of employing Reservists.”

Mr Warren has paid tribute to his fellow Council members and the Defence Reserves Support office staff who work alongside DRSC-WA.

“We have some very good and dedicated people on board,” he enthused.

“The best things DRS do are traditional activities like Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) and Exercise Boss Lift. In both cases employers see their Reservist employees differently. The bosses ‘get their hands dirty’ and realise that Reserve training and service is practical and useful — to Defence, but also in the civilian workplace.”

“They see that self discipline, giving and understanding orders and team building are natural by-products of the Reserves and as a result are directly transferrable to their workplaces.”

The Western Australian Chair has a positive point of view on the potential impact the Global Economic Crisis may have on the Reserves.

“Rather than a downer, there is the chance that employers, in these tougher times, may be more inclined to release staff for Reserve training and service,” said Mr Warren.

“A smart employer can take pressure off the bottom line, increase their worker’s training and knowledge, while possibly claiming the Employer Support Payment.

“It makes good business sense.”

1 September 2009

St George Hospital Grand Rounds

In August, Defence Reserves Support was invited to attend Grand Rounds to give a presentation to staff at St George Hospital in Sydney. This presentation, as part of the Medical and Allied Capability Initiative, is designed to inform non-Defence health professionals about the important role their colleagues fulfil as specialist medical officers within the ADF. The presentation also advised on the opportunities available to prospective Reserve medical and nursing officers and their employers.

Lieutenant Colonel Derek Wright, Staff Officer to the Surgeon General ADF, acted as the Master of Ceremonies for the event. He introduced Squadron Leader Mary Langcake, who in her civilian employment was recently appointed Director of Trauma at St George, as the Keynote Speaker.

Squadron Leader Langcake delivered a 45-minute presentation highlighting her experiences as a military surgeon during her recent deployment to Afghanistan. The presentation was an eye-opener for the audience, many of whom had never been exposed to the professional challenges faced by medical specialists serving in the Reserve forces, particularly when deployed on operations. The presentation was very well-received by an interested audience of work colleagues.

After Squadron Leader Langcake’s presentation, Mr Ian Flawith, Executive Director Reserve Support, gave a brief presentation touching on the role of Defence Reserves Support, what the organisation aims to achieve through the Medical and Allied Capability Initiative and some brief advice on the Employer Support Payment scheme for health professionals.

1 September 2009

Tasmania Recognises Employer Support

Tasmanian employers who actively support their employees who are also Australian Defence Force Reservists have been recognised at a dinner in Launceston.

Government agencies, a Catholic College and businesses from the forestry and banking sectors were presented with awards by the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC).

Speaking afterwards, Michael Barrett, Chair of the Tasmanian Committee of the DRSC said the evening was a great success.

“I’m constantly impressed by the commitment of this state’s employers and their Reservist employees as well as the diverse range of businesses from which they are
drawn,” Mr Barrett said.

"The Employer Support Awards are a small but tangible way that we can thank these businesses for what they do for the defence of Australia.”

The dinner, held at the Country Club Casino was well attended by employers, their Reservist employees and representatives from the DRSC National Council, Chambers of Commerce from around Tasmania as well as State and Local Government representatives.

The National Chair of DRSC, Mr Jack Smorgon AO, was the keynote speaker and also presented several awards.

Among the recipients were Guilford Young College — Tasmania’s only Catholic co-educational senior secondary college, the Hobart Uniform Section of Tasmania Police and Medicare Australia.

They were joined by Westpac Banking Corporation and the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association, the peak body representing the diverse network of forest contractors in the Apple Isle.

Adding his congratulations to the recipients was the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM, MP.

“Our Reserve forces significantly enhance Defence capability, particularly their support of current operations,” Dr Kelly said.

“Without the ongoing support of employers such as those represented at the awards, it would not be possible for Reservists to effectively coordinate their civilian and Service occupations.”

1 September 2009

Western Australian Employers Thanked for Their Support

Western Australia’s leading employers and Reservists have been recognised at a gala awards night at Irwin Barracks in Perth.

The event was organised by the Western Australian Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC-WA) and showcased the state’s best Reservists as well as employers that have gone out of their way to support their Reservist staff.

Reserve Excellence Awards were presented to the Navy Reserve’s Petty Officer Marine Technical Submarines — POMTSM Warren Webb from Training Authority Submarines and Chief Petty Officer Diver — CPODVR Mark Graham - Dive Team 7.

Army Reservists acknowledged were Sergeant Malcolm Carter from 13 Combat Service Support Battalion (CSSB) Workshop Company, Warrant Officer Jeff Murray — Headquarters 13 Brigade, Corporal Jonathon (Harry) Harris — WA University Regiment and Private Lucas L’esperance from 16 Royal Western Australian Regiment.

Also receiving awards were Air Force Reservists Warrant Officer Geoff Hill from 25 Squadron and Leading Aircraftwoman Gabrielle Gross - Combat Support Unit.

Seven WA employers were also recognised for their outstanding support of the Reserves.

The overall winner of the WA Employer Award was diagnostic pathology service provider PathWest.

Government winners were the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the State Department of Corrective Services and the City of Wanneroo Council.

The Large Business Award winner was the safety and risk management solutions company Industrial Foundation for Accident Prevention (IFAP) while the Medium Business Award went to AMMTEC Ltd which provides analytical and metallurgical services to the mining sector. The Small Business Award was taken out by Perth legal firm Corser and Corser.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly congratulated all the winners.

“Our Reserve forces significantly enhance Defence capability, particularly their support of current operations. Without the generous assistance of employers such as those represented at the awards, it would not be possible for many Reservists to be released from their full time occupations,” Dr Kelly said.

“Working closely with industry in building mutual understanding and providing financial and other support for employers is critical. These awards clearly demonstrate the value Defence places on the importance of the relationship with employers and industry.”

1 September 2009

Riverina Murray Employer Support Awards

The Riverina Murray Employer Support Awards, a function to recognise employers from the Riverina Murray region for their on-going support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves, was held on Friday 10 July at the Officers Mess, Blamey Barracks, Kapooka.

The event was organised by the Defence Reserves Support-NSW (DRS-NSW) Riverina Murray Regional Manager Lieutenant Colonel Russ Mullins and the Regional Chairman Mr Doug Callaghan and their Committee members.

To be eligible for an award, employers must display consistent support of their employees and their service in the ADF Reserves including releasing them to undertake their Defence service commitments.

Squadron Leader Del Gaudry, State Manager DRS-NSW, who also acted as MC for the awards evening, said:

“These Awards are our way of thanking employers of Reservists for their contribution to ADF capability. Without their support, our ability to meet current ADF needs would be considerably reduced. This was the first of many regional awards in NSW — it is very important to get out to the country areas to say thank you.”

1 September 2009

Sea Day Gives Darwin Employers a Taste of Navy Life

A group of 20 Darwin business people took to Darwin Harbour aboard a Royal Australian Navy Armidale Class Patrol Boat on Monday 10 August to gain a better understanding of the training given to Defence Reservists.

The group, which included many employers with marine-related businesses, spent four hours aboard the vessel in Darwin Harbour.

They saw a variety of training manoeuvres, such as the fire and man overboard drills, and also heard about the important contribution Navy Reservists make to defence in the Northern Territory.

Director General Reserves — Navy Commodore Ranford Elsey was the host of the group and encouraged them to employ Reservists and to appreciate the enhanced skills Reservists can bring to their businesses due to the unique training provided.

Defence Reserves Support — Northern Territory State Manager Lieutenant Colonel Peter Herden said he hoped the activity was thought-provoking and interesting for the employers.

“We really want to strengthen the relationship between the local business community, the Navy and us,” he said.

“This activity exposed the employers to the high level of training associated with being in the Navy Reserve.

“We are confident that following their involvement, the employers will be keen to have Reservists on staff and also readily release them when they are required for Defence service.”

1 September 2009

Woman Chiefs Visit Victoria Barracks Brisbane

A group of 27 Women Chiefs of Enterprises International members have visited Victoria Barracks Brisbane to learn more about the benefits of Reserve service and the history of the military establishment.

Major Nina Handley, State Manager for Defence Reserves Support Queensland, spoke to the women—all leading business women in Queensland — about the Employer Support Payment Scheme and the Employer Engagement Program. She also highlighted the training Reservists undertake and how the skills they develop can be applied in the civilian workplace.

Victoria Barracks Museum curator Major John Wright then took the group on a guided tour of the Barracks museum and the 15 hectare military site.

"Hosting a function for the Women Chiefs of Enterprises International allows us to make direct contact with our target audience; employers and potential employers of Reservists," said Major Handley.

"It is important for us to spread the word about the benefits of Reserve service to these types of business women, especially as they have many contacts they can pass on the information."

"We now hope that these women will consider the development of a supportive leave policy and nominating for an Exercise Executive Stretch."

1 September 2009

Tasmania Spreads the Word

Small business owners and proprietors from Devonport and surrounding areas heard about the benefits of having Reservists on the payroll at a Chamber of Commerce cocktail function run in conjunction with Defence Reserves Tasmanian Support recently.

The annual event, held at Kokoda Barracks, provided an opportunity for DRS staff to educate bosses on our many programs — including Boss Lift and Exercise Executive Stretch.

The friendly, informal evening was also a chance for bosses to learn about their roles and responsibilities under the Reserve Service Protection Act.

“It was a successful night,” said Office Manager Lyn Winters.

“We did get one sign-up for Exercise Executive Stretch and were able to get the DRS message out to bosses from a wide variety of industries.

“Chambers of Commerce throughout Tasmania encourage their members to employ Reservists and the annual dinner reinforces that support,” she said.

1 September 2009

DRS-NSW and the NSW Police Force — Working Together

The NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and ADF Reserves continue to enjoy a mutually beneficial professional alliance, often working side by side as part of a combined task force for national events of significance such as the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and more recently the 2008 APEC summit held in Sydney and also during times of National and International natural disaster such as the recent Victorian Bushfires and the 2005 Indonesian Tsunami.

Additionally, a large number of past and current NSW Police Force members are also Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists.

To continue to grow and strengthen this alliance DRS-NSW has been working closely with Inspector Jennifer Thommeny to address a number of crucial issues relating to NSW Police employees and their Reserve service.

As part of her ongoing ADF familiarisation on behalf of NSWPF, a major Employer of
ADF Reserve members, Inspector Thommeny has participated in a mini Exercise Executive Stretch in April which saw her fly in a RAAF Hercules aircraft, the Sydney Metro Employer Support Awards at the Sydney Cricket Ground in May and most recently, she attended Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) near Rockhampton in Queensland as part of the CRESD ‘VIP’ Employer visit in July. Inspector Thommeny said:

‘It provided an opportunity to better understand that the role of a Reservist is not simply a
'weekend warrior' arrangement, but that of an integral member of the ADF. More employers should take up this opportunity."

During the visit, Inspector Thommeny had the opportunity to observe ADF Reserve members ‘in action’ in a variety of roles and situations and thus gain a greater appreciation of what skills and experience ADF Reserve members are able to contribute to the NSWPF.

1 September 2009

Reservist Profile: Ferdie Kroon

Glimpse Ferdie Kroon logging onto his laptop deep in Tasmania’s forest wilderness after a hard day in the field as Chief Executive Officer of Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TFCA) and you’d be catching sight of, not only of a modern multi-tasker extraordinaire, but a young man who has dedicated much of his working life to his dream — to wear the Air Force blues.

Now based at 29 Squadron in Tasmania, Flying Officer Kroon is one of a growing number of specialists whose training both in their defence roles and in their civilian roles keeps them at the cutting edge of their chosen careers.

Flying Officer Kroon joined the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1990 as a Cadet before finding his vocation in the public service where his acumen as an administrator earned him a reputation as a team player with stringent standards and a punishing work ethic.

Watching over the books at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation gave Flying
Officer Kroon an appreciation of the intricacies of corporate administration and brought him one step closer to his long-held ambition.

“I might’ve been working in the public sector when I was an administrator for Defence Science and Tech, but I was still close enough to the action to smell the jet fuel,” he said.

“In November this year, I will have been in the Reserves for three years and I’m loving it.”

As the CEO of Tasmania’s peak representative body for logging contractors, Flying Officer Kroon’s civilian work takes him out in rugged bushland, behind a computer, into the homes of sometimes struggling self-employed contractors and onto television screens as a lobbyist for one of Tasmania’s biggest industries that often claims airtime on national news broadcasts.

It’s a job that requires an enormous range of skills — creating innovative solutions for a variety of problems, juggling roles and tasks, and making deadlines and keeping them among other things.

“There are a lot of skills that transfer between my civilian and my Air Force job,” Flying Officer Kroon said.

“The Air Force has helped me become a better communicator and well-disciplined. My civilian job is all about finding creative solutions to new situations,” he said.

Both the Air Force and Tasmanian Forestry have benefited from the synergy of skills.
Flying Officer Kroon’s employer, Rodney Bishop, appreciates the benefits of having a Reservist on staff.

“Air Force training builds on assets that Ferdie brings to the company,” Mr Bishop said.

“He’s punctual and reliable and he’s a real do-er — there’s no doubt about that. In fact, I’ve got to stop people loading him up with work. They look out for him when they want someone to look after their interests because they know Ferdie is capable of getting any job done.”

TFCA was recently honoured by the Defence Reserves Support Council with an Employer Support Award for helping Flying Officer Kroon fulfil his Air Force ambitions as the current head of the team coordinating the RAAF’s Continuous Improvement Register.

“TFCA is a very small company and it puts pressure on us if he’s away on training and deployments,” said Mr Bishop.

“The Employer Support Payment has helped offset that loss when Ferdie is away for several weeks at a time."

“The bottom line is that Air Force work is building on Ferdie’s assets and our company is the beneficiary of all that training.”

Flying Officer Kroon’s Air Force duties include heading up an auditing team that aims to keep Air Force, and public, expenditure ‘transparent, honest and efficient’.

“My work with the Air Force is not so much just getting the job done. It’s about seeing that the job is well done that gives the public confidence in the governance of the Defence Forces,” said Flying Officer Kroon.

“I still have quite a few training hoops to negotiate in the Air Force but I’m hoping that it’ll deploy me overseas in the future - well, as long as the family allows!” said the father of two.

In the meantime, Flying Officer Kroon’s eye for detail is helping to keep the RAAF transparent and accountable, innovative and flexible. Keeping public expenditure transparent and honest, formulating policies and practices that are efficient and help reduce fraud is a vital logistical role and one that brings benefits both to Defence and to a vital Tasmanian industry.

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August 2009

1 August 2009

DRS to Celebrate Queensland's 150th Birthday

More than 1000 supportive employers and their families will join dignitaries and Defence Reserves Support - Queensland to celebrate Queensland's 150th birthday (Q150) on 25 October.

The Supportive Employers Pageant, hosted by DRS South Queensland Liaison Officer Major Barry Flaherty and his team, will take place at historic Victoria Barracks, a complex that has housed State militia and colonial troops since it was built in 1864.

“Victoria Barracks Brisbane reaches its 145th anniversary on 27 October 2009 and includes some of Queensland’s oldest buildings and gardens. We wanted to celebrate Q150 by making the most of our links with this historical site,” MAJ Flaherty said.

“A troop of Reservists will be dressed in period costumes worn by the militia from the colonial era and we’ll have historical uniforms on display to show people what our forces looked like and to provide a contrast between the old and the new.

“Reservists will be putting on quite a show displaying the kit and uniforms worn throughout our 150-year history in Queensland and we’re also expecting the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums and a detachment from the mounted police to join the celebrations.

Victoria Barracks was built in 1864, five years after Queensland’s independence, and this event will make the most of Defence’s historical connections with these heritage buildings.

“Supportive employers are those who’ve publicly pledged their support for current and future Defence Reserves at their workplaces and who develop supportive leave policies for their Reservists,” MAJ Flaherty said.

Families will also be able to enjoy tours of historic buildings and learn about Queensland’s military history from displays and demonstrations by partner organisations.

Partner organisations have been invited from business and industry associations, the air, sea and land transport sectors, professional bodies representing health, engineering, law and infrastructure, State Government agencies and enterprises and Ex-Service and Defence-related non-profit organisations.

1 August 2009

Defence Reserves Support Takes a Stand at Defence and Industry 09

Defence Reserves Support Council State and Territory Committee Chairs and delegates from across the country converged on the Adelaide Convention Centre recently for the Defence and Industry Conference and Trade Exhibition.

Between listening to speakers on a broad range of topics from Defence procurement to the new Defence White Paper, industry representatives picked up information about the benefits of employing Reservists at the Defence Reserves Support (DRS) trade stand.

DRS National Office and South Australian staff were on hand to answer questions and hand out Employer Handbooks and DRS merchandise.

Conference delegates from a wide variety of industries listened attentively to addresses by the Premier of South Australia Mike Rann, and Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet, who discussed the challenges facing the Australian Defence Force in the 21st century.

With so many employers concentrated in one space, there were plenty of opportunities to spread the word about the benefits of employing Reservists.

“This is the third conference we’ve been to in recent weeks,” said Sheila Shaw, who coordinated DRS involvement in the event.

“We’ve just been to the Australian Human Resources Institute Conference in Sydney and the Local Government Conference in Canberra, meeting employers, answering their questions about Reservists and doing what we always do – promoting the benefits of employing Reservists to large and small industries.

“The Defence and Industry Conference is a great opportunity for DRS. Hundreds of people whose industries are involved in working with Defence browse the trade stands between sessions on breaks. The Minister for Defence Senator John Faulkner even stopped past!”

1 August 2009

Employers Thanked for Outstanding Support of Reservists During Victorian Bushfires

Employers of Reservists have been formally thanked at a function in Melbourne for supporting Operation VIC FIRES ASSIST.

The Governor of Victoria, Premier of Victoria, The Leader of the Opposition, and senior Defence and community officials joined with employers and Reservists at Melbourne’s Federation Square for the event.

Director of Reserve Support, Mr Ian Flawith said the event was well received by the employers, who were presented special certificates of appreciation.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP said it would not have been possible for the Reservists to carry out their mission without the outstanding support given to them by their employers.

“Members of our Navy, Army and Air Force Reserve worked together with their full-time counterparts as part of Joint Task Force 662, and these members showed great skill and flexibility during the Operation,” he said.

More than 1300 Reservists were involved in the two-month Operation, which saw the Australian Defence Force assist Victorian police and emergency services during the bushfire emergency.

Dr Kelly said employer and community support is vital to Australia’s defence capability.

“Employer support gave Reservists the ability to assist their fellow Australians during this tragic natural disaster.

“The new Defence White Paper highlights the important role our Reservists play now and the increased role we want them to play in the future.

“We need employers of Reservists to continue offering their support.”

1 August 2009

Civilian Bosses Visit Solomon Islands

Twenty-two employers of Victorian-based Army Reservists have travelled to the Solomon Islands on Exercise Boss Lift, to witness first-hand the roles performed by their staff while on operations with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Exercise Boss Lift, an initiative of Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, gives employers of Reservists the opportunity to see their staff ‘in the field’ and helps employers understand how the skills Reservists learn and develop during Reserve service can be extremely beneficial to civilian workplaces.

The Boss Lift participants visited personnel on Operation ANODE. Accompanying the group was Head Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Major General Greg Melick, National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council, Mr Jack Smorgon as well as Senators Nick Minchin and Mathias Cormann. Both Senators were there to experience Defence life as part of a Parliamentary exchange program.

Operation ANODE is the name of the ADF contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI's mission is to assist the Solomon Islands Government in restoring law and order, economic governance, and improving the machinery of government.

This latest deployment of 140 Army Reservists from Victoria’s 4th Brigade comprises men and women from Melbourne and regional areas such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Mildura and Geelong. They arrived in the Solomon Islands in late March 2009, shortly after a period of intensive pre-deployment training and briefly assisting in the initial phase of Operation VIC FIRES ASSIST.

The three-day intensive program was packed with activities beginning with a welcome for Boss Lift participants in Brisbane followed by briefings and dinner. Early the next morning it was off to the airport for the three and a half hour flight to Honiara, where the Commanding Officer (CO) of Combined Task Force (CTF) 635, Lieutenant Colonel Neil Grimes and staff met the group prior to the move to hotel accommodation and a trip to CTF headquarters. After a welcome by the CO and introductory briefs, employers were able to meet their respective employees and have a good chat over a hearty meal in relaxed surroundings. The next three days passed quickly covering a variety of activities including historical tours around Honiara and environs, a semi-formal dinner for bosses, their Reservists and Operation ANODE key staff, a live fire experience on the range, a local cultural event and a taste of living in the field, including a one man ration pack lunch. A highlight for the bosses was the experience of firing both infantry personal weapons, the Steyr automatic rifle and the Minimi light machine gun, coached by their Reservist.

Gary Davis, an Assistant Director with the Australian Tax Office was there to visit Lance Corporal Chris Warren.

“This has been an enlightening experience. I thought Solomon Islands was just a nice island in the Pacific but that is not the case. The poverty was an eye opener and it was great to catch up with Chris and see what he does on operations,” said Mr Davis.

“I am really impressed and it is good to see our soldiers are making a difference here. Now that I know the need over here I will use my IT contacts in the Tax Office to coordinate sending surplus computers over here.”

Chris Warren, who is married with a five-year-old daughter, was pleased to see Mr Davis.

“It has been good to see Gary over here to catch up on what is happening back in Oz,” said Lance Corporal Warren.

“I think Boss Lift is a great idea. This is my first deployment and it has been excellent experience so far. A highlight for me has definitely been my time at a forward operating base as an infantry section second in command.”

All too quickly the trip was over, except for a Sunday church service at the RAMSI base conducted by Padre Neal of the New Zealand contingent and a final lunch where employers and their Reservists could spend a little quiet time discussing their mutual experience.

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) Area Manager Paul Mathews has been Sergeant Marko Siljama’s immediate boss for the past 12 months.

Sergeant Siljama is a CBA Branch Manager and a member of 5/6 Battalion, the Royal Victoria Regiment.

“When I put the question to my new boss he was quite surprised as he did not know Reservists had the opportunity of an operational deployment,” he said.

Mr Mathews said he did not know the Commonwealth Bank’s policy regarding Reserve leave so he submitted Sergeant Siljam’s request and it was approved.

“Marko’s absence needed a little re-organisation but it gave another staff member the chance to step up and gain managerial experience, while Marko has been away,” said Mr Mathews.

“We have been accessing the Employer Support Payment scheme, which has helped although it does not cover his whole salary.

“I have been happy to let Marko go for this experience as he has been responsible for the day-to-day management of 29 people instead of five at the bank. This will no doubt help with his future leadership in the CBA. I totally agree that Reservists have skills of direct benefit to civilian employers. This opportunity has allowed me to know Marco more personally than before.”

All Boss Lift participants were impressed by the job their Reservist was doing on Operation ANODE and the overall role of the ADF and RAMSI in assisting the people of the Solomon Islands.

1 August 2009

Reservist Profile - Corporal Mark Penna

If you’re in Port Lincoln, South Australia and looking for a building design or alteration, then Army Reservist Mark Penna is probably a good person to call.

Mark’s company Penna Planning and Design has won a prestigious Design Excellence Award for his renovation of a beach house on the Eyre Peninsula.

“We were thrilled to take out the Building Designers Association of South Australia - Design Excellence Awards for the Best Residential Addition/Alteration over $200,000,” Mark said.

“The client came to me with a concept of what she wanted done and I turned her dream into reality.

“That’s what I enjoy most about planning and design, taking an idea in someone’s head and turning it into bricks and mortar.”

A prominent member of the Eyre Peninsula commu nity, Mark is also a keen Reservist. He is a Corporal with 20 Transport Troop in Port Lincoln.

“In a former life I was a motor mechanic by trade and 20 Transport Troop allows me to indulge in that passion,” said Corporal Penna.

“I’m a Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (RAEME) support staffer. We maintain and service all Army vehicles, from Mack Trucks to Landrovers.

“We help to keep them on the road as well as helping with provisioning and resupply operations. It’s a vital, but often overlooked role.”

Mark was always a keen artist and about a decade ago turned his interest in drawing free-hand landscapes into a career.

He left the grease of the mechanical workshop for a classroom, spending 18 months in Adelaide completing a Certificate 4 in Building Design.

In 2006, Penna Planning and Design was born and the future has been bright ever since.
“Winning the Award has given us extra profile and publicity, both on the Peninsula and in Adelaide,” said Mark.

“We’ve been flat out and I’ve had to put another staff member on, simply to give myself a day off – I was working six and sometimes seven days a week.”

One downside to this business success has been the amount of time Mark has been able to devote to his Reserve duty.

“Unfortunately, the Army doesn’t get as much time now as I’d like,” he said.

“When I joined up in 1988 I was a single bloke and did plenty of days. My Reserve job helped to pay for my first home.

“I still do parade on Tuesday nights and I usually manage a weekend of service each month, but it’s hard to get away on major exercises.”

Another thing that Corporal Penna is particularly proud of is a Soldier’s Medallion presented to him in 2001.

The citation that came with the award said Corporal Mark Penna has provided exemplary service to Bravo Troop, Transport Company, 9CSSB in the field of technical support at the Port Lincoln depot. He continually exhibits strong leadership qualities as he provides a flexible team oriented approach to technical problems encountered in the daily operations of Bravo Troop.

Corporal Penna is highly regarded for his technical skills and has worked continually unsupervised when practicing his trade. He is extremely adaptable in all situations and this, along with his personable nature, has won the respect of his superiors, peers, and subordinates. Corporal Penna is credit to Bravo Troop and the 9th Combat Service Support Battalion.

“This is like the Design award,” he said proudly.

“It’s not the primary reason I do the job, but the recognition is a fringe benefit.”

1 August 2009

Prize Winner Flies (and Crashes) F/A-18 at RAAF Tindal

Last month, Jessica Klotz — the winner of our door prize at the ‘Business at Sunset’ function, held in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce — claimed her prize.

Jessica, who won the opportunity to tour RAAF Base Tindal, and her husband, Thomas, were taken to areas not usually open to the public, including the Air Traffic Control Tower, where they got to speak with Tower staff and see five F/A-18 Hornets take off, and the control room with its equipment and radars.

The most exciting part of the trip, however, was the chance to fly the F/A-18 Hornet Simulator. Flight Lieutenant Craig Gee demonstrated the first flight with Jessica and Thomas taking note. Then Jessica took the controls — none of them resembling anything that she had driven before! FTLT Gee helped her get the F/A-18 off the ground and advised her how to turn and roll.

Jessica flew over Katherine and its surrounds, lining up the firing mechanism until eventually she ran out of ammunition and had to come in to reload. FTLT Gee helped her around so that she was heading in the right direction to land at RAAF Tindal but then it all went downhill! Jessica got the angle of descent wrong and crashed and burned in spectacular fashion!

Jessica’s final word? “At least I got the runway not the highway”.

Thanks to all who helped make Jessica’s experience so memorable.

Top

July 2009

7 July 2009

Personal tragedy highlights need to support Defence Charity Ball

Hearing how young mother-of-two Rebecca Beckwith gets through each day with the help of Legacy reminds one how important it is to support charity events.

Mrs Beckwith, who lost husband Leading Seaman Peter Beckwith to a brain tumour in August 2007, told sponsors of this year’s Defence Charity Ball that Legacy provides her with support and encouragement as well as financial assistance.

“They have helped me both financially and emotionally. They have introduced me to other young widows thus creating a sense of normality,” said Mrs Beckwith.

“They organise simple things like parties for the kids at Easter and Christmas. Legacy gave us presents the first Christmas after Peter passed away and I was so happy there was a present under the tree with "Mummy" written on it as that was something Peter would have usually organised.

“I have been singing Legacy's praises for almost two years now and have spoken about them and their good work to anyone who will listen and will continue to do so until the end of my days. Words cannot adequately describe the appreciation I feel for being accepted as a part of the 'Legacy family'.”

Mrs Beckwith, along with Legacy Brisbane Chief Executive Officer Steven Blinkhorn and Commander 1st Division Major General Mick Slater, told the 25-strong audience that Legacy assists more than 120,000 widows and 1900 children and people with disabilities Australia-wide.

Legacy provides services for those who are suffering economically and socially after the death of a spouse or parent due to Defence service, or subsequently.

Defence Reserves Support will sponsor the Defence Charity Ball for the third time this year.

The event, which is designed to bring South East Queensland's Defence and corporate worlds together in a social environment, will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 5 September.

Others sponsors of this worthy event include Boeing and Defence Housing Australia.

Tickets are on sale now via the ball’s website - defencecharityball.com.au

7 July 2009

Victorian Exercise Executive Stretch

Victoria’s 29th Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) has given local employers a chance to gain a new appreciation of the skills their Reservist employees bring to their organisations.

Employers were involved in a wide range of military activities during the EES, which was coordinated by Defence Reserves Support - Victoria and hosted by the Air Force's No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron.

Physical training and drill, quick decision exercises, training in water craft, a shoot on the range with a Steyr rifle and group exercises like erecting a tent and finding out historical details about the Air Force at the RAAF Museum kept the employers extremely busy over the three-day event.

Employers were suitably impressed by the dedication of the instructors and their rigorous attention to detail and safety.

First time shooter Penny Lyall, from the Baw Baw Shire , said confidence in her instructors encouraged her to undertake the Steyr shoot and her results speak for themselves – an almost perfect grouping of shots that would make an experienced shooter envious!

She said the weekend helped her ‘think outside the box’ and reinforced the fact that even as an experienced leader you can still ‘learn heaps’ about ‘working as a team’.

Robert Guymer of Maydeck said it was a ‘good weekend … great for organisations and team building’.

Stuart Shaw from Village Baxter retirement homes said it had been a ‘terrific’ experience, and suggested there could be even more emphasis on team building exercises.

Mathew Newman from Derwent Executive was extremely impressed by the ‘focus on safety’ and commented that it had shown him why the Defence Force had such a strong emphasis on a ‘regimented procedural policy’.

Overall the participants emerged with a new respect for the skills and dedication their Reservist employees brought to their respective organisations. Many expressed surprise that the vast majority of military personnel involved with EES were actually Reservists, and often commented on the professionalism and competence of the Reserve personnel in general.

7 July 2009

Father and son team award winners in NSW

The support and encouragement a parent gives to a child is truly unique.

And when that parent is also your employer, it is often even more important.

When Private Shaun White, a rifleman with 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, told his father and employer, Michael White, that he wanted to volunteer for a six-month deployment to the Solomon Islands as part of Australia’s contribution to maintaining law and order in the country, his dad could not have been prouder.

“Being in the Reserve does him the world of good. All I have to do is work harder,” laughed Mr White, who owns White-Line Carpentry and Joinery Tahmoor, near Picton.

Mr White made the comments after being presented a Defence Reserves Support Employer Support Award at a function in Sydney recently.

“I don’t mind because I think his work in the Army is so important,” said Mr White, who won the State Award for Small Private Business.

“I couldn't believe the difference in him after he did his training at Kapooka. He had changed for the better. I am very proud of him. Sometimes I don’t show it, but I am.”

White-Line Carpentry and Joinery has supported Private White’s Reserve commitments by granting him leave to attend various and numerous Reserve training, exercises and deployments.

“I did get the Employer Support Payment while he was overseas and that was good because it helped me pay for his worker’s compensation policy and also for a replacement subcontractor,” said Mr White.

Private White, who has been in the Reserve for four years, said his deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Anode developed his leadership and team work skills and he uses these skills on a daily basis in his civilian job.

“I also had to think on my feet a lot while I was over there,” said Private White, who finished his carpentry apprenticeship last year.

“I think my medical training has been really helpful to the family business. I am a combat first-aider and in every infantry platoon you have to have one who is qualified in advanced military first-aid.

“For example I can place IV drips into people, administer morphine in a trauma situation and help fellow soldiers if they have a battlefield injury.”

Mr White agreed that his son’s Reserve experience brought so many extra skills to his business.

“I feel a lot better that we have a team member who is qualified like this,” said Mr White.

“Just today, Shaun washed a guys eyes out on site. One of our staff was grinding and a rock managed to get under his goggles and into his eye.

“We didn’t know how to do it properly and Shaun fixed the problem straight away, flushing his eye with saline.

“We carry a proper first-aid kit and now we have someone who knows how to really use it.

“Shaun is always calm. If someone cuts themselves, most people panic, whereas Shaun just takes it in his stride.”

When asked for a Solomon Islands deployment highlight, Shaun’s immediate response was ‘just making a difference to these people’s lives’.

“The little kids just love seeing the Army and I think it is really about the way with interact with them,” he said.

“They especially love the Reservists. We are just normal people who have two jobs.

“I really felt it on one particular day. One of the ladies was walking down a little track in the jungle when we were all patrolling through and she had a baby on her back.

“This baby would have been only three months old and as soon as the baby saw us he was waving at us. I have never seen anything like it. This baby couldn’t even hold its own head up properly but it managed to smile and wave!

“That baby does not realise what we are doing, but it must understand that the Australian Army is a good thing just by looking at our uniform.

“I also got to help out at the local hospital in Honiara once and assisted in surgeries. I again felt like I was able to make an actual difference to their lives.”

Private White said having his father’s support and encouragement allowed him to serve.

“Dad has always supported me, in everything I have ever done,” he said.

“I only gave him two hours notice to go and support the APEC event in Sydney.

“He has never, ever said ‘no, you can’t go’.

“He knows it is what I want to do.”

7 July 2009

Qantas wins state award for Reserve support

Being a good corporate citizen is paramount to one of Australia’s iconic employers, Qantas Airways.

This is one of the reasons why Qantas keenly supports Reservists who have volunteered to serve in the Australian Defence Force, said Qantas Fleet Manager and Pilot, Captain Dick Tobiano.

Captain Tobiano, who managing Qantas’ 737 and 767 fleets, made the comments after accepting the Defence Reserves Support Council - New South Wales Metro State Employer Support Award for Large Private Business.

Captain Tobiano was nominated by two of his staff, Lieutenant Anthony Nichols (who combines work as a Boeing 737 First Officer with his role as an Infantry Officer at 4th/3rd New South Wales Regiment) and Flying Officer Mark Wagener (who is the Boeing 737 Operations Manager and also an Administration Officer for 22 Squadron).

“When we get leave requests into our system, we certainly do what we can to fit in,” said Captain Tobiano.

“It is great to be recognised in this way, but we don’t do it for the recognition.

“We have a very strong social conscience at Qantas and support many important activities and organisations.”

Qantas is renowned for its community involvement, ranging from its support of various charities, such as UNICEF, through to sporting and arts sponsorships and indigenous development programs.

Being nominated by two separate Reservists is testament to the level of positive support being provided.

Qantas employs numerous Defence Reserve members in the Sydney Metro area and the organisation has supported these Reservists by granting them leave to attend various training and exercise commitments.

Additionally, Qantas allows its Reserve members the flexibility to attend essential Reserve commitments during normal business hours.

A group of 36 NSW employers were recognised in the categories of Government, Small, Medium and Large Business for their support of Reservists at the function, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity to thank employers for their ongoing support of Reservists,” said Defence Reserves Support - NSW State Manager Squadron Leader Del Gaudry.

“The Metro awards is the first of a series of Employer Support Awards functions that will be held over the next four months throughout the state.”

7 July 2009

Employer awareness increasing in NSW

This year is turning out to be a busy one for the office of Defence Reserves Support in New South Wales (DRS-NSW).

Building relationships with employers in Western Sydney, a Dining In night at an RAAF base and a plethora of other events around the state has kept the staff and Defence Reserves Support members very busy.

Defence Reserves Support Council NSW Committee Chair, Rodney Cavalier says the combined efforts of his committee's members and Defence staff has seen a marked increase in knowledge and awareness by employers of Reserve activities.

“The efforts of all involved has also seen a greater awareness of the responsibilities and entitlements of both employers and employees,” said Mr Cavalier, who was a Minister in the New South Wales Government in the 1980s.

“One of the initiatives that has worked particularly well in raising the profile of the Reserves was a Dining In night at RAAF Glenbrook,” he said.

“Key business executives and local government Mayors and Councillors from right across western Sydney were invited. We had a good opportunity to explain to them the breadth of what Defence, and the Reserves in particular, does in the region.”

Another successful activity was a half-day mini Executive Stretch at RAAF Richmond.

“Participants were again the key figures from western Sydney and they took a 1 ½ hour flight in a C130 Hercules over the city’s northern beaches at 500 feet with the ramp door open! This activity was really well received and received excellent media coverage as well,” he said.

Mr Cavalier became involved in DRS-NSW through his years of service to the people of New South Wales, as a Parliamentarian and Minister, through appointments to the National Library and National Archives and as Chairman of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.

Mr Cavalier sees the Global Financial Crisis as an opportunity for the Reserves.

”The downturn could have a positive impact,” he said.

“With the Employer Support Payment (ESP) on offer, it is a matter of employers of Reservists noting the certainty of the cash injection into their business. Reservists may also be able to make good use of any reduction in hours at their civilian work places. In this sense, they may be able to do more Reserve work while their employer receives the ESP.”

7 July 2009

Outback but working hard in military and civilian life

The north west of Western Australia is one of the most remote and desolate Defence locations in the world.

The region’s extensive Defence and civilian infrastructure means the work of the Pilbara Regiment is vital to Australia’s national security and economic well-being.

Recently, employers of Reservists in 1 Squadron/D Troop, Pilbara Regiment accompanied their staff members to a regular parade night and were briefed on local activities and operations.

About 20 bosses joined Reservists at the Port Hedland depot in Wilson Street where they mingled with Defence personnel and members of Defence Reserves Support - WA (DRS-WA).

DRS-WA Operations Manager Peter Burnes said about 30 Reservists showed off weaponry and night navigation equipment they use as part of the Regional Force Surveillance Unit (RFSU).

“Their training is supplemented by regular patrols carrying out essential surveillance and reconnaissance across vast tracts of Australia’s north-west,” said Mr Burnes.

“The bosses received a good insight into what their employees do when on Reserve duty.

“This is one area where Reservists have no shortage of operations to work on. Regular patrols mean the excellent training they receive is rapidly put into practice.”

7 July 2009

Reserve psychologist brings high level skills to Defence Force

People from all backgrounds and careers make up the Defence Reserves, but not many can boast being both a former member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and a psychologist. Caroline Greaves, however, comes from such a background.

As an 18 year old, Caroline joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a publications specialist.

“My dad and grandfather were in the Army and I guess I saw Defence as a career path with lots of opportunities,” she said. “My job was very clerical, entering alterations to technical and other manuals. It’s a trade that probably doesn’t exist anymore – I think computers did away with it,” she laughs.

Caroline said it wasn’t the most challenging of roles, so she hatched a cunning plan to become a psychologist, then return to the RNZAF.

“The first part worked out – I studied and trained for five years to become a psychologist. However, I didn’t rejoin the Air Force as planned. My life took a different turn.”

After moving to Australia in 2001, Caroline was talking to an Army Psychologist at RAAF Sale who suggested she apply to join the Army Reserve.

“That came off and, cutting a long story short, I’m now Captain Greaves, a Psychology Officer with 2 Company, 1 Commando Regiment (1 CDO REGT) in Victoria.

“I am incredibly fortunate that, as a psychologist, each time I speak to someone I get to share a unique view of another role that I would never get to experience first-hand.

“I am on a steep learning curve in my role at 1 CDO REGT and finding the time to do all that is required is pretty fascinating.” In civilian life, Caroline is the Head of Counseling Services with Haileybury, one of Melbourne’s leading independent schools. In fact, In fact, it’s the largest independent school in Victoria with over 3400 students on three sites and four campuses!

“We are lucky to have a team of five psychologists who are pivotal to the effective Pastoral Care of all members of the Haileybury Community.”

Caroline Greaves said Haileybury was extremely supportive of her Reserve duties, recognising that it is part and parcel of who she is. “For instance, in 2007 I was deployed in support of Operation Catalyst at very short notice. I literally had to tell my Head of Campus at 1630 on a Thursday afternoon that I needed to leave immediately for Pre-deployment admin, vaccinations and force preparation. I was overwhelmed when he just shook my hand and said “You go do what you have to do, with our best wishes”. I don’t think that anyone could ask for a more supportive management team.

“The culture of independent schools is that it’s a part of your life, not just a job. That relationship means that I give a bit extra to Haileybury and in return, they give extra to me as a Reservist.”

7 July 2009

Central Queensland corporate golf day great success

In the middle of Queensland’s wettest period since 1974, Defence Reserves Support Council - Central Queensland (DRSC-CQ) managed a fine day for the annual fund raising golf day held at Yeppoon’s Rydges Capricornia Resort.

Once again Leigh Turnbull, the DRSC-CQ Committee Chairman, persuaded 220 Central and South East Queensland business people to attend the event, which was sponsored by the State's Defence Reserves Support (DRS) office.

A cocktail function on the evening before the event provided an opportunity for DRS to get acquainted with many of the employers who would tee up the next day. Companies supporting the event included Bundaberg Rum, Fosters, Schweppes and Lock, Stock and Barrel. The Pipe Major of the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums, Roddy MacDonald, and two local pipers entertained the guests.

The next morning, Pipe Major MacDonald and his pipes were again at the forefront of events as the golfing field gathered for breakfast at the Rydges Golf Club where the RACQ rescue helicopter buzzed the crowd. The 31st/42nd Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Power, provided an interesting display and a number of soldiers to help with breakfast. The DRSC State Chair Mr Tony Behm was also on hand to answer questions from business people interested in Defence Reserves and our support to employers.

The golf event was a four-man ambrose played over the two fine golf courses at Rydges.

At the presentation ceremony following the event, Mr Turnbull spoke warmly of the benefits of Reserve service to the large crowd and Mr Behm presented trophies to the worthy winners.

The corporate golf day allowed DRS exposure to a large and diverse range of Central and South East Queensland business people, all of whom contributed significantly to the $30,000 raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Variety Club and the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue.

7 July 2009

Employer Support Payment Scheme expenditure

The Employer Support Payment (ESP) expenditure for the month of May and the progressive expenditure for FY 08/09 are detailed in the table below.

Details	Month of May 2009		Progressive Total FY 2008-2009
Details	Expenditure ($M)	Percentage	Expenditure ($M)	Percentage
Naval Reservists	$0.35	18%	$3.5	15%
Army Reservists	$1.38	73%	$17.1	75%
Air Force Reservists	$0.16	9%	$2.2	10%
Total	$1.89	100%	$22.8	100%

Information on ESP is available on this website however should you require additional information or clarification on any aspect of the Employer Support Payment scheme that is not already covered by our website, you may email an enquiry to esp@defence.gov.au.

7 July 2009

New DRS Tasmanian State Manager

Defence Reserves Support - Tasmania is benefiting from the enthusiasm of new State Manager Major Dave Zehmeister, who joined our organisation this year after a three-year rotation as Tasmania’s Regional Commander of Cadets.

Major Zehmeister’s can-do philosophy “you either do something properly or don’t do it at all” and his belief that that defence of the country is “everyone’s business – a shared responsibility” is being well-received by employers and Reservists alike.

Further, the DRS committees in Launceston, Burnie, Devonport and Hobart are responding with record attendances and a busy program for the remainder of the calendar year.

The North West committee (pictured) will be hosting the annual Employer Support Awards at the Launceston Country Club on 17 July.

Each committee has an employer cocktail function in the pipeline, golf is scheduled at the Royal Hobart Golf Course on 30 November and Exercise Executive Stretch, on 14 August, will be a truly tri-service event with an action-packed program at Pontville, Anglesea and Kokoda Barracks.

“I’ve liaised very thoroughly with all three services so that the employers can get hands-on experience of how we work together,” said Major Zehmeister.

“As soon as they hit the bottom of the cliff they’ve been rappelling down with the Army, they’ll be lifted by the Navy to HMAS HUON and with a bit of luck we’ll be able to get a chopper down here.”

Major Zehmeister’s long history with Defence began with Melbourne University Regiment in 1975. After attending an Orientation Week presentation, he joined up as an Infantryman, becoming a Corporal before a motorcycle accident broke his leg in seven places and “made it a bit difficult to run up hills carrying a heavy pack”.

Still keen to serve – and to continue riding motorbikes – Major Zehmeister joined the Military Police. After graduating from Officer Training in 1990, his first job was an independent command heading up the Military Police in the State of Tasmania. Major Zehmeister brings a rich service history and tremendous enthusiasm to his DRS post. A school teacher in his civilian life, his expertise in public speaking that educates and inspires his audiences is proving to be a motivating force for all Tasmania’s regional committees.

Top

June 2009

2 June 2009

Navy Reservist steps up to help fellow Victorians

It’s at times of disaster and community distress that Australians turn to their Defence Force for assistance and support. That’s what happened in Victoria in early February after fires wreaked havoc across the State.

Amid the tragedy and heartache, a contingent of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel answered a call for help from the Victorian Department of Emergency Services and Operation Victorian Fire Assist was established.

In the March edition of our ENewsletter, we told you about the Operation from the perspective of its Commander , Brigadier Michael Arnold. Now, one of the more than 400 Reservists involved in Operation Victorian Fire Assist tells his story .

Lieutenant Ben Willee is a Navy Reservist. He lives in Melbourne and on the weekend in question he knew his State was in grave danger.

“I got a call on the Sunday afternoon (8 February) saying I might be required later in the week,” Lieutenant Willee said

“My civilian boss immediately supported my involvement and I cleared my desk of urgent work so I’d be ready to go. Then it all happened very quickly.

“I was a member of the Joint Task Force, made up mainly of Reservists, raised out of 4th Brigade Headquarters at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia in Western Melbourne.”

Lieutenant Willee’s role was to provide public relations support to the operation.

Over a couple of very long and intense days, Lieutenant Willee was involved in the whole gamut of public relations activities. He coordinated media requests and support, oversaw Defence personnel gathering stills and video photography of affected areas and lent a hand wherever he could.

“I’m a Public Relations Officer in the Navy and slipping into a tri-service role was easy. Everyone was focussed on providing support and recovery services to the fire victims. The service you came from simply didn’t matter,” he said

Public relations comes easily for Ben Willee. On civvy-street he’s Managing Director of ‘Initiative’, an advertising media buying company that places ads on television, radio and other media outlets.

“I joined the Navy Reserve about five years ago. In a way it was inevitable because I’m now third generation Navy,” said Lieutenant Willee.

“My grandfather served in the Royal Navy in the second World War and my father was later in the Royal Australian Navy.

“I could see that my civilian work skills would be of use to the Navy. I also know sailing, so the action and adventure element was attractive to me as well.”

Ben Willee says he’s humbled and grateful by the opportunity he had to assist in the Victorian Fires Emergency.

“It's a tragedy on a massive scale but knowing that the Defence Force played its part in dealing with it is comforting,” he said. “I’m also grateful to the bosses of Reservists who made up the Taskforce, including my boss Roger Camplisson. They all released their employees for this operation.

“If any of them had said ‘no, you can’t go’, it wouldn’t have worked as well. It’s the cooperation between employers and the Reserves that makes it such a practical and useful force to serve the people of Australia."

2 June 2009

College of Surgeons Medical Expo in Brisbane

Medical professionals from across Australia have chatted with Defence Reserves Support - Queensland staff at the recent College of Surgeons Medical Expo in Brisbane.

The professionals were interested in learning about the services offered by DRS-Qld and also about joining the Australian Defence Force as a Reservist.

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May 2009

11 May 2009

Defence Industry Golf Challenge

Keen Defence golfers, including Vice Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley, have won the highly sought after Defence Industry Golf Challenge, held at Federal Golf Club in Canberra 11 May 2009.

The Defence Reserves Support-sponsored event, which brings Defence and industry leaders together, is arranged twice a year by local Canberra company C3i Defence Watch.

General Hurley said the industry participants he played with were interested in employing Reservists and keen to learn about the support available to them through Defence.

"Involvement in these types of activities gives us the opportunity to 'spread the word' about the skills Reservists gain through Defence service and how they can be used in the civilian workplace," he said.

The biannual Golf Challenge, which raises money for charity, this year is supporting the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, a nationally significant peace keeping memorial to be built at a cost of $3 million on ANZAC Parade in Canberra. The golf days are expected to raise $8000 towards the memorial.

Last year, the event raised more than $18,000 for the Gallipoli Scholarship Foundation. Gallipoli scholarships help finance the first year of a degree course in a New South Wales or ACT University for descendants of WWI and WWII veterans.

Commander Chris Stephens, Lynton Dixon and Robert Nelson represented Defence Reserves Support at the event.

"We spoke to many employers about the benefits of Reserve service and they all expressed interest in learning more about how we act as a bridge between employers, Defence and the ADF. This will become increasingly important as the Reserve sections of the new Defence White Paper are developed," said Commander Stephens.

"Several industry leaders agreed to implement a Defence Reserves friendly leave policy within their organisation and we are working with them now to make this happen."

4 May 2009

Defence Reserves Attracts Interest at Beef Expo

Reserves and beef usually have little in common.

This all changed at the recent Beef Expo at Rockhampton in central Queensland, where Defence Reserves Support and local military personnel joined forces to promote the benefits of Reserve service.

More than 90,000 people attended this year’s Beef Expo, which involves major rural businesses and private enterprises from across Australia.

Defence Reserves Support – Queensland State Manager Major Nina Handley said her team and personnel from the31st/42nd Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment (31/42 RQR) Recruiting Cell manned a stand at the event.

The Defence team answered about 3800 enquiries from attendees. Many people were interested in joining the Reserves, while others were keen to learn more about the Employer Support Payment (ESP) Scheme and the rights and obligations of employers.

“Immediate results were seen at 31/42 RQR when people spoken to at the Expo came to a recruiting information session on the Tuesday night during the Expo,” said Major Handley.

“Our office has followed up with several major businesses as they were interested in formulating a Defence leave policy."

“I was amazed to see how many businesses were still not aware that they had an entitlement to claim for ESP. We had queries from staff at Kele Brothers and a few large industrial companies in the Gladstone/Biloela region.”

Major Handley said school students from as far away as Darwin, Charleville and the Atherton Tablelands attended the Expo on excursion.

“We found a range of interest from students, depending on their age, in regard to cadets, the Gap year, the requirements for ADF Apprentice/trainee programs, and joining either the Reserves or permanent forces.

“One farmer who was very interested in joining the Reserves advised us that the $1123.30 ESP is more than he earns in a month at the moment with the current economic climate.”

1 May 2009

DRS Victoria Ramps up in May

Exercise Chong Ju

It’s been a busy period for the Victorian office of Defence Reserves Support - Victoria (DRS-VIC) which has seen it fully engaged with current activities and planning for future events.

May was highlighted by Exercise Chong Ju, a live fire demonstration at the Puckapunyal Military Area. A high-level party represented DRS-VIC at the exercise, seeing the live firing and combat activities at close quarters.

Named after a significant battle in North Korea in 1950, Exercise Chong Ju is a vital part of the Army’s Combat Officer’s Advanced Course. It provides officers with real-life and real-time challenges in tactical and technical field operations and showcases the latest in combat weaponry.

Viewing the exercise as part of the DRS-VIC party was the National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC), Mr Jack Smorgon and the DRSC Victorian Committee Chair, Mr Leigh Purnell. National and State DRSC and DRS representatives, as well as employers from the government, business and community sectors, joined them.

Afterwards, the DRS-VIC State Manager Major Tony Kelly hailed it a huge success.

“The guests we invited were all impressed by the skill of the Defence personnel as well as the formidable nature of the equipment and weaponry that was on show,” Major Kelly said.

“It was a great opportunity to show some key supporters of the Reserves the strength and breadth of the Army and Air Force’s capability, in a ‘live fire’ environment.”

Defence Lake Attack Fun Run/Walk

Also in Victoria, DRS has announced it is again sponsoring the Defence Lake Attack Fun Run/Walk. Now in its 27^th year, Defence Lake Attack will be held at Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake on Sunday, 30 August.

In 2008, more than 2300 people participated in what is the Australian Defence Force’s largest annual fundraiser in Victoria. More than $240,000 was raised and distributed to charity groups Compassionate Friends, Legacy, Kidsafe and Red Kite.

Commenting on the continued sponsorship, DRS-VIC State Manager Major Tony Kelly said the Defence Lake Attack Fun Run/Walk was an important and innovative event.

“It lets DRS engage with large numbers of people in a short period of time” he said.

“We see Reservists, their families, employers and other interested people who we can bring right up to date with news and information about the Reserves.”

Look out later in the year for an ENewsletter feature on Lake Attack.

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April 2009

22 April 2009

DRS supports New South Wales Local Business Awards

Defence Reserves Support - New South Wales (DRS-NSW) is delighted to be a major sponsor of the 2009 New South Wales Local Business Awards.

There will be a total of 23 award presentation evenings held in Sydney Metro and greater New South Wales areas between April and October 2009.

The first awards presentation evening for this year was held in Fairfield on 22April.

Staff from DRS-NSW had the opportunity to attend Club Marconi and enjoy an evening of recognition and celebration.

As a major sponsor, DRS-NSW has the honour of presenting several awards at each presentation evening.

For Fairfield, attending DRS staff were delighted to present the awards for best Fitness Centre, New Business and the Youth Award.

Since the Fairfield awards presentation evening, DRS-NSW staff have also attended the Hills Shire and Blacktown presentation evenings on the 29April and 5May respectively.

In May, DRS staff attended presentation awards evenings at Bankstown, Holroyd and Canterbury.

Defence has a significant number of Reservists who work in civilian positions throughout New South Wales and DRS-NSW would like to recognise the outstanding support from the employers who assist their employees to serve in the Defence Reserves.

DRS-NSW hopes that the professional, positive and unique training, self-development and skills that Defence Reserves employment provides employees becomes an additional asset to New South Wales employees, businesses and the New South Wales community.

Defence Reserves Support -NSW State Manager Squadron Leader Del Gaudry said it was “ always fantastic to see employers and businesses gaining some well deserved recognition for their outstanding contribution to the community.

“I am proud that Defence Reserves Support – New South Wales is a major sponsor of this wonderful event and look forward to attending this year's award presentation evenings,” she said.

1 April 2009

Employer Support Payments

Employer Support Payment scheme expenditure

The Employer Support Payment (ESP) expenditure for the month of April and the progressive expenditure for FY 08/09 are detailed in the table below.

Details	Month of April 2009		Progressive Total FYI 2008 - 2009
Details	Expenditure ($M)	Percentage	Expenditure ($M)	Percentage
Naval Reservists	$ 0.42	19%	$ 3.1	15%
Army Reservists	$ 1.55	72%	$ 15.7	75%
Air Force Reservists	$ 0.20	9%	$ 2.1	10%
Total	$ 2.16	100%	$ 20.9	100%

In earlier issues we covered the Legitimate Business Test (LBT) provisions which forms part of the information required by a self employed Reservist when claiming ESP. In this issue we will cover the CDF Approval for Medical, Dental, Nursing and Allied Health Officers.

CDF Approval for Medical, Dental, Nursing and Allied Health Officers

The CDF Approval authorises higher level ESP payments for Defence service by Reserve health professionals. To qualify, a claimant must prove a genuine employment situation exists (including self-employment).

Eligible specialisations

The Reserve health professional must be within one of the medical, dental, nursing and allied health specialisations listed in the CDF Approval.

Eligible service

The Defence service undertaken by the Reservist must be one of the types of service listed in the CDF Approval.

A copy of the CDF Approval is available on the Defence Reserves website at www.defence.gov.au/reserves. Select either ‘Info for Employers’ or ‘Info for Reservists’, click on ‘Employer Support Payments’ and then‘Claims for Health Professionals’.

WHO CAN CLAIM

You can claim under the CDF Approval if you are:

- the employer of a medical, dental, nursing or allied health officer in the ADF Reserves who is within any of the classes of health specialisations listed; or
- a self-employed medical, dental, nursing or allied health officer in the ADF Reserves within one of the specialisations in the table.

Health specialisation not listed

If the officer’s health specialisation is not listed in the table, a higher level ESP payment may still be authorised if the class of health specialisation is determined to be eligible by Head Reserve and Employer Support Division (HRESD) and either Head Defence Health Services Division (HDHS) or Surgeon General Australian Defence Force (SGADF).

If claimants believe there is justification for consideration of such a payment, they should submit a claim to the Director ESP Scheme detailing the justification and supported with any appropriate documentation. The Director ESP Scheme will staff the claim to HRESD and HDHS/SGADF for their consideration.

Additional information on CDF Approval is available on this website however should you require additional information or clarification on any other aspect of the Employer Support Payment scheme that is not already covered by our website, you may email an enquiry to esp@defence.gov.au.

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March 2009

24 March 2009

International conference focuses on the Reserves

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today opened the 2009 International Conference on Employer Support for the Reserves (ICESR09) in Sydney.

Military and civilian representatives from around the world will gather in Sydney this week (23-25 March) to explore the future direction for Reserve forces.

Delegates at the ICESR09 will share information and experiences on methods of support by, and for, civilian employers of Defence Reservists.

Dr Kelly said that the theme of ICESR09, Upskilling the Workforce, highlights the participation of most Reservists in two workforces, the military and the civilian and the potential for each workplace to contribute to the overall skills development of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves.

“Working closely with employers and our international colleagues and building mutual understanding is critical,” said Dr Kelly.

“The ADF places considerable importance on its relationship with employers of Reservists.

“ICESR09 will tackle various subjects including integrated training and formal exchanges and the use of technology in developing a shared workforce.”

Presenters from Australia and overseas will deliver presentations on various topics including employer support mechanisms used by the ADF and other defence forces, the defence and industry relationship and the strategic national value of the Reserve.

Australia was selected as the host in recognition of its 'best practice' in the field of Reserve and employer support.

Thirteen nations, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, will be represented with many delegations being led by two-star officers.

For more information on ICESR09 go to: www.defence.gov.au/icesr09

10 March 2009

New chair to lead Defence Reserves Committee in South Australia

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly, AM, MP, has announced the appointment of the first female Chair of the South Australian Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC), Dr Pamela Schulz.

“Dr Schulz is a well-respected university lecturer, and a public relations and community education professional, who will make an outstanding contribution to the DRSC in South Australia,” Dr Kelly said.

“As a State Chair, Dr Schulz will be leading a committee that provides a link between the Australian Defence Force, employers and the community from which the Reserve force is drawn.

“Dr Schulz has held positions as a senior marketing and public relations manager with a wide range of private and public sector organisations. Her focus has always been on communication and community and this will continue in her new DRSC role.”

Dr Schulz is currently a private consultant in communication management and has qualifications in social work, communication and education. She is also a lecturer in communications at the University of South Australia’s School of Communications and International Studies. She recently completed her doctorate at the University of South Australia, focusing on public confidence in the justice system, public relations and courts.

The DRSC aims to enhance the availability of the Reserve component of the ADF by promoting the benefits of employing members of the Reserve. It also aims to establish a flexible partnership with the community and employers, so they are encouraged to support those in the Reserve.

Each State and Territory has committees of the Council. Some also have committees in larger regional centres, such as Townsville.

Council members are volunteers and include representatives from industry, small business, trade unions, youth and other interested community groups.

10 March 2009

ADF Reservists stretch South Australian employers

Thirty employers from South Australia will spend a few days at RAAF Base Edinburgh this week (12–14 March) discovering the benefits of Reserve service.

They will be participating in Exercise Executive Stretch (EES). EES gives business executives the opportunity to observe and experience the personal, technical and professional skills training their employees receive during Defence Reserves service.

“This is a unique opportunity for employers to get amongst the action, as they experience the military training and lifestyle of a Reservist in the Australian Defence Force,” Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP said.

Activities will include leadership and survival skills training as well as team building exercises and physical challenges.

Head Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Greg Melick said EES provided employers with an opportunity to directly experience some of the leadership and management skills that a Reservist can bring to the civilian workplace.

“Our aim is to highlight the skills Reservists gain from being in the Australian Defence Force and how those skills can benefit civilian employers.

“Furthermore, we want to encourage employers to make use of support measures available through Defence, including the Employer Support Payment scheme.

“The scheme can provide $1123.30 per week to qualified employers who release their employees for Reserve service.”

For more information about the financial and other support available to employers, as well as the Reserves in general, visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves or call 1800 803 485.

3 March 2009

Rosalie Primary School wins WA Employer Support Award

From left to right Sali Principal Matthew Gideon, Rosalie Teacher Pte Peter Humbert, Rosalie Principal Mike Lasscock, Rosalie Teacher and Lieutenant Colonel David Thompson.

The Kokoda Trail re-enactment was one of many activities run by Rosalie that contributed to the school’s nomination at the 2008 Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) Employer Awards.

The school won the overall State award. Principal Mike Lascock received the prize at a black-tie dinner hosted by Head Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Greg Melick at Karrakatta Barracks.

“It was great to get recognition for the role the school has played in assisting our people to be part of the Army Reserve,” Mr Lascock said.

“We get a great deal from having Reservists on staff. The skills they bring back from their army service are applicable to everything they do in their civilian work and their experiences have inspired the kids into doing both the Kokoda re-enactment and a dawn ANZAC Day service.”

In addition to recognition from the DRSC, the school’s ANZAC Day memorial was honoured this year as the State and National winner of the best ANZAC Day Commemoration.

But these events are not the only reasons why Rosalie Primary School took out Western Australia’s State Employer Award.

Private Peter Humbert (who doubles as a primary school teacher) was deployed recently to the Solomon Islands.

During a routine patrol, part of Australia’s peacekeeping role in the tiny strife-torn nation, Private Humbert stumbled across a school in the middle of the jungle where children sat on dirt floors and took classes without facilities or equipment.

Through Private Humbert, the story of Sali Primary School reached the students and teachers back home, galvanising the school community into a fundraising drive that raised $1500 in a day.

With the help of QANTAS, five boxes full of sporting equipment and other necessities were transported to the Solomon Islands to be donated to the teacher and children at Sali Primary School.

Mr Lascock was able to present the equipment to grateful on one of the many DRS funded and organised Exercise Boss Lifts to the region.

2 March 2009

Sea Day gives VIPs taste of Navy life

A group of VIPs have taken to the seas with the Royal Australian Navy to experience what it is like to be a member of the Defence Reserves.

The group, which included broadcaster and journalist Julie McCrossin and NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner John Stapleton, sailed out of Sydney Harbour aboard HMAS Anzac and had the opportunity to witness several ships concluding fleet exercises as part of the bi-annual Fleet Concentration Period in the East Australia Exercise area.

Defence Reserves Support Council New South Wales Committee Chair Rodney Cavalier and committee member Commander Peter Collins joined Director General Reserves – Navy Commodore Ranford Elsey to host the group on board.

Julie McCrossin

Other VIPs involved in the Sea Day were:

- Ms Merryl Dooley, General Manager of Human Resources for Tabcorp Limited,
- Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, Health Department,
- Mr Laurie Glanfield, Director NSW Director General, Attorney General’s Department
- Professor Jim Bishop, Chief Health Officer designate, The Cancer Institute.

Ms McCrossin, who hosts Qantas’ In-Flight Entertainment program ‘Up and Away’, said the opportunity to sail for a day with the Royal Australian Navy was “a remarkable experience”.

“There were several vessels involved in close quarter operations with jet aircraft, Seahawk helicopters and live firing,” she said.

“I think you have to see the young sailors in operation, as they carry out complex and inherently dangerous operations, to really appreciate their skill, courage and competence.

“I also learnt how reliant Navy is on the contribution of the Naval Reserve personnel, who serve several weeks each year while maintaining civilian careers.”

She said her day with the Navy was “exciting and thought provoking”.

“It made me reflect on the value of service to one's country,” she said.

“I also got a bit sea sick at times, as the ANZAC frigate showed how quickly it can change direction at sea, and the gentle care of several sailors was greatly appreciated.”

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February 2009

27 February 2009
Swan TAFE leads way in WA

Defence Force Reservists working or studying at Swan TAFE in Western Australia can reap the benefits of special provisions introduced to support them.

Swan is the State’s first TAFE college to formally support its students and staff who are also members of the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserve.

“We introduced special provisions to ensure students are not disadvantaged academically or financially as a consequence of participation in Defence Force Reserve activities,” said Mark Taylor, Swan TAFE’s Human Resources Director. Mark is also an Air Force Reserve Officer, having served for the past 17 years.

“These provisions acknowledge the commitment our students are making to their community and country through voluntary service in the Australian Defence Force and ensures they are not disadvantaged in their studies,” he said.

Mark Taylor, Swan TAFE's Human Resources Director and Air Force Reserve Officer.

“As a major public sector agency, Swan TAFE has also extended this support to its staff by making them able to access paid leave for Defence Force service and annual training.

“The public sector in Western Australia has a long tradition of providing positive conditions of service for employees that are part-time members of the Defence Force and Swan TAFE is proud to be able to do its bit.”

Swan TAFE has more than 33,000 students across six campuses, making it one of WA’s largest TAFE college and the largest trainer of trade apprentices.

“The policy we have in place has the potential to help so many people,” said Mr Taylor.

“It has been of great benefit to me already. It is fantastic to work in such a supportive environment.”

Mr Taylor, 34, is Flight Commander of the Air Base Protection Flight at RAAF Base Pearce, North of Perth, and this role sees him managing 25 personnel.

Mr Taylor said his experience in the Air Force Reserve had honed his people management skills, especially in the areas of staff welfare and career development.

“Being a Reservist has also helped me develop my ability to make decisions and to deal directly with people,” he said.

He said Swan TAFE encouraged other TAFE colleges and the broader tertiary education sector to introduce similar Reservist-friendly policies to support their staff and students who are volunteer members of the ADF.

19 February 2009

Employer Support for Reservists Crucial During Bushfire Crisis

Courageous, dedicated, resourceful – just some of the words Brigadier Michael Arnold has used to describe the 400 Reservists who are supporting the Victorian Bushfire Crisis response.

Brigadier Arnold, who is leading the 470 Defence Joint Task Force members assisting government agencies during the crisis, said the enthusiasm of Reservists to help those affected ‘has been overwhelming’.

“It is clear the Reservists are performing outstanding work,” said the Brigadier, who studies and works at Deakin University.

“It has made me feel so proud to be part of this organisation. It is quite overwhelming to see the wonderful response from all our people who are giving so selflessly.

“The Prime Minister, the Minister for Defence, Senior Officers and many others have been more than impressed with the work that the Reservists are performing.”

Brigadier Arnold, who joined the Australian Army in 1978 and spent the past 20 years in the Army Reserve, said the support of civilian employers had been critical and he sincerely thanked all those who had readily released their employees.

“We’ve had to build our ability to sustain the operation,” he said.

“We initially requested that personnel serve for three days and then we quickly reassessed this to five working days - and then we rotate people.

“We’ve had to allocate people here to ring employers, to request their on-going support. Employer relations are at the forefront of our minds.

“So far this has been going very well and we really appreciate their commitment to help. We are going to ask the Defence Reserves Support Council in Victoria to also assist us in this task.”

Brigadier Arnold said although he had served in Iraq, he had not personally witnessed a tragedy like this before.

“While in Iraq I saw rocket attacks and explosions from a distance and had to imagine the devastation that was being inflicted on the people. I did not see anything immediate like this – nothing has compared.

“What I have been telling my people is that ‘your work is highly valued, just the fact that you are there, in location, is a massive help to the local population’.

“You can see the reaction of the people, the look on their faces. They are so happy to see our soldiers. In some cases, the soldiers have been the first people they have seen since the fires came through their area.

“The message is that the Government, the country, is taking this incredibly seriously.

“We are going to get through this together.”

Reservists are undertaking many tasks, including assisting in the search for victims as well as using bulldozers to create fire containment lines and to reopen roads and fire trails.

Head Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Greg Melick said it was extremely important that Reservists have the full support of their civilian employers.

“By releasing Reservists for service, employers are enabling Reservists to deliver specialist and emergency help to people in need,” said Major General Melick.

"We ask you, the employers, to recognise the commitment involved in this extremely challenging and critical role, just as we hope you appreciate the extra skills, experience and maturity that service in the Reserve provides any Reservists you employ.

“Like all Australians I am deeply moved by the recent events in Victoria. I am grateful we have the measures in place to assist people affected.”

6 February 2009

Jungle Week for Kawungan Principal

When Kawungan State Primary School Principal Steve Case talks to his sixth year teacher Rob Brennan, he normally just walks the 100 metres to Rob’s classroom.

But last week Steve traveled 8,000kms to the middle of the Malaysian jungle to meet Rob and his 113 Army Reserve soldiers as they were learning about jungle survival. This is certainly a long way from Kawungan, a suburb south of Bundaberg in Queensland.

The trip was all part of Exercise Boss Lift – a Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves – where 20 bosses like Steve, mostly from South East Queensland, were flown to Malaysia to meet their employees during their Army Reserve service.

Major Rob Brennan with Kawungan State Primary School Principal Steve Case.

“As long as I’ve known him, Rob has been in the Army Reserve,” said Steve. “I know he has to be away from time to time – this time for three months – but we have always been able to get around it by planning ahead and booking a supply teacher while he’s away.

“Rob is now a Major so I was very keen to see how he responded to being in command. He’s a very relaxed bloke at school and now I know there’s very little difference in the field from back home – but he is able to articulate where the boundaries are!

“I was so impressed by his ability to relate to ‘Generation Y’ with respect, his clarity in communicating with them – and how they respond positively. Not only was he outcome driven but the quality of the outcomes.

“Having seen him in command of over 100 soldiers, I know I’ll now be giving him more strategic involvement when he’s back at school – in planning, strategic development, trusting him with budgets and so on.

“After watching him for two days I was even wondering about how he’d find school after this time away. But Rob is sure he wants to get back to the classroom and the kids.

“On this trip I have been so impressed with not just Rob but all his Reserves! I think that encouraging them should be a corporate responsibility. I’ll certainly be reporting back positively to my fellow district principals.”

But being away for three months has meant Rob has missed some major family milestones. “I missed my youngest son's Year 12 Graduation ceremony, my youngest daughter’s and eldest son’s birthdays, my eldest daughter’s first part-time job and our family Christmas, as well as the swearing-in of my eldest son as he joined the Regular Army.

“This Christmas I never felt so isolated – but, thanks to wi-fi internet, my family had set up a laptop at the Christmas table. My parents were there too so I talked to them all over Christmas lunch.”

Soldiers like Rob have to volunteer to be in the Reserve and then have to volunteer again to serve overseas. As well as choosing to serve overseas they can also volunteer for major events within Australia such as security duties at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

6 February 2009

Allan Wallish - Passions of Paradise

Would you like your ‘office’ to be the Great Barrier Reef? What if your work involved showing this natural wonder to local and international tourists?

That’s the life and business that Alan Wallish has been running for nearly two decades from his base in Cairns, North Queensland.

‘Passions of Paradise’ is an appropriately named reef-cruise company that is a strong supporter of Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists.

“Our general manager Scott Garden is an Army Reservist and the company is really keen to support him in his service” said Mr Wallish, the company’s Managing Director.

“When Scott joined us about five years ago, I knew that he needed every Tuesday afternoon off to fit in his Reserve responsibilities. ‘Passions of Paradise’ has received that goodwill back in spades.”

Scott Garden (left) and Allan Wallish.

“The training and discipline Scott receives from the Army is a real asset to our business. As a manager and leader in our company, he is organised and focused – which is exactly what we need.”

Through employing a Reservist and by chairing the recently-established Australian Marine Training Network, Mr Wallish has been appointed to the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) in far north Queensland.

The DRSC works to heighten awareness of the Reserve component of the Australian Defence Force among civilian employers. It encourages them to support employees who are, or who may wish to become, Reservists.

Alan Wallish has also participated Exercise Boss Lift – a Defence program designed to encourage employer support for the Reserves. Exercise Boss Lift gives bosses of Reservists an insight into what happens on exercises and deployments. It also highlights the benefits and strengths that Reservists bring to the workplace.

“I went to Darwin for four days and it was a real eye-opener,” said Mr Wallish.

“In just a short space of time we were exposed to a broad range of activities including ground and airborne exercises. Seeing air-to-air refuelling up close was a particular highlight.”

Mr Wallish says his company, which operates a 25-metre catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef, gets an unexpected benefit from its support of Reserve employees.

“It’s easy to get obsessive in this business. You live and breathe it – sometimes for 18 hours a day,” he reflected.

“That’s why it’s important to have solid interests outside of work. In Scott’s case his Reserve service, including time spent on exercises sees him come back to work energised and revitalised.

“It’s fantastic, seeing that it’s something that he loves doing so much.”

‘Passions of Paradise’ claims the Employer Support Payment, currently more than $1100 a week, to help cover Scott’s absence on Defence duties.

After a qualifying period, businesses can apply for the payment to help offset the costs of an absent staff member.

This ensures business continuity and can assist in maintaining cash-flow. Find out more about the payment here.

The company also employs several former ADF members, both Regulars and Reservists.

Mr Wallish describes them as having a maturity in the workplace that is both an asset to the business and an encouragement to other staff.

“These team members are all in their 20s but their Defence training and discipline means they follow instructions to the letter and stay with a task until it is completed,” he said.

“It’s all about getting the job done."

6 February 2009

Reservists return from Solomon Islands

More than 140 Army Reservists from New South Wales returned home safely from a successful four-month deployment to Solomon Islands in time to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, welcomed home the Reserve soldiers who deployed as part of the Australian contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), where Australia and her Pacific partners are helping the local government to bring peace and stability through improved law and order.

Signaler Mark Hoad received a hero's welcome from his parents as well as the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly, when he returned home.

6 February 2009

Reservist rubs people up the right way

Reservists come from all sorts of backgrounds. In civilian life they are doctors, truck drivers, child-care workers and, in Mick Blundell’s case, masseurs.

He’s the first to admit it’s an unusual occupation to bring to the Reserves. And how it came to be is a story in itself!

“I was in the Permanent Air Force and when I came out was looking for a new interest. My wife had a bad shoulder, so I enrolled in a massage course. My concern for her welfare became a new career,” he grinned.

Sergeant Mick Blundell was an Air Force cook for more than 13 years. He was posted to Sale, Wagga Wagga and Williamtown, as well as attachments to various Australian Defence Force exercises including Kangaroo ’89 and Operation Tandem Thrust.

His final posting was to 27 Squadron at Townsville, which was then acting as a forward operational base for the multi-national force preparing for peacekeeping operations in East Timor. It was here that Sergeant Blundell’s cooking skills were really tested.

“We were cooking three meals a day for 1300 troops from right around the world,” he said.

“There were contingents from the United States, Italy, Kenya and several Asian countries, as well as Australian forces.

“We were cooking a hundred kilograms of rice three times a day, which was fine, except that the Thai troops preferred it gluggy and their Korean counterparts wanted it served fluffy. It tests your resourcefulness,” he reminisced.

After he left full-time service, Mick Blundell transferred straight into the Reserves, but needed another interest. That’s where his wife’s sore shoulder became a career turning point.

“I was rubbing it as often and as well as I could, but knew I wasn’t doing the best job possible,” said Mick.

“So I enrolled at the ‘College of Natural Medicine’ in Townsville, initially to learn the basics of massage.”

From that, ‘Xanadu Massage Therapy’ was born eight years ago. Mick now specialises in remedial, sport, acupressure and trigger-point massages.

“I also get a lot of satisfaction out of relaxation massages – I call them ‘grease and oil changes’ where I make sure clients’ problems are dealt with as they come up.

“I get a lot of repeat business this way and it underlines to me that a pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Mick Blundell splits his time between the massage table and the Personnel Transition Flight at 23 Squadron at Amberley, south-west of Brisbane.

“I tend to do a week of massage, then a week or so of Reserve service,” Sergeant Blundell said.

“The difference between the two is tremendous, although it’s all about helping people achieve their best and getting good outcomes.”

Being self-employed, Mick receives the Employer Support Payment (ESP) when away from his business.

After a qualifying period, businesses can apply for the ESP to help defray the costs of an absent staff member. This ensures business viability and assists in maintaining cash-flow. It is adjusted twice a year and is currently worth more than $1100 per week.

There are no restrictions on how a business spends the payment. Find out more about it here.

The final word goes to Mick’s wife Tracey, whose bad shoulder led him to become a masseur in the first place.

“Mick has magic hands,” Tracey said.

“And my bung shoulder? What bung shoulder? It’s been great for years now.”

6 February 2009

Flexibility of Navy Reserves a bonus when studying

Employer support and the flexibility of Reserve service has led to Leading Seaman Julie Jackman achieving her goal of completing a Bachelor of Education.

Leading Seaman Jackman, who transferred to the Navy Reserve four years ago after discharge from the Permanent Navy, works as a Reservist at the Regional Reserve Pool South Queensland in an administration role. This position has provided her with invaluable flexibility – an advantage which she says helped her to complete her degree.

“Without the flexibility of my immediate boss and the Reserves in general, I would not have been able to study and work at the same time. It would have been virtually impossible,” she said.

“The flexibility of the Reserves is its major selling point. Members can organise Reserve service around their family and civilian job responsibilities. The pay is also an incentive, being tax-free.”

Leading Seaman Jackman said she believed it was important for Navy to ‘serve’ its Reservists by providing a high level of customer service, thereby ensuring that if Reservists want to participate in Reserve work they are given as much support as possible as they manage their civilian job commitments with their Reserve commitments.

“Reserve managers need to ensure they understand that Reservists have many responsibilities and that they provide a high level of communication, support and flexibility for the personnel who volunteer to serve,” she said.

Apart from her studies and working at the Regional Reserve Pool, Leading Seaman Jackman has been involved in many exercises, including being part of a shore patrol with foreign ships and being part of the slipping and berthing parties for ships such as aircraft carriers. Her biggest highlight, however, was organising a trip for Reservists, full-time defence personnel and civilians to walk the Kokoda Track in 2007.

“The trek was amazing and we successfully completed it much to everyone’s pride and satisfaction.

It was great to do something together and share our skills with others and show them how proud I am to be a Reservist.”

For now Leading Seaman Jackman is hoping to receive a teaching job offer early next year with a view to one day changing over to Training Systems Command Officer so that she can ultimately provide services to Navy as a teacher.

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January 2009

1 January 2009

DRS takes a stand with Local Government

In early December, Defence Reserves Support attended the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly in Melbourne.

The Australian Local Government Association is the national voice of local government, representing more than 609 councils across the country.

The National General Assembly brings together several hundred delegates from councils across Australia to move and debate resolutions of concern to local government.

Speakers include prominent local government leaders, national political leaders and leading Australian experts and academics from fields of interest and relevance to local government.

Defence Reserves Support staff Claire Crosthwaite and Sheila Shaw with ALGA Chief Executive Adrian Beresford-Wylie. Mr Beresford-Wylie is also a member of the Defence Reserves Support National Council.

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