Testimonials
One testimonial for each State/Territory is included below.
More are available on each State/Territory EES page.
Western Australia
More on EES in WA
"Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to participate in the Executive Stretch program.
I had the most amazing time being ambushed, shooting, being transported in a tank, experiencing a ration pack, travelling in a zodiac and having a tour on the HMAS Rsubmarine etc.
I would love to catch up with you soon to discuss both the event and to have a chat with you in regard to becoming a reservist. Yes thats right, the Army Reserves."
Victoria Smith Catering Sales Co-ordinator, Parmelia Hilton Hotel, Perth
South Australia
More on EES in SA
"We unanimously agreed, after completing the course that it was challenging and rewarding, whilst being informative, educational and fun. To understand the requirements of becoming a defence reservist or officer within the tri-services was invaluable for us as employers.
This experience has provided us with a shared understanding of the high level of physical demands and leadership skills required of reservists. It also gave us the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with a diverse range of people.
We believe that this was an excellent program, which provided us with a greater understanding of how best to administer and support reservists within our agency. We will actively support other managers wishing to attend this course."
Robert Lindsay Director, Magistrates Court
Greg Thomas Manager, Court Operations
Graeme Rice Manager, Court Operations
Stephen Brady Manager, Court Operations
"Thank you so much for offering me the opportunity to participate in the Executive Stretch program.
It was an amazing experience, being transported in a C130 Hercules.... 'with the back door open'.... an experience most only read about. More importantly, 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."
Jennifer Thommeny Inspector, New South Wales police Force.
"My involvement in Exercise Executive Stretch was a real eye-opener and very rewarding. The opportunity to experience first hand the training that our Reservists undertake was great. It has given me a much greater appreciation of the role that the Reserves can play in helping train our normal day workforce. The skills and disciplines that reservists have really help back here at the workplace.
I would strongly recommend any manager from the local government sector becoming involved in EES"
Andrew Crakanthorp Director Corporate Services, Wagga Wagga City Council.
I would strongly recommend any manager from the local government sector becoming involved in EES"
Andrew Crakanthorp Director Corporate Services, Wagga Wagga City Council.
Queensland
More on EES in QLD
"A brief note to say thank you for the opportunity to participate this year.
I enjoyed every moment of it, and every aspect - from the physical activity, to the networking with people in similar positions to me, to the insight to the structure and operation of the Army Reserve.
Well done to you, and to all the Army personnel involved."
Dick Moody
Dear Stephen and Paul
Thank you for giving new one of the best days of my wokring life. To have the experiences of last Friday is someting I will never forget. To sum up the day in one word - Awesome!!!!. Any employer / line manager who gets the opportunity to participate in Exercise Executive Stretch should leap at the chance. It certainly was one of the best marketing campaigns for the RAAF Reserves possible and certainly ensures those that attend appreciate the value of your contribution to the ADF Reserves and the Australian community.
Paul, one of the things it would have been valuable to know more about was the training opportunities that you provide for the various ADF Reserve groups and how they can use this training and knowledge in both their work and ADF roles. While this was mentioned in a small way in many of the talks it was not something emphasised greatly and yet it something as an employer / line manager we are most interested in, it has that "what's in it for me " value. I know from my own experiences with supporting nurses to attend various ADF Reserve training what they have learnt and how these skills are transferable to their normal working life.
Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in Exercise Executive Stretch.
Mary Wheeldon Nursing Director - Critical Care and Surgery Services, The Prince Charles Hospital
Victoria
More on EES in VIC
"Many thanks for a fantastic weekend away.
The professionalism, co-ordination and enthusiasm of all involved was outstanding. I left Simpson Barracks on Sunday with a greater appreciation and understanding of the Defence Force as a whole, as well as the dedication, hard work and time which is required to be a Reservist."
Andrew O'Brien Key Account Director, Thomson Legal & Regulatory Limited
Tasmania
More on EES in TAS
"Aurora Energy considers that participation in the Defence Reserves Support is good for the community and good for our own people. As a major employer, it is one of the ways in which we can help the Tasmanian community to prosper from our efforts.
Involvement in Exercise Executive Stretch has proved a rewarding and challenging experience for a number of our employees over the years."
Norm McIlfatrick Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Energy Pty Ltd
My name is Shelley Aherne and I am a Small Business and Recruitment Consultant for the OGroup. The Exercise Executive Stretch weekend was an opportunity I would definitely rate as one of the most useful and interesting experiences I have had to date in my life. To be able to observe the reserves in training and the chance to chat with them was certainly an eye opener, but better than that we wore fatigues and participated in activities that gave us a great feel for what it takes to be a Reservist. Being one of only three females participating in the exercise it came as a great surprise and real confidence booster to find that as women we are just as willing and capable as men. I would strongly encourage anyone, especially women, to jump at the chance of participating in this fabulous weekend.
Shelley Aherne, Small Business and Recruitment Consultant, OGroup
My name is Georgie Lowe and I am an Executive Assistant with the O Group. In October 2008, I had an opportunity to participate in the 2008 Executive Stretch weekend with the Army Reserves at the Stony Heads, Tasmania.
It was an experience that had a huge impact on me, both personally and professionally. I now truly believe and understand that the skills, training, knowledge and experience provided by the Army Reserves to individuals who join can be such a positive influence for both the workplace and people’s personal lives.
I had a ball over the course of the weekend! All of the Army Reserves personnel were brilliant and we were looked after very well. We had the opportunity to put up ‘Hutchies’ and sleep under the stars, learn to navigate as a team, use night vision equipment, learn about artillery and weapons, participate in battle exercises and we also had to the opportunity to fire lives rounds at a target at the shooting range! That was exhilarating!
Thanks to everyone involved in the organisation and execution of the weekend – I would not hesitate to do it all again and would highly recommend the experience to anyone
George Lowe, Executive Assistant, OGroup
Northern Territory
More on EES in NT
"Just a short note to mention my appreciation of the opportunity to attend EES. Those couple of days were brilliant in many different ways, and I would like to extend my thanks to you, and your team for your time and effort in coordinating the program.
Not only do we have an excellent understanding of what the Reserves may experience whilst they are away, but the types of discipline and training they receive.
Thanking you again. Hopefully we can cross paths another time in the future."
Clark Thompson
