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.”

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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.
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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.”

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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.”

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.”

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.”

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."

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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.

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.

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.