The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has announced the winners of the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards, recognising nine businesses and individuals who have created employment opportunities for former members of the Australian Defence Force.
Minister for Veterans Affairs, Darren Chester joined Prime Minister, Scott Morrison in welcoming the awards, which also help demonstrate the positive contribution veterans make to Australian workplaces.
Mr Chester said about 5,500 members were discharged from the Australian Defence Force each year, many of them of an age where they still had a long civilian career ahead.
“During their time serving in defence of our nation, they will have led teams, worked with others to solve complex problems and demonstrated resilience and adaptability in high-pressure situations — all qualities that make them a great attribute to any business,” Mr Chester said
“The Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards are part of a broad program of activity aimed at raising employer awareness of the enormous value and unique experience of veterans. Hiring a veteran is good for business.”
The highest recognition for an Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Veterans’ Employment was awarded to Chris Mayfield, a third generation soldier who was discharged from the Army in January 2014, after completing 26 years of service.
“Chris is a champion for veteran employment and was influential in establishing Fortescue Metals Group’s recruitment and training program that has seen 54 veterans enter careers in mining,” Mr Chester said.
“He has played a pivotal role in assisting the business to understand the opportunity of offering roles to veterans, drawing on his knowledge of Defence and of trade qualifications.”
Other winners were: Outstanding Veterans’ Employer of the Year,BCT Solutions; Veterans Large Employer of the Year,Boral Limited; Veterans Medium Employer of the Year,BCT Solutions; Veterans Small Employer of the Year, Veterans in Construction.
Veteran Employee of the Year was Jordan Ivone; Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year, Ben Whitham; Excellence in Supporting Spouse Employment, Defence Bank; Excellence in Supporting Veterans’ Employment, Ironside Recruitment.
