The ACT Ambulance Service and Ainslie Out of School Hours Care have been recognised for the support they give to Reservists in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The Defence Reserves Support Council named the organisations at a ceremony recognising employers who had actively assisted their ADF Reservist employees in their civilian and military workplaces.
The employers acknowledged at the ceremony had been nominated by their employees.
Private Matthew Smith, an Army Reservist who works for the ACT Ambulance Service, said he felt extremely well supported by ACTAS, especially in terms of leave to meet his military training obligations.
“The Army Reserve training requirements in the first 12 months are significant, Mr Smith said.
“The fact that I have a senior management role in the ACT Ambulance organisation exacerbates the impact of me being away for Reserve activities.
“I would not have been able to achieve and experience the things I have with Army if I was not strongly supported by the organisation.”
The ceremony in Canberra also provided an opportunity for employers to learn more about the programs offered by Defence Reserves Support as well as to gain a better understanding of the many roles Reservists undertake in the ADF and to learn how their skills were transferable to their civilian workplaces.
In addition to ACTAS and the Ainslie Out of School Hours Care, organisations recognised at the ceremony included U Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates from Unanderra and Wollongong; Apis Group and KPMG.
