The commitment of employers in supporting staff to volunteer for Western Australia's emergency services has been celebrated at the annual Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards (VERA).
24 businesses, organisations and self-employed volunteers from Boddington to Esperance were recognised at the 2021 VERA ceremony in Bunbury today, with overall nominations increasing by more than 20 per cent on last year.
Albany-based T&C Supplies received a Distinction for Outstanding Support, which acknowledges the long-standing support of businesses and organisations receiving their fourth VERA.
The hardware business was nominated for demonstrating strong community spirit in the Great Southern by actively encouraging employees to volunteer, supporting fundraising activities and providing a meeting place for the local Bush Fire Brigade.
More than 80 employers across the State received awards this year, with the surge in nominations following several significant emergency incidents including the Wooroloo and Red Gully bushfires, Tropical Cyclone Seroja and severe flooding throughout the State.
As stated by Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby:
"Emergency services volunteers have committed around 120,000 hours to their roles this past year, and that would not be possible without the support of their employers.
"We can't predict when disaster will strike and that is why the flexibility and commitment of these employers to their volunteering staff is so important.
"These awards recognise the valuable contribution of employers throughout WA and I thank and congratulate the VERA recipients for helping create a safer State."
Recipients being recognised at today's Bunbury VERA ceremony
| Business | Location |
| 4 Giants | Bunbury |
| Ampol | Busselton |
| Australia Post | Busselton Post Shop |
| Balingup Welding and Civil | Balingup |
| Bonissimo Coffee | Bunbury |
| Bunbury Hospital | Bunbury |
| Burger Baby | Margaret River |
| Clearline Communications | Bunbury |
| Clifton Motel | Bunbury |
| HTE Transport | Picton |
| McColl's Transport | Harvey |
| Nicholls Coaches | Narrogin |
| PathWest Laboratory Medicine Western Australia | Manjimup |
| Premier Coal | Collie |
| Shire of Harvey | Harvey |
| Shire of Narrogin | Narrogin |
| Source Kitchen | Pemberton |
| South Bunbury Education Support Centre | Bunbury |
| South East Fire and Safety | Pink Lake |
| South32 Worsley Alumina | Boddington |
| Southern Ambience | Bridgetown |
| St Vincent de Paul Society | Manjimup |
| T&C Supplies * | Albany |
| Water Corporation | Warren-Blackwood District |
* Recipient receiving a Distinction for Outstanding Support
