Civilian employers and their reservist employees from across NSW recently gathered at Victoria Barracks in Sydney to celebrate the 2024 NSW Employer Support Awards.
The annual awards night recognises employers throughout the state who go above and beyond to support their ADF reservist employees.
Defence reservists nominate their civilian employers for their flexibility, generous leave provisions or overall support of their Defence service, with NSW having the highest number of nominations the state has ever received.
The night included displays of capability for employers to interact with including vehicle displays from 5 Combat Service Support Battalion and 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers; a drone demonstration from 9th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery; an aeromedical evacuation demonstration from 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron; and a Navy capability display from Fleet Support Unit - East.
Guests said the robotic dog demonstration from the Robotic and Autonomous Implementation and Coordination Office was a highlight.
Key attendees included Commander 2nd Division Major General David Thomae, Commodore Training Commodore John Stavridis, Detective Chief Superintendent Grant Taylor of the NSW Police Force and President of the Australian Industry Defence Network NSW Anna Murray.
'Defence is committed to supporting reservists in both their Defence and civilian careers. To enable reservists to fully commit to their chosen Defence career, the support of their civilian employer is crucial.'
Army reservist Private Alex Khalil nominated his civilian organisation OnDeck Capital Australia, which ended up winning the Private Sector, Medium category.
Head of people and culture at OnDeck, Cherie Habashi, spoke of what it meant to be nominated and the skills returned to their workplace.
"It is an honour to be nominated and we are delighted to support the work he [Alex] does in the ADF," Ms Habashi said.
"Alex is one of the most senior leaders in our organisation and we can absolutely see the impact and positivity that being part of the ADF has had on our organisation.
"The leadership, the tenacity and just generally all-round good values, which is a core part of how we do our business as well."
Head of Reserve and Cadet Support Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw congratulated the winners and noted the significant support employers provided to Defence.
"Reservists are dynamic and highly skilled; they provide key expertise to both Defence and to your workplaces," Major General Laidlaw said.
"Defence is committed to supporting reservists in both their Defence and civilian careers. To enable reservists to fully commit to their chosen Defence career, the support of their civilian employer is crucial.
"In releasing reservists, civilian employers contribute to our nation's interests, and as an organisation, Defence is proud to recognise that support.
"Congratulations to both the winners and all organisations who were nominated. Defence greatly values your support."
Award winners will now attend the National Awards in South Australia in October.
