"The values and high standards of the Defence Force are closely aligned with those of Ausgrid, which is why I'll always jump at the chance to employ a Defence Reservist. You know that they'll be reliable, that they'll have integrity and that they'll be hungry for success.

We pride ourselves on operating a reliable and safe electricity network. The leadership skills, teamwork and discipline of Defence Reservists make it easier for us to achieve that. While Defence Reservists do require time off work to serve, their deployment and training strengthens those leadership and teamwork skills.

I'm proud to say our workforce has a strong sense of duty with many of our staff volunteering in their local community, and our Reservist employees are a prime example."

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"... the extent and quality of the training they receive can be invaluable to a business."

"I'm going to be honest here, in the beginning I thought having Reservist employees was little more than a community service obligation in support of our country. But I've since come to learn that the extent and quality of the training they receive can be invaluable to a business. They're disciplined, organised, work well under pressure and add an air of confidence to the workplace.

Recently I took part in Exercise Boss Lift and got to see Reservists on deployment genuinely helping to keep the peace in the Solomon Islands. It gave me a greater understanding of what Reservists do in military life and left me with a lasting sense of pride because I now know what Reservists do for our country. And personally, I think these people deserve a lot more recognition for the enormous contribution they make. So for all these reasons and more, we at Blackmores wholeheartedly support Defence Reservists."

"The world of finance and risk management is extremely stressful, demanding and is constantly evolving. Which is why learning on the job, working in a team, showing leadership and attacking each and every day with discipline are skills valued at Deloittte.

We have a saying in our business, "Leadership isn't about leading people where they want to go, but where they ought to go". I find that those with military training not only understand the value of this, but are also capable of implementing it. There can be no doubt Reservist training has assisted them with their work performance, motivation and ability to think on their feet. And those skills go a long way to ensuring their success as well as Deloitte's."

"It's my belief that good things happen when opportunity meets preparedness. And in my business, preparation is everything, which is why I like Reservists. They bring a lot to an organisation, they're highly motivated, highly trained and have excellent attitude and aptitude.

While I've seen these skills put to good use in the workplace, it was only when I went on an employer engagement activity, that I got to see Reservists really get down to business. Frankly, I was totally blown away by how capable and competent the team was when the chips were down. Let me tell you, these people are there when our country needs them and I'd trust them with anything."

"Our business is a fast paced, around-the-clock one, which is why I like Reservists. In my youth I was a Cadet Under Officer, so I know first hand how well trained military staff are. My Reservists are flexible, focused, have high energy levels and can both lead and take direction. And we need all of those attributes to ensure we deliver each and every customer our promise of outstanding quality, fast and friendly service and the highest standard of cleanliness.

Reservists make up a valued portion of our diverse team. While things can and often do change while they're away on service, Reservists' attention to detail and ability to focus on and learn new procedures within short timeframes, means they pick up where they left off without any trouble. Employment flexibility is one of our promises to all employees, and the return on our investment in Reservists is an enormous bonus."

As Mayor of the town of Gawler and a proud South Australian, His Worship Brian Sambell is a passionate and involved member of the community. With a diverse background in industries across tourism, community events and retail Brian knows exactly what to look for in a great employee.

Having recently been involved in an  Exercise Boss Lift, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Brian has seen first hand just what it is that Defence Reservists can bring to a civilian employer.

"Exercise Boss Lift in Northern Queensland has been a real eye opener. Spending time with these Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel has allowed me to see first hand what enthusiastic, dedicated and hardworking people they are. You wouldn't find a better worker to employ anywhere else and I am really looking forward to getting back to Gawler and promoting Reserve service to the many contacts I have in South Australia.

"The interesting stories and unique experiences these people have to tell you about have been a real highlight. From the young ones who are so confident at what they do through to the more senior personnel who are still so passionate and proud of what they do, twenty years in."

For Brian, the experience gave him the opportunity to see a fully operational camp set up by the Royal Australian Air Force's Combat Support Group with a functional hospital, air traffic control team, security force, fire fighting team and catering service.

"It's really impressive to see that the defence do train their personnel to such high levels in preparation for what could be, real life scenarios in support of providing humanitarian relief through to a natural disaster. The camaraderie and professionalism of the team as a whole surpassed any expectations I had. I would strongly recommend a Boss Lift experience to any employer to gain insight into just how valuable Reservists can be to a civilian employer."

Chief Executive Officer of Northern Territory Cricket Andrew Donnelly with Alan Alwood of Defence Reserves Support Council  -  Launceston in the back of an MRH90. 

Chief Executive Officer of Northern Territory Cricket Andrew Donnelly with Wing Commander Smith, Commanding Officer at Airfield Williamson during Exercise Precision Support 2011. 

Northern Territory Cricket (NT Cricket) is the peak body for cricket in the Top End, engaging approximately 13,000 Territorians in the sport annually.

With a significant number of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel playing regularly across the Territory, NT Cricket has strong ties with the Defence Force and has even hosted the ADF cricket team in Darwin for the 2011 Arafura Games.

Chief Executive Officer of NT Cricket, Andrew Ramsay, recently participated in an Exercise Boss Lift held in northern Queensland. Exercise Boss Lift is an employer support engagement program coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division. "Exercise Boss Lift was a real eye opener for me. I was really impressed with the professionalism and team work of the ADF personnel. The experience gave me great insight into the importance of Reservists enhancing capability of the ADF ," said Andrew.

For Andrew, the exercise provided a lot of first time experiences, from a ride in a Royal Australian Air Force fire truck, to travelling in a C-17 Globe Master and learning how to handle an F88 Austeyr rifle.

"To have been able to have these unique experience that most would not have the opportunity to do was a great aspect to the Exercise Boss Lift program," he said.

"As a direct result of this trip I will definitely continue to be an advocate for Defence Reservists. Seeing just how passionate, motivated and patriotic these defence personnel are, has demonstrated to me that having them in my employment in the future would be of benefit to me and my organisation."

Caption: Glenys Jones - 5AVN  Blackhawk  01 Dec 11

The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) mission is to support those who serve or have served in defence of our nation and commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Glenys Jones, currently a manager in the F-111 Compensation team has provided over 30 years of service to the DVA with involvement in providing the full range of benefits available to Australian veterans, Defence personnel and their dependants. She also works with and manages current Defence Reservists in her work place and therefore has a good understanding of their roles and the kinds of challenges faced by both Reservists and employers when managing the balance between both.

Having recently participated in Exercise Boss Lift, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, Glenys was able to see first hand just how diversely skilled Reservists are and the high level of training they received.

"Coming away from Exercise Boss Lift, I was just amazed by the personnel, some of them quite young, who had the confidence to talk about and demonstrate their role to national senior executives. They were not over-awed in being confronted by such a big group of us, they were friendly, enthusiastic and passionate," she said.

The experience, which saw Glenys join other employers in northern Queensland and view Reservists involved in Exercise Precision Support, provided her with the chance to experience a ride in a C-17 Globe Master and the opportunity to learn how to handle an F88 Austeyr rifle.

As an avid traveller and adventurer herself, Glenys recognises that the ADF can provide unique experiences to Reservists and is a strong advocate of providing the support required for when Reservists in her team need or want to take Defence leave.

"What they bring back from these experiences are translatable skills such as teamwork, camaraderie and leadership, which are of benefit to any civilian company and an enriching experience for the Reservist themselves."

Mr Jack Smorgon AO, has been recently reappointed as the National Chairman of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC), which provides a link between the Australian Defence Force (ADF), employers and the community from which the Reserve force is drawn.

The DRSC aims to enhance the availability of the Reserve component of the ADF by promoting the benefits of employing members of the Reserve. The DRSC also aims to establish a flexible partnership with the community and employers so they are encouraged to support those in the Reserve.

As National Chairman, the three-year appointment will see Jack engaging with employers to ensure that there is a broader understanding of the role of Reservists in the community and adequate support for Reservists to perform their duties when required. 

"I am very excited about being reappointed to this role. The role of Australian Defence Force Reservists is an important one and promoting the benefits of Reservists is something I am very passionate about," said Jack.

With a broad network from the many committees Jack is involved with, one of his main aims will be to grow the number of supportive employers of Reservists.

"Reservists are imperative to the capability of the ADF, and I intend to reach out to the many contacts I have throughout a diverse range of industries to get them onboard as supportive employers of Reservists."

Jack recently participated with 20 national employers in Exercise Boss Lift, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division.

"For the employers, it was a great opportunity to be able to experience first-hand just how important the Reservist's role is to full time capability. The feedback from them demonstrated that these kinds of activities can make a difference in gaining support from the wider community." 

Saab is a global company, whose principal activity in support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the development and support of combat systems on ANZAC class frigates for Australia and New Zealand.

Chief Financial Officer Ben Gulliver has regular business interactions with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as an alliance partner and is well versed in where ADF personnel's strengths lie in the civilian working environment.

Ben recently participated in an Exercise Boss Lift to northern Queensland, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division. While here he had the opportunity to see Defence Reservists in their military role.

"It was a fantastic experience. I have a lot of admiration for Reservists, they are committed, organised, and passionate about what they do," he said.

"At Saab we have a Supportive Leave Policy in place because Reservists do have the type of characteristics we look for in employees and they need that support in order to balance their Reserve duties with their civilian jobs."

For Ben, watching a C-17 taking off and landing at night time, through a night vision scope was something he had not experienced before and he was highly impressed by the Australian Army's Blackhawk and MRH90 helicopters, which he had the chance to get inside.

"While there could at times be some manpower issues around Reservists who need to take leave from their civilian employment at short notice, I think that from the benefits and skill sets these Reservists can bring to a company, it is a minor issue which a business hopefully can work around."

The Richmond Club is a family entertainment and recreation centre in the Hawkesbury District in New South Wales. Having been on the Board of Directors for the past 14 years and Chairman of the Board the past three years, Geoffrey Luscombe understands the value and skills Reservists can bring to an organisation.

"I have retired from the New South Wales Police Force but during my time in the Police Force, coming from the Operational Safety Unit as a Senior Instructor, we often used RAAF Base Richmond and Holsworthy Army Barrack's facilities to conduct training. So I have a close association with the Defence Force," said Geoff.

"There are approximately 23,000 members of the Richmond Club and we are one of the areas largest employers. In the past we have employed Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Reservists and I would have no hesitation in employing them again."

Geoff is always impressed by the excellent work ethic, the people skills and enthusiasm Reservists bring to the working environment and understands the high level of training given to Defence Reservists having been through much of it himself.

Having recently spent some time with the RAAF during Exercise Precision Support with the Exercise Boss Lift Program, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, the friendliness, passion and genuinity of the personnel he met has further inspired him on his own quest to join the RAAF Reserves himself.

Chris Hirst onboard MRH-Taipan 5AVN  01 Dec11.

Managing Director of Kawasaki Newcastle is a passionate individual on all things mechanical from motorbikes to aviation.  He has owned a motor cycle store for over 30 years, is a Senior Instructor for Recreational Aircraft of Australia (RAA), holds an unrestricted Private Pilots Licence and is on the Board of Directors with Royal Newcastle Aero Club for Flight Operations, training and Marketing.

From his many years in aviation he has formed strong bonds with many Royal Australian Air Force personnel and has always enjoyed hearing their stories or adventure.

He is hoping to provide a supporting role to the Defence Reserves Support Council soon and as a result recently attended Exercise Boss Lift program, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division.

"The experience gave me the chance to see some of these stories I have heard over the years, first hand. It was quite fascinating seeing the engineering side of things, as that is something that really interests me," said Chris.

"Teamwork is imperative to both civilian jobs and to the defence force and there was no shortage of it during our time with the Combat Support Group during Boss Lift."

Although Chris has flown in many aircraft, being transported to and from Airfield Williamson, part of the Shoalwater Bay training area was a new experience and a big highlight to his adventure.

"I am looking forward to getting back home and becoming an advocate for Defence Reservists because the support they provide to the permanent force is so important.  I had a good understanding of the way in which the RAAF operates but this trip has really emphasised just how valuable Reservists are."

Kerry Loughhead - Exercise Boss Lift  - 5AVN  Blackhawk  01 Dec 11

The City of Prospect in South Australia is home to more than 20,000 residents. 

Kerry Loughhead is the City of Prospect's Manager of Governance and Administration - a South Australian town which is home to over 20,000 residence. 

Not having much previous experience or contact with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Kerry was very excited about the opportunity to participate in Exercise Boss Lift, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division in northern Queensland. 

"I had a very limited knowledge of the Australian Defence Force in general, and of the Reserves in particular," she said. 

"I had no idea that Reservists actually deployed. But this experience has shown me first hand just how important a role Reservists play in supporting the full time capability of the defence force." 

"Since being here, my understanding of what Reservists do has increased dramatically. They are just so competent and passionate about what they do. I was completely impressed." 

The City of Prospect has an Employer of Choice policy in development and from that it is hoping to attract more Reservist employees. 

"Reservists are exactly the type of employees we want working for us.  Their skill sets are diverse, and they demonstrate exceptional team work, leadership and integrity.  Now, having this understanding of their role in the defence of our country, I would have no concerns in being able to work with Reservist employees to ensure they can take the leave they need to do the important role that they do."

Simon Kennedy - 5AVN 01 Dec 11 

Smart Fabrication is a South Australian based manufacturing company, which has always been a supportive employer of Reservists and has had many Army Reservists employed in the company since 1999.

Simon Kennedy, Managing Director of the company, has a close affiliation with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) having recently completed the South Australian Defence Industry Leadership Program and as a preferred supplier to the ADF providing specialist steel fabrication products for defence assets such as the Air Warfare Destroyers.

Simon believes that Reservists are some of the most inspiring and passionate people he has met.

"There is a great culture among Defence personnel. The morale, their willingness to help out and talk about what they do is really impressive. I have had Reservists in my company before and I hope to employ more. They have a great work ethic and are just all round good members of a team," said Simon

"Interacting with a lot of Defence personnel has given me ample opportunity to hear they great stories. One of the things I most admire is there passion a willingness to always get really involved."

The Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) mission is to support those who serve or have served in defence of our nation and commemorate their service and sacrifice.

As the Director of Rehabilitation and Compensation Claims in Brisbane, Margaret Jenyns team she currently manages four Defence Reservists. When they are required to take leave from their civilian role to provide Reserve service, the DVA has access to Employer Support Payment (ESP) Scheme Payments to help offset the gaps in her team.

"When our Reservists have to take leave, it does mean the rest of the team here do have to work a little smarter and harder, but the ESP mean we receive funds to temporarily replace them if we need to do so," said Margaret. She has recently attended Exercise Boss Lift, an employer engagement activity coordinated by Defence's Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division.

"It was very inspiring to see the Reservists performing their defence roles, they are confident, positive and articulate individuals who demonstrate strong skills in teamwork and leadership. They are the kind of employee that any employer would be lucky to have."

Director of Communication Deanna Nott and CRESD Deputy Head Brigadier Bill Sowry with Airport Transfer Solutions Managing Director Peter Sanders at the 2012 Employer Support Awards - Queensland 

Supporting the community is a focus for Gold Coast businessman Peter Sanders.

This is what drove him to become a supportive employer of Defence Reservists.

Mr Sanders, who is the Managing Director of Airport Transfer Solutions, learned about the Supportive Employer program through Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division's Director of Communication Deanna Nott.

"When Deanna told me about how she and the Division promote the benefits of Reserve service to the community and especially employers, I thought I needed to sign up," said Mr Sanders.

"I really believe in helping the community wherever I can, and doing this is a way I can make a small difference.

"Our company transfers more than 15,000 passengers each year to various airports around southern Queensland as well as to corporate functions and events.

"Whenever I have the opportunity, I tell my passengers about the good work that Australia's Reservists are doing here as well as overseas."

Mr Sanders said having the opportunity to mix with a wide range of employers at the 2012 Employer Support Awards further opened his eyes to work of Reservists.

"I was really impressed to hear that most of the soldiers in the Solomon Islands and East Timor at the moment are Reservists," said Mr Sanders after attending the awards function, hosted by the Defence Reserves Support Council at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane.

"It was also good to learn that so many of them helped Queenslanders during the floods last year."

Click here to learn more about this supportive employer (link to www.airporttransfersolutions.com )