BRISBANE Catholic Education (BCE) has been recognised for its support of Australia's Defence Force Reservists with an Employer Support Award.
Each year the Australian Defence Forces' Employer Support Awards acknowledge the contributions made by employers of Australian Defence Force Reservists.
Sponsored by the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC), the annual awards publicly recognise employers and their continued and significant support for reservists at the state and territory level.
BCE won the award from five other non-profit organisations within South-East Queensland.
Reservists are people from all backgrounds who serve alongside full-time Navy, Army or Air Force personnel on the occasional weekend, weekly evening, or days off work.
Modern Reserves work across a wide variety of trades and professions and get involved with rewarding activities such as supporting the work of full-time personnel on humanitarian missions, disaster-relief activities and combat operations.
To receive the prestigious award, an employer must be nominated by their reservist employee for being supportive in enabling them to undertake military training and operational deployments.
Nick Devereaux, a member of BCE's Business Information Services and a serving Captain in the Army Reserve, nominated BCE for the award.
As an active reservist in the Australian Defence Force, Nick said it was fantastic to work for Brisbane Catholic Education knowing it shared the values of service and sacrifice.
“BCE has, and continues to support me and other reserve members fulfil our desire to serve Australia through our defence work," he said.
“This service provides great opportunities and skills that can be used throughout the organisation, but also requires sacrifice from both parties."
BCE's Manager for Business Information Services, Kerry Edwards-Williams, who accepted the award on behalf of BCE Executive Director Pam Betts, said it was a great honour to receive the significant award on behalf of the BCE community.
“Nick's work in the army has provided him with a range of teaching, planning, analysis and leadership skills which he has been able to transfer to his work with BCE," Kerry said.
“The challenge of working around his time away has been countered by the development of Nick as a leader and educator along with the financial assistance provided by the Defence Reserve Support Council," she said.