Employers honoured for supporting firefighting efforts

NSW RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers presented Supportive Employers Awards to 12 businesses in recognition of their vital contribution to firefighting and emergency response efforts.

“I know having staff called away at short notice, sometimes having to down tools in the middle of a job or leaving the office for extended periods, puts pressure on workplace productivity and I would like to thank all employers who provide leave to NSW RFS volunteers,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

“The NSW RFS Supportive Employers Program recognises businesses who generously grant volunteers leave to attend emergency incidents during work hours without financial disadvantage and also implement measures such as specialised leave or promoting volunteering achievements.”

The recipients honoured this year include a range of small businesses, large corporations and government agencies located in various areas of the state.

“Just like the volunteers who jump on trucks, operate radios and feed hundreds of responding firefighters and emergency service workers, employers who support volunteers make a very direct contribution to firefighting efforts in NSW,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

Deputy Commissioner Rogers thanked all employers who support NSW RFS volunteers, noting that having workers off tools or away from the office can be challenging.

“Volunteers continually dedicate their time to protecting communities across the state and this couldn’t happen without supportive employers allowing them to do the things they do,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers said.

“The upcoming bush fire season has the potential to be a very challenging one but it is reassuring to know we will once again be able to rely on the support of bosses and businesses right across NSW.

“Volunteers continually dedicate their time to protecting communities across the state and this couldn’t happen without supportive employers.”

The Supportive Employer Program was launched in March 2013 to recognise the essential contribution employers make to the volunteering effort. Since then, 248 businesses have been presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and 72 have received a Supportive Employers Award.

2018 NSW RFS Supportive Employer Special Commendation recipients:

› Allam Homes
› Canon Australia
› Citadel Technology Solutions
› Collier & Miller
› Elders - Walgett
› Lawson Car Care & Tyre Centre
› Mars Petcare Australia
› Overall Photography Mid North Coast
› Peabody Wilpinjong Coal Mine
› Roads & Maritime Services Russell Vale Laboratory
› Sliced Tech
› Tatham Poultry