Employers honoured for supporting firefighting efforts

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said it was important to acknowledge the support of outstanding employers who help volunteers do what they do.

“The NSW RFS Supportive Employers Program recognises businesses who generously grant volunteers leave to attend emergency incidents during work hours without financial disadvantage,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said this year’s 12 Special Commendation recipients include a school, family businesses, large companies and government agencies.

“The businesses receiving Special Commendations today have gone above and beyond with their support, not only releasing employees for volunteer duties but also implementing measures such as specialised leave or promoting volunteering achievements,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“I know having staff called away, sometimes for extended periods, puts pressure on workplace productivity and I would like to sincerely thank those employers who provide leave to NSW RFS volunteers.

“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.”

Commissioner Fitzsimmons 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.”

The Supportive Employer Program was launched in March 2013 to recognise the essential contribution employers make to the volunteering effort. Since then, 231 businesses have now been presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and 60 have received a Special Commendation.

2017 NSW RFS Supportive Employer Special Commendation recipients:

› Airservices Australia
› Arakoon Computers
› Hawkesbury City Council
› K-Line Agriculture
› Nowchem
› NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
› Public Service Association of NSW
› Real Aussie Sheds
› Scientific Devices Australia
› Southern Highlands Christian School
› Southern Hospitality Australia Pty Ltd
› Storage King