Ample RESERVES
In Queensland, more than 4,600 people
volunteer their time each month as a
Defence Force Reservist. Reservists
are highly motivated, skilled individuals
who are trained in a number of different
professions. Their experience in the
Navy, Army or Air Force makes them
incredible team players, able to show
leadership and communicate within an
organisation. They are reliable and loyal,
and many have nationally recognised
qualifications which can often be used
by an employer.
Many residents in the Cairns community
don’t realise that we have an Army and
a Navy Reserve base here, conducting
operations throughout Far North
Queensland. These reservists have
‘day jobs’ in the Cairns region, and are
supported by understanding employers
who value their skillset and motivation.
Their employers range from medium
to large agencies and organisations
through to small businesses and not-
for-profit groups.
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Rutherford,
Commanding Officer of the 51st
Battalion based in Cairns,
explains “Here in Cairns, we
have part time Army officers
and part time soldiers. There
are around 500 personnel
working in the units across
North Queensland and that
number is growing as they
welcome more people into
their ranks. It is an honour to
recognise our outstanding
employers and reservists.”
Defence Force Reservists
have an incredible impact on
our country and community,
providing humanitarian relief to
international communities that
need it most, as well as helping
to secure Australia’s borders. In
times of difficulty, such as natural
disasters, they assist in the rebuilding
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of communities, as well as emergency
rescue operations. The Australian
Defence Force (ADF) operational
capability and deployment is reliant on
the availability of Defence Reserves and
the ongoing support of their employers.
Employers from across the Cairns
region were acknowledged for their
support for Australian Defence Force
(ADF) Reservists at an awards function
in November. The Employer Support
Awards, hosted by the Defence
Reserves Support Council (DRSC),
recognised employers who have been
particularly supportive of their Reservist
employees.
DRSC Cairns Region
Chair, Miss Lara Wilde, said the awards
recognised ongoing and exceptional
efforts on behalf of employers to
support their employees who serve
in the Australian Defence Force.