Victoria’s 29th Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) has given local employers a chance to gain a new appreciation of the skills their Reservist employees bring to their organisations.

Employers were involved in a wide range of military activities during the EES, which was coordinated by Defence Reserves Support - Victoria and hosted by the Air Force's No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron.

Physical training and drill, quick decision exercises, training in water craft, a shoot on the range with a Steyr rifle and group exercises like erecting a tent and finding out historical details about the Air Force at the RAAF Museum kept the employers extremely busy over the three-day event.

Employers were suitably impressed by the dedication of the instructors and their rigorous attention to detail and safety.

First time shooter Penny Lyall, from the Baw Baw Shire , said confidence in her instructors encouraged her to undertake the Steyr shoot and her results speak for themselves – an almost perfect grouping of shots that would make an experienced shooter envious!

She said the weekend helped her ‘think outside the box’ and reinforced the fact that even as an experienced leader you can still ‘learn heaps’ about ‘working as a team’.

Robert Guymer of Maydeck said it was a ‘good weekend … great for organisations and team building’.

Stuart Shaw from Village Baxter retirement homes said it had been a ‘terrific’ experience, and suggested there could be even more emphasis on team building exercises.

Mathew Newman from Derwent Executive was extremely impressed by the ‘focus on safety’ and commented that it had shown him why the Defence Force had such a strong emphasis on a ‘regimented procedural policy’.

Overall the participants emerged with a new respect for the skills and dedication their Reservist employees brought to their respective organisations. Many expressed surprise that the vast majority of military personnel involved with EES were actually Reservists, and often commented on the professionalism and competence of the Reserve personnel in general.

BACK TO TOP

The support and encouragement a parent gives to a child is truly unique.

And when that parent is also your employer, it is often even more important.

When Private Shaun White, a rifleman with 4th/3rd Battalion, Royal New South Wales Regiment, told his father and employer, Michael White, that he wanted to volunteer for a six-month deployment to the Solomon Islands as part of Australia’s contribution to maintaining law and order in the country, his dad could not have been prouder.

“Being in the Reserve does him the world of good. All I have to do is work harder,” laughed Mr White, who owns White-Line Carpentry and Joinery Tahmoor, near Picton.

Mr White made the comments after being presented a Defence Reserves Support Employer Support Award at a function in Sydney recently.

“I don’t mind because I think his work in the Army is so important,” said Mr White, who won the State Award for Small Private Business.

“I couldn't believe the difference in him after he did his training at Kapooka. He had changed for the better. I am very proud of him. Sometimes I don’t show it, but I am.”

White-Line Carpentry and Joinery has supported Private White’s Reserve commitments by granting him leave to attend various and numerous Reserve training, exercises and deployments.

“I did get the Employer Support Payment while he was overseas and that was good because it helped me pay for his worker’s compensation policy and also for a replacement subcontractor,” said Mr White.

Private White, who has been in the Reserve for four years, said his deployment to the Solomon Islands on Operation Anode developed his leadership and team work skills and he uses these skills on a daily basis in his civilian job.

“I also had to think on my feet a lot while I was over there,” said Private White, who finished his carpentry apprenticeship last year.

“I think my medical training has been really helpful to the family business. I am a combat first-aider and in every infantry platoon you have to have one who is qualified in advanced military first-aid.

“For example I can place IV drips into people, administer morphine in a trauma situation and help fellow soldiers if they have a battlefield injury.”

Mr White agreed that his son’s Reserve experience brought so many extra skills to his business.

“I feel a lot better that we have a team member who is qualified like this,” said Mr White.

“Just today, Shaun washed a guys eyes out on site. One of our staff was grinding and a rock managed to get under his goggles and into his eye.

“We didn’t know how to do it properly and Shaun fixed the problem straight away, flushing his eye with saline.

“We carry a proper first-aid kit and now we have someone who knows how to really use it.

“Shaun is always calm. If someone cuts themselves, most people panic, whereas Shaun just takes it in his stride.”

When asked for a Solomon Islands deployment highlight, Shaun’s immediate response was ‘just making a difference to these people’s lives’.

“The little kids just love seeing the Army and I think it is really about the way with interact with them,” he said.

“They especially love the Reservists. We are just normal people who have two jobs.

“I really felt it on one particular day. One of the ladies was walking down a little track in the jungle when we were all patrolling through and she had a baby on her back.

“This baby would have been only three months old and as soon as the baby saw us he was waving at us. I have never seen anything like it. This baby couldn’t even hold its own head up properly but it managed to smile and wave!

“That baby does not realise what we are doing, but it must understand that the Australian Army is a good thing just by looking at our uniform.

“I also got to help out at the local hospital in Honiara once and assisted in surgeries. I again felt like I was able to make an actual difference to their lives.”

Private White said having his father’s support and encouragement allowed him to serve.

“Dad has always supported me, in everything I have ever done,” he said.

“I only gave him two hours notice to go and support the APEC event in Sydney.

“He has never, ever said ‘no, you can’t go’.

“He knows it is what I want to do.”

Being a good corporate citizen is paramount to one of Australia’s iconic employers, Qantas Airways.

This is one of the reasons why Qantas keenly supports Reservists who have volunteered to serve in the Australian Defence Force, said Qantas Fleet Manager and Pilot, Captain Dick Tobiano.

Captain Tobiano, who managing Qantas’ 737 and 767 fleets, made the comments after accepting the Defence Reserves Support - New South Wales Metro State Employer Support Award for Large Private Business.

Captain Tobiano was nominated by two of his staff, Lieutenant Anthony Nichols (who combines work as a Boeing 737 First Officer with his role as an Infantry Officer at 4th/3rd New South Wales Regiment) and Flying Officer Mark Wagener (who is the Boeing 737 Operations Manager and also an Administration Officer for 22 Squadron).

“When we get leave requests into our system, we certainly do what we can to fit in,” said Captain Tobiano.

“It is great to be recognised in this way, but we don’t do it for the recognition.

“We have a very strong social conscience at Qantas and support many important activities and organisations.”

Qantas is renowned for its community involvement, ranging from its support of various charities, such as UNICEF, through to sporting and arts sponsorships and indigenous development programs.

Being nominated by two separate Reservists is testament to the level of positive support being provided.

Qantas employs numerous Defence Reserve members in the Sydney Metro area and the organisation has supported these Reservists by granting them leave to attend various training and exercise commitments.

Additionally, Qantas allows its Reserve members the flexibility to attend essential Reserve commitments during normal business hours.

A group of 36 NSW employers were recognised in the categories of Government, Small, Medium and Large Business for their support of Reservists at the function, held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity to thank employers for their ongoing support of Reservists,” said Defence Reserves Support - NSW State Manager Squadron Leader Del Gaudry.

“The Metro awards is the first of a series of Employer Support Awards functions that will be held over the next four months throughout the state.”

This year is turning out to be a busy one for the office of Defence Reserves Support in New South Wales (DRS-NSW).

Building relationships with employers in Western Sydney, a Dining In night at an RAAF base and a plethora of other events around the state has kept the staff and Defence Reserves Support members very busy.

Defence Reserves Support Council NSW Committee Chair, Rodney Cavalier says the combined efforts of his committee's members and Defence staff has seen a marked increase in knowledge and awareness by employers of Reserve activities.

“The efforts of all involved has also seen a greater awareness of the responsibilities and entitlements of both employers and employees,” said Mr Cavalier, who was a Minister in the New South Wales Government in the 1980s.

“One of the initiatives that has worked particularly well in raising the profile of the Reserves was a Dining In night at RAAF Glenbrook,” he said.

“Key business executives and local government Mayors and Councillors from right across western Sydney were invited. We had a good opportunity to explain to them the breadth of what Defence, and the Reserves in particular, does in the region.”

Another successful activity was a half-day mini Executive Stretch at RAAF Richmond.

“Participants were again the key figures from western Sydney and they took a 1 ½ hour flight in a C130 Hercules over the city’s northern beaches at 500 feet with the ramp door open! This activity was really well received and received excellent media coverage as well,” he said.

Mr Cavalier became involved in DRS-NSW through his years of service to the people of New South Wales, as a Parliamentarian and Minister, through appointments to the National Library and National Archives and as Chairman of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.

Mr Cavalier sees the Global Financial Crisis as an opportunity for the Reserves.

”The downturn could have a positive impact,” he said.

“With the Employer Support Payment (ESP) on offer, it is a matter of employers of Reservists noting the certainty of the cash injection into their business. Reservists may also be able to make good use of any reduction in hours at their civilian work places. In this sense, they may be able to do more Reserve work while their employer receives the ESP.”

The north west of Western Australia is one of the most remote and desolate Defence locations in the world.

The region’s extensive Defence and civilian infrastructure means the work of the Pilbara Regiment is vital to Australia’s national security and economic well-being.

Recently, employers of Reservists in 1 Squadron/D Troop, Pilbara Regiment accompanied their staff members to a regular parade night and were briefed on local activities and operations.

About 20 bosses joined Reservists at the Port Hedland depot in Wilson Street where they mingled with Defence personnel and members of Defence Reserves Support - WA (DRS-WA).

DRS-WA Operations Manager Peter Burnes said about 30 Reservists showed off weaponry and night navigation equipment they use as part of the Regional Force Surveillance Unit (RFSU).

“Their training is supplemented by regular patrols carrying out essential surveillance and reconnaissance across vast tracts of Australia’s north-west,” said Mr Burnes.

“The bosses received a good insight into what their employees do when on Reserve duty.

“This is one area where Reservists have no shortage of operations to work on. Regular patrols mean the excellent training they receive is rapidly put into practice.”

People from all backgrounds and careers make up the Defence Reserves, but not many can boast being both a former member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and a psychologist. Caroline Greaves, however, comes from such a background.

As an 18 year old, Caroline joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a publications specialist.

“My dad and grandfather were in the Army and I guess I saw Defence as a career path with lots of opportunities,” she said. “My job was very clerical, entering alterations to technical and other manuals. It’s a trade that probably doesn’t exist anymore – I think computers did away with it,” she laughs.

Caroline said it wasn’t the most challenging of roles, so she hatched a cunning plan to become a psychologist, then return to the RNZAF.

“The first part worked out – I studied and trained for five years to become a psychologist. However, I didn’t rejoin the Air Force as planned. My life took a different turn.”

After moving to Australia in 2001, Caroline was talking to an Army Psychologist at RAAF Sale who suggested she apply to join the Army Reserve.

“That came off and, cutting a long story short, I’m now Captain Greaves, a Psychology Officer with 2 Company, 1 Commando Regiment (1 CDO REGT) in Victoria.

“I am incredibly fortunate that, as a psychologist, each time I speak to someone I get to share a unique view of another role that I would never get to experience first-hand.

“I am on a steep learning curve in my role at 1 CDO REGT and finding the time to do all that is required is pretty fascinating.” In civilian life, Caroline is the Head of Counseling Services with Haileybury, one of Melbourne’s leading independent schools. In fact, In fact, it’s the largest independent school in Victoria with over 3400 students on three sites and four campuses!

“We are lucky to have a team of five psychologists who are pivotal to the effective Pastoral Care of all members of the Haileybury Community.”

Caroline Greaves said Haileybury was extremely supportive of her Reserve duties, recognising that it is part and parcel of who she is. “For instance, in 2007 I was deployed in support of Operation Catalyst at very short notice. I literally had to tell my Head of Campus at 1630 on a Thursday afternoon that I needed to leave immediately for Pre-deployment admin, vaccinations and force preparation. I was overwhelmed when he just shook my hand and said “You go do what you have to do, with our best wishes”. I don’t think that anyone could ask for a more supportive management team.

“The culture of independent schools is that it’s a part of your life, not just a job. That relationship means that I give a bit extra to Haileybury and in return, they give extra to me as a Reservist.”

In the middle of Queensland’s wettest period since 1974, Defence Reserves Support Council - Central Queensland (DRSC-CQ) managed a fine day for the annual fund raising golf day held at Yeppoon’s Rydges Capricornia Resort.

Once again Leigh Turnbull, the DRSC-CQ Committee Chairman, persuaded 220 Central and South East Queensland business people to attend the event, which was sponsored by the State's Defence Reserves Support (DRS) office.

A cocktail function on the evening before the event provided an opportunity for DRS to get acquainted with many of the employers who would tee up the next day. Companies supporting the event included Bundaberg Rum, Fosters, Schweppes and Lock, Stock and Barrel. The Pipe Major of the Queensland Police Pipes & Drums, Roddy MacDonald, and two local pipers entertained the guests.

The next morning, Pipe Major MacDonald and his pipes were again at the forefront of events as the golfing field gathered for breakfast at the Rydges Golf Club where the RACQ rescue helicopter buzzed the crowd. The 31st/42nd Battalion Royal Queensland Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Power, provided an interesting display and a number of soldiers to help with breakfast. The DRSC State Chair Mr Tony Behm was also on hand to answer questions from business people interested in Defence Reserves and our support to employers.

The golf event was a four-man ambrose played over the two fine golf courses at Rydges.

At the presentation ceremony following the event, Mr Turnbull spoke warmly of the benefits of Reserve service to the large crowd and Mr Behm presented trophies to the worthy winners.

The corporate golf day allowed DRS exposure to a large and diverse range of Central and South East Queensland business people, all of whom contributed significantly to the $30,000 raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Variety Club and the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue.

Defence Reserves Support - Tasmania is benefiting from the enthusiasm of new State Manager Major Dave Zehmeister, who joined our organisation this year after a three-year rotation as Tasmania’s Regional Commander of Cadets.

Major Zehmeister’s can-do philosophy “you either do something properly or don’t do it at all” and his belief that that defence of the country is “everyone’s business – a shared responsibility” is being well-received by employers and Reservists alike.

Further, the DRS committees in Launceston, Burnie, Devonport and Hobart are responding with record attendances and a busy program for the remainder of the calendar year.

The North West committee (pictured) will be hosting the annual Employer Support Awards at the Launceston Country Club on 17 July.

Each committee has an employer cocktail function in the pipeline, golf is scheduled at the Royal Hobart Golf Course on 30 November and Exercise Executive Stretch, on 14 August, will be a truly tri-service event with an action-packed program at Pontville, Anglesea and Kokoda Barracks.

“I’ve liaised very thoroughly with all three services so that the employers can get hands-on experience of how we work together,” said Major Zehmeister.

“As soon as they hit the bottom of the cliff they’ve been rappelling down with the Army, they’ll be lifted by the Navy to HMAS HUON and with a bit of luck we’ll be able to get a chopper down here.”

Major Zehmeister’s long history with Defence began with Melbourne University Regiment in 1975. After attending an Orientation Week presentation, he joined up as an Infantryman, becoming a Corporal before a motorcycle accident broke his leg in seven places and “made it a bit difficult to run up hills carrying a heavy pack”.

Still keen to serve – and to continue riding motorbikes – Major Zehmeister joined the Military Police. After graduating from Officer Training in 1990, his first job was an independent command heading up the Military Police in the State of Tasmania. Major Zehmeister brings a rich service history and tremendous enthusiasm to his DRS post. A school teacher in his civilian life, his expertise in public speaking that educates and inspires his audiences is proving to be a motivating force for all Tasmania’s regional committees.