Supporting the service of humanity beyond WA wins Australian Defence Force praise

• St John WA has won the not-for-profit category of Defence’s Employer Support Awards in WA and will be considered for a national award in Sydney next month.
• Five Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservists nominated the organisation in acknowledgement of its ongoing support.
• Clinical Support Paramedic Andrew Wishart has served almost 20 years with the ADF as a Medical Sailor and is among 19 reservists serving at SJWA.  

The Australian Defence Force has recognised St John WA’s support for its reservist employees at a state awards event held at Army’s Irwin Barracks in Karrakatta on September 27.

Out of a record number of Western Australian nominations, St John WA (SJWA) won the not-for-profit category of Defence’s Employer Support Awards in WA.

Clinical Support Paramedic Andrew Wishart is among five Australian Defence Force reservists who nominated the organisation in acknowledgement of its ongoing support.

“It has been great to be able to serve with the support of St John through leave with pay,” Andrew said.

“Last year was a particular highlight given the friendships I made whilst deployed with an amazing array of health professionals in such a unique and challenging work environment.”

Andrew recently served overseas as part of the Maritime Operational Health Unit aboard HMAS Adelaide. Hehas served almost 20 years with the ADF as a Medical Sailor and is among 19 reservists serving at SJWA.

A record 69 Navy, Army and Air Force reservists nominated their WA employers for awards spanning six categories of small, medium and large private sector, public sector, Defence public sector and not-for-profit, with a record 411 nominations nationally this year.

SJWA Chief Emergency Officer Brendon Brodie-Hall congratulated all the nominees and recipients at the awards presentation ceremony at Irwin Barracks, and paid tribute to the dedication of reservists going above and beyond their usual duties.

“It takes a pretty special person already to work in ambulance, and this just shows the dedication to community does not stop at the border,” he said.

“We take great pride in supporting our personnel to expand their skills and experience, especially when it is for the service of humanity.”

The awards held in each state/territory are organised by ADF Reserves and Employer Support  as one of its activities to help facilitate strong and productive working relationships between reservists,  their civilian employers and Defence.

Head Joint Support Services Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw hosted the awards event, which was attended by senior ADF officers and prominent business and community representatives. 

“A reservist’s contribution is key to Defence’s mission and the civilian employers that release them to undertake reserve service are invaluable to both Defence and protecting our national interests,” Major General Laidlaw said.

“Western Australia has highlighted exemplary employers who are supporting reservists. We thank you for your contribution to Defence capability.” 

St John WA will be considered for a national award at the annual National Employer Support Awards held in Sydney next month.