The Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) has awarded Bendigo TAFE with a certificate of recognition for its auxiliary assistance to Defence Reservists this year.
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The award aims to highlight the benefits employers can receive from having Defence Reservists among their ranks, and also aims to recognise employers that are accommodating to Reservists.
Bendigo TAFE currently has a number of staff members who double as Army Reservists. One, Geoff Hatcher, is a business analyst in the student administration team and a Major in the Army Reserve as a Civil Military Liaison Detachment Commander.
Describing his role in Defence as a hugely varied and rewarding role, Hatcher added he was equally grateful for the support he received from his workplace.
"Bendigo TAFE has been supportive of my Army Reserve commitments," Hatcher said.
"My managers value the skills, experience and training I have received during my Army Reserve career. They recognise the value of analysis, planning and prioritisation skills as also relevant to my job at Bendigo TAFE.
"A more intangible benefit is the values, ethos and reputation being a member of the Australian Defence Force entails. Integrity and confidence are highly valued in the private sector, however are hard to measure. My Army Reserve service is a tangible way to demonstrate that I have exhibited these attributes in challenging circumstances outside the business as usual environment."
Bendigo TAFE said it is honoured to have received the certificate of recognition from the DRSC.
"These Employer Support Awards seek to acknowledge the contributions and support made by employers of Reservists," a media release from Bendigo TAFE said.
"No financial or commercial incentives are provided to recognised employers, but we are still deeply flattered by the move given Bendigo TAFE aims to provide a supportive working environment that is flexible with other commitments. We particularly aim to accommodate the requirements of those who serve in our defence forces, and the benefits their specialised skillsets can bring to our organisation.
"That is why Bendigo TAFE is both proud and humbled to be recognised in such a way."