Located on the southwest edge of Sydney, Wollondilly Shire Council was recently recognised for its commitment to employing and supporting Defence Reservists.
Council currently employs two Defence Reservists in senior roles, allowing and supporting them to take extended leave and providing make up pay when necessary.
In May, Council was one of 30 New South employers to receive an Employment Support Award from the Defence Reserves Support Council NSW Committee.
Council received the award for its service to the Defence Reserves in 2008, when one Reservist – Captain Michael Kelly – was deployed in the Solomon Islands for a period of four months.
This took his total leave for that year to eight months.
Michael Kelly enlisted in 1984 and has served in the Army Reserve for 26 years.
He is an infantry officer and currently serves with the 4th/3rd Battalion, The Royal New South Wales Regiment, based at Holsworthy.
Currently Wollondilly’s Supervisor Development Assessment, he began working with Council some 18 years ago when he was still at university gaining his qualifications to become a Town Planner.
Michael Kelly said that typically his Reservist commitments only require him to take around five or six weeks leave.
“Most years, the only Military Leave we take is for our annual training camps and trade courses,” he said.
“The training and qualifications we receive through the Army are often accredited and recognised by Council, not only enabling me to bring those skills to my Council role, but saving the organisation money.
“For example, I recently obtained a Diploma in Government and a Workplace Training and Assessment Certificate, which enables me to train staff in my department.
“Both qualifications are valuable to my role, but Council didn’t have to pay for them. In addition, being a Reservist has enabled me to develop my map reading skills, self discipline and work ethic – all of which is applied in my daily civilian job.”
Michael Kelly said he enjoys many aspects of being a Reservist, particularly the opportunity to engage in different kinds of work to that of his civilian job, and the opportunities to travel to different places for training and deployment. He has also made a number of lifelong friends.
Council’s other Reservist employee, Private David McEwan, is a member of 21 Construction Regiment, Littoral and Riverine Squadron based at Holsworthy.
He has been deployed overseas for short periods on a number of occasions and is involved in specialised land and hydrographic survey tasks.
David has been a Reservist since 1988, and has been employed with Council since 1994. He currently holds the position of Senior Compliance Officer.
Council’s Manager Human Resources Tina Hardy said that Council employs approximately 200 staff, so finding replacements for staff on military leave can be a challenge.
“However we feel that the commitment made by both the staff that are on military leave and the staff that fill their positions should be commended,” she said.
“Employing Reservists is beneficial to both employees and the community. Employees are not disadvantaged financially and their leave is not personal leave, but military leave.
“By Council showing loyalty to our Reservists, we keep long term, valuable employees.
“They perform a valuable role to the Army Reserves and we are proud of their achievements, both as employees and Reservists.”
Wollondilly Shire Mayor Col Mitchell said Council will continue to support employees in their military activities.
“We are proud of their hard work and dedication to both Council and the Army Reserves,” he said.
