Businesses in the Great Southern recognised for supporting employees to volunteer with emergency services

Great Southern businesses and groups were recognised on Saturday for their part in supporting emergency services volunteers. The Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards acknowledged local businesses for their part in supporting community service by allowing employees who are volunteers to respond to emergencies during work hours. The awards recognised three organisations and six self-employed volunteers from Corrigin to Esperance, with local awards going to Albany Toyota and the City of Albany. Hockley’s Denmark Plumbing Service was also acknowledged for supporting volunteers for nearly 40 years. Two of its employees are currently volunteering with the Denmark Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, Denmark Town Bush Fire Brigade and the Denmark Senior High School Emergency Services Cadet Corps. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson congratulated those who were recognised and said the organisations helped keep their local communities safe. “Employers who provide their employees with time off to attend emergencies, rest after an incident or to attend training, are vital contributors to the safety of our State,” Mr Dawson said. “Approximately 95 per cent of WA’s emergency services personnel in regional areas are volunteers, so we need the ongoing support of the private sector. “Many of WA’s personnel couldn’t volunteer their time without this support and that’s why these employers deserve recognition.”