Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards 2024: Great Southern businesses awarded for emergency services support

Seven Great Southern businesses have been recognised for their support of staff who volunteer with emergency services. The 2024 Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards were hosted by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services at the Anzac Club in Perth on October 11. The annual awards ceremony, now in its 16th year, recognises workplaces across the State that go above and beyond to help employees respond to emergencies during work hours, with 82 businesses sharing this year’s award, including two that earned distinctions. Hitchcock Panel Beaters, bushfire consultancy South East Fire and Safety, South Regional TAFE and the Great Southern’s WA Country Health Service were among the winners from the Great Southern. Rocket Engineering and Little Farm Eggs in the upper Great Southern were also recognised. The shires of Narrogin and Mundaring were awarded distinctions. Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said the awards were a valuable opportunity to commend businesses and workplaces that went above and beyond to support workers who responded to emergencies at any time. “Congratulations to all the 82 businesses and organisations recognised for the invaluable personal contribution and support of our amazing emergency services volunteers,” he said. “Every year our inspirational emergency services volunteers give up their time across the State — and many could not do this without the support of their employers. “With this summer bushfire period shaping up to be even more challenging, we will again be seeking the support of local businesses to help keep WA communities safe.” Shire of Narrogin chief executive Dale Stewart said the shire was thrilled to receive its fourth VERA and was proud of the efforts to support volunteers’ essential work. “Being one of only two employers in the State to achieve a distinction is a significant honour for the Shire of Narrogin,” he said. “Our proactive policy is designed to encourage and facilitate volunteering without penalising our employees for attending to these vital community services. “We understand the importance of their roles and have implemented flexible work arrangements to ensure they can respond to emergencies as needed. “This not only strengthens our community resilience but also fosters a culture of volunteerism within our workforce.”