The commitment of employers in supporting staff to volunteer for Western Australia's emergency services was celebrated at the annual Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards (VERA) on Friday, 15 November.
Shire of Harvey President Paul Gillett said the Shire was honoured being awarded the Volunteer Employer Recognition Award.
“Thank you to Shire employee and Brunswick Junction Volunteer Fire Brigade member Robert Burgoyne for nominating the Shire for this award,” Cr Gillett said.
“Our community relies on the selfless service of our volunteers, thank you for all that you do.
“As a Shire we acknowledge your service and we continue to support our staff to assist our communities in times of need.”
24 businesses, organisations and self-employed volunteers from Boddington to Esperance were recognised at the 2021 VERA ceremony in Bunbury, with more than 80 employers across the State receiving awards this year.
Emergency Services Minister Reece Whitby said emergency services volunteers have committed around 120,000 hours to their roles this past year, and that would not be possible without the support of their employers.
"We can't predict when disaster will strike and that is why the flexibility and commitment of these employers to their volunteering staff is so important.” Mr Whitby said.
"These awards recognise the valuable contribution of employers throughout WA and I thank and congratulate the VERA recipients for helping create a safer State."