Reward for positive connection

A commitment to supporting an ADF reservist has paid dividends for Perth business O’Brien Electrical and Data Joondalup.

CAPTION: Corporal Rhys Hadfield, left, O’Brien Electrical and Data Joondalup’s Jason Bridges, Warrant Officer Class One Peter Duff, and Commanding Officer 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Partridge. Story by Flight Lieutenant Nick O’Connor.

The business was recently announced as the small business category winner of the prestigious Defence Employer Support Awards in WA.

Held annually in all states and territories, the awards recognise employers who go above and beyond in supporting their reservist employees in their Defence service.

O’Brien Electrical and Data Joondalup’s apprentice electrician and Army reservist, Corporal Rhys Hadfield, nominated his civilian employer for its unwavering support and encouragement for his service with the 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment.

“The whole O’Brien team support my reserve service above and beyond what I ever expected,” Corporal Hadfield said.

“The company has been very accommodating in releasing me to undertake training and exercises, sometimes at very short notice.”

O’Brien Electrical and Data Joondalup managing director Jason Bridges said he was happy to support Corporal Hadfield’s Defence service.

“We are proud to support such a talented ADF reservist in Rhys,” Mr Bridges said.

“It’s a two-way street – we release Rhys to undertake his Army commitments, but we as a company get a lot back in return through the positive can-do attitude he brings to the workplace.”

Head of Joint Support Services Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw congratulated O’Brien Electrical and Data Joondalup and thanked all employers throughout the state for supporting their reservist employees.

“Every day, employers throughout Western Australia support Defence Force reservists through a range of flexible working arrangements and policies. The support provided is not only valued by the reservist, but more broadly, by the entire ADF,” Major General Laidlaw said.

“Employing a reservist makes good business sense.

“Anyone who employs them has a valuable employee on their team, whose training and service ethic drives performance and effectiveness in the workplace.

“As well as the personal attributes reservists bring to a workplace, there is a range of incentives on offer for support to employers.”

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