Record number of WA businesses recognised for supporting emergency services

• Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards ceremony held today
• 35 per cent increase in number of businesses recognised.
• Western Australian businesses are doing more than ever before to support emergency responses across the State.

Today, a record 91 businesses have been recognised for their vital role in supporting emergency service volunteers.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards (VERA) recognise businesses which go above and beyond to provide flexible work arrangements, enabling their staff to respond to emergencies during work hours.

This year there has been a 35 per cent increase in the number of organisations acknowledged with nearly half of the recipients recognised in the gold category and 18 self-employed volunteers honoured.

ASC Pty Ltd, a gold category recipient, received multiple nominations from employees who volunteer with Baldivis Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

The support from ASC Pty Ltd included paid time off to attend incidents, trade assistance in manufacturing equipment for the station and fundraising support for emergency services.

The full list of the 2017 award winners and their regions is attached.

For more information about the awards and criteria for nominating, visit http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan:

"I congratulate the 91 Western Australian businesses recognised for their invaluable support to emergency service volunteers.

"I am particularly grateful to the 18 self-employed volunteers who were recognised for their sacrifice of their day-to-day business needs to keep the community safe.

"There are more than 27,000 emergency service volunteers across the State and many of them couldn't volunteer without the support of their employers.

"Employers who provide their employees with time off to attend emergencies, rest after an incident or to attend training are greatly appreciated.

"Without their support, our State's volunteer emergency services would struggle to operate."

Minister's office - 6552 6300