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Eldercare receives Defence Force Reserves Award

Eldercare has received a state award for its ongoing commitment to supporting employees who serve with the Australian Defence Force Reserves.

Chief Executive Jane Pickering said she was ’very proud’ to accept the SA Employer Support Award in the not-for-profit category alongside colleague, and Reservist, Mark Butler at an awards ceremony held earlier this month by the Defence Reserves Support Council.

“Eldercare has a long history of supporting staff members who serve with the Reserves,” said Jane.

“We recognise the vital contribution they make to Australia’s security and we are pleased to be able to help employees who serve by providing them with additional leave which can be used for annual training and other courses relevant to their defence force duties.”

Chaplaincy and Palliative Care Manager Mark Butler joined the Defence Reserves 12 years ago and said Eldercare’s support enabled him to restructure his role in a way that allows him to serve as a RAAFSR Chaplain and Squadron Leader one day a week at the Edinburgh RAAF base.

“Eldercare’s flexible approach to working hours has provided opportunities for me and other colleagues to be released for short and long-term deployments over and above our regular leave entitlements,” said Mark.

“Eldercare helped one staff member take extended leave for seven months in 2010 and, even though this resulted in considerable challenges in finding staff to cover that absence, the organisation was genuinely encouraging and supportive.”

Mark said he valued the opportunity to serve alongside, and support, women and men who make significant sacrifices to ensure Australia remains a great place to live.

“I became a Reservist to contribute to the important work of the Australian Defence Force in protecting Australia’s interests and supporting those in need of assistance across the globe.”

“My commitment to the Reserves remains an important part of my life and I genuinely appreciate that Eldercare values this contribution and gives me the opportunity to continue to serve my country.”

Eldercare is now a finalist for the National Employer Support Awards to be held in Canberra later this year.

Image (L-R): Governor of South Australia, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC with Eldercare Chief Executive Jane Pickering, Eldercare Chaplaincy and Palliative Care Manager Mark Butler and Defence Reserves Support Council SA Chair Dr Andrew Cannon AM. Photo courtesy CPL David Cotton.

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