Two employers in the region have been awarded for their support of emergency volunteers.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards are presented to recognise the contribution of employer groups in their support of the fire and emergency volunteers.
WIN television and Prime Media were a silver recipient for their efforts to support their WA regional manager John Lawrence, who is part of the Dunsborough Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade.
Mr Lawrence praised his workplace for allowing him the flexibility to volunteer when required.
“They have been very accommodating and part of their employment policy actually has an emergency volunteer clause,” he said.
“I think it is really important as there are a lot of people who maybe don’t volunteer citing work as the reason so this is good for other employers to see that you can let your staff off and it is really important for the community to support each other.”
Cape Naturaliste College was a bronze recipient at the awards.
The school was nominated by Busselton emergency service volunteer Peter Stark for ‘ many years of support to the emergency services throughout the whole region’.
Principal Mark Gillett, who is a volunteer himself, said it was honour for the college to receive the recognition.
“We believe that it is important to allow the volunteers at the college to protect and serve our community,” he said.
“However, the heroes here are the volunteers that often put themselves in harms way and they can expect our support in return.”
Teacher Jeff Mead is one of seven staff members at the college who is involved in the emergency services.
He credited Mr Gillett for providing an environment where employees felt they could help the community.
”Mark is a big supporter and has a good understanding of what it is all about,” he said.
”He encourages the staff to be involved and gives support wherever he can.
”There would be bosses out there who would be upset about this sort of thing so the whole team here is really thankful for his management style.”
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Leeuwin area officer Nathan Hall said it was fantastic to see local businesses and workplaces support the South West’s emergency services.
“The support of employers increases the volunteers’ capacity to attend training and emergency incidents when the community needs them the most,” he said.
Mr Hall took the opportunity to remind the community to be prepared for fire season.
“Bushfires are unpredictable, with the single biggest killer during these incidents being indecision and lack of prepadeness,” he said.
“To survive a bushfire and protect your family you must be ready to make your own decisions.
“Preparing yourself, your family and your property for bushfires is your responsibitly – now is the time to prepare ahead of summer.”