ADF RESERVISTS STRETCH CENTRAL QUEENSLAND EMPLOYERS

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP has thrown his support behind more than a dozen Central Queensland employers embarking on Exercise Executive Stretch (EES) this Saturday (19 September).

The employers will get a taste of Defence Reserve service when they spend an afternoon on a rifle range and participate in training activities with current serving Army Reservists in Rockhampton.

The employers represent such diverse local organisations as Queensland Rail, the Queensland Ambulance Service, and local business, Plantability.

During EES, coordinated by Defence Reserves Support, the employers will take part in a range shoot, be put through their paces in devised training activities, and meet serving members of the 31^st/42^nd Battalion, which is one of Central and North Queensland’s largest Army Reserve units.

Dr Kelly said exercises like this provide unique opportunities for employers to get amongst the action.

“Exercise Executive Stretch gives business executives the opportunity to observe and experience the personal, technical and professional training their employees receive as a member of the Australian Defence Force Reserves,” he said.

“Our aim is to encourage employers to make use of support measures available through Defence, including the Employer Support Payment Scheme (ESP).

“Qualified employers who release their employees for Reserve service can apply for ESP of $1183.10 per week.”

For more information about the Reserves in general, visit www.defence.gov.au/reserves or call 1800 803 485.

Information for Media:

Media are welcome to attend the range activity, which will be conducted at Raglan Range from 1.30 pm on Saturday 19 September, and other activities in Rockhampton later that afternoon. Please RSVP to Kate Ames on 0407 183 027 if you wish to attend for directions and escort information.

Please note Defence Media has a new phone number: 02 6127 1999.

Media contacts:

Kate Ames (Public Affairs Officer Rockhampton)                0407 183 027

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):                 02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                             02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664