AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK AND RURAL AWARDS GETS DEFENCE SUPPORT

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, has praised the efforts of organisers of the inaugural Australian Rural and Outback Awards, launched today in Alice Springs.

The Australian Outback and Rural Awards will highlight the achievements and hard work of the many unrecognised Australians in non-metropolitan areas.

“This is a terrific awards program and deserves all the support we can provide,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Both rural Australia and its Defence Force have a proud history of indomitable spirit, resourcefulness, and achievement, and I am pleased that Defence Force Recruiting is able to support the recognition of these qualities through these awards.

“Defence has a strong link to regional and rural communities the length and breadth of Australia, from Katherine to Townsville and from Wagga Wagga to Wodonga.

“These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise the leadership and achievements of those, including our youth, who continue to work so hard to make our outback communities vibrant, innovative, and sustainable.”

The Australian Outback and Rural Awards nominations close on 10 July 2009. A special gala awards presentation will be held in Canberra in September to announce the winners.  

“If you know someone who has worked hard to make your outback community the incredible place it is, I encourage you to nominate them,” Mr Snowdon said.

For more details about the competition, visit www.awardsaustralia.com.

For information about jobs in the Navy, Army or Air Force call 13 19 01 or see the website at www.defencejobs.gov.au.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):              02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                             02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664