Assistant Minister for Defence – New National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council appointed

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The Hon Stuart Robert MP

Assistant Minister for Defence

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3 February 2015

Australian businessman Marcus Blackmore AM has been appointed National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council (DRSC) for a period of five years.

Announcing the appointment, Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert said Mr Blackmore had been an active member of the DRSC National Executive since 2010, in the position of vice chair.

“I am delighted to appoint Marcus Blackmore as the new DRSC National Chair. His appointment gives promise for the future of the DRSC and will continue the excellent work done by his predecessor, Jack Smorgon AO, to whom I pay tribute for his six years of service as National Chair,” Mr Robert said.

In response to his appointment Mr Blackmore said he was extremely honoured and proud to be appointed to the position of National Chair of the DRSC.

“I look forward to promoting the benefits of Reserve service to the wider business community while at the same time developing new partnerships that will contribute to the availability of Reservists and to Defence capability,” he said.

Mr Blackmore is currently the Chairman of Blackmores Ltd, a public company employing over 800 people in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Mr Blackmore has served in the Australian Army, including being deployed to Vietnam, and was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia in 1998 in recognition for his contribution to industry and the community. Mr Blackmore is also a Director (and past Chairman) of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme.

In addition to its National Executive the DRSC maintains a Council in each Australian State and Territory.

Council members are volunteers and include representatives from industry, small business, trade unions, youth and other interested community groups.

Media note:

For more information about the Defence Reserves Support Council visit: http://www.defencereservessupport.gov.au/

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office) 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

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