LOOK a little closer into a number of Bathurst businesses and you will find Australian Army Reservists working in a range of jobs and industries.
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This week, Bathurst Business Chamber members were invited along to the 1st/19th Battalion Royal New South Wales Regiment to see and hear firsthand what a reservist can offer.
Army reservists are already employed in a wide range of businesses across Bathurst, including: hardware, technology and takeaway shops, they are also on staff at Bathurst jail, in schools and at Charles Sturt University.
On the night, the army reservists showcased team and communication skills, along with weapons displays and an urban warfare demonstration.
Among those to attend the night with the 1st/19th Battalion on Lloyds Road, was Bathurst Business Chamber president Angus Edwards.
“Having people with these skills that are easily transferable into the workplace is a huge benefit,” he said.
Mr Edwards said the reservists’ skills, including: communication, leadership, adaptability and first aid, would be highly beneficial in any workplace.
Attendees on the night were also told about financial support that was available to the business while its reservist was on duty.
“The fact that there is financial support businesses while their reservists is away is a benefit,” Mr Edwards said.
Bathurst Business Chamber member and Defence Reserves Support Council Central West chair, Stacey Whittaker, said this was the second year for the popular event.
There’s a payment of $1533.10 a week regardless of what that employee is paid, that’s if that employee is away for more than 10 days.
- Bathurst Business Chamber member and Defence Reserves Support Council Central West chair Stacey Whittaker
She said the event helps to bring awareness to the army reserves base in Bathurst and also of the many reservists who are already working across the city.
Mrs Whittaker said many attendees on the night were surprised to learn that businesses received financial support from the government if its reservist goes on duty.
“There’s a payment of $1533.10 a week regardless of what that employee is paid, that’s if that employee is away for more than 10 days,” she said. “They can put on a person to fill that position while their away and if there’s still money leftover, well they can just put it in the bank.”
Visit the Army Reserves online to find out more.