Employers who play a vital role in keeping the community safe by supporting the State's emergency services have been recognised at the 2019 Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards.
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The awards, in their 11th year, celebrate the invaluable contribution employers make by supporting emergency services volunteers to respond to incidents day and night.
The awards recognised employers, or self-employed people, who allow staff to attend incidents such as bushfires, potentially losing profits as a result.
This year 79 employers and self-employed volunteers from across Western Australia received awards that reflected their sacrifices and donations: 38 in the gold category, 29 in silver and 12 in bronze.
Wilyabrup business Marla Securities was awarded a gold award, with owner and volunteer Peter Stark recognised for his unwavering commitment to emergencies in the Lower South West over decades.
For over twenty years, Mr Stark has rearranged his business obligations to be available at all hours for emergencies.
Mr Stark was described as 'a key player' in running the Incident Control Vehicle (ICV), supplying equipment for maintenance and his time to train new ICV operators.
Emergency Services Minister Francis Logan said it was important to recognise the sacrifices made by regional businesses.
"It cannot be an easy task to have an employee away from work, but these employers recognise how important volunteering is to community safety and that disasters can strike at any time," he said.
"On behalf of the McGowan Government and the Western Australian community, I would like to thank all of the award recipients for the support they give to volunteers and their individual service with donations to brigades or providing free labour and materials.
"A big thank you also to those self-employed volunteers who close their doors at a moment's notice to help others as well as donating equipment and resources.
"The contributions made by employers who support volunteers help keep our communities safe, and their commitment is a great example to others."
Awards also went to businesses including Margaret River Podiatry, Margaret River Roofing, Margaret River Vintners, Humidity Lifestyle, Bayside Plumbing and Gas, Ecosystem Solutions, Executive Electrical, PE & KL Bresland, Nauti-Craft, and Busselton Vet Hospital.
