3 October 2024
Defence has celebrated with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra at the annual state-based Employer Support Awards after they won the not-for-profit category.
Held in Adelaide, the awards recognise South Australian civilian employers of ADF reservists for the ongoing support they provide to enabling their employees’ reserve service.
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra won the award for demonstrating ongoing advocacy and commitment to the Defence work performed by their employed Navy reservist.
Chief Petty Officer Tom Bastians, Adelaide Tessitura Consortium manager for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, nominated his employer for the flexibility they offered.
He said because of their support, he was able to juggle the demands of his reserve service alongside two civilian jobs.
Chief Petty Officer Bastians had taken on increased responsibilities within his reserve service, stepping up to the role of Bandmaster in the SA Royal Australian Navy Band.
“Despite having fewer contact hours with me, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra continued to support my reserve service, allowing me the flexibility to plan my work hours around key deliverables with both the orchestra and Navy, as well as my other new civilian job,” he said.
'Providing the necessary flexibility for our reservist employee to fulfil their service commitments ensures they can contribute to both our mission and their vital role in the wider community.'
Chief Petty Officer Bastians’ reserve duties provide him with many management lessons and challenges, which he then returns into his civilian work.
“Some challenging pastoral care efforts with a very unwell member of the Navy team reminded and encouraged me to keep all of my team’s wellbeing close to mind, which has made me a better manager both in and out of uniform,” he said.
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Officer Colin Cornish said he was proud to support Chief Petty Officer Bastians’ dual career, acknowledging the value he brings back to their workforce.
“People and music-making are at the heart of what we do,” Mr Cornish said.
“The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is an aspirational team of artists and arts workers who are passionate about contributing to the South Australian community through music-making.
“Providing the necessary flexibility for our reservist employee to fulfil their service commitments ensures they can contribute to both our mission and their vital role in the wider community.”
Winners from the regional awards will now be considered for the National Employer Support Awards held at the Hilton in Adelaide on October 29.
For more information on how to support employed reservists, visit www.reserveemployersupport.gov.au
Other winners at the South Australia Employer Support Awards included:
- Johnson Controls Australia PTY LTD – Small Private
- DEWC Services PTY LDT – Medium Private
- Lockheed Martin Australia PTY Limited – Large Private
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network – Public Sector
- City of Port Adelaide Enfield – Public Sector
