For the second year running, the Alice Springs Hospital Pharmacy Department has taken home the award for the Public Sector category at the Defence National Employer Support Awards. 

The prestigious event recognises businesses and organisations that go above and beyond to enable Australian Defence Force reservists to serve their nation while maintaining civilian careers.

Director of Pharmacy Angela Young said the award was not just for her, but the whole team. 

“Our reservist is very acknowledging that our team has to step up when they’re away,” Ms Young said. 

“We have a really cohesive and collaborative culture that supports each employee to be their best and we support them to do the things that keep them interested outside of work as well. For my reservist, that’s his Defence service.”

Defence honoured civilian employers of ADF reservists at the 2025 National Employer Support Awards in Sydney.

The event began with an immersive experience at Victoria Barracks, where civilian employers from around the country, alongside their reservist, interacted with military displays and received a glimpse into Defence life.

Celebrations concluded with a formal dinner and awards ceremony at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia.

The Alice Springs Hospital Pharmacy Department is now encouraging other departments to hire reservists.

'The flexibility and understanding shown by these employers is recognised through these awards as exceptional.'

Ms Young said she hoped they too could see the benefits. 

“Anything that helps raise awareness of how beneficial reservists are back in their civilian workplaces is helpful,” Ms Young said. 

“We’ve tried to share that with other departments by having our reservist present at our grand rounds at the hospital for him to share his experiences being a reservist and an employee.

“I also share my experience of what it’s like to manage a reservist – it doesn’t need to be daunting, it’s actually incredibly beneficial for our team.”

Head Reserve and Cadet Support Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw commended employers for their vital role in enabling Defence capability through their support of reservists.

“These awards highlight the commitment of employers and promote the benefits of hiring ADF reservists, whose expertise and leadership create stronger, more capable workplaces,” Major General Laidlaw said.

“The flexibility and understanding shown by these employers is recognised through these awards as exceptional. It is this support that enables reservists to serve when needed, which in turn strengthens Defence capability and national defence.”

Defence remains committed to strengthening partnerships with industry and expanding the ADF Reserve workforce, which currently numbers more than 42,000 personnel, and makes up about one-third of the full-time ADF workforce. 

Initiatives from the Strategic Review of the ADF Reserves will further integrate reservists into the total workforce, ensuring Australia is prepared for future challenges.

For more information on supporting reservists or nominating for future awards, visit ADF Reserves and Employer Support.

Winners of the 2025 Employer Support Awards:

• Macmahon Holdings – Large Private Sector
• Flanders Electric of Australia – Medium Private Sector
• Karston Homes – Small Private Sector
• Alice Springs Hospital Pharmacy Department – Public Sector
• Defence Science and Technology Group – Public Sector (Defence)
• St Andrews Hospital – Not-for-Profit