Adelaide’s St Andrew’s Hospital has been celebrated at Defence’s 2025 National Employer Support Awards, winning the Not-for-Profit category.

The prestigious event honoured civilian employers who go above and beyond to support ADF reservists, enabling them to serve their nation while maintaining civilian careers.

Adelaide’s St Andrew’s Hospital’s Theatre Suit Clinical Manager, Leandra Spencer, said she was touched to be nominated for this award by her reservist employee for a second time. 

“What she is doing is incredible. She wants to be a reservist for the greater good,” Ms Spencer said. 

“The ADF opened up a whole world to her, and provided leadership opportunities we may not have been able to provide. It’s led to her being more flexible and adaptable while working with us.”

St Andrew’s was successful in winning the state-based Employer Support Awards for South Australia, before heading to Sydney for the national event.

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.

'I would hope other organisations can also see that supporting reservists is beneficial.'

While Ms Spencer was excited to attend, she said support of employees wasn’t just for awards. 

“It is lovely and it’s beautiful this has happened, we’re totally blown away – but ultimately it’s just our culture here at St Andrew’s,” Ms Spencer said. 

“We are about giving and understanding that there is a bigger picture, and I would hope other organisations can also see that supporting reservists is beneficial.”

Director ADF Reserves and Employer Support, Elyssa Comer, said there was a sustained increase of nominations each year.

“This year the Employer Support Awards received 428 nominations from around the country, up 7 per cent since 2023,” Ms Comer said.

“It is fantastic to see more and more of our ADF reservists feeling valued and supported by their civilian workplaces, and nominating their employers for these awards. We’re very thankful for each and every employer who actively supports Reserve service.”

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