Awards and Recognition
Employer Awards
What are they?
The Employer Support Awards acknowledge the contributions made by employers of Reservists. The Defence Reserves Support Council sponsors the awards, which publicly recognise employers at the State and Territory level.
The awards program doesn't provide any financial or commercial gain to the employers but does provide formal recognition of their support for Reservists.
How are employers nominated?
If you're a serving Reservist, you can nominate your employer for possible selection by the State / Territory Council.
What types of awards are available?
Recognition of Support Certificates
Recognition of Support Certificates will be presented to employers who are nominated by their Reservist employees as being supportive of their serving as a member of the Reserve. The Commanding Officer of the Reservist's unit presents the certificate at a function supported by DRSC.
State / Territory Employer Support Awards
State / Territory Employer Support Awards are presented to employers, who have provided continued and significant support to their Reservist employee(s). (This is decided by the local State DRSC and Defence Reserves Support.) How the award is presented is decided by the State /Territory chairperson.
When do nominations close?
Each State and Territory holds its award ceremony at a different time of the year.
Listed below are the dates for State and Territories Award presentations:
State/Territory | Nominations Required | Date of Awards |
Queensland | N/A | 9 May 19 |
Tasmania | N/A | 3 Apr 2020 |
Northern Territory and Kimberley | 19 Feb 2020 | 19 Mar 2020 |
New South Wales | N/A | 12 Mar 2020 |
Central Queensland | 16 May 18 | 2 Jun 18 (Gladstone) |
Australian Capital Territory and South East NSW | N/A | 7 Nov 19 |
South East Queensland | 1 Aug 18 | 6 Sep 18 (Brisbane) |
Far North Queensland | 10 Nov 18 | 7 Dec 18 (TBC) (Cairns) |
North Queensland | 15 Oct 18 | 10 Nov 18 (TBC) (Townsville) |
North West Queensland | 12 Sep 18 | 10 Oct 18 (Mt Isa) |
Victoria | 31 Aug 19 | 23 Oct 19 |
Western Australia | TBA | 21 Nov 19 |
South Australia | N/A | 8 Apr 2020 |
Please note:
Notwithstanding that some nominations are closed or to be advised, you can nominate your boss at anytime for the next awards. In addition your nomination may also be considered for a regional award which in turn may be elevated for a state award and then possibly a national award.
Therefore, if you want to nominate your supportive employer, do it as soon as possible and don't be concerned by the dates listed above. Get additional information on the nomination process by calling 1800 803 485.
Nominate your employer
- Fill out the form,
- Email to drsc.secretariat@defence.gov.au and
- We'll contact you to discuss.
Reserve Awards
Prince of Wales Award
The POWA Scheme rewards selected Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists for their dedication and commitment to Reserve Service as well as recognising the support their employer gives them as an ADF Reservist.
Applications for the POWA Scheme are called for annually in a DEFGRAM, usually released in October of each year.
Applications generally close in March and awards are announced in June/July of that year.
Reservists can access the latest DEFGRAM on the Defence Intranet.
Training & development types
The POWA covers many types of development and training, including:
- Australian or overseas courses.
- Attending Australian or overseas conferences.
- Attachments to employment-related companies.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you meet all of the following:
- are an Army, Navy or Air Force Reservist (SERCATs 3-5, depending on your service).
- are ranked Corporal (E) to Major (E).
- have a minimum of 3 consecutive years of service in the Reserves.
Need more information?
MILPERSMAN edition 2 Part 8 Chapter 3 (go to page 454)
Prince of Wales Award (PDF, 163kb)
Prince of Wales - Call for Nominations DEFGRAM (PDF, 486Kb)
How to apply
- Read the DEFGRAM.
- Work with your employer to develop your proposal.
- Submit your application IAW the latest DEFGRAM.
PH441 - Prince of Wales Nomination Form (PDF, 124kb)
If you need more information, call 1800 333 362.
Tasman Scheme
Would you like to train with New Zealand Defence Force for 2 weeks?
Commanding Officers may nominate individuals to participate of the Tasman Scheme. It lets you travel to New Zealand and work with a Defence unit similar to your own for 2 weeks.
Nominations are called for annually.
Note: You have to be a Reserve Junior NCO or Junior Officer to participate. This year the scheme has been opened to include Junior Officers from both the ADF and NZDF
Scheme advantages
The Scheme rewards excellence and commitment among Reserve Junior NCOs and Junior Officers.
It also means Australia and New Zealand Reservists can work together when needed, because they've learnt similar skills and have experienced similar training.
Who can be nominated?
You can be nominated to train in New Zealand if you:
- are an Army, Navy or Air Force Reservist (SERCATs 3-5, depending on your service)
- are ranked Lance Corporal (E) or Corporal (E), or LT (E)
- have a minimum of 3 consecutive years of service in the Reserves.
Need more information?
The Defence Reserves Association (DRA) supports the scheme.
Also refer to DEFGRAM 344/2018 available on DRN/DPN.
AE350 - Tasman Scheme Nomination Form (PDF, 90kb)
Last update: Wednesday, 13 November 2019