Awards and Recognition

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.

If you're a serving Reservist, you can nominate your employer for possible selection by the State / Territory Council.

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.

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	23 Mar 18
Northern Territory and Kimberley	22 Feb 2019	14 Mar 2019
New South Wales	N/A	5 Apr 18
Central Queensland	16 May 18	2 Jun 18 (Gladstone)
Australian Capital Territory and South East NSW	N/A	9 Aug 18
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 18	17 Oct 18
Western Australia	12 Oct 18	14 Nov 18
South Australia	N/A	TBA

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.

With the Prince of Wales Award (POWA), you can apply for up to $8000 to develop your skills and knowledge in your current civilian job through training and development.

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 Lance Corporal/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

1. Read the DEFGRAM.
2. Work with your employer to develop your proposal.
3. Submit your application IAW the latest DEFGRAM.

Find your local office

PH441 - Prince of Wales Nomination Form (PDF, 124kb)

If you need more information, call 1800 803 485.

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?

1800 803 485

The Defence Reserves Association (DRA) supports the scheme.

Find your local office

Also refer to DEFGRAM 344/2018 available on DRN/DPN.

AE350 - Tasman Scheme Nomination Form (PDF, 90kb)