Six Great Southern businesses honoured at DFES Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards for vital vollie support

Six businesses in the Great Southern have been recognised at the Volunteer Employer Recognition Awards for their vital support of emergency service volunteers.

The award winners were the City of Albany, Hully’s Spraying Service, McIntosh & Son, Pitbull Customs and Classics, Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation and Woolworths Chester Pass, Albany.

Hosted by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the awards acknowledge businesses that let their staff volunteer and respond to emergencies in the community during work hours.

There was a special mention to Laurie Hull as the owner of Hully’s Spraying Service, praised for his commitment to the Gnowangerup State Emergency Service where he has contributed to more than 350 hours to emergency training and call outs.

McIntosh & Son were nominated by Josh Vermeulen of Porongurup Bushfire Brigade as they have flexible hours that allow their staff to help fight fires and provide time off for recovery after the emergency if needed.

Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the awards were to recognise the “employers and organisations who strive to generously contribute to our State’s successful emergency services”.

“VERA celebrates and acknowledges employers who go above and beyond to enable their staff to respond to emergencies during work hours,” he said.

“On behalf of all Western Australians, I thank our dedicated volunteers who donate their time playing a key role in keeping our communities safe.”