feature backing our defence reservists

The Western Australian Employer Support Award winners of 2019 at the Western Australian Employer Support Awards ceremony held at BHP Building in Perth, Western Australia. (L-r) Russell Bryant from Alliance Airlines, Squadron Leader Mark Levitt from RAAF Base Pearce, Nicholas Egan from State Solicitors Office of Western Australia, Flight Lieutenant Patricia Femia from RAAF Base Pearce, Professor Brent McInnes from Curtin University, Corporal William Rickard from 13 Field Squadron, Paul Welton from Chevron Australia Pty Ltd and Lieutenant Peter Velterop from HMAS Stirling.
As part of our commitment to an inclusive work environment, Chevron Australia is supporting employees to serve as defence force reservists, and still meet work and life needs. 
 
Chevron Australia was recently awarded the Defence Reserves Support Council’s ‘WA Employer Support Award,’ in the category of Private Sector Large Business.  
 
Nominated by Chevron Australia Production Coordinator and Navy Reservist Peter Velterop, the recognition was for our policies, programs and services that support reservist employees.  
 
“Our military leave policy empowers people to realise their full potential as Chevron Australia employees and members of the Reserves,” said Peter.

“I have only ever received a positive response when I have asked for time off to attend reserve activities."
“It gives me a great sense of comfort knowing that if I were to be called upon to serve in an operational role, my income and my employment would be protected for the duration of any deployment.”

Peter Velterop

Chevron Australia Production Coordinator and Navy Reservist

Chevron Australia’s Veterans employee network was also acknowledged for their work to ensure veterans and reservists are represented in the workplace.   
 
The network, which was established in early 2019, has held a number of fundraising, professional development and networking events, including ANZAC Day services in Onslow and on Barrow Island, raising funds for Legacy and the RSL, and a number of social events that brought together people from across the business. 
 
Currently, the network has more than 160 members and Network Lead Darren Wright said it has been fantastic to see great support from a diverse range of people.  
 
“Some members are ex-military or currently serving reservists, some have a connection to the defence force through a family member or friend, and others are just keen to support and understand more about those who serve in the defence forces,” said Darren. 
 
“It’s about valuing the uniqueness and diversity of our colleagues’ experiences, so that we can learn from and support each other as well as producing better business outcomes.”  
 
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