A local business in Deniliquin has been formally recognized for supporting Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) for more than 30 years.
Purtill Group was presented with a Primary Employer Recognition Award by FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, as part of its St Florian’s Day ceremony at City of Sydney Fire Station on Saturday (4 May).
On-call firefighters to incidents
Employers provide flexibility to enable on-call firefighters to respond to incidents, join strike teams
The family-owned and operated business, which started in 1951, includes service stations, Wired Entertainment and Caltex bulk fuel distribution throughout the southern Riverina region of NSW. Managing Director, Neville Purtill, a son of the original owner, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
A Primary Employer Recognition Award acknowledges businesses who support on-call firefighters in protecting their local communities. Employers provide flexibility to enable on-call firefighters to respond to incidents, join strike teams and make workplace accommodations.
Purtill Group’s commitment
Commissioner Fewtrell said the Purtill Group’s commitment to on-call firefighters and the broader community is to be applauded.
"We recognize that many of our on-call firefighters would not be able to respond to emergencies, if it were not for the support of their primary employer," said Commissioner Fewtrell.
Purtill Group’s ongoing support
Commissioner Fewtrell adds: "Over the past 30 years, the Purtill Group has encouraged employees to join the brigade and enabled them to attend incidents, deployments and training as needed. The company has also continued to financially support employees whilst on duty for FRNSW as well as ensured their families were taken care of in their absence."
He continues, "These on-call firefighters have assisted during many of our state’s biggest natural disasters including the 2009 Black Saturday bush fires, 2019/20 Black Summer bush fires and flood recovery, often for extended periods of time. Purtill Group’s ongoing support enables our on-call firefighters to help protect the local community and assist those most in need."
Integral part of Deniliquin
The local company is an integral part of Deniliquin and regularly donates to fundraising activities
The local company is an integral part of Deniliquin and regularly donates to fundraising activities and loans its historic fire appliances to be displayed at FRNSW’s annual Open Day event. Mr. Purtill said he was deeply honored and humbled to receive the award from FRNSW.
"Even though we don’t do it for the recognition, I am delighted that our long-standing support of on-call firefighters is appreciated and worthwhile," said Mr. Purtill.
Fire and Rescue NSW on-call firefighters
Mr. Purtill added: "Purtill Group prides itself on its community-mindedness and I am pleased we can bolster another community-minded organization, such as Fire and Rescue NSW in our town."
He continues, "We proudly employ on-call firefighters because of their vital work in the community and it gives us great peace of mind knowing they are readily available to respond and assist during emergencies."
