Away from his day job as an advanced plumbing inspector for the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC), Bruce Linke, a veteran of the Iraq conflict, regularly makes time to serve with his unit 65 SQN Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Reserves. Following four years’ service as a plumber with the RAAF, firstly at Edinburgh near Adelaide, Amberley and then at Townsville, Mr Linke was deployed to Middle East operations and Papa New Guinea flood relief.

Mr Linke has maintained a strong commitment to his service life during his 10 years at TRC by continuing to serve with 65 SQN Air Force Reserves and says that theΒ Council’s supportive arrangements allowed him to commit at least 20 days each year to serving with the RAAF’s 65 Squadron based at Amberley and Townsville.

β€œI’m grateful for Council’s support of my time spent with the Air Force Reserves and I was pleased to nominate Council for the Employer Support Award (Southern Queensland Public Sector category) at the recent Defence Reserves Support Council’s Brisbane presentation function,” Mr Linke said, β€œIt’s great to give praise when it is due.”

TRC People and Organisational Development portfolio leader Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said Council was pleased to have offered flexible leave arrangements that allowed Reservists like Bruce Linke or State Emergency Services volunteers time to undertake specialist duties in the service of our nation. β€œCouncil recognises the commitment of staff who serve our community through their activities with the Defence Force Reserves,” Cr O’Hara Sullivan said.

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