Sixteen Victorian employers have been honoured for showing extraordinary compassion in the workplace after an employee at
each of the work places experienced the death of a loved one. The Compassionate Employer Recognition Award ceremony was
held on Tuesday, 1st March at Leonda by the Yarra.

The awards program was developed by The Compassionate Friends (TCF) Victoria to publicly recognise employers who had
gone above and beyond standard bereavement practices and hoped to encourage similar support from all employers.
Compassion and empathy are crucial both in the community and in the workforce.

Dr Rhonda Galbally, AO, Patron of TCF, presented awards to employers who mastered that dilemma by going beyond this and
"got it right" in the handling of the situation presented by their employee. “I commend these employers for their ongoing support
of their employees and hope to see many more examples throughout the business community,” Rhonda said.

2011 Compassionate Employer Award Recipients:

Austin Health, Blue Cross Ashby, Catholic Education Office Melbourne, Clarence City Council, Community Kids Cranbourne,
Echo Youth Services, Ernst & Young, Finity, Mareeba Information & Support Centre Inc., Melbourne Airport, Peninsula Country
Golf Club, Peninsula Private Hospital, Rainbow Learning Group & Neighbourhood House Inc., Telstra Corporation, World
Vision Australia and YNH Services Inc.