Ricegrowers : SunRice’s Deniliquin Mill named Murray-Riverina Employer of Choice

The SunRice Deniliquin Rice Mill was named the Murray-Riverina 'Employer of Choice' at the region's annual business awards in Albury on Friday night, 15 September.

The SunRice Deniliquin Rice Mill was named the Murray-Riverina 'Employer of Choice' at the region's annual business awards in Albury on Friday night, 15 September.

The award recognises the strategies and initiatives implemented by an employer that create a positive impact for both employees and, more broadly, the organisation.

SunRice Board member and Mayrung rice grower John Bradford accepted the award on behalf of the Deniliquin Rice Mill at the awards' gala dinner, saying:

'Being named the Employer of Choice for the Murray-Riverina region is testament to the positive, safe, inclusive and diverse culture the team at the SunRice Deniliquin Mill has built. Congratulations to the team, in particular Paul Scoullar, who is the Deniliquin Site Operations Manager, and his Management Team, who have worked closely with employees to improve the business, including implementing numerous initiatives designed to support and engage employees.'

Key employee initiatives have included professional development programs; flexible work arrangements; a health and wellbeing program including physiotherapy support, fresh fruit and flu vaccinations; an employee recognition program; ongoing investment in technology to ensure best practice safety and quality standards; and a genuine commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and diverse workplace.

The Deniliquin Mill is SunRice's largest and most sophisticated mill and one of the largest rice mills in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been processing Riverina-grown rice for almost 50 years.

The Mill currently has 108 employees, which can swell to 150 people at peak capacity. The local community is further engaged through contractors and local businesses to support the operation, making it a significant driver of the local economy. In addition to supporting the local community, it also is an important part of SunRice's global business.

Mr Scoullar said he was incredibly proud to lead the Deniliquin team, who live by the mantra: 'We believe in engaging our people and supporting our community, showing pride in what we do, within a sustainable and dynamic business'. Commenting on the award win, he said:

'It was really pleasing to win this award, and is a true reflection of the quality of people on site and their hard work. There's no doubting our employees are central to the Deniliquin Mill's success, with each person playing an important role in ensuring customers around the world receive high quality finished product.

'We are proud to be the largest non-government employer in Deniliquin, sourcing our employees, where possible, from the local area. From supporting local charity events to sponsoring the Deni Ute Muster, the Deni Mill team certainly plays an active role in supporting the community.'

The SunRice Deniliquin Rice Mill will now compete at the NSW Business Chamber State Awards, to be announced at the State Gala Dinner in Sydney on Friday 17 November 2017.

ENDS

Media inquiries:
Sally Edgar, Sauce Communications, 02 9640 8050 / 0425 247 133,[e-mail]