Family friendly boss wins award

Bennelong MP Maxine McKew last week congratulated local child care operator Nesha O’Neil on winning the Education, Innovation and Research category in the 2009-10 National Work-Life Balance Awards.

Ms O’Neil won the award for the Norwest Child Care Centre in Baulkham Hills, she also operates Top Ryde Early Learning and was formerly at the award-winning Midson Road child care centre in Epping.

“I’m delighted that’s she’s now also been recognised for her skills and commitment as a family-friendly employer,” Ms McKew said.

The Norwest Child Care Centre gives its employees the ability to take ‘mental health’ days, and provides a range of work-life balance initiatives such as: a negotiable period of unpaid maternity leave; rostering staff levels above minimum legislated requirements to reduce stress on employees; and financial assistance for employees who wish to study.

Ms O’Neil encouraged other businesses to think about how they could help their staff balance their work and family commitments.

“It makes sense for small businesses to take work-life balance for their staff seriously,” said Ms O’Neil.

“There shouldn’t have to be a choice between work and family and study.

“It should be something we all incorporate into our lives.

“In the end, staff who are able to find time for these things are better staff.”

The National Work-Life Balance Awards are part of the Australian Govern-ment’s Fresh Ideas for Work and Family program, which also includes grants of up to $15,000 to help small businesses implement family friendly work practices.

For further information about the awards and winners visit www.deewr.gov.au/worklife

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