Both Jane and Mike as individuals, and Blayney Electrical Services as a business, have been strong community members over their time in Blayney, supporting and servicing local businesses and organisations as much as they can. However, they recognise that living in a regional community is not just about business opportunities.
The Enid Whitten Memorial Scholarship
Mike and Jane are also both very aware of the support they and their business receive from the Blayney Shire Community, and for that reason, they like to be able to ‘give back’ wherever possible. They, and their family, were particularly appreciative of the out-pouring of support and generosity of the community when Jane and Mike’s daughter was taken from them.
In recognition of that community support, they have instituted an annual scholarship at the Blayney High School in the form of the Enid Whitten Memorial Scholarship. Rather than being an academic-achievement scholarship, the Enid Whitten Memorial Scholarship aims to recognise a community-spirited student who is more likely to pursue a trade-oriented career.
Rotary
Jane and Mike are both active members of the Rotary Club of Blayney, and have served in various positions on the Club Executive. Both Mike and Jane have been recipients of the Paul Harris Fellowship Recognitions, recognising their work in Rotary. Jane was awarded an Australia Day Community Service Award for service to the community.
Blayney Electrical Services was involved in the electrical installation of the Blayney Community Centre, and carried out the 240volt wiring of the SES truck.
Apprenticeships
Blayney Electrical have trained 6 apprentices through their business. This not only provides BES the opportunity to train its own tradespeople but also provides the community and local businesses with a ready source of much-needed and highly trained electricians. Throughout its existence BES has provided opportunities for local students to experience ‘life as an electrician’ through work-experience programs.
Working in conjunction with High Schools in both Blayney and Bathurst, BES has provided work experience to a number of students. Blayney Electrical were awarded the Small Host Company of the Year Award in 2013 from Skillset in recognition of BES’s training programs.