Ricegrowers : SunRice’s Deniliquin Mill named Employer of Choice

The SunRice Deniliquin Rice Mill has won the 'Employer of Choice' award at the 2017 Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards on Friday night, 21 July.

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 John Bradford accepted the award on behalf of SunRice at the awards' gala dinner held at the Deniliquin RSL Club, saying:

'SunRice is delighted to have won the 'Employer of Choice' award, which highlights the important work our team is doing to make the Deniliquin Mill a great place to work. I would particularly like to acknowledge Paul Scoullar, who is the Deniliquin Site Operations Manager, and his Management Team, as the driving force behind the Mill's positive and inclusive team culture and a raft of initiatives that set the Mill apart as an employer.'

Key initiatives implemented by the Deniliquin Mill 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. In addition, 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:

'We are proud to be the largest non-government employer in Deniliquin. We source 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.

'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.'

Following the win, SunRice will now become a finalist in the Murray-Riverina Business Awards to be held on 15 September 2017 at the Albury Entertainment Centre.

Media inquiries: Sally Edgar, Sauce Communications, 02 9640 8050 / 0425 247 133, sally@saucecommunications.com.au

About SunRice
SunRice is a $1 billion global food business and one of Australia's leading branded food exporters. With sales, marketing and operations spanning the globe, we supply domestic markets and almost 50 countries with diverse and nutritious food products, from table rice, flour and snacks, to rice meals and companion animal and livestock products. For more information visit www.sunrice.com.au