Australia at Work: The Next Chapter sets the stage for the 2026 NESA National Conference, bringing together the people, ideas, and insights shaping the future of employment services. Join sector leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across the country for two days of connection, capability building, and forward-focused conversation. As our landscape continues to evolve, this is your opportunity to be part of the dialogue driving what comes next for our workforce, our organisations, and the communities we serve
On 25 August 2026, the employment services sector will gather at The W Hotel, Brisbane for the NESA Awards for Excellence — the highlight event of the year. The Awards celebrate individuals, organisations and partnerships demonstrating leadership, innovation and impact across the sector. They highlight the sector’s commitment to improving individuals’, families’ and communities’ economic and social wellbeing through employment inclusion. Join us for an inspiring evening of recognition and celebration.
This conference is purpose-built for frontline workers across the full range of Australian employment services programs, including Workforce Australia, Inclusive Employment Australia, Remote Australia Employment Service, Transition to Work, Parent Pathways, and other employment programs. Attendees are drawn from metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities, representing the diversity of contexts in which employment services are delivered.
As a sector, we’re at a pivotal moment. There’s huge interest in AI, cautious optimism from government, and real pressure on frontline services. If we don’t help shape the conversation now, it will be shaped for us. If you’re a sector leader, policy maker, practitioner, technologist, or industry partner who cares about the future of employment services – we’d love you in the room.
Designed for CFOs and corporate services professionals to enhance business performance and strengthen the workforce. Through expert-led discussions and networking opportunities, the event will equip finance, operational and HR leaders with practical insights to increase operational efficiency, financial resilience and risk readiness.
An exclusive two-day event designed for CEOs, Senior Executives, and Managers in the employment and related services sectors. Held at The Langham Hotel, Sydney, on November 11–12, this retreat provides an immersive opportunity to explore your personal leadership style and motivation, navigate uncertainty and ambiguity with confidence, and grow your self-awareness and EQ.
Join Us at the NESA National Conference 2025
People: at the Heart
Step into the heart of Australia’s employment services sector at the NESA National Conference 2025—a dynamic two-day gathering of leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the nation.
The NESA Youth Employment Summit is a one-day, high-impact event designed to spark innovative thinking, foster collaboration, and explore practical solutions to improve youth employment outcomes.
As a delegate to our NESA Practitioners Conference you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a range of workshops to build the skills and knowledge that drive performance.
International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Each year NESA celebrates the incredible women in our lives at NESA’s Inspirational Women Leaders in Employment Luncheon, sponsored by Jodi Sharman from Marsh Advantage.