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NESA Now Podcast – Episode 1

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In the inaugural episode of NESA NOW, we sit down with Paul Paulson from the Nahri Institute to explore the vital role of cultural competence in employment services. This insightful conversation highlights the importance of authentic engagement, understanding community needs, and building trust to deliver meaningful outcomes for First Nations job seekers.

From the origins of the Nahri Institute’s work to practical strategies for employment providers, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone working to close the gap and strengthen their service delivery. Whether you’re an employment consultant, trainer, or leader in the sector, you’ll find inspiration and actionable ideas to support inclusive, respectful workplaces.

Listen now and join the conversation shaping the future of employment services.

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Ready to strengthen your cultural competence and create real impact? Access Nahri Institute’s highly respected cultural awareness training—designed to help you engage authentically, build trust, and deliver better outcomes for First Nations communities.

All modules are available now through NESA Academy, individually or as a complete bundle.
Start your learning journey today and empower your team to Be Excellent.

Thank you to our guest Paul Paulson for participating in this podcast episode. 
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NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

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Award for Excellence 2025 Finalists

Achiever of the Year

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Luka Blake

MORE ON LUKA

23 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Justin Bayliss

MORE ON JUSTIN

25 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Sanaa Petros

MORE ON SANAA

Champion Employer of the Year

26 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Ventia

MORE ON VENTIA

27 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Cripps Nubake Pty Ltd

MORE ON CRIPPS NUBAKE PTY LTD

28 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Carrington's Traffic Services

MORE ON Carrington's Traffic Services

Employment Consultant of the Year

22 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Fia Leuluaialii

MORE ON FIA

20 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Mark Collis

MORE ON MARK

21 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Carmen Miller

MORE ON CARMEN

Outstanding Service to the Employment Services Sector

19 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Christine Shewry

MORE ON CHRISTINE

16 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Ron Maxwell

MORE ON RON

17 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Judi McConville

MORE ON JUDI

18 - NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

Darren Otten

MORE ON DARREN

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Join the Gala Awards night waitlist

National Employment Services Association
Awards for Excellence 2025

Since their inception in 2004, the NESA Awards for Excellence have highlighted the commitment the employment services sector has made to improve individuals’, families’ and our communities’ economic and social well-being through employment inclusion.   

The Awards are an opportunity to showcase employment services providers’ service delivery strategies and innovation excellence, and the very real impacts that result from their efforts.  

THE NESA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE:  

  • Foster high standards and provide a benchmark for excellence within the employment services sector 

  • Recognise employers who demonstrate excellence in the recruitment and retention of disadvantaged job seekers in partnership with employment services providers 

  • Encourage employers to adopt and support employment services programs 

  • Honour job seekers who have overcome disadvantage to obtain and sustain employment 

  • Provide role models for other job seekers 

  • Recognise employment services professionals who demonstrate excellence in the conduct of their role 

  • Promote professional development within the employment services sector 

  • Enlighten the wider community about the adversity and disadvantage that are experienced by unemployed people and the effort required to overcome barriers to achieve employment 

  • Reinforce the value of the sector, fostering job seeker, employer and public confidence  

 

AWARD FINALIST BENEFITS  

  • The right to use NESA’s Awards Seal on collateral for two years 

  • Promotion in national, state and local media 

  • A high quality, framed certificate for all finalists 

  • Greater recognition within the sector and with key external stakeholders 

  • Invitation to the VIP-only Champion’s Reception held immediately prior to the Gala Awards Dinner 

  • One ticket to attend the Gala Awards Dinner for each finalist or finalist representative 

  • The finalists for Employment Consultant and Achiever of the Year are provided with travel** and one night’s accommodation to attend the NESA Awards for Excellence Ceremony

IN ADDITION TO FINALIST BENEFITS,
WINNERS OF EACH AWARD CATEGORY RECEIVE: 

  • A prestigious Award Trophy

  • An Awards Seal and guidelines for use to promote the win

  • Promotion on NESA’s website and inclusion in the Annual Report

  • Additional PR campaigns

     

The Employment Consultant who nominated the Achiever of the Year is also provided travel and one night’s accommodation to accompany their nominee to the NESA Awards for Excellence. 

All required airfares are return economy from the finalist’s closest major, regional or metropolitan airport. 

Transport to and from the airport and event venue are at the nominee’s expense. 
Champion Employer of the Year finalists do not receive travel or accommodation to attend the NESA Awards for Excellence. 

CONDITIONS FOR NOMINATIONS

Please Note the following details: 

  • Each nomination must be completed and submitted through the official awards nomination portal.
  • All required fields must be completed, and supporting material should be uploaded as specified for each award.
  • Before starting your nomination, ensure you have reviewed the relevant award category criteria and eligibility requirements.
  • If you wish to nominate more than one individual, organisation or employer, a separate nomination form must be submitted for each unique nominee.
  • Nominations must be submitted by the published closing date.
    Late or incomplete nominations will not be considered.
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Award Categories

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Achiever of the
Year

This Award recognises a former Participant who has overcome extraordinary disadvantage to achieve employment.

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Champion Employer
of the Year

This Award recognises employers who demonstrate excellence in employment inclusion of disadvantaged participants.

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Employment Consultant of the Year

This Award recognises employment services professionals who demonstrate excellence in helping disadvantaged Australians to achieve employment inclusion. 

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Outstanding Service to the Employment Services Sector

This Award recognises individuals within the employment services sector who have made exceptional and enduring contributions to advancing employment inclusion for people experiencing hardship.

Contact Us

Bianca Frankowski 
Head of Sponsorship, Marketing and Industry Events

events@nesa.com.au | biancaf@nesa.com.au

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Pre-Election Leadership Summit

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CLick Here to View Program Agenda

Join sector leaders at the NESA Pre-Election Leadership Summit for exclusive insights from Ministers, Shadow Ministers,
senior officials, and expert commentators on the upcoming federal election,
key policy issues, and potential outcomes shaping employment services, skills and training sectors. 
Secure your spot now!

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Frontline Employment Services Conference 2025

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Click here to register attendance

Join Us for the Frontline Services Conference

Hosted by the National Employment Services Association (NESA),

This conference brings together industry leaders, employers, and service providers to explore the latest insights, strategies, and best practices in employment services.

From innovative approaches to job seeker support to fostering inclusive workplaces, this event offers expert-led workshops and discussions designed to drive meaningful employment outcomes. 

Connect with like-minded professionals, gain actionable knowledge, and be part of shaping the future of workforce development.

Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation
that makes a difference!

conference program
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Sponsor Expression of Interest
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LUKA BLAKE

(Nominated by Mignon Dsouza – APM) Luka first engaged with APM Deniliquin in February 2023 after leaving a relationship that had deeply impacted her sense of safety and stability and was navigating the emotional and physical challenges that followed, including the pain of being separated from her infant son.

She joined the Workforce Australia program delivered by APM, where she received tailored, trauma-informed support to address the issues affecting her ability to work, including. prolonged unemployment, limited recent work experience, and health issues. Despite these challenges, Luka showed up to every appointment and accessed counselling to process the trauma she had experienced and build her confidence to re-engage with employment.

Over time, Luka became more comfortable at the APM site, dropping in between appointments, and building a strong rapport with the team. Luka completed customer service training with employment training provider Alffie and was clear from the beginning that her long-term goal was to work in healthcare, a field where she could help others and find purpose through meaningful work. As Luka said, ‘From the very beginning of my journey with APM, the ladies helped me build my confidence, skill sets and overall wellbeing and I’m deeply grateful for everything they have done to support me to get to where I am today both personally and with my working life, it means the world.’

Luka’s journey is one of quiet strength, healing, and transformation. She has overcome significant adversity and taken steady, self-directed steps toward employment and independence. Her story reflects the power of compassionate support and her own unwavering commitment to change.

JUSTIN BAYLISS

Nominated by Jess Cullen – Asuria

Justin, a 29-year-old Aboriginal man, has worked hard to transform his life after nearly a decade of unemployment shaped by immense personal hardship and a traumatic childhood. One of his lowest points in life, became the turning point he needed.

Determined to rebuild, Justin reached out to Asuria in early 2024 through the Workforce Australia program knowing he needed routine, a supportive environment, and meaningful work that aligned with his strengths. With guidance from culturally responsive employment consultants, Justin identified the maritime industry as a pathway that could support both his wellbeing and his future. The physical nature of the work, the team-based environment, and the connection to the water suited his needs. To prepare, Justin enrolled in the Certificate I in Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand), delivered by TAFE NSW in partnership with Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation and supported by Asuria. The program offered hands-on training in a culturally safe environment.

Over an intensive three-week period in May 2024, Justin trained aboard working vessels on Sydney Harbour, gaining skills in emergency response, vessel maintenance, and safety procedures. He also achieved First Aid, RSA, and AMSA-recognised qualifications. This reignited Justin’s confidence, restored his sense of purpose, and showed him he could achieve his long-term goals.

In October 2024, Justin secured employment with Fantasea Cruises (NRMA) as a General-Purpose Host/Deck Hand. Justin’s duties include assisting passengers, ensuring onboard safety, and contributing to daily operations.

He has become a valued team member known for his reliability, commitment, and authentic work ethic. His journey is one of extraordinary resilience. From crisis to consistent employment, Justin’s transformation reflects not only personal strength but also the power of culturally appropriate support and second chances.

Today, Justin stands proud as a capable man, charting a new course for his future. As Justin said, ‘Working only three days a week in my previous job never felt fulfilling, and I struggled to see a positive future … I honestly didn’t think stable employment was possible for someone like me. Taking part in the course gave me a fresh start – it helped me rebuild my confidence and surrounded me with supportive, understanding people.

Being hired by NRMA opened the door to a new chapter. Working on the water has transformed this job into something much more – a rewarding lifestyle that I’m proud to be part of.’

SANAA PETROS

Nominated by Rashi Gupta – AMES Australia

Sanaa is a single mother who arrived in Australia as a refugee in late 2019 under the humanitarian program. She spent years in Lebanon awaiting her visa after fleeing family violence and political unrest in Iraq.

When she resettled in Melbourne’s northern suburbs with her young son, she faced immediate and overwhelming barriers: limited English, no Australian work history, no income, no qualifications, and deep trauma. Living in a crowded home with extended family, Sanaa was isolated and unsure of how to begin rebuilding her life. She was referred to AMES Australia in 2022 and enrolled in the Workforce Australia program.

At the time, she didn’t feel confident to speak in public and avoided social interaction. But from her first contact appointment, Sanaa displayed quiet determination, consistently attended English classes and mentoring sessions and slowly began opening up.

Over time, Sanaa revealed a passion for nail artistry, which she had practised in both Iraq and Lebanon. When her Employment Mentor (EM) encouraged her to consider turning this skill into a business, she was hesitant, but open. Sanaa didn’t know what an ABN was, how to register a business, or where to begin. Still, she was willing to try. Through coaching and a tailored plan, Sanaa transformed her garage into a professional nail studio and registered and promoted her business. Since then, she has maintained a steady flow of customers, grown her confidence, and started setting longer-term goals.

Sanaa is no longer just surviving; she’s planning for the future and looking to take short courses in lash extensions or waxing to expand her business and income. Sanaa continues to improve her English and is now seen as a role model in her community.

In her own words: ‘I never thought I could work in Australia. I used to feel like I had no place here, but now I feel proud. I’m doing something good for me and my son. Every time a client comes to my home and leaves with a smile, I feel stronger. From the first day I walked into AMES, I had a good feeling — now I know it was right. You really helped me believe in myself.’

Sanaa’s journey from trauma to transformation is a testament to what is possible when someone receives the right support at the right time. She is no longer defined by her past or her barriers. She is a determined, capable woman building a better life for her family, one client at a time.

Ventia

Nominated by Emily Markham – Matchworks

Ventia is a leading essential infrastructure service provider in Australia and New Zealand, committed to building stronger, safer and more sustainable communities. Ventia specialises in long-term operation, maintenance and management of critical public and private assets across sectors including defence, social infrastructure, telecommunications and transport.
With a proud heritage, Ventia delivers tailored outcomes for customers and the communities in which they operate. Ventia’s approach to recruitment and workforce development is thoughtful, deliberate and inclusive. Throughout every chapter of growth, it has remained true to a powerful belief: everyone deserves a chance to belong, contribute and thrive. Employment goes beyond income, providing purpose, identity and belonging.

At Ventia, recruitment is not just about filling roles; it’s about restoring confidence, igniting potential and changing lives. Ventia is committed to upholding a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) to ensure everyone in its workforce feels safe, valued and empowered to thrive, and builds strategies and partnerships to shape a workforce as diverse as the communities it serves.

Ventia’s commitment to excellence in employment inclusion of disadvantaged participants includes sustained effort to forge and maintain partnership with the employment services sector. Ventia proactively engages with MatchWorks and approximately 45 other employment service providers enabling pathways to meaningful employment for our disadvantaged participants. They support a diverse range of workforce programs and strategies including:
– All-Abilities Community of Practice -; Peer networks meet regularly to ensure perspectives of diverse employees are heard and acted on; and to share knowledge and promote inclusive hiring and workplace support for diverse groups including disability, LGBTQIA+, First Nations, women, parents and carers.
– Training, Employment, Recruitment, Care and Career Advancement (TRECCA) – The TRECCA team cultivate strong partnerships with Elders, local communities and use individual and systemic interventions to break employment barriers and maintain a culturally safe environment that fosters retention and career advancement. In the past 12 months, the TRECCA team initiated 8 programs across NT, SA, VIC creating pathways into employment for 72 First Nations participants.
– Work 180 Endorsed Employer – Empowering women’s opportunities for growth, leadership, and connection. Initiatives include Women of Ventia Empowered Network program.
– Disability Invent Hub: The Hub equips managers with disability awareness training, tools and resources to ensure disability confidence JobAccess Collaboration: Ventia partners with JobAccess to strengthen disability inclusive policy and procedures. Changes to job design, interviews and medical checks have significantly reduced barriers with one contract experiencing a 400% rise in disability employment.
– People with disability are employed in diverse roles and career pathways e.g. partnership with Australian Spatial Analytics data and analytics for neurodiverse individuals.
– Young professionals Graduate Program opens doors through two-year rotations, mentoring, and learning opportunities, ensuring the next generation of talent is nurtured with purpose. All employees benefit from training/career development programs, training, wellbeing initiatives, and support services such as EAP and health discounts, with 30% of staff on a long-term contract achieving employment retention of 10+ years.

Cripps Nubake Pty Ltd

Nominated by Jess Cullen – Asuria

Cripps Nubake is one of Tasmania’s oldest and most iconic businesses, with a proud legacy dating back to 1878 when William Cripps established the state’s first commercial bakery. From its modest beginnings, Cripps has grown to become a major regional employer and trusted household brand, supplying fresh bread, rolls, wraps, and baked goods to communities across Tasmania.

Today, Cripps employs over 200 people across its sites in Glenorchy, Launceston, and Ulverstone. Their diverse workforce includes approximately 50% full-time employees, 30% part-time, and 20% casual staff. This balanced structure supports flexibility, workforce retention, and operational resilience, while offering varied employment options to suit the needs of workers from all backgrounds, including those entering or re-entering the labour market. Their commitment to inclusive recruitment was also recognised at the 2024 Asuria Employer Awards, where Cripps won the Diversity and Inclusion Award.

Following initial conversations, Asuria worked with Cripps’ CEO and senior leadership to better understand the company’s recruitment needs, workplace culture, and the nature of factory-based work. These insights informed the co-design of a bespoke recruitment and onboarding program aimed at preparing job seekers, particularly those facing barriers to employment, for long-term success in the Cripps workplace. Since February 2023, this program has formed the backbone of Cripps’ recruitment strategy. Run on a monthly cycle, the program includes pre-placement briefings, a factory walkthrough to ensure jobseekers are comfortable with the environment, and targeted coaching to build workplace readiness. Importantly, Asuria and Cripps meet fortnightly to review participant progress and adapt processes where needed.

This continuous feedback loop has fostered a highly responsive, inclusive, and outcomes-focused recruitment model. Cripps has consistently demonstrated a willingness to invest in the development of its people. Whether offering extra on-the-job training or adjusting workflows to better accommodate new staff, Cripps has gone above and beyond to ensure participants are set up for long-term success. Their commitment has translated into meaningful employment outcomes and high retention rates, especially for jobseekers who may not have otherwise accessed this industry.

Beyond the numbers, Cripps embodies what it means to be a community-led, socially responsible employer. Their openness to co-designing a tailored approach reflects not only a desire to meet their own workforce needs, but a genuine commitment to making a difference in people’s lives. Through their actions, Cripps has not only improved internal recruitment processes but strengthened the broader labour market.

Carrington's Traffic Services

Nominated by Sarina Vanderplas – atWork Australia

Carrington’s Traffic Services has evolved from a small traffic management company, which commenced in 1993, into one of the largest providers of traffic management services within Western Australia. Carrington’s Head Office is in Midvale, Perth and operates across the entire region of Western Australia.

Carrington’s supports atWork Australia’s clients living in the more regional and remote areas of the Great Southern Wheatbelt to find meaningful and sustainable opportunities. This region has very limited work availability and many people living in hardship, so these opportunities are more meaningful than most.

Carrington’s hire atWork Australia’s clients for part time roles, to give as many opportunities for stability as possible. Normally roles within traffic control are casual due to the season type of work. The type of work on offer from Carrington’s ranges from administration to traffic management roles which coincide with the most in demand roles their clients are looking for. Clients are also looking for flexible, working outdoors especially for First Nations clients, and receiving a wage that can support them towards financial independence. Due to the rural and remote locations of clients, with many not having the financial means to travel, as they cannot afford fuel without employment. Jason and the team from Carrington’s Traffic Services make the commitment to drive to the locations where clients reside. Sometimes more than two hours each way.

Overall Carrington’s Traffic Service has a workforce of over 200 across Western Australia. “Throughout the last few years, I have gained many employees, helping my staffing requirements during our busy periods,” said Jason. “The atWork Australia team have been more than helpful, and great to work with. Many of the clients have been hard-working, willing to learn and go above and beyond what is required of them.”

Fia Leuluaialii

Nominated by Henry Whan – CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work

Fia leads the CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work site in Mount Isa, a remote mining town in north-west Queensland with around 18,945 residents. The region experiences high unemployment (7.4%), reliance on income support, housing stress, and vulnerability to natural disasters. Despite the presence of mining, many locals face barriers to stable work and limited access to services. As Site Leader, Fia drives performance outcomes, mentors her team of three, and builds strong employer and community relationships. She supports management by contributing to regional strategies, piloting initiatives, and filling in for senior leaders when required. Her work ensures services align with organisational goals while meeting local needs.

Fia joined BUSY At Work in April 2024 as a Mentor. Her strong results and leadership led to a promotion in August 2024 to Site Leader, where she has now led the site for over a year. Beyond her own site, she provides leadership support across the wider Townsville region, sharing expertise and supporting consistency in service delivery.

Committed to her own growth, Fia has completed leadership development training, cultural awareness courses, and employer engagement workshops. She also regularly attends industry forums to stay current with trends. These activities enhance her ability to mentor staff and influence organisational strategy. Her informal leadership style fosters collaboration, resilience, and innovation.

Fia actively works with local Indigenous organisations and community groups to deliver culturally responsive services. This ensures both employers and job seekers receive support tailored to their needs. Through mentoring, team development, and community engagement, she has cultivated a high-performing, inclusive workplace culture. Her dedication reflects the values of BUSY At Work and CoAct, contributing to the success of employment services across Mount Isa and beyond.

Mark Collis

Nominated by Jess Cullen – Asuria

Asuria is a leading public service provider, empowering individuals, communities, and nations through a range of frontline services. These include employment support, training, education, justice, business start-up services, and health and wellbeing programs. Each year, Asuria helps thousands of people, many facing significant barriers, secure sustainable employment.

The company employs over 1,100 people globally. Mark has been a valued member of Asuria’s Albury team since July 2022, bringing a deep commitment to community, culture, and the employment services sector. He commenced with Asuria at the beginning of the Workforce Australia contract in the role of Indigenous Mentor, based at their Albury site in the Goulburn Murray Employment Region. Albury/Wodonga, with a population of just over 58,000 and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. The Albury site is the largest in the region and supports both metropolitan and rural job seekers through a multidisciplinary team of Workforce Australia and Disability Employment Services Mentors, as well as a Wellbeing Specialist and Employer Engagement Consultant.

During the qualifying period, Mark has supported over 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants across the Albury/Wodonga region, providing culturally safe mentoring, employment preparation, and strong community connection. He takes proactive initiative beyond his caseload, supporting First Nations participants across programs and playing a key leadership role in coordinating the culturally tailored Skills for Life program in partnership with Elders, RTOs, and local providers.

Mark actively contributes to a positive team culture, mentoring colleagues, guiding new staff, and sharing tools to enhance cultural capability. He regularly attends local First Nations events and offers support through gestures like baking morning tea for the Women’s Centre, demonstrating his deep respect and care for the community he serves.

Carmen Miller

Nominated by Angela Johnson – CoAct Connect + Five Bridges

Carmen is an exceptional Mentor with CoAct Connect + Five Bridges, delivering services under the Workforce Australia Indigenous Specialist Stream. She is based in Woorabinda, a remote Aboriginal community 170 km south-west of Rockhampton, Queensland. Woorabinda, with a population of 1,600, faces significant social and economic challenges, including a 22.3% unemployment rate (ABS, 2021 Census).

Carmen independently services Woorabinda, providing end-to-end support from initial commencement through to post-placement. This consistency has earned trust from the community, who value her ongoing presence. She also provides support from the Rockhampton office as part of the nine-member Fitzroy team. In her hybrid role, she acts as Mentor, Recruitment Specialist, and In-Work Support Specialist, managing 51 customers facing complex barriers to employment.

Carmen demonstrates commitment to professional development and regional collaboration. She mentors peers, shares resources, and supports management with problem-solving and performance improvement. She also participates in local events, including NAIDOC Week celebrations, further embedding herself in the community. Her background in beauty management honed her interpersonal and confidence-building skills, which she now uses to empower customers.

Carmen’s proactive, person-centred approach, and strong cultural awareness enable her to deliver tailored, community-driven support. Her Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 41.2 reflects consistently positive customer feedback. Carmen’s reliability, leadership, and impact make her a strong nominee for Employment Consultant of the Year.

Christine Shewry

Nominated by Emily Roy – Joblink Plus

Christine’s career in recruitment and employment services spans over 40 years and multiple countries, including both for profit and for purpose organisations. For the last 12 years Christine has been CEO at Joblink Plus, a for-purpose organisation delivering services in regional NSW.

Under Christine’s leadership, Joblink Plus currently delivers specialist licenses for Indigenous Australians, Ex-Offenders, People with Disability and Youth through Workforce Australia, Transition to Work and Inclusive Employment Australia contracts. With 380 staff serving around 18,000 clients in 82 regional communities, Joblink Plus under Christine’s leadership has gone from strength to strength. Joblink’s purpose is to believe in and support all people, connecting them to the dignity and fulfillment made possible through education and meaningful work.

Christine lives and breathes this purpose having dedicated the years before her retirement to ensuring that Joblink Plus is a positive contributor to each person it serves.

Ron Maxwell

Nominated by Stephanie Prosser – VERTO

Ron is CEO of VERTO, a not-for-profit organisation delivering employment and community services across some of Australia’s most disadvantaged regions. VERTO Group supports over 17,000 individuals annually and employs more than 300 staff, working across predominantly regional and remote areas of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland.

Since taking the role in 2014, he has led the VERTO Group through significant growth and impact, while staying focused on its mission to support inclusive, community-led transformation. Under Ron’s leadership, VERTO delivers a broad suite of employment programs including Workforce Australia, Disability Employment Services, Skills for Education and Employment, Transition to Work, Parent Pathways, Self-Employment Assistance, as well as a range of workforce mentoring, training, and community projects. In regional and remote communities, entrenched barriers to employment persist, and access to meaningful work is disparate.

For more than two decades, Ron has met that challenge with quiet conviction: expanding opportunity for those often overlooked with strategy, strong partnerships, and gutsy resolve. Ron’s commitment to employment inclusion is long-standing, measured, and embedded in community.

Prior to VERTO, Ron served as CEO of Western College in Dubbo, where he established one of the first Australian Technical Colleges in Central West NSW. Ron has also contributed nationally to setting the direction of employment services. He is a former Director of NESA, Deputy Chair of ITECA and member of the NSW Skills Board Reference Group. Ron’s leadership consistently bridges the gap between policy and practice. His ability to connect strategic vision with local delivery has helped to reshape what’s possible—for people, for places, and for the sector.

Judi McConville

Nominated by Mignon Dsouza – APM

Judi McConville is a deeply respected leader in the Australian employment services sector, with nearly four decades of unwavering commitment to advancing employment inclusion. Since the 1980s, Judi has worked across Queensland, regional New South Wales, and nationally, consistently advocating for First Nations people and other marginalised cohorts.

Her career reflects a rare blend of strategic leadership, grassroots engagement, and a passion for social justice. Currently, Judi serves as the National Diversity & Inclusion Manager at APM and Chief Executive Officer of First Sun Employment, a First Nations-owned and operated provider—the first of its kind in the region. First Sun Employment delivers culturally responsive employment services in partnership with APM, supporting job seekers across the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed regions. Since joining APM in 2016 as Regional Manager, she has held pivotal roles including Indigenous Performance Manager, where she led transformative improvements in servicing and outcomes for First Nations participants.

Her work has directly impacted thousands of job seekers and hundreds of staff, while influencing sector-wide practices in cultural safety and inclusive service design. Judi’s legacy is one of capacity-building and empowerment. She has mentored countless professionals, built enduring partnerships with Indigenous organisations, and championed co-designed programs that reflect the voices of the communities they serve. Her reach spans urban, regional, and remote areas, and her influence continues to grow, making her a standout nominee for Outstanding Service to the Employment Services Sector.

Darren Otten

Nominated by Jess Cullen – Asuria

For more than three decades, Darren Otten has been a driving force in transforming Australia’s employment services sector—championing inclusion, innovation, and lasting outcomes for job seekers facing disadvantage. As Executive Director of Employer Services at Asuria, he combines visionary leadership with deep operational insight to deliver meaningful change at all levels. Darren has shaped service delivery models and employer engagement strategies across Employment Plus, MAX Employment, and Asuria—and co-founded two successful Registered Training Organisations. Darren created and implemented the first youth job clubs to provide structured, group-based job readiness and support for young people. The format and structure he developed has been widely adopted and continues to guide how employment services engage youth today. His work spans metropolitan, regional, and remote communities with diverse socio-economic needs. He consistently adapts delivery models to local contexts, ensuring programs are both inclusive and impactful.

Over his career, Darren has led teams of over 300 staff, managed over 250 national employer programs, collectively supporting more than 23,000 jobseekers, including First Nations peoples, individuals with disability, and those facing long-term unemployment. His leadership has empowered these teams to deliver high-impact employment services across metropolitan, regional and remote communities. Darren established a centralised team to ensure consistency in employer servicing and introduced Prospert Training—a national strategic employer engagement framework that continues to elevate best practice.