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.

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. 

NESA Awards for Excellence 2025

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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.

Award for Excellence 2025 Finalists

Acheiver of the Year

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Luka Blake

Nominated by Mignon Dsouza - APM

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Justin Bayliss

Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria

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Sanaa Petros

Nominated by Rashi Gupta - AMES

Champion Employer of the Year

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Ventia Australia Pty Ltd

Nominated by Emily Markham - Matchworks

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Cripps Nubake

Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria

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Carringtons Traffic Services

Nominated by Sarina Vanderplas - atWork

Employment Consultant of the Year

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Fia Leuluaialii

Nominated by Raphaelle Cooper - COACT

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Mark Collis

Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria

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Carmen Miller

Nominated by Raphaelle Cooper - COACT

Outstanding Service to the Employment Services Sector

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Christine Shewry

Nominated by Emily Roy - Joblink Plus

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Ron Maxwell

Nominated by Stephanie Prosser - VERTO

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Judi McConville

Nominated by Mignon Dsouza - APM

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Darren Otten

Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria

Thank you to our 2025 Award Judges

Dr Karina Davis, Katrina Mellick and Dr. Peter Laver, AM

Attend the 2025 Awards for Excellence and Witness the Winner Announcements Live!

Be part of a night that celebrates the outstanding nominations and honours the individuals and organisations
making a true impact in the employment services sector.

From powerful stories of resilience to innovative programs and partnerships, the NESA Awards for Excellence showcase the incredible talent, passion,
and dedication driving change across our industry.

Wednesday, 17 September 2025 | Sofitel Melbourne on Collins

Celebrate with us as we reveal this year’s award winners and acknowledge the people at the heart of employment inclusion in Australia.

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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Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation

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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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!

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