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National Employment Services Association
Awards for Excellence 2026

Since their inception in 2004, the NESA Awards for Excellence have celebrated the dedication, innovation, and professionalism of the employment services sector in driving economic and social well-being for individuals, families, and communities through inclusive employment opportunities. 

These Awards provide a prestigious platform to showcase outstanding service delivery and highlight the transformative impact employment services providers make every day. 

THE NESA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 

  • Set the standard for quality and professionalism across the employment services sector. 
  • Recognise professionals delivering exceptional service and impact in their roles. 
  • Honour participants who have triumphed over adversity to secure and sustain meaningful work. 
  • Showcase role models who motivate others on their employment journey. 
  • Educate communities about the challenges of unemployment and the resilience required to overcome barriers. 
  • Celebrate employers who champion inclusive recruitment and retention of disadvantaged participants. 
  • Inspire businesses to embrace and support employment services programs. 
  • Drive growth through continuous professional development within the sector. 
  • Reinforce trust in the sector, building confidence among participants, employers, and the public.

AWARD FINALIST BENEFITS  

  • Formal recognition within the sector and with key external stakeholders  
  • Framed certificate for all finalists celebrating their achievement as a keepsake to proudly display 
  • The right to use NESA’s Awards Logo on business collateral for two years  
  • Promotion in national, state and local media  
  • One ticket to attend the Gala Awards Dinner for each finalist or finalist representative  

 

IN ADDITION, WINNERS OF EACH AWARD CATEGORY RECEIVE: 

  • A prestigious Award Trophy 
  • The right to use NESA’s Award Winner Logo to promote their achievement (Guidelines apply) 
  • Promotion on NESA’s website and inclusion in the Annual Report 
  • Participation in additional PR campaigns 

ATTENDANCE AT NESA Awards for Excellence  

Finalists receive an exclusive invitation to attend the Gala Awards for Excellence Dinner and VIP-only Champion’s Reception held immediately prior to the Gala Awards for Excellence Dinner. 

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

The Employment Consultant who nominated the Achiever of the Year is also provided travel and one night’s accommodation to the NESA Awards for Excellence in order to accompany and support their Finalist in the lead up to and on the night of the Awards.   

All required airfares are return economy from the finalist’s closest major, regional or metropolitan airport and in accordance with NESA‘s Travel policy. Transport to and from the airport and event venue are at the Finalist and provider‘s expense. 

Award Categories

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Achiever of the
Year

This Award recognises a Participant who has overcome extraordinary disadvantage to achieve their goal and secure a sustained employment outcome.

Award Criteria
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Champion Employer
of the Year

This Award recognises employers who demonstrate excellence in employment inclusion of disadvantaged participants, supporting in the workplace and encouraging sustainability of employment through active post placement support.

Award Criteria
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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. 

Award Criteria
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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 Criteria

2026 NESA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE FINALISTS!

  • Nurture Excellence
    Set the standard for quality and professionalism while driving continuous development across the employment services sector.
  • Elevate Achievement
    Recognise outstanding professionals, celebrate inclusive employers, and honour participants who achieve meaningful employment outcomes.
  • Showcase Success
    Highlight role models and success stories that inspire participants, employers, and communities to embrace employment opportunities.
  • Advance Awareness and Trust
    Educate communities about barriers to employment, promote inclusive recruitment, and reinforce confidence in the sector among participants, employers, and the public. 

Thank you to our members who took the time to submit nominations and share the inspiring achievements of their teams, participants, and employer partners. The exceptional calibre of entries in 2026 once again highlighted the innovation and impact of our sector. NESA extends our sincere appreciation to our judging panel for their expertise, dedication, and thoughtful consideration throughout the assessment process.

PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING OUR 2026 NESA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE FINALISTS!

Logo Logo e1768341029120 1024x468 - NESA 2026 Awards for Excellence