Award for Excellence 2025 Finalists
Achiever of the Year
Luka Blake
Nominated by Mignon Dsouza - APM
Justin Bayliss
Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria
Sanaa Petros
Nominated by Rashi Gupta - AMES Australia
Champion Employer of the Year
Ventia
Nominated by Emily Markham - Matchworks
Cripps Nubake Pty Ltd
Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria
Carrington's Traffic Services
Nominated by Sarina Vanderplas - atWork Australia
Employment Consultant of the Year
Fia Leuluaialii
Nominated by Raphaelle Cooper - CoAct Connect + BUSY At Work
Mark Collis
Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria
Carmen Miller
Nominated by Raphaelle Cooper - CoAct Connect + Five Bridges
Outstanding Service to the Employment Services Sector
Christine Shewry
Nominated by Emily Roy - Joblink Plus
Ron Maxwell
Nominated by Stephanie Prosser - VERTO
Judi McConville
Nominated by Mignon Dsouza - APM
Darren Otten
Nominated by Jess Cullen - Asuria
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.
Award Categories
Achiever of the
Year
This Award recognises a former Participant who has overcome extraordinary disadvantage to achieve employment.
Champion Employer
of the Year
This Award recognises employers who demonstrate excellence in employment inclusion of disadvantaged participants.
Employment Consultant of the Year
This Award recognises employment services professionals who demonstrate excellence in helping disadvantaged Australians to achieve employment inclusion.
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.
