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.
Important Dates:
APPLICATIONS OPEN:
1 JULY 2025
APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
8 AUGUST 2025
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED:
18 AUGUST 2025
WINNERS ANNOUNCED:
17 SEPTEMBER 2025
Meet the Judges
Last Years Finalists and Winners
Awards for Excellence 2024
The 2024 NESA Awards for Excellence saw a record number of outstanding nominations, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication across the employment services sector.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination and to our independent judging panel, whose commitment and careful deliberation helped shine a light on the remarkable achievements of our finalists and winners.
Congratulations once again to all those recognised in 2024—your contributions continue to inspire our community.
