The 2025 NESA Awards, held in Melbourne on 17 September, celebrated the people and organisations shaping employment services across Australia. It was a proud night for Asuria, with Mark Collis announced as the Employment Consultant of the Year.
Mark Collis - Employment Consultant of the Year winner
Asuria Indigenous Mentor and Employment Consultant, Mark, was celebrated for the impact he has made in Albury. Since 2022, Mark has supported more than 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers into meaningful work. His trusted and culturally safe approach has helped job seekers and employers achieve long-term success.
Justin - Achiever of the Year finalist
Justin’s nomination recognised his remarkable journey into a maritime career. After completing the Maritime Operations program, he joined Fantasea Cruises on Sydney Harbour as a General-Purpose Hand, building a career that has given him confidence, purpose and stability. His recognition shows the power of opportunity matched with determination.
Cripps Nubake (Cripps) - Champion Employer of the Year finalist
Cripps was shortlisted for its outstanding approach to inclusive hiring. Since partnering with Asuria in 2022, Tasmania’s oldest commercial bakery has co-designed recruitment practices that removed barriers for disadvantaged job seekers. The results speak for themselves, with dozens of successful placements and an impressive retention rate that shows the benefits of inclusive employment.
Darren Otten - Outstanding Service to the Sector finalist
Darren’s nomination recognised more than three decades of contribution to employment services. As Asuria’s Executive Director of Employer Services, he has shaped programs, policies and employer engagement models that remain a benchmark for best practice, influencing opportunities for thousands of Australians.
Together, our finalists embody resilience, innovation and leadership, and their recognition at the NESA Awards highlights the difference Asuria is making for individuals, employers and communities across Australia.
The 2025 NESA Awards were also a reminder that employment services are about more than programs and policies. They're about people. Whether it is an individual beginning a new career, an employer opening doors through inclusive hiring, or a leader shaping opportunities for the future, these stories show the power of work to change lives.
For Asuria, having four finalists across four categories is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the impact our people and partners create every day. We thank NESA for shining a light on the individuals and organisations who continue to build stronger futures for Australians through employment.