When Albury’s Mark Collis was announced as Employment Consultant of the Year at the 2025 NESA Awards, it was a proud moment that celebrated his tireless support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers. His award reflects the powerful results that come from combining lived experience with cultural leadership in his own community.
Since joining Asuria in 2022, Mark has been an Indigenous Mentor at the Albury site, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers across the region. In the past year alone, he has helped more than 120 participants prepare for, secure and sustain employment.
Mark’s work is as much about people as it is about placements. He has partnered with employers like Coles to deliver the Future Foundations program, where 8 First Nations participants gained their first jobs with a national employer. He also supported 18 participants into roles at a local solar farm, with 16 still employed today.
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His outcomes speak volumes: more than 75 sustained 26-week results this year, placing him among the top-performing consultants in the Goulburn Murray region. Yet behind every statistic is a person whose life has been changed through Mark’s support.
Colleagues describe him as generous, empathetic and a leader in cultural capability. He mentors new staff, shares insights with his team and fosters an environment where culture is respected and understood.
Nicole Grainger-Marsh, CEO of Asuria Australia, says: "Mark’s recognition as Employment Consultant of the Year goes to show the profound impact that can be felt by having Indigenous mentors who understand both the challenges and strengths within their communities. Mark's success is a reminder to us all that authentic, culturally responsive support isn't just best practice, it's essential for achieving meaningful employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Congratulations Mark, for making a difference in so many people’s lives.”
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Mark’s recognition as Employment Consultant of the Year is a proud celebration of the difference one person can make when they combine passion, culture and care.
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