On Wednesday 6th November, atWork Australia held their 2024 New South Wales Employer Awards at The Locker Room at Sydney Olympic Park. The event brought together a range of diverse and like-minded employers across multiple industries to recognise and celebrate their contributions to create a more inclusive workforce, for our clients to thrive and achieve their employment goals.
Event MC and atWork Australia General Manager of Employer Engagement, Alex Zaikis comments that “The event provided us all an opportunity to stop, reflect, acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful outcomes which have impacted and changed the lives of many through the power of employment. This is only possible as a direct result of the commitment and support of our valued employer partners.”
“The event was a great opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic support of our employer partners, who have partnered with us to create meaningful, sustainable employment opportunities for our clients. Congratulations to all finalists and award winners and we look forward to our continued collaboration with much anticipation,” Alex adds.
Award Categories & Winners
There were five award categories in total. The first, Excellence in Indigenous Employment Opportunities. This award honours an employer who has demonstrated exceptional effort, achievement, innovation and progress in creating opportunities for Indigenous Australians. The winner of this award was Lack Group.
Over the past 12 months Lack Group have supported many of our First Nations clients into employment. Across New South Wales we have developed a strong partnership with Lack Group which has led to a tailored recruitment approach for their business. By offering career development pathways, external upskilling opportunities and a supportive work environment, Lack Group have created long term and sustainable employment opportunities for many.
Congratulations also to Viva Energy Australia and Kimberlie & Co who were finalists in the category.
Next on the agenda was the Excellence in Creating Diverse Opportunities Award. This award honours an employer that strives for a workforce that is reflective of the community we serve, that embraces the individual skills, perspectives and experiences that all employees bring to the workplace. The winner was Woolworths.
Woolworths is a long-time partner with atWork Australia and are committed to creating diverse opportunities within their workforce. Woolworths have played a vital role in creating meaningful employment for our clients regardless of their experience, skills or background. Over the last year Woolworths have supported over 50 clients from diverse backgrounds into employment.
Congratulations also to VB Store Pty Ltd, McDonald’s Australia and Amazon who were finalists in the category.
Next in the awards category was the Regional Employer Award. This award recognises a business who operates outside of metropolitan areas, providing opportunities to enable atWork Australia clients to thrive and sustain a career pathway. The winner was Probe CX.
Probe CX are very supportive of our clients, making it a priority to safely integrate the client into their environment not only through their extensive training but also making workplace adjustments where required. Our many clients enjoy working at Probe CX which is further supported by the strong retention rates.
Congratulations also to MXTology and Lilianfels Blue Mountain Resort & Spa who were finalists in the category.
The NSW Employer Awards was also an opportunity to celebrate atWork Australia’s new employer partnerships. The Emerging Employer Award honours a first year Employer Partnership that has successfully assisted atWork Australia clients living with a barrier into long term employment. The winner was Constant Security.
Constant Security are a new Employer Partner. Since the commencement of the relationship, Constant Security have been an inclusive employer in all that they do. They are accommodating for our clients and will remove barriers that may impact on our client’s ability to carry out the role, allowing our clients to achieve success. Constant Security have shown already that they are a committed and valued Sydney employer partner now and into the future for our clients.
Congratulations also to Northmead Childcare and Early Learning Centre and Healius who were finalists in the category.
To finish off the awards ceremony, the Champion employer was crowned! The Champion Employer Award recognises an employer who demonstrates excellence and high achievement in providing employment opportunities to Australians living with a disability, injury, health condition or disadvantage. The winner of atWork Australia’s 2024 Champion Employer Award was Amazon.
Amazon values creating an inclusive workplace values all employees for their strengths. It offers employees living with disabilities — whether visible or invisible — an equal opportunity to succeed, to advance and to feel a sense of belonging. Amazon aim to increase roles for people living with a disability into their business and make accommodations to ensure long term employment.
Congratulations also to Aussie Gardening and Cleaning, McDonald’s Australia and Woolworths who were finalists in the category.
Although only a handful of employers can walk away as winners, all atWork Australia’s employer partners throughout New South Wales should be recognised and celebrated for their commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace, providing opportunities to those people who might otherwise be looked over due to their barrier to employment.
The opportunities that are provided by atWork Australia’s employer partners are more than just a job they are life changing opportunity for many. Employment allows a step closer towards creating a more inclusive community and country where all have an equal opportunity to participate and contribute to the workplace.
“Most of us understand the many benefits of employment which at times can be taken for granted. We work with a vast array of wonderful people from a range of backgrounds every day, who through disadvantage, injury, illness or disability find it more difficult to secure an employment opportunity. atWork Australia has a strong belief that Work is for everyone. We are proud of the work we are doing and with the support of all of our employer partners we will continue this journey,” said Alex Zaikis.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists for 2024! Video recap of the event coming soon – stay tuned.
