Leading employers from across Australia will come together alongside some of the country’s most committed employees in Sydney on March 7th, 2025, as the newly announced finalists at the Asuria Employer Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in workforce development and inclusive employment.
The awards showcase exceptional innovation and dedication in building diverse, sustainable workforces, with finalists representing organisations of all sizes – from national corporations to innovative local businesses – who have demonstrated excellence in creating meaningful employment opportunities over the past year.
“The calibre of this year's finalists truly showcases the transformative power of inclusive employment practices," says Nicole Grainger-Marsh, CEO, Asuria Australia.
“Each organisation has demonstrated exceptional commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and fostering diverse workplaces that reflect the rich fabric of our society, while the individuals shortlisted have demonstrated irrepressible power of determination in work and life.”
The 2025 Asuria Employer Award categories and finalists include:
Enterprising at Heart Award
This award is dedicated to our partners that are Innovative and Create Possibilities, Growth Focused, Authentic and Brave, Inspiring and Leading and Make a Difference.
Programmed is one of the largest labour hire providers in Australia who work with Asuria nationally to provide inclusive employment pathways in many industries. Their goal is not only to help these individuals secure employment but also to enable them to thrive in their new roles, maximising life-changing success.
2. Real DairyReal Dairy is an Australian Owned and Operated Company employing over 250 staff across QLD, NSW and Victoria and are one of the largest independently owned cheese processors in the country. Real Dairy's hiring approach emphasises inclusivity, offering opportunities to individuals who may have been previously excluded by other employers.
3. Transdev
As ‘The Mobility Company,’ Transdev is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transport solutions to meet the needs of its customers. The company employs over 3,500 staff members in its various Australian operations, with more than 75% of employees in full-time roles. This diverse workforce reflects Transdev’s dedication to fostering an inclusive work environment, where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
Diversity & Inclusion Impact Award
This award honours an employer that demonstrates impact in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, including people with disability, First Nations people, mature age, youth and culturally and linguistically diverse participants (CALD).
Amazon currently employs around 7,000 people in Australia, welcoming and supporting participants from a variety of backgrounds, including people with disability, First Nations individuals, mature age workers, youth, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
2. ArjoThrough the delivery of products and solutions designed to promote safe and dignified patient handling, Arjo is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace, supported by tailored employment plans designed to help participants with disability reach their full potential.
3. Bouygues Construction Australia and Equans Solar and StorageBouygues Construction Australia and Equans Solar and Storage, global leaders in the construction industry are specialists in scaled, integrated and performant solutions for solar and storage projects. Bouygues Construction Australia and Equans Solar and Storage work together to prioritise the hire of under-represented local participants and provide Indigenous-identified and Disability Employment Services participants with ongoing post-placement support.
Small Business Start-Up Award
Recognising excellence in entrepreneurship among Asuria's Self-Employment Assistance participants who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in innovation, growth, community impact, or overcoming adversity while building their businesses.
Starting from a single farmers' market during COVID, this traditional American pie business has expanded to five markets and wholesale supply to five venues. Using old-fashioned techniques and family recipes, Cherry Pie has built a loyal customer base and plans to open a "Dessert Diner" in 2025.
2. Click & Clean - Sheridyn Redfern
A Port Macquarie-based cleaning business that has achieved remarkable growth since its inception. Through innovative systems and processes, Click & Clean has established itself as a reputable service provider with numerous 5-star reviews.
A comedy entertainment business focused on mental health awareness, Marc uses his 12-year comedy experience and personal journey to create engaging performances that normalise conversations about mental health issues. His work has raised significant funds for mental health research and brought important messages to communities across Australia.
First Nations Excellence Award
Honouring employers who have shown exceptional commitment to creating employment opportunities and supportive workplace environments for First Nations peoples, demonstrating cultural awareness and sustainable employment practices.
Coles needs no introduction; a leading supermarket and popular household name across all Asuria regions. Coles strive for positive outcomes for their team members, farmers, suppliers, customers, and the communities in which they live and work.
2. VoyagesVoyages, a leading Indigenous tourism company, offers sustainable tourism experiences highlighting Indigenous cultures, with profits supporting Indigenous training and employment. Destinations include Ayers Rock Resort and Mossman Gorge.
3. Wilson Security
Through their Making Tracks program, Wilson Security has demonstrated excellence in providing employment opportunities for First Nations peoples in the security industry across Tasmania.
Innovative Recruitment Solution Award
Celebrating Industry Associations and Training Partners who champion and amplify the benefits of partnering with Asuria through bold, innovative programs, campaigns, or pilots that diverge from conventional approaches and drive excitement and passion in employment solutions.
1. Future Foundations
The "Future Foundations" program enhances work readiness for First Nations participants through partnerships with employers, training organisations, and support from First Nations groups. Participating employers aim to change recruitment practices, reduce barriers, and promote meaningful employment for First Nations people.
Their RiseHY program has achieved a 94% retention rate across milestones, successfully placing participants in hospitality roles through a comprehensive training and support program.
3. Tailored Workforce
Their innovative training pathway approach has opened new employment opportunities for participants with limited work experience, particularly in airport and logistics roles.
Local Champion Award
Recognising local small-medium employer partners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to providing employment opportunities for participants at a regional level, while supporting disadvantaged participants into local employment.
1. Comfort Inn Commodore
This Albury-based motel has consistently provided opportunities to diverse candidates, including those with disabilities and language barriers with a hands-on recruitment approach and supportive environment.
A leading Australian healthcare supplier specialising in innovative medical products, Hodei has demonstrated exceptional commitment to inclusive employment practices, particularly through their support of participants facing significant challenges.
3. Liv Eat
A health-focused café chain operating across Tasmania, Liv Eat has demonstrated outstanding commitment to inclusive hiring practices, successfully integrating participants from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, limited work experience, First Nations individuals, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) participants.
Outstanding Achiever Award
This award recognises Asuria's participants who have overcome adversity and gained employment with an employer partner. The Outstanding Achiever Award is awarded to an individual who has been placed in employment through our relationship with an employer partner resulting in changed outcomes in the individual's life.
As a young First Nations person having grown up in foster care and having faced significant challenges, Harper is focused on building a stable future and creating opportunities for himself.
2. Jade Walker
Throughout her life, Jade has faced the impact of family violence and complex court matters, but despite these challenges, Jade has remained a pillar of support for her younger siblings, while committed to improving her life.
Fleeing Ukraine in 2022 due to the war, Mykola arrived in Australia with his mother, facing immense challenges, including separation from family, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. Despite these struggles, Mykola adapted quickly, securing housing and a job as a casual removalist, before moving into a permanent construction cadetship role with Lendlease.
Commenting on the finalists, Asuria Australia CEO Nicole Grainger-Marsh continues:
“What stands out about our 2025 finalists is their unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers and creating, or achieving, sustainable employment. Their innovative approaches and genuine commitment to excellence and over-achievement are setting new standards for workforces and job seekers across Australia.”
Asuria congratulates all finalists on their achievements and looks forward to celebrating their contributions to creating positive employment outcomes across Australia.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in Sydney on March 7th, 2025.