Celebrating Success: Ukrainian Refugee and Tasmanian Employment Specialist Shine at National Employment Awards

At the heart of Asuria’s mission to foster inclusion and diversity in employment, two extraordinary individuals have been recognised on a national stage.

A journey of resilience and achievement

Mykola Belo, a Ukrainian refugee who fled his war-torn homeland with just $200 in his pocket, has been named Achiever of the Year at the prestigious 2024 NESA Awards for Excellence. Held at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, the awards honour individuals and organisations making an outstanding impact in Australia’s employment services sector.

Based in Frankston, Victoria, Mykola’s story is one of resilience and determination. With the support of Asuria, he secured a cadetship with construction giant Lendlease and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering at RMIT University. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of combining personal commitment with targeted employment support.

Reflecting on his win, Mykola said: "I’m truly honoured to be here tonight. When I first arrived in Australia, I had $200, no connections, and only hope. Leaving Ukraine due to the war, I had to leave behind my home and dreams. But with the support of amazing people, like Asuria, I found my path. I’m incredibly grateful to Asuria, Lendlease, and everyone who believed in me. This award isn’t just mine – it’s a reflection of all the support I’ve received."

Asuria Australia CEO Nicole Grainger-Marsh, who supported Mykola’s nomination, described his success as a beacon of hope:
"Mykola's achievement is truly remarkable. Despite the trauma of fleeing conflict and starting over in a new country, he has shown extraordinary resilience and determination. His success demonstrates how effective employment support can help transform lives when matched with individual commitment."

Transforming employer engagement in Tasmania

Joining Mykola in the spotlight was Asuria’s own National Activations Manager, Esther Garforth, who was named Employer Engagement Practitioner of the Year. Recognised for her innovative approaches to connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities, Esther has redefined employer engagement practices.

A prime example of Esther’s ability to drive meaningful change is her collaboration with Cripps Bakery in Tasmania. Recognising the bakery’s challenges with high staff turnover resulting from conventional recruitment methods, Esther developed and implemented a bespoke recruitment strategy. This approach included pre-screening candidates, conducting informal site walkthroughs, and organising meet-and-greet sessions. These tailored initiatives ensured a strong cultural alignment and suitability for both the employer and prospective employees. 

Esther’s innovations, such as group site interviews and streamlined onboarding processes, have not only enhanced operational efficiency for the employer but also substantially reduced recruitment costs. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both candidates and employers, she has established a model for sustainable and equitable employment practices. 

Her work exemplifies the impact of thoughtful, strategic interventions in addressing workforce challenges and advancing diversity within industries. 

Asuria’s CEO, Nicole Grainger-Marsh, praised Esther’s achievement:
"Esther's win recognises her extraordinary ability to create meaningful connections between employers and job seekers. Her innovative approaches have not only transformed individual lives but have also reshaped how businesses think about inclusive employment."

A night of recognition

Transdev Australasia also received recognition as a finalist in the Champion Employer of the Year category, rounding out Asuria’s strong representation across three of the four award categories.

Attended by over 300 industry leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders, the NESA Awards celebrate the employment services sector’s dedication to improving economic and social outcomes for disadvantaged Australians.

Established in 2004, the annual awards continue to set the benchmark for excellence, showcasing how collaboration and innovation can create life-changing opportunities.

At Asuria, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of Mykola, Esther, and all those striving to make inclusive employment a reality. Their success inspires us to keep transforming lives and workplaces across Australia.