Australia’s most innovative employers, inspiring employees, and tenacious small businesses owners picked up well-deserved awards across seven categories celebrating excellence in employment at the second annual Asuria Employer Awards held on 7 March 2025 at the prestigious Hyatt Regency Sydney.
Honouring outstanding innovation and dedication to building diverse, sustainable workforces, this year’s winners—from national corporations to local startups and inspiring individuals—demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive employment. Their success stories exemplify what it truly means to ‘do recruitment differently’, proving that the right opportunities can change lives, strengthen businesses, and uplift communities.
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Judged by an expert panel — including Professor Jo Ingold, Dr. Jodie Trembath, and Suzanne Colbert AM — all finalists were assessed against rigorous criteria covering the intentions, approaches, and outcomes of businesses and individuals committed to creating Australia’s workforce of the future.
Nicole Grainger-Marsh, CEO of Asuria Australia, set the tone:
“What stands out about our 2025 winners is their unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers and creating sustainable employment and inclusive workforces. Their innovative approaches and genuine commitment to excellence are setting new standards for workforces across Australia, while changing lives in the process.”
This year’s ceremony, proudly supported by sponsor Business Sydney—the voice for business since 1826 in Sydney—placed a well-deserved spotlight on employers, partners and individuals deeply aligned with Asuria’s mission to empower people, communities, and nations, with Asuria’s Impact for Inclusion initiative sitting at the heart of this goal.
Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney, said:
"Employers love to work with organisations like Asuria that play an integral role in helping them to find the right people for the right job, which is why we're proud to be associated with and support all the amazing finalists and winners at the Employer Awards, as they continue their innovative work with Asuria in recruitment and retention of diverse and inclusive workforces."
Across an inspiring afternoon of mutual support, heartfelt speeches, and joyful camaraderie, the Asuria Employer Awards 2025 winners were revealed as:
Enterprising at Heart Award
This award acknowledges employer partners whose values align with Asuria’s guiding principles—innovative and creating possibilities, growth-focused, authentic and brave, inspiring and leading, and making a difference.
Winner: 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, reflecting a diverse workforce dedicated to thriving in an inclusive environment.
What the judges said: “Transdev’s focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities for those facing barriers reflects its dedication to providing a nurturing and empowering workplace for all employees and in doing so Transdev continues to demonstrate it’s alignment with Asuria’s Enterprising Heart guiding ethos.”
Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award
This award honours an employer demonstrating significant impact in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, including people with disability, First Nations people, mature age, youth, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) participants.
Winner: Arjo
Through 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.
What the judges said: “Arjo’s recruitment for Asuria participants emphasises diverse talent sourcing, inclusive warehouse tours with line managers, and clear job postings that highlight diversity and provide accessibility adjustments. Line managers are trained to support participants with disability, fostering an inclusive workplace environment.”
Small Business Start-Up Award
This award recognises excellence in entrepreneurship among Asuria’s Self-Employment Assistance participants who have shown outstanding achievement in innovation, growth, community impact, or overcoming adversity while building their businesses.
Winner: Click & Clean
A Port Macquarie-based cleaning business, Click & Clean has achieved remarkable growth since its inception. Through innovative systems and processes, Click & Clean has quickly become established as a reputable service provider with numerous 5-star reviews.
What the judges said: “Since launching in mid-2024, Click & Clean has garnered glowing reviews, expanded to four employees, and established a strong, loyal client base. Now in negotiations for large-scale commercial contracts, the founder is exploring a franchise model to bring Click & Clean’s trusted services to new regions. ”
First Nations Excellence Award
This award honours employers who have shown exceptional commitment to creating employment opportunities and supportive workplace environments for First Nations peoples, with cultural awareness and sustainable practices.
Winner: Voyages
Voyages, 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.
What the judges said: “Voyages’ strong commitment to social responsibility is reflected in their tailored recruitment processes focused on creating employment opportunities for our First Nations participants across Australia. Since 2022, Voyages and Asuria have partnered to offer comprehensive training, work opportunities, and a residential program that helps trainees integrate into the local community, develop life skills, and build career foundations. ”
Innovative Recruitment Solution Award
This award celebrates Industry Associations and Training Partners who champion bold, innovative programs, campaigns, or pilots that diverge from conventional approaches, driving excitement and passion in employment solutions.
Winner: Hyatt Hotels in partnership with Complete Hospitality Training Solutions and supported by Accommodation Australia
This partnership’s RiseHY program has achieved a 94% retention rate across milestones, successfully placing participants in hospitality roles through a comprehensive training and support program, championed by Hyatt Hotels, Accommodation Australia, and Complete Hospitality Training Solutions.
What the judges said: “The RiseHy program has been transformative for disadvantaged youth, many facing barriers such as living with disability, coming from underprivileged backgrounds, and facing challenges of being a newcomer to Australia. This program has truly changed lives and set a new standard for youth employment initiatives. It has provided more than just training—it has offered hope, purpose, and a pathway to a brighter future.”
Local Champion Award
This award recognises local small-medium employer partners who demonstrate exceptional commitment to providing employment opportunities for participants at a regional level, supporting disadvantaged individuals into local jobs.
Winner: Hodei Pty Ltd
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.
What the judges said: “Hodei’s recruitment process for Asuria participants is designed to be supportive and efficient, with emphasis on participants' growth potential. Its unwavering support and contributions to the broader community through their partnership with Asuria truly embody the spirit of social responsibility in business.”
Outstanding Achiever Award
This award recognises Asuria participants who have overcome adversity and gained employment with an employer partner, resulting in life-changing outcomes.
Winner: Harper Dickson
As a young First Nations person, Harper Dickson faced significant challenges that impacted his employment journey. Harper is focused on building a stable future and creating opportunities for himself through employment with an Asuria partner.
What the judges said: “Despite facing mental health struggles, legal complexities, and housing instability, Harper has managed to make significant strides. His journey is a testament to his determination and the support he’s received along the way.”
In addition to celebrating the achievements of all the finalists and winners, the ceremony also featured a comedy performance by Self-Employment Assistance program participant, Marc Ryan, known as The Beautiful Bogan. As the Founder of the entertainment business ‘Fairyfloss and Chaos’, Marc aims to normalise conversations about mental health through comedy.
Darren Otten, Executive Director of Employer Services, Asuria, also chatted with Asuria participants Mykola Belo, Jade Walker, Caleb Jenkins and Harper Dickson from the Transition to Work and Workforce Australia programs to share their inspiring stories and insights into their pathway to success.
Nicole Grainger-Marsh closed with a rallying call:
“Inclusive recruitment done right isn’t just something to celebrate—it’s the cornerstone of future workforce success. To our winners, share your stories far and wide—let’s inspire others to join this vital mission.
“For those who didn't take home an award today, please know that your commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion is making a real difference, and we can't wait to celebrate your continued progress next year.”
As we wrap up a truly memorable event, it’s important to remember that while recognition and encouragement matter, doing recruitment differently isn’t about accolades—it’s about creating real opportunities that drive lasting change. It is a daily commitment to fostering fairer, more inclusive workplaces that should be at the core of every forward-thinking business. At Asuria, we are honoured to play a key role in supporting this vital mission.
Click here for more guidance and support on doing recruitment differently with Asuria.
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