What is VERTO and what services does it provide?

VERTO is a not-for-profit organisation delivering employment services, training services, and community programs across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory.

Where are VERTO locations and what areas does VERTO cover?

VERTO operates across New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory, with more than 130 locations.

Are VERTO's employment and community services free?

Many VERTO employment and community services are free to eligible participants, including Parent Pathways, Self-Employment Assistance, financial counselling, and tenancy advice services.

What is Inclusive Employment Australia and how does it relate to disability employment support?

Inclusive Employment Australia is one of VERTO's employment support offerings, helping people access work and workplace support.

What training courses does VERTO offer?

VERTO offers traineeships, short courses, and nationally recognised qualifications, including First Aid, RSA, White Card, and other vocational training.

How can VERTO help me start my own business through Self-Employment Assistance?

VERTO provides Self-Employment Assistance support for people who want to start or grow a small business.

Does VERTO help young people and school leavers find work?

Yes. VERTO offers Transition to Work and other employment support services for young people.

Can VERTO help with rental disputes or financial hardship?

Yes. VERTO provides tenancy advice and advocacy as well as financial counselling services.

Does VERTO provide services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

VERTO offers Indigenous services and culturally safe support as part of its community and employment programs.

How can employers partner with VERTO for recruitment?

VERTO provides employer support services, including recruitment and workforce support.

Our Board of Directors

VERTO is a community owned not for profit organisation

Andrew Abel

President

Andrew is a fully qualified accountant and adviser, having worked in commerce for more than 20 years. During his career he has worked as a commercial accountant for a number of large blue-chip multinationals and Australian operations. In 2001 Andrew joined Central West Community College (VERTO) as the Senior Finance Executive.

Drawing on his commercial experience, Andrew runs his own consultancy business, working with professional advice firms towards sustainable practice growth. In addition to his role on the VERTO Board, Andrews holds a number of other directorships. Andrew has both a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Commerce, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants.

Andrew joined the VERTO Board in 2013 and is currently the President of the Board of Directors.

Larry Anderson

Vice President

Larry has extensive management and business experience with tertiary qualifications in training, engineering, and human resources as well as business and financial management. Larry is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has over 25 years Board experience covering a wide range of businesses.

Larry has been a member of the Board of VERTO since 2002. He was elected Secretary in 2005, Treasurer in 2007 and Chairman in 2013.

David Weekes

Treasurer

David Weekes is a Chartered Accountant with post graduate qualifications in business and taxation law. David has been the principal of a Bathurst based accounting firm for over 27 years. He has extensive financial management experience in many industries including the tertiary sector, hospitality and welfare. David is actively involved in the community in various capacities, both socially and professionally and has held a number of not-for-profit, professional and sporting association Board positions during that time. David joined the Board of Directors in February, 2011 and was appointed Treasurer shortly thereafter.

Andrew Boog

Secretary

Andrew Boog is the Managing Partner of Austen Brown Boog, solicitors, first established in Broken Hill in 1888 and in Dubbo in 1995. He holds degrees in Economics, Law, Business Administration and Arts (Philosophy and Theology).

He Is a qualified Solicitor and accountant and he is an accredited Business Law Specialist, a Registered Tax Agent, a Notary Public, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and a nationally accredited mediator.

Andrew is a Fellow of both CPA Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD) as well as being a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Tax Institute of Australia and a Fellow and Chartered Manager with the Institute of Managers and Leaders. He has experience on over 50 boards, including in executive positions, for organisations covering a wide range of activities.

Andrew was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014.

David Pennells

Director

David Pennells has a long and successful business background, being the principal/owner of Inland Building and Construction which employs a workforce of 20 permanent staff. Prior to this he was the licensee/owner of LJ Hooker, Bathurst for approximately four years. David is community minded, having 35+ years with Fire and Rescue NSW and has been serving as Deputy Captain for 12 years. He is a past member of Rotary and a past Board member of ASBA. David is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has been a member of the VERTO Board of Directors since 2013.