VERTO West Wyalong and Condobolin jobactive Employment Consultant, Ann Maree Davies, has been recognised for her commitment and dedication to her clients and local communities, named as one of three finalists in the 2021 NESA Employment Consultant of the Year award.
The National Employment Services Association (NESA) Awards are a prestigious annual event, recognising excellence and setting a benchmark for the employment services sector. The Employment Consultant of the Year Award recognises those who have helped disadvantaged Australians to achieve employment inclusion.
Ann Maree, a proud Wiradjuri woman has been supporting job seekers in Central West NSW for more than 15 years, a community in which she has deep connections. Alongside her employment consultant role, Ann Maree is a member of the West Wyalong Aboriginal Lands Council, a volunteer supervisor for West Wyalong Junior Rugby Union Club, and a volunteer coach for West Wyalong junior netball.
At VERTO, Ann Maree provides services to job seekers in West Wyalong and outreach services to surrounding communities. Twice a week, she travels 205 kilometres to deliver services in Condobolin, a community of 4,000, 22 per cent of whom identify as Aboriginal.
In this community, unemployment is at 8 per cent; higher than regional, state and national averages and this is an imbalance Ann Maree is keen to redress.
“Helping the local community through challenging times is why I do what I do. These communities have been through drought, bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic in the last few years and they need all the support they can get. My goal is to deliver a personalised, respectful and valuable service to every one of my job seekers as a trusted partner, working to make our community a better place,” she said.
This dedication to her community is not only what drives Ann Maree, it was what led to her recognition as a finalist in this prestigious award.
“I am so honoured to be named a finalist and to be part of a wonderful team that all work towards making the futures of our clients better. Of course, I am looking forward to the awards event, but to be appreciated and respected by my fellow work colleagues and the people that I work for in the community is an even higher honour to me. I just hope that I can do everyone proud,” she said.
VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell, said he is incredibly proud of the work Ann Maree does for the community and is pleased to see her recognised by NESA.
“People like Ann Maree are on the front lines every day, seeing first-hand how unemployment impacts people, and helping them into life-changing employment,” he said.
“I am so proud to work with a team that is so committed to our clients and our community. At VERTO, our mission is to positively transform the lives of individuals, families and communities, and Ann Maree truly embodies that.”
The NESA Employment Consultant of the Year will be announced at the annual NESA awards night in Canberra on 8 June 2021.
VERTO delivers employment, training and apprenticeship services across NSW, , and supports people of all backgrounds and abilities to reach their employment goals. VERTO also helps employers find the right staff and gain access to any support or subsidies available to them.
If you are a jobseeker, apprentice or employer looking for support with your employment or training needs, contact VERTO on 1300 4 VERTO (1300 483 786) or
