Celebrating CoAct’s NESA Employment Consultant of the Year finalists

We’re excited to announce that CoAct and frontline staff from our amazing service partners have been named as all three finalists in the Employment Consultant of the Year category for the 2024 NESA Awards! The National Employment Services Association (NESA) is the peak body for the employment services sector, so this result is a big deal.

These awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to help people find meaningful employment. The finalists Charissa List, Cristian Astudillo, and Eboni-Mae Toon are shining examples of the passion and dedication that make the work of the CoAct network truly impactful.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate their achievements and what they mean for our communities.

Charissa List: Championing jobs in Yeppoon

Charissa List is our go-to expert in Yeppoon, Queensland. As the only Workforce Australia Employment Specialist on-site at CoAct/Community Solutions, she juggles multiple roles, including mentoring job seekers, supporting them after placement, and working closely with local businesses to create job opportunities.

Yeppoon isn’t the easiest place to find a steady job—it’s a small coastal community with limited employment options. But that doesn’t stop Charissa. With a caseload of over 100 customers, including those who’ve been out of work for a long time or face other barriers, Charissa consistently delivers, ensuring her customers are work-ready, then working with them to find and keep suitable, meaningful jobs.

Charissa’s impact isn’t just about the numbers. Her personal touch, like supporting a customer through recovery after a stroke and helping him adapt to new work conditions, highlights her dedication to ensuring everyone gets a fair go.

Her customer satisfaction is exceptional, receiving glowing customer feedback including: “Got a job the day after my appointment,” “Very helpful and reassuring,” and “Absolute ray of sunshine.”

She recognises the significance of often-overlooked milestones and acknowledges the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving them. Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring me to appreciate my own progress and stay motivated.

Whether it’s coaching colleagues, working with employers, or cheering her customers on every step of the way, Charissa’s efforts are creating real change.

Cristian Astudillo: Breaking barriers in the Peninsula

Cristian Astudillo, based in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, leads the charge for CoAct + BUSY Ability’s Disability Employment Services. In an area facing high unemployment and stigma around hiring people with disabilities, Cristian works to break down barriers.

In the last year, Cristian’s proactive approach has resulted in many successful, sustainable job placements. He has a knack for building trust with both customers and employers. Matching the right people to the right roles has earned him a stellar customer satisfaction rate, receiving feedback including:

• Extremely empathetic and sensitive to my issues, I’ve made leaps and bounds because of this.
• Cristian is more helpful and realistic than I have ever had.
• He is insightful, compassionate, and very genuine. He is motivated to help in any way he can.

Cristian’s ability to overcome personal hurdles while excelling professionally is inspiring. Balancing family life and work, he has achieved remarkable results, even during challenging times. Cristian’s dedication to workplace adjustments and ongoing support has changed the game for many people with disabilities, helping them thrive in roles that truly suit their needs.

Eboni-Mae Toon: Empowering First Nations communities

In Rockhampton, Queensland, Eboni-Mae Toon is making waves as a Workforce Australia Mentor with CoAct + Five Bridges, focusing on First Nations job seekers. As a proud Bidjara woman, Eboni-Mae connects deeply with her community, bringing cultural understanding and a compassionate approach to her work.

Rockhampton has its share of challenges, but Eboni-Mae’s work is driving positive change. Over the past year, her efforts have nearly doubled job placements in the region. Her work isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first job interview or working with employers to appreciate the strengths of a diverse workforce, Eboni-Mae drives real, lasting impact across her community.

Her dedication shines in her support for customers, with a high customer satisfaction rating.

Eboni-Mae is also a dedicated colleague, mentoring her team, sharing best practices and guiding new team members. Her colleagues consistently commend her passion and dedication, with one remarking, “Eboni-Mae’s commitment and ability to connect with customers is truly inspiring. She achieves positive outcomes that speak to her effectiveness as a mentor.”

A reflection of excellence across the CoAct network

The achievements of Charissa, Cristian, and Eboni-Mae aren’t just individual wins—they’re a testament to the power of CoAct’s network and its commitment to supporting meaningful employment outcomes. These three are proof that with the right support, passion, and dedication, we can overcome barriers and create opportunities that change lives.

As we gear up for the NESA Awards evening on December 5 in Brisbane, let’s celebrate these incredible individuals. Regardless of the outcome, they’re already winners in the eyes of the communities they serve.

Congratulations again, Charissa, Cristian, and Eboni-Mae, the CoAct network is incredibly proud of your achievements!

(Disability Employment Services Australia (DES) has now been replaced by Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA).