MatchWorks Employee Named Finalist for NESA Employment Consultant of the Year Award
MatchWorks is proud to announce that Carly Wellington, a Workforce Australia Employment Consultant from Brisbane South East (Rocklea site), has been named a finalist for Employment Consultant of the Year in the 2026 NESA Awards for Excellence.
The NESA Awards recognise excellence across the employment services sector and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations helping Australians overcome barriers and achieve meaningful employment outcomes. The NESA Employment Consultant of the year recognises employment services professionals who demonstrate excellence in helping disadvantaged Australians to achieve employment inclusion.
Since joining MatchWorks in May 2025, Carly joined the team with many years of employment services experience and quickly became a highly valued and impactful member of the team, helping participants build confidence, develop skills and take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment. As a single parent to two daughters, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work, drawing on lived experience to inspire and empower others.
Passionate about creating meaningful change, Carly is committed to helping participants recognise their self-worth and unlock their potential.
Reflecting on her nomination, Carly said the most rewarding part of her role is supporting people through transformative moments in their lives.
“I am privileged to be part of someone’s journey to employment. For many, it is not an easy path; it requires trust, rapport and resilience. Throughout my life and career, I have learned that every person’s story shapes how they show up in the world, and that genuine support begins with listening. Growing up with a father who sustained a traumatic brain injury taught me how quickly a person’s sense of purpose and identity can be shaken, and how deeply people need to feel seen and valued.”
Carly believes employment plays a powerful role in creating positive and lasting change for individuals and families.
“I enjoy working in this industry because I can positively support participant-led journeys into employment, helping people achieve more than just a job. Employment shapes so much of a person’s life, from social connection and mental wellbeing to purpose and financial stability.”
A key strength of Carly’s work is her ability to foster strong teamwork and meaningful community partnerships. She understands that sustainable employment outcomes are rarely achieved in isolation and instead relies on collaboration, tailored support and strong local connections to help participants overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
That commitment is reflected in the experiences of participants whose lives have been positively impacted by her support.
Scott, who sought assistance after losing his job, credits Carly with helping him rebuild his confidence and motivation.
“When I met Carly, I had just lost my job. My confidence was at an all-time low. She linked me with Back 2 Work for some mental health support which has helped me. Carlyconsistently helps me and gives me a better outlook on working. She has made me confident in job searching again and has supported upskilling me with genU training food production course.”
Regional Manager Aaron Papas said Carly’s ability to build trust and confidence with participants is reflected in the strong relationships she develops.
“Carly consistently builds belief and self-esteem in her participants, which is reflected in the high engagement and attendance rates of participants she works with. Their willingness to show up is a true sign of the respect and value they feel through every interaction with Carly and the quality of service she provides. Carly should be incredibly proud that her dedication and impact have been recognised through her selection as a finalist, a well-deserved acknowledgment of the positive difference she makes in the lives of others every day.”
General Manager, Workforce Australia, MatchWorks, Troy Fryar, said the recognition is a testament to Carly’s outstanding contribution to both participants and the wider MatchWorks team.
“This is brilliant news for Carly and recognition that is both very special and thoroughly deserved. On behalf of MatchWorks, I congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. Carly’s hard work, professionalism and dedication to supporting participants and the broader team have made a significant impact. Through her efforts, she has helped countless participants secure employment opportunities, providing life-changing outcomes for many individuals and their families. We are incredibly proud of her contribution and this well-earned recognition.”
Carly’s nomination highlights the profound impact employment services professionals can have in changing lives, building confidence and creating pathways to brighter futures.
MatchWorks congratulates Carly on this outstanding achievement and wishes her every success at the NESA Awards for Excellence gala which takes place Tuesday 25th August at the W hotel in Brisbane. Regardless of the outcome, her nomination is already a powerful recognition of the commitment, compassion and expertise she brings to her role every day.
