It was this attitude that propelled Kiama recruitment consultant Deidre Hindmarsh to be named Employment Consultant of the Year for 2018 by the National Employment Services Association (NESA) earlier this month.

NESA, the peak body for Australia’s world-renowned Employment Services Sector, awarded the title in honour of Ms Hindmarsh’s exceptional professional dedication to finding jobs for Australians.

With more than 20 years of professional experience in the employment services’ industry, Ms Hindmarsh has been an integral part of the Sureway Employment and Training team since the business opened their Kiama office in 2009 as a jobactive provider.

Her contributions have seen the Kiama location maintain a 5-star rating from the Australian Government for almost the entire duration of the jobactive contract, and her passion for the industry unwavering.

“To see past clients that you have helped into employment who have regained their confidence and independence, feeling like they have a purpose in life again, it’s a feeling like no other,” Ms Hindmarsh said.

Prior to her time in employment services, Ms Hindmarsh had a successful career helping others across Australia, most notably her work in supporting Indigenous employment outcomes as part of the Aboriginal Group Employment Program and the Koori Wildlife Corridor Project in Orange, NSW.

A driving force in the community, Ms Hindmarsh served a term as president of Kiama and District Chamber of Commerce in 2013, and said being involved can make all the difference.

“I am passionate about our community,” she said. 

“I believe that if you want to see change you need to be involved.

“I am fortunate that my job allows me to provide an important service to people who become unemployed for many reasons.”

Sureway Employment & Training CEO Matthew Hall said that the formal recognition of Ms Hindmarsh’s achievements was well-merited.

“We are extremely proud of Deidre’s achievements, both professionally and personally,” he said.

“She has great compassion for her clients, and does everything with great commitment and humility.”

Ms Hindmarsh said she was humbled by the award.

“I would like to acknowledge all of the clients and businesses I have worked with over the years to make this possible,” Ms Hindmarsh said.