Inspiring businesses shortlisted for MAX Employer of the Year

MAX is delighted to announce the opening nominations for its 2020-21 Employer of the Year Awards.

Every year, MAX runs the awards to recognise outstanding businesses that encourage inclusivity and diversity in their workforce. Previous winners include Woolworths and Compass Group.

For the first time this year, we’ve opened the award to medium and small employers, as well as large employers, to recognise the full impact of our employer partners on local communities.

Nominations for this quarter include MAX employer partners in industries ranging from human resources and transport, to cleaning and communications technology.

MAX Managing Director, Deborah Homewood, said: “MAX is fortunate to work with a large number of inspiring employers who create life changing opportunities for Australians every day."

“We’ve had outstanding nominations from staff this year for our Employer of the Year awards, so I want to congratulate each of the seven businesses that have been shortlisted." 

“Embedding inclusivity and diversity into your workplace is not always the easy choice. But the success of our shortlisted businesses show it is the wise choice."

“On behalf of everyone at MAX, and our many clients from different backgrounds, I would like to thank you all for your support.”

MAX will nominate employers in each quarter for its Employer of the Year awards, across three categories of employer partners – large, medium and small.

At the end of the year, it will announce the overall 2020-21 Employer of the Year winner in each category.

Shortlisted employer partners

Large Employer category

Adecco is one of MAX’s largest placing employers and is a national leader in recruiting staff from different backgrounds and talents. This includes customers with a disability, people who are long term unemployed, mature aged staff and Indigenous Australians.

Medium Employer 

Multhana has staff retention rates far above the national average – a testament to its commitment to increase Indigenous Australian employment. The business provides cleaning, landscaping and building services for business service providers, government and organisations.

Aussie Broadband puts a huge focus on mental health awareness and support for its staff. Providing its teams with professional health support on site. Its retention rates are well above the national average. 

Small Employer 

Gutter-Vac has employed 15 people over the last year, including MAX customers with a disability, mature aged staff, youth and Indigenous Australians. Owner Noel provides inspiring support to his staff, including providing support, training and mentoring.

Woolkabunning Kiaka has employed a number of people from Indigenous Australian backgrounds over the last year, including young and mature age staff. 

They have helped our customers connect to culture, care for country and achieve economic independence.

O’Driscoll Coaches has employed three customers with a disability in the last year, and seven in total over the past two years. Six of the seven staff remain in employment. Through COVID, the business continued to support staff who weren’t eligible for JobKeeper. 

L L Wanless, which runs hotels including Westside Tavern in Tinana, has employed MAX customers from a variety of backgrounds. Owner James has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and kindness to his staff, taking steps such as providing accommodation to staff who may be experiencing homelessness.