Outstanding local employers

Media coverage - The Bairnsdale Advertiser, 24 October 2011

A local concreting firm has been named as the Bairnsdale winner of Mission Australia Employment Solutions' inaugural Employer Awards.

The Bairnsdale Advertiser reported on Monday that the awards are aimed at recognising businesses for their role in transforming lives by giving someone a job.

M and K Ashwood won the award in recognition of its employment record particularly in terms of hiring Indigenous job seekers.

Open to all employers that use Mission Australia Employment Solutions and that have placed a Mission Australia job seeker in the last 12 months, M and K Ashwood emerged as the winner from an outstanding field of entries.

M and K Ashwood now goes into the running for the national award, which will be announced on November 22.

The national winner will be recognised at a gala dinner in Sydney and will receive a $5000 prize to be used for business development. Mission Australia Employment Solutions' East Gippsland Business Manager, Karen Jones, said M and K Ashwood had made an outstanding contribution to the community and regional economy through its commitment to local jobs.

"It was a tough field, but M and K Ashwood stood out for its dedication in helping local job seekers turn their lives around," Ms Jones said.

"Giving someone a job provides financial security and self-confidence; it also produces a tremendously positive ripple effect for families and the broader community.

"Each one of our winning employers has sent out hundreds of ripples by giving often struggling job seekers an opportunity. It's wonderful that we can recognise them for that.

"Demonstrating the ability to think long-term and employ local job seekers in order to grow your business and support the community despite the challenges takes a lot of commitment. Congratulations to the winners," Ms Jones said.

Caption: Kim and Mark Ashwood were thrilled to win a Mission Australia Employment Award.

If you are a business who would like to give the gift of employment, please visit the Mission Australia Employment Solutions pages.