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18-Aug-2026 | Employment

SYC’s Chris Matheson Named Finalist for NESA Employment Consultant of the Year

SYC is proud to announce that Chris Matheson, State Employment Activity Coordinator for Victoria, has been named a finalist for Employment Consultant of the Year at the 2026 NESA Awards for Excellence.

The NESA Awards for Excellence recognise outstanding individuals and organisations across the employment services sector, celebrating the people who help Australians overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve meaningful employment outcomes.

With more than 10 years’ experience in the employment services sector, Chris has built strong relationships with employers, community organisations and stakeholders. His inclusive, relationship-driven approach and commitment to creating opportunities for participants have also seen him recognised as SYC’s 2025 Achiever of the Year for Victoria.

For Chris, employment services are about much more than helping someone secure a job. It is about supporting people to recognise their strengths, build confidence and see new possibilities for their future.

“Being named a finalist for Employment Consultant of the Year means a great deal to me. It’s recognition not just of the work I do, but of the people and communities I have the privilege of supporting every day.”

“For me, employment is about so much more than finding someone a job. It’s about building confidence, breaking down barriers while creating opportunities, and helping people see what they are capable of. Seeing someone who may have lost confidence or hope secure employment and start building a better future is what makes this work so rewarding.”

Chris has played an important role in SYC’s Start Your Deadly Career program, delivered in partnership with Mob Jobs for First Nations participants in Workforce Australia.

The three-week program combines cultural connection with career development, supporting participants to build job-ready skills while reconnecting with culture, identity and community.

The Start Your Deadly Career program is one example of the work Chris is involved in to create opportunities for people who may face barriers to employment, while supporting pathways into further study or sustainable employment.

“The greatest reward isn’t simply the employment outcome. It’s knowing that I’ve played a small part in helping someone change the direction of their life and feel proud of what they have achieved. That’s what continues to motivate me every day.”

SYC State Operations Manager Nic Jarvis said Chris consistently demonstrates a strong belief in the people he supports and their potential to achieve their goals.

“Chris truly embodies SYC’s values and demonstrates relentless belief in the people we support and their potential. He’s built strong, respectful relationships and is always looking for ways to create opportunities to make a positive difference.

“His recognition as a finalist for the NESA Employment Consultant of the Year is well deserved and reflects the positive impact he makes every day.”

Reflecting on his nomination, Chris said he also sees the recognition as a reflection of the people he works alongside.

“No one achieves great outcomes alone and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a team that genuinely cares about changing people’s lives.”

Chris’ finalist recognition highlights the positive impact employment services professionals can have when they look beyond the immediate employment outcome and focus on the person, their goals and their potential.

SYC congratulates Chris on being named a finalist and wishes him all the best for the 2026 NESA Awards for Excellence in Brisbane on 25 August.