From redundancy to mentor – Upskill makes its mark

A community employment program started out of redundancy celebrated its achievements at the Impact Collective Awards on Friday in Perth, handing out seven major awards and launching a unique cultural exchange that will see six alumni travel to New Zealand in the new year.

Upskill Global is the brainchild of Brooking Hovell, who identified a gap in how to prepare community for employment when he was made redundant.

He also noticed a big focus on accredited training but a lack of prep for employment and training.

So he decided to create something, running pre-employment programs and mentoring to help support mob to break trans-generational curses and building pathways for positive sustainable futures.

“The journey has not been easy,” Mr Hovell said. “Along the way, we were told we were too small, that I was a naive CEO, too young to lead, and that Upskill Global was losing its impact.

“There were times where I questioned whether this vision would survive. But every challenge built resilience. Every “no” pushed us closer to the right “yes.” Every setback revealed a new way forward.”

In 2025 the organisation has continued to build strong connections with the community. The Deadly Yarns events in WA and SA have brought together employers, providers, and participants “in meaningful ways, helping people see the possibilities that lie ahead for them.”

The pre-employment programs have been equally impactful — with 98 per cent engagement over the two-week programs, and 85 per cent of participants gaining employment.

In 2026 Mr Hovell said he would continue to run the Champion Mentality Program in the regions and with partners like Shooting Stars, with the aim of bringing it into high schools to equip students leaving school with the skills to enter the workforce.

“Our community connections will expand, continuing the work we do in the Goldfields with Pakaanu, and exploring opportunities in the Pilbara with Gumala,” he said.

The Upskill Global Alumni Program is an annual cultural exchange that will take Alumni to another Indigenous country each year.

It’s a unique opportunity for participants to connect with other Indigenous communities, share culture, learn from one another, and strengthen leadership, identity, and pride.

AWARD WINNERS

Legacy Partner Award

The Legacy Partner Award honours a partner whose long-term commitment, consistency, and dedication have created a profound and lasting impact within the communities we serve.

This award recognises a partnership that has strong collaboration, trust, and shared purpose — one that has helped shape meaningful outcomes, strengthened community pathways, and contributed to real, enduring change.

Their legacy is reflected not only in the programs delivered, but in the lives touched and opportunities created through their unwavering support.

Nominees: Shooting Stars, Langford Aboriginal Association, WISE Employment

Winner: WISE Employment

Community Champion Award

The Collaboration Excellence Award recognises a partner who demonstrates outstanding teamwork, open communication, and strong alignment with shared goals.

This award celebrates a partner who actively contributes to collective success, fosters positive working relationships, and consistently works in harmony with others to achieve meaningful outcomes. Their ability to collaborate effectively drives innovation, efficiency, and impact across all initiatives.

Nominees: Shooting Stars, Langford Aboriginal Association, Pakaanu Aborignal Corporation, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

Winner: Langford Aboriginal Association

Collaboration Excellence Award

The Collaboration Excellence Award recognises a partner who demonstrates outstanding teamwork, open communication, and strong alignment with shared goals.

This award celebrates a partner who actively contributes to collective success, fosters positive working relationships, and consistently works in harmony with others to achieve meaningful outcomes. Their ability to collaborate effectively drives innovation, efficiency, and impact across all initiatives.

Nominees:

Workskill Australia, Shooting Stars, Blue Tounge, Langford Aboriginal Association, Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation and Gumala Aboriginal Corporation

Winner: Shooting Stars

Employer Partner Excellence Award

Nominees: Warrikal, WorkPac and Blue Tongue

Winner: Blue Tongue

Emerging Partner Award

Nominees: MatchWorks, Status, Genus Group, Kurra Construction, UGL

Winner: MatchWorks

Giving Heart Award

The Giving Heart Award honours a partner whose generosity, compassion, and community-first values inspire us all.

We recognise those who go above and beyond to support others, uplift those in need, and make a positive difference through selfless action. Through their dedication and care, we see the lasting impact they create in the communities we serve together.

Nominees: Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation, Langford Aboriginal Corporation and Shooting Stars

Winner: Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation

Impact Partner of the Year

The Impact Partner of the Year is our highest honour, recognising a partner whose contributions have delivered the most measurable and meaningful impact.

We celebrate a partner who demonstrates exceptional commitment, innovation, and results — one whose actions have created real, positive change for the communities we serve. Their partnership sets a benchmark for excellence, inspiring us all to achieve more together.

Nominees: Shooting Stars, Langford Aboriginal Association, Wise Employment

Winner: Wise Employment

Upskill Global – Alumni Cultural Exchange

Joan Loo, Cameron Hale, Ethan Mippy, Gabriel Eades, Robert Narrier and Michael Belotti