18/08/2025
It was a real privilege to have Mark Watt AM join us for this month’s IEP Australia Fellows’ Collective, sharing his story and expertise gained from decades of working with vulnerable people around Australia.
Mark co-founded Whitelion, a national not for profit organisation, in 1999 to provide transition services to young people exiting the justice system. Over twenty years serving as CEO, Mark grew Whitelion to the organisation it is today.
He is the Managing Director of Social Engine, has a Masters in Social Work and holds a Bachelor of Business. He is also CEO-Big Brothers Big Sisters and holds a number of community leadership positions.
Mark was appointed a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia “for significant service to the community, particularly to disadvantaged and at-risk youth, through social welfare support organisations”.
Mark led our August session, discussing the need to support vulnerable young people and the transformative role employment can play. This is where Social Engine and a partnership with social enterprise, Collective Impact, come in.
Operating from a purpose-built factory in South Dandenong in Melbourne’s south-east, Collective Impact helps young people build real-world skills, develop strong workplace relationships and establish foundations for long-term career success.
“By combining secure employment with hands-on training and supportive workplace environments, we help disadvantaged youth build real-world skills, develop confidence and form positive relationships,” he told our Fellows’ Collective.
“Collective Impact offers more than short-term job placements – we provide a foundation for lasting change.
“With personalised career guidance and future planning support, we empower them to take control of their lives and create meaningful, long-term career opportunities.”
Huge thanks to Mark and to Allister Freeman from Collective Impact for inspiring us with their work in social enterprise, and for reminding us how collaboration and social procurement can open doors that truly change lives.
And thank you to all the Fellows who took the time to join us.
The opportunity to be part of these Collectives is just one of the benefits you get from being an IEP Fellow, a growing cohort of like-minded Employability Services leaders committed to collegiality in our Sector and improving service delivery across Australia.
If you would like to learn more about Fellowship of the IEP, contact ellie.fuller@iemployability.org or freddie.fenton@iemployability.org