4/11/2026
IEP Australia is delighted to announce the four finalists for the IEP Australia Fellow of the Year 2026 award: Jackie Moriarty FIEP, Charissa Mossop FIEP, Robert Murphy FIEP and Ria Thornton FIEP.
Each finalist was nominated by peers and colleagues across the sector and, following consideration by the judging panel, has been selected as a finalist. This reflects the high regard in which they are held across the employability profession.
The winner will be announced at the IEP Summit Dinner on 12 November, where we will celebrate the achievements of professionals who continue to strengthen and advance our industry. The Summit will be held in Melbourne.
Jackie Moriarty FIEP
CEO, Quality Service Skills
Jackie was nominated for her outstanding commitment to strengthening workforce capability across the employability sector. Her nomination recognised that:
- Through her leadership and advocacy, Jackie has consistently championed professional development and investment in the people who make up our profession.
- Her dedication to keeping skills, learning and workforce development high on the sector agenda reflects her commitment not only to developing individuals, but to strengthening the employability profession as a whole.
Jackie’s journey in employment services began in 2006 during Job Network, and she has since worked across RTO, compliance and quality roles. She is now focusing on VET in Schools programs through her own RTO, QSS.
“I am so excited to be chosen as a finalist for the IEP Fellow of the Year Award,” said Jackie.
“It’s an amazing culmination to my commitment to providing training opportunities to both participants and employees of the sector over the last 20 years. To even be considered for the award, knowing how experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated to the industry that so many IEP members and Fellows are, is an honour that I will proudly boast to everyone!”
Charissa Mossop FIEP
General Manager – Programs, OCTEC Limited Australia
Charissa’s nomination recognised her outstanding contribution, particularly:
- Her consistent support of the IEP through event participation, promotion, and professional development activities.
- Her enthusiasm for advancing the employment services sector, particularly in promoting solutions to youth unemployment and strengthening career pathways, which has made a positive and lasting contribution.
With more than 15 years’ experience in employment services, Charissa has a strong focus on supporting people, developing teams and improving outcomes for communities. At OCTEC Limited, she leads the delivery of government-funded programs and works closely with teams to strengthen service delivery and organisational performance.
“I am honoured to be named a finalist for Fellow of the Year, particularly because the recognition comes from peers within the industry. For me, being a Fellow is about more than professional recognition. It’s about being part of a community that values excellence, shares knowledge and is committed to continuously improving the industry. I’m proud to be recognised alongside so many passionate professionals,” said Charissa.
Robert Murphy FIEP
General Manager, Employment and Participation Programs, SSI
Nominations recognised Rob’s outstanding contribution, particularly:
- Always being proactive, engaged, and committed to both the IEP and the wider employability sector. He regularly attends IEP events, actively contributes to discussions, and is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.
- Engaging with organisations throughout the sector in the spirit of collaboration.
“Being nominated for IEP Fellow of the Year is a genuine honour, particularly because it reflects recognition from peers and colleagues across the sector,” said Rob.
“It reinforces the importance of staying engaged, sharing knowledge and working collaboratively to strengthen our profession. I’m proud to contribute alongside dedicated teams, partners and organisations that create opportunity, advance inclusion and support people to achieve their employment goals.”
Ria Thornton FIEP
Employment Services Industry Expert and Independent Consultant, Practical Project Solutions
Ria’s nomination recognised her outstanding contribution, particularly:
- Her work with Systems 2 on trauma informed person centred practice.
With twenty-five years in the employment services industry in Australia, Ria has worked her way from reception to national roles, and now works in research roles with the University of Queensland and Systems 2.
Congratulations to all four finalists
Congratulations to Jackie, Charissa, Rob and Ria, and thank you for the impact you have made through your commitment, leadership, and contribution to our sector. Being nominated is an honour in itself, and being shortlisted as a finalist is a wonderful reflection of the difference you have made.
The winner will be announced at the IEP Summit Dinner on 12 November. Come celebrate with us at the Summit in Melbourne.
Join the ticket waitlist: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/theinstituteofemployabilityprofessionalsaustralia/1918784