Triple Crown for Career Co at the 2025 Rowe Partners Business Port Augusta Awards 🏆
When Career Co opened its doors in 2020 with one employee, the goal was simple: to help local people find meaningful work and help businesses build strong, capable teams.
Five years later, that purpose-driven start-up has grown into one of Port Augusta’s leading family-owned businesses, employing over 120 people, partnering with 290 clients, and now officially recognised as a triple award winner at the 2025 Rowe Partners Business Port Augusta Awards.
Career Co proudly took home:
🏆 Most Outstanding Business — the top honour of the night
🏆 Excellence in Large Business
🏆 Most Innovative Business
The awards, organised by Business Port Augusta, were held on Friday 17 October at the West Augusta Football Club, bringing together local businesses to celebrate excellence, innovation, and contribution to the region’s economy and community.
Career Co was proud to stand among an inspiring group of local businesses leading the way across Port Augusta and the Upper Spencer Gulf.
Winning the Most Outstanding Business award — the highest accolade of the night, is a powerful reflection of Career Co’s growth, innovation, and impact on the community.
“To be recognised as the Most Outstanding Business for 2024/25, along with wins for Innovation and Excellence in Large Business, is an incredible honour and a testament to our team, our clients, and the partnerships that drive our success,” said Managing Director Emma Di Paolo.
This achievement celebrates not just Career Co’s success, but the shared impact created alongside local employers, candidates, and regional community.
Real People, Real Results
Every result at Career Co begins with people.
A jobseeker landing their first role through our Workforce360 training.
A growing civil company finding the right team locally to deliver on a major project.
A café owner finally getting the staff they need to keep doors open seven days a week.
Each of these moments reflects a partnership in action.
“Our clients are the backbone of these results,” said Emma. “When a business partners with us, they’re not just hiring, they’re helping build Port Augusta’s workforce, supporting families, and keeping opportunity local. Every placement has a ripple effect that benefits the whole region.”
From Start Up to Regional Success - Excellence That Sets the Standard
Career Co’s success has been built on being one of the best in the business.
Career Co is proudly Port Augusta’s only 100% locally owned recruitment company, and that community connection shapes everything it does. Guided by its Impact4 Framework: Adaptability, Professionalism, Innovation, and Integrity, the company combines advanced systems with local insight to deliver leading workforce solutions.
Its signature model, Workforce360, has set a new benchmark for regional workforce development. The model combines upskilling, recruitment, and labour hire under one roof, creating a seamless pipeline that connects local talent to local employers.
This integrated approach has delivered real, measurable outcomes that lead Career Co to introduce Exact Staff in 2025 - a dedicated brand created to meet that growing need to deliver fast, high-quality, safe and reliable workforce solutions. Operating under the legal entity Career Co Australia Pty Ltd, Exact Staff now leads the recruitment and labour hire arm of the business and has already achieved outstanding results, placing 170 local people into jobs during 2024/25.
“Together, Career Co and Exact Staff represent the complete people solution — structured, innovative, and anchored in community,” said Ms Di Paolo.
A Ripple Effect of Local Prosperity
Career Co’s business model ensures every success story flows back into the local economy.
In 2024/25, the company made a significant contribution to the local economy through wages, procurement, and sponsorships. By partnering exclusively with local suppliers and service providers, Career Co strengthens the region’s small business ecosystem, creating a ripple effect that supports the local business economy.
From community sponsorships to investment in local training and technology, every decision reinforces Career Co’s belief that regional success starts with community-first business.
Anchored on Loudon Road — The Next Chapter
As Career Co celebrates its fifth anniversary this month, the business is preparing for its next exciting chapter — a move to Loudon Road.
This new site will bring expanded services and fresh energy to the growing Loudon precinct, adding to the vibrancy of a location fast becoming a hub for business, innovation, and connection.
“Our move to Loudon Road is more than a relocation, it’s a reflection of our growth and our commitment to Port Augusta’s future,” said Ms Di Paolo.
“We’re building a space where people can connect, collaborate, and enjoy everything Port Augusta West has to offer, including its beautiful beachfront and gulf views. This next chapter is all about visibility, accessibility, and vibrancy.”
A Well-Deserved Win
This triple award win is also a tribute to the Career Co team, our people behind every placement, every partnership, and every success. Their professionalism, passion, and commitment to excellence have shaped Career Co’s journey and reputation as one of the best in the business.
Our team works tirelessly to deliver real results for clients and candidates,” Ms Di Paolo said. “Their hard work, care, and consistency have made Career Co what it is today — a trusted, high-performing local business with national capability.”
The awards night provided a special opportunity for the team to relax, reflect, and celebrate together. It was an evening filled with laughter, pride, and connection, a well-deserved moment to acknowledge how far the company has come and the collective effort that made these achievements possible.
Career Co congratulates all the award winners and extends thanks to award sponsors Regional Development Far North, Magic FM, and Rowe Partners for their ongoing support of local business excellence.
