About Aperion Skills

Learning without limitation

Our core belief is that by continuously learning new things, we can improve the way we live and work with one another, regardless of our cultural background, beliefs, and life experiences.

When an individual’s life is improved, their community and our society as a whole is also improved, thereby creating a better future for all.

What we do

Our mission is to equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure culturally diverse people can thrive.

Through mentoring, consulting, creative workshops, and interactive learning, our programs empower you to build understanding, reduce stigma, prevent discrimination, and improve service delivery outcomes.

Who we work with

Our programs are designed for anyone working with or supporting diverse people.

From education to disability services, health, aged care, government and non-government agencies, we’ll help you implement and maintain an environment that harbours a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for all.

The result

A culturally inclusive environment can be the key to a better life for people from diverse backgrounds.

As well as empowering you to create that environment, our programs result in improved personal and career development, mutual respect, inclusive onboarding processes, staff retention, and enhanced productivity.

By embracing limitless learning and expanding our skills and knowledge, together we can improve the lives and futures of diverse people living and working in Australia.

About the founder

Zeljka Jovanovic

When civil war broke out in my country in 1992, my family and I were forced to flee our home and live as refugees for three years.

In 1995, we joined a refugee resettlement program that took us on a 13,000 kilometre journey to Wollongong, Australia.

Like every refugee or migrant who has found themselves seeking safety in a new country, we faced a lot of challenges such as culture shock, language barriers, social isolation, and the constant search for a sense of belonging.

After learning English, I undertook a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the University of Wollongong which led me to a 12-year career as a Case Manager and Team Leader with an organisation that provides support services to newly arrived refugees in Australia.

There I helped clients with settlement, integration, employment, and connection, mentored staff, and provided consultation services to community groups, service providers, and funding bodies that work with culturally diverse people.

Later, I worked with Family and Community Services Housing as a Senior Client Service Specialist where I guided team members in managing complex and competing client needs.

In 2013, I gained a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment which led to a teaching career at TAFE where I teach mental health and community services subjects.

I also worked as Training and Education Coordinator for an organisation that supports multicultural communities. Within that role, I developed and delivered workshops to various service providers in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. During that time, I obtained a Diploma of Leadership and Management and successfully managed a team of training officers.

I’ve worked with numerous people from diverse backgrounds, and my greatest achievement is being part of someone’s journey to a better life and having a positive impact on our community.

I’m dedicated to creating an environment where every individual feels included and has opportunities to thrive.

To limitless learning,

Zeljka

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Client Testimonials

☆☆☆☆☆

"I have worked with Zeljka for over a decade and have seen first-hand how she has honed her skills in teaching, training and mentoring. She brings extensive experience in the Community Services industry, including within several sectors. She is skilled at working collaboratively with organisations and customising her work to meet organisational needs, especially in cross-cultural and multicultural settings"

Jill G.

“During the early years of my career, Zeljka was both my manager and mentor. I learnt so much from her. Her passion to impact and improve lives of migrant community groups and create awareness of issues impacting every Australian is commendable. Her commitment to excellent and efficient service delivery has been evident and consistent throughout the years.”

Gracia M.

“I have worked with Zeljka for a few years, and I learned so much from her. She inspired me to be my best every day. She is a very smart, kind, professional and inspiring woman! I am definitely recommending her services. She never disappoints.”

Noora M.

“Zeljka approaches leadership and coaching in a supportive and approachable way. Zeljka was an integral part of my development in the community services sector through her in-depth understanding of case management principles, trauma informed care and conflict management. Zeljka is an admirable mentor with a wealth of experience and I strongly encourage those seeking to strengthen their skills or commence a career is Community Services to make connect with Zeljka.”

Vedran S.

“Zeljka was a manager and a mentor to me in my initial career in social services industry. She has mentored me to acknowledge that every effort I put in does count toward the final achievement and overall customer satisfaction. She is resourceful and has rich connection to culturally diverse established and emerging communities. I can always reach out to her for any professional advice and support.”

Lawrence C.

“Zeljka models professionalism, integrity, respect, and dedication to serving our multicultural communities. She demonstrates the importance of both practical knowledge and lived experience in the provision of services to newly arrived refugees and migrants. Zeljka provided me with extensive mentoring and practical training, ensuring that the work environment was supportive, safe and enjoyable.”

Andrea K.

“As a mentor Zeljka was always supportive and she puts theory in practice. She gave me many opportunities, and the space to learn and improve, guiding me, and walking beside me all those years. As a facilitator, I have delivered with Zeljka a number of training and short courses related to refugees, mental health, and diversity. What I found to be unique about Zeljka beside the passion and experience, is the way she designs the training, including stories about lived experience.”

Najla S.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Zeljka for many years. Apart from being a genuinely caring individual her dedication to deliver exceptional service never wanes. Her work has spanned across a number of different industry sectors from refugee settlement, to aged and disability services, health services, TAFE and community sports to name a few. She is always looking for opportunities to improve and will work closely with each client to ensure they are completely satisfied with the outcome.”

Cecilia M.

“Zeljka and I worked together for 11 years settling refugees in the Illawarra region and beyond. Through her invaluable support and mentoring, I was able to develop a number of skills including training skills. As part of our organisation’s mission to address and raise awareness about the refugee issues, Zeljka and I developed and delivered successful workshops to various stakeholders such as police and family and community services.”

Joseph B.

“Zeljka and I worked together in delivering ‘Culturally-responsive palliative care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds’ workshops. Palliative care is a sensitive topic and Zeljka was able sensitively and professionally step into the space creating innovative and engaging learning opportunities for the healthcare professionals. The workshops were always a great success.”

Ros K., Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist & Educator

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