About Aperion Skills

Where wellbeing and inclusion create thriving teams

What We Do

At Apeiron Skills, we help workplaces build thriving, high-performing teams. Through interactive workshops, mentoring, and consulting, we equip leaders and staff to foster inclusion, prioritise wellbeing, improve staff retention, boost collaboration, productivity, and sustainable growth.

Who We Work With

Our programs are designed for organisations of all sizes across industries – including the corporate sector, government, and non-government organisations. We work with leaders and teams to implement inclusive practices that retain talent, boost engagement, and drive business success.

The Result

Organisations that work with Apeiron Skills benefit from higher staff retention, improved productivity, and stronger business outcomes. By cultivating an inclusive, supportive, and wellbeing-focused environment, teams are more engaged, collaboration thrives, and organisations achieve lasting success.

About the founder

Zeljka Jovanovic

I’m Zeljka Jovanovic, founder of Apeiron Skills, with over 20 years of experience across the education, multicultural, and community services sectors, specialising in team leadership, mentoring, adult education, case management, and organisational development. I partner with businesses to enhance staff retention, boost productivity, promote inclusion, and build wellbeing-focused workplaces. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Diploma of Leadership and Management, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, equipping me to develop leaders, support high-performing teams, and deliver measurable organisational impact.

Having resettled in Australia as a young refugee in 1995, I know firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, navigating barriers, and finding a sense of belonging. Part of my life journey, both before and after arriving in Australia, was featured in the SBS documentary Where Are You Really From?, where I shared my story – one of many from people with a refugee background. My professional expertise and lived experience help me guide businesses in creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces where wellbeing, retention, and organisational success are prioritised, diverse voices are heard, and teams thrive.

I am passionate about empowering women, especially those from refugee and multicultural backgrounds. I have partnered with the University of Wollongong and UNSW, participating in panels and forums to share practical insights that help women from forced migrant backgrounds overcome barriers and thrive both professionally and personally.

I am also a committed advocate for cancer awareness and fundraising, having performed in front of 600 people at the Stars of Wollongong Dance for Cancer in 2025, raising significant funds for the Cancer Council Australia.

My greatest achievement is supporting individuals and organisations to grow, fostering high-performing, inclusive teams where everyone is valued and inspired to succeed.

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Client Testimonials

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"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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