Jess Kelso

Jess Kelso is the Lead Program Facilitator at JT Academy in Mount Isa, providing leadership across youth, employment and community programs that strengthen education engagement, employment pathways and long-term wellbeing. She brings more than 15 years of experience across youth and family support, employment services, Workforce Australia, Services Australia, housing assistance and community-based program leadership, with a strong focus on regional and remote contexts.

Her work is grounded in culturally safe, trauma-informed and person-centred practice. Jess works closely with schools, employers, government agencies and local service providers to achieve practical, measurable outcomes for individuals and families. A key highlight of her recent work includes leading youth-focused initiatives that achieved 100 per cent re-engagement into formal education, alongside increased participation in positive community activities.

In 2024, Jess was nominated by her peers and community and awarded Mount Isa Community Service Officer of the Year. In 2025, she was appointed as a member of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) Taskforce, contributing on-the-ground experience and regional insight to workforce planning.

Jess holds a Diploma of Community Services and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. She brings a strong, on-the-ground perspective shaped by working directly with young people, job seekers, families and employers in Mount Isa, and is passionate about solutions that are practical, inclusive and lead to sustainable education and employment outcomes rather than short-term fixes.