About
CBR Recruitment has a vision to deliver highly innovative, customised recruitment and HR solutions. The company was founded to reflect our own values and aspirations, and to set the highest possible standards in recruitment and HR. We are underpinned by our values of Professionalism, Integrity, Trust, Respect and Innovation; we have an intricate knowledge of the Canberra employment market and we know what it takes to recruit and build outstanding teams.
Our Experience
Our team has a track record of 20+ years immersed in the employment market and our experience encompasses global executive searches across a diverse range of industries; to appointments in Federal, State, and Local Government; the recruitment of specialist positions for large corporates and small businesses; along with assisting both employers and jobseekers with a range of HR Consulting Services.
Our People
Adam Kowalski – Managing Director
As the Managing Director of CBR Recruitment, Adam is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and leading the talented CBR Recruitment team. Adam has over 25 years’ experience in HR and recruitment, commencing in the industry in 1997 as part of one of the first teams to introduce outsourced HR to the Australian Public Service. He graduated from the University of Canberra with qualifications in HR and has extensive experience in Executive Search, Permanent Placement, Temporary Recruitment, Coaching, Contractor Management, HR Consulting, and Government Selection Process Management. Adam founded CBR Recruitment in 2020 with the aim of delivering highly innovative, customised recruitment and HR solutions. Under his leadership, the company has grown from strength to strength, and has developed a strong reputation for being a professional, innovative, and ethical recruiter. Adam’s strategic focus is to foster productive relationships with likeminded organisations, leverage government panel arrangements, develop the company’s training and HR consulting service offerings and to manage bespoke and specialist recruitment projects.
Shelley Kowalski – HR Consultant / Business Partner
Shelley is a highly accomplished human resources practitioner who has recently joined the CBR Recruitment team, bringing over two decades of experience managing and guiding HR functions across a broad range of industries. Shelley began her HR career as an HR support role and progressed into Senior Executive positions through her drive, leadership, and strategic mindset. Most notably, she served as Head of Human Resources at the Grains Research and Development Corporation, where she was a key member of the Executive Team, leading the HR function of a complex, national organization. At CBR Recruitment, Shelley serves as our HR Consultant and Business Partner, providing strategic HR consulting and business support to our diverse client base. Her role spans workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, organisational development, governance, contract management, performance management, Work, Health and Safety, and behavioral profiling. Shelley’s leadership style is defined by empathy, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to creating inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures. She brings expertise in navigating complex change processes, including leadership transitions and enterprise agreement negotiations, and is known for aligning HR initiatives with broader organizational goals. Shelley is passionate about delivering people-focused solutions that support long-term organizational success.
Olivia Bentzel – Technical Writer / Copywriter
Olivia has a wealth of writing and editing experience, combined with a track record of performing within administration, and hospitality settings with a focus on customer service and staff organisation. After graduating with her Bachelor of Writing from the University of Canberra, she joined CBR Recruitment as a Technical and Copywriter, providing writing and copywriting support across all areas of the business. Within her role, Olivia provides technical writing, marketing, media, and recruitment support across the business. She works to ensure consistency, and develop efficiencies across the company’s various platforms and business processes, and she works very closely with the company’s scribing and recruitment teams. She supports business goals, fostering growth and generating engaging ideas. Olivia has a passion for writing in all forms and a love for the city of Canberra. Outside of work, she keeps up her hobbies of reading, crochet, and music. Her favourite things to do in her free time is take her dog, Moose, for a walk and wander handmade markets.
Jessie Harrison – Scribing and Marketing Coordinator
Jessie brings a blend of experience in program assistance, digital content creation, and community engagement to the Scribing and Marketing Coordinator role. With a broad range of experience across administration, program management, team coordination, and marketing, she is fully capable of supporting the further development of our scribing and marketing initiatives. Jessie is responsible for scribe management, including onboarding new scribes, coordinating end-to-end recruitment processes, and bringing the broader team together. Alongside this, Jessie creates and delivers CBR Recruitment marketing content to continue building and engaging our ongoing audience. Jessie enjoys working with new people from diverse backgrounds, utilising her interpersonal skills to build relationships and foster future interactions. In particular, she is interested in fostering the community around us and creating new and exciting connections. Outside of work, Jessie enjoys exploring the natural wonders of Canberra, attending live performances, and spending time with her rabbit and two rats, Rylee, Poppy, and Splat.
Talia Baussmann – Recruitment Coordinator
Talia brings a mix of administrative expertise, creative flair, and a positive approach to customer service in her role as Recruitment Coordinator at CBR Recruitment. With a background spanning office management, reception, and client-facing roles across the health and retail sectors, she has developed a reputation for being highly organised, personable, and solutions-focused. Talia thrives in fast-paced environments where collaboration and communication are key. Her experience includes managing office operations, coordinating schedules, handling client inquiries, and supporting marketing efforts through content creation and social media management. Talia supports end-to-end recruitment coordination and ensuring a seamless experience for clients and candidates alike. Her passion for people, combined with her administrative strengths and creative mindset, makes her a natural fit. Outside of work, Talia runs her own creative website, showcasing her photography and design work.
Matthew Kowalski – Administration Officer
Matthew brings a wealth of hospitality, administration, and customer service expertise to his role as an Administration Officer at CBR Recruitment. With experience in fast-paced environments, he excels at managing day-to-day operations, coordinating administrative tasks, and providing high level support to both clients and colleagues. His keen attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and proactive approach ensure that the team can run more efficiently. In his role, Matthew is responsible for a range of duties, including handling correspondence, maintaining records, and assisting with office management. His ability to multitask and adapt quickly makes him a valuable asset to the team. His positive mindset and approach extend beyond the office, reflecting his enthusiasm for continuous learning and improvement. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys staying active at the gym, researching the stock market, and working on his car.
Community Involvement
We are proud of the city we live and work in and we’re proud of the part we play in our community. As a team we support organisations and charities that reflect the wide range of interests we are passionate about. Through the groups and organisations we support, we aim to improve, facilitate and promote the important work they do through the skills and talents we can bring.
Corporate Information
CBR Recruitment (ACN: 097 440 572) is a member of the Recruitment and Consulting Services Association (RCSA); is a fully licensed Employment Agent (licence number 18901115), and has access to a number of Federal Government Recruitment Panels. We also have full insurance coverage (in accordance with government guidelines) for public liability, professional indemnity, and workers’ compensation.