Published on Monday, 27 January 2025 at 10:00:00 AM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder proudly celebrated the 2025 Australia Day Award recipients and Walk of Fame inductees during a heartfelt ceremony at Centennial Park on Australia Day.
These prestigious Awards honour the outstanding contributions of individuals and community organisations that have made a profound impact on Kalgoorlie-Boulder throughout 2024, showcasing their selfless dedication and commitment to our region.
The winners of the 2025 Australia Day Awards are as follows:
- Young Citizen of the Year - Nandini Gera
- Volunteer of the Year - Maureen Milne
- Community Group/ Event of the Year - Goldfields Children's Charity
Walk of Fame Inductees
- Ronald Stanley Yuryevich, AM RFD
- Edgar (Ted) George Winner
- Dr Ian Fred Burston
Mayor Glenn Wilson congratulated all the nominees and award recipients, saying:
"As I always say – our residents are one of a kind. This year’s Australia Day Award recipients have made a difference in our city, shown selflessness, resilience, and a generosity of spirit that our community is known for.”
“These awards celebrate the people who go above and beyond for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Whether it’s Nandini’s inspiring leadership as a young changemaker, Maureen’s four decades of unwavering volunteerism, or the incredible work of the Goldfields Children’s Charity, these recipients remind us of what makes our community truly special.”
“I have long admired Ron Yuryevich for his exceptional leadership as a Mayor who guided the City through a transformative period following amalgamation. His vision and commitment were instrumental in shaping the growth of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
“Ron’s deep passion for our community, particularly his dedication to the development of our airport, has been truly inspirational for future leaders of our city.”
“Mr. Winner’s commitment to the community, alongside his historic role as the inaugural Mayor of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, is to be applauded."
“His many years of dedication to the community and his contributions to local government stand as a testament to his unwavering devotion to Kalgoorlie-Boulder.”
“The late Dr. Bursten was integral to advancing the resources sector, not only in Western Australia but also around the world. His vision for the Super Pit, alongside his peers, has transformed it into a world-class asset.”
“The Super Pit’s impact on Kalgoorlie-Boulder is undeniable. Dr. Bursten’s foresight in consolidating the Golden Mile and championing the efficiencies of open-pit mining has created a legacy that continues to deliver immense value to our community.”
2025 Australia Day Award Winners
Young Citizen of the Year: Nandini Gera
Nandini moved to Kalgoorlie from India in 2019, showcasing a strong commitment to embracing a new culture and community. In 2020, she began attending John Paul College in Year 10, where she quickly became involved in various school activities, volunteering at numerous school carnivals. This enthusiasm and dedication were recognised after she transferred to Eastern Goldfields College (EGC), where she received the Peter Palmer Community Involvement Award for her outstanding contributions to the community.
In Year 12, as an ATAR student, Nandini was elected as the Youth Mayor of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the 2022-2023 term. In this role, she led initiatives that directly impacted the youth of our community, working on projects such as presenting the Youth Awards and contributing to the Kingsbury Park project.
Nandini’s commitment extends beyond school and mayoral duties. She has actively volunteered for events like Harmony Day and presented the Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award. She has contributed to mental health initiatives by volunteering with Headspace. Currently, as a member of the Ministerial Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) in Perth, Nandini continues to represent the voices and interests of the youth of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, striving to achieve the best outcomes for them. Nandini is dedicated to enhancing her leadership skills. She has completed First Aid in Mental Health training and signed up for a mentoring program.
Additionally, she attended Camp Hero and participated in the Leeuwin Leadership Voyage, which has helped her become a better leader. In her day-to-day activities, she also demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental care by actively participating in the Containers for Change program to keep her town clean. Over the summer break, she is undertaking an internship at the mines, further expanding her skills and experiences.
Over the past five years, Nandini’s contributions have significantly enriched the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community, making her a deserving winner of the 2025 Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year Award.
Volunteer of the Year: Maureen Milne
Maureen joined the Eastern Goldfields Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Auxiliary on 13 August 1982. She took on the role of Vice President for one year. On 9 July 1984, she was elected Secretary and held this position until 2005 - an outstanding 21 years of service. In her time as Secretary, she was well known for always being totally organised and efficient in all her duties.
Maureen is still an active and valued member, having now served on the Auxiliary for 42 years. During Maureen's time serving on the Auxiliary, more than 1 million dollars has been raised and donated to help keep this valued service operating out of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Many hours have been spent running sausage sizzles, selling raffle tickets, hosting Melbourne Cup lunches, Quiz nights, rattling RFDS tins, banking donation tins money, cooking/setting up and organising afternoon teas at the Race Round.
Maureen is a friendly, approachable member of the Auxiliary who is always willing to mentor new members and share her vast knowledge with them. She is a regular face at every meeting and never misses the opportunity to assist in fundraising opportunities during events.
Community Group/ Event of the Year: Goldfields Children's Charity
The Goldfields Children Charity is celebrating 25 years of assisting children in the region with getting the health care or services they need. During this time, they have raised over $5 million with the help and generosity of the amazing community.
The charity supports the RFDS and the RMHC, even sponsoring a plane for the region. Annually the GCC holds a Charity Ball - one of the biggest events in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Hosting over 1000 people at the Goldfields Oasis to celebrate and reflect on the families the funds go to help.
This event is an incredible display of the community spirit of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and the amazing work of the fully volunteer-run GCC committee.
2025 Walk of Fame Inductees
Ronald Stanley Yuryevich AM RFD
Inducted into the Walk of Fame in recognition of his exceptional contributions to local government, regional development, and community leadership.
Born and raised in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Mr. Yuryevich’s distinguished career in public service spanned nearly three decades, beginning with his election to the Boulder Shire Council in 1988.
As Deputy Mayor from 1989 to 1992 and Mayor of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder from 1993 to 1999 and again from 2003 to 2015, Mr. Yuryevich demonstrated visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the growth and prosperity of our region.
Beyond his local contributions, he served as President of the Western Australian Local Government Association and the Country Urban Councils Association and as a State representative for bodies such as the Australian Airports Association and Regional Development Australia.
A decorated Officer Commanding in the Australian Army Reserve for 26 years, Mr. Yuryevich was awarded the Reserve Force Decoration (RFD) for his service. His legacy of leadership, dedication, and community service continues to have an enduring impact on Kalgoorlie-Boulder, inspiring future generations to build on his contributions.
Edgar “Ted” Winner (1926 - 2014)
Inducted into the Walk of Fame in recognition of his exceptional contributions to local government and community service.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Mr. Winner made the Goldfields his home in 1948, dedicating decades of his life to the region.
His local government career began in 1967 with the Shire of Kalgoorlie before moving to the Shire of Boulder, where he served as Deputy Shire President under Charles Daws. In 1988, Mr. Winner became Shire President of Boulder and was later appointed by the State Government as the first Mayor of the newly amalgamated City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Beyond his leadership roles, Mr. Winner was deeply involved in the community, serving on numerous boards and committees, including as Vice-President of the St John Ambulance Association and a member of the Eastern Goldfields Amateur Association.
Ted Winner’s legacy as a pioneering leader and dedicated community advocate will always hold a special place in Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s history.
(Photo Credit: Business News)
Dr Ian Fred Burston (1935 - 2022)
A mining veteran, Goldfields stalwart, and respected community leader, Dr. Burston’s legacy is one of innovation, vision, and unwavering commitment to progress. Best known as the inaugural Chief Executive of KCGM and the driving force behind our iconic Kalgoorlie Super Pit, Dr. Burston’s remarkable career included leadership roles with Hamersley Iron, Fortescue Metals Group, and numerous other major companies.
His achievements extended beyond the boardroom, with accolades such as WA Citizen of the Year (Industry and Commerce) in 1992, an honorary Doctor of Science from Curtin University in 1995, and an Order of Australia in 1993 recognising his invaluable service.
A qualified mechanical and aeronautical engineer, Harvard graduate, and former army commando, Dr. Burston’s contributions to the Goldfields and beyond were as diverse as they were impactful.
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