Kalgoorlie-Boulder Australia Day Award Winners and Walk of Fame Inductees Announced

Published on Friday, 26 January 2024 at 1:53:00 PM

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Australia Day Award winners and Walk of Fame Inductees were announced during a dedicated ceremony held at Centennial Park today.

These awards acknowledge the outstanding contributions of several residents and community organisations to the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community with a particular focus on their service during the past year (2023).

Congratulations to the following Australia Day Award Winners and Walk of Fame inductees:

Citizen of the Year

Stuart Fleming

Young Citizen of the Year

Emilee Stewart

Volunteer of the Year

Cassandra Bender

Community Group/ Event of the Year

Rotary Club of Boulder

Walk of Fame Inductees

Jeff and Faye Jones
George Spencer Compton (1891 – 1971)

Mayor Glenn Wilson expressed his appreciation for all nominees, describing the Awards as a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of some truly deserving community members.

“All winners and nominees of this year’s Australia Day Awards and our Walk of Fame inductees have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to volunteering and helping others in our community.”

“We have many local heroes in our community who give tirelessly of their time to various organisations, services, and causes.”

“It’s people like them who exemplify what it means to be a member of our Kalgoorlie-Boulder community – they truly make our city a wonderful place to call home.”

“We are incredibly grateful for their contributions, and it’s great to be able to acknowledge them on an important day such as Australia Day.”

Citizen of the Year - Stuart Flemming

Stuart is a genuine Goldfields individual and community leader who has dedicated himself to various organisations, serving as President or board member for the Rotary Club of Boulder, Kalgoorlie College Soccer Club, Hibernians Cricket Club, Goldfields Giants, and Goldfields Repertory Club.

Recognised as a life member of Kalgoorlie College Soccer and Hibernians Cricket Clubs, Stuart is also a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honour in Rotary International.

As the Radio Auction Chairperson for the Rotary Club, Stuart has raised an impressive $548,000 over the past three years. These funds benefited local non-profits and the Goldfields Family Assistance Fund, supporting families with sick children who need to travel to Perth for treatment.

Demonstrating exceptional commitment, Stuart further contributed by shaving his head and beard, raising an additional $13,000 for the well-being of sick kids in the Goldfields.

Notably, Stuart achieved these commendable feats while holding the position of General Manager at a local business that recently marked 30 years of operation in the Goldfields.

Volunteer of the Year - Cassandra Bender

Cassandra makes extraordinary commitments to our community through her volunteering efforts. She recently stepped in to manage Full Circle Therapies during a critical period whilst they recruited a new Centre Manager.

Despite being on leave from her full-time position as a Principal, Cassandra dedicated her time and expertise to prevent the potential closure of the facility, recognising the devastating impact it could have on the children and families relying on their early intervention therapy services.

Juggling her responsibilities as a mother, starting a new family business, and leading the Centre with passion, Cassandra’s selflessness, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment ensured the continuity of the services for over half the year.

Community Group/Event of the Year - Rotary Club of Boulder

The Rotary Club of Boulder recently conducted its 38th annual Radio Auction in 2023, raising funds for non-profit groups in the Goldfields, the Rotary Club of Boulder Goldfields Family Assistance Trust Fund supporting families with travel expenses for treatment in Perth, and the Rotary Club of Boulder High School Scholarship program.

Setting a new record, the auction raised $205,000, enabling the club to revisit unsuccessful or requesting groups and consider their applications for future years.

With a goal to reach the $3 million raised, the Rotary Club of Boulder aims to continue its impactful contributions to the community through their annual auction.

Young Citizen of the Year - Emilee Stewart

Emilee is a committed community member. She is a leader in her school, supports and encourages her peers, and helps her grandmother during the Boulder Anzac ceremony.

Engaged in various councils, including her School Council, WA State Council, and the local youth council, Emilee strives to give back to her community and be a voice for those not present.

Embracing her role as an active member of The Goldfields Repertory Club, Emilee participates in plays and provides assistance, including helping with the youth theatre in preparation for their productions.

She is always seeking opportunities to learn and grow and looks for ways to give more to her community.

2024 Walk of Fame Inductee - Jeff and Faye Jones

Driven by their deep commitment to uplift the city, Jeff and Faye Jones understood the power of effecting change through established groups. Within the framework of Boulder Promotions, they took the initiative to advocate for the installation of 100 large pots of geraniums along Burt Street, revitalised the street's ambiance and infused a renewed sense of positivity among the local residents and workers.

Jeff earned a reputation for his green thumb, and his generosity extended far and wide. Both Jeff and Faye’s generously donated geraniums to various institutions, including schools, retirement villages, bowling clubs, and both Kalgoorlie and Boulder cemeteries, enhancing their entrances with vibrant blooms.

Jeff and Faye’s plants have contributed to the uplift of iconic Kalgoorlie-Boulder facilities including the Hannans Club, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club, The Goldfields Repertory Club and the Loopline Railway Station and Museum.

2024 Walk of Fame Inductee - George Spencer Compton

In his early career, George Spencer Compton worked at mines in Norseman, Laverton, Ravensthorpe, Sandstone, and Youanmi. He married Elizabeth Jane Cobley on 2 January 1914.

George enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915, serving in the 28th Battalion on the Western Front, and was wounded three times. After becoming permanently lame in one leg; George returned to Australia in 1918.

He assisted the Geological Survey of Western Australia and became a lecturer at Perth Technical School. He went on to have a distinguished career at the Western Australian School of Mines, lecturing in mining and geology. In early 1934, he also became the curator of the mineral museum and helped found the Eastern Goldfields Historical Society in 1946.

George served in World War II between 1940-1944. Upon returning he continued his career at the School of Mines in 1946, teaching ex-service students and running a rehabilitation course on prospecting.

He died on 23 July 1971, buried in Karrakatta cemetery; survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.

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