Published on Thursday, 29 January 2026 at 12:08:21 PM
Every year, the Shire of Coolgardie proudly recognises and celebrates the individuals, community groups and organisations who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in our community.
In 2026, we received a number of nominations across four award categories, and every nominee proved to be a truly worthy winner.
- Citizen Award
- This award is presented to an individual over 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
- Community Group or Event
- This is presented to a community group or committee in the Shire of Coolgardie that has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
- Corporate Award
- This award recognises a business or organisation that has made a significant impact on the community.
- Senior Award
- This award celebrates individuals over 65 who have gone above and beyond for the community.
- Youth Award
- This Award is presented to an individual under 25 years of age who has made an outstanding contribution to the local community.
The outstanding response reflects the incredible dedication, generosity and spirit that exists throughout our Shire.
Congratulations to our 2026 Award Winners!
Thank you to all nominees for your valuable contributions and for helping make the Shire of Coolgardie such a strong and connected community.
Coolgardie Winners
Citizen Award Winner: Sheree Forward
Sheree volunteers her time in various areas of the community and to list some, she has been involved in the Coolgardie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and the Junior Fire Brigade, Coolgardie Day Committee and the Coolgardie Men’s Shed.
Sheree has shown her love and care for the community and doesn’t do it for the recognition but simply because she wants to give to her community in any way that she can.
Community Group Award Winner: Coolgardie Community Men’s Shed
The Coolgardie Community Men’s Shed has been actively supporting community members, working in partnership and contributing to local events such as Coolgardie Day and the Coolgardie Outback Rodeo. In addition to this, they have ongoing work supporting Men and Women through regular shed activities and community projects.
They collaborate with local community groups, volunteer organisations and event organisers to provide assistance with maintenance, community improvement projects and shared initiatives.
The Coolgardie Community Men’s Shed demonstrate a positive contribution by creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for men to connect, share skills and support one another through teamwork, mentoring and purposeful activities.
Corporate Award Winner: Beacon Minerals
Darren Gaby from Beacon Minerals has been most active with the Golden You Leadership, Coolgardie Community Men’s Shed and the Coolgardie Day Celebrations, alongside many other community initiatives supported through Beacon Minerals.
Beacon Minerals regularly support a broad range of the grass roots community, youth and volunteer-led organisations and events across Coolgardie and the wider Goldfields region. They often provide assistance to projects that otherwise struggle to secure funding and support.
Community Event Winner: Outback Rodeos Inc
The Coolgardie Outback Rodeo has revitalised the community spirit and brought in many visitors and tourists from surrounding areas. This has boosted the local economy significantly and increased patronage for local businesses such as cafes, accommodation providers and retailers.
The event has strengthened community connections, bringing together residents to volunteer, participate and celebrate these shared traditions. It has fostered the local pride, and encouraged collaborations between community groups, also giving opportunities for young people to be involved in a positive, community-driven activity.
Senior Award Winner: Roy Bergin
Roy is heavily involved in the Coolgardie Youth Club, Coolgardie Community Men’s Shed, Coolgardie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and the Coolgardie St John Ambulance. His commitment to these group makes a difference for the Coolgardie Community and he is willing to do whatever is needed to help.
Youth Award Winner: Lillian Kent
Lillian has been recognised for being the Youth Mentor with the Golden You Leadership. She demonstrates maturity, confidence and compassion beyond her years and has shown how deeply passionate she is about youth advocacy and plays an active role in creating this safe, inclusive and empowering environment for young people across the Goldfields Region.
Lillian’s calm presence, genuine care and ability to connect with those around her is what makes her a trusted, and relatable role model for teenagers.
The benefits that she has shown to the community is by mentoring the youth, improving community safety, supporting local economy as a young business owner and promoting positive youth engagement both in person and online.
Kambalda Winners
Citizen Award Winner: Terri-Lea Daley
Terri-Lea is involved in many organisations such as the Kambalda West District Highschool P&C, Kambalda Markets, Kambalda Community Garden, and the Kambalda Community Christmas Tree Committee.
In addition to this she also attends Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, delivering speeches as a representative of Australia’s ex-service men and women.
Terri-Lea never hesitates to put her hand up an assist where she can for the community’s benefit and is a passionate volunteer who has contributed greatly in many areas. In the community she is seen as a role model across a wide range of ages and areas.
Community Group Award Winner: Kambalda Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service
The KVFRS is one of the biggest contributors to our community, training continuously to upskill and provide us with security. They are on call 24/7 assisting emergency services organisations such as the police, paramedics and state fire management bodies, responding to accidents, fires, wild weather call outs and any other critical situations.
On top of all of this they organise the Santa lolly run and arrange for Santa to visit both Primary Schools in Kambalda East and West to light up the kid’s day and uplift their spirits in the festive season.
Community Event Winner: Cars & Coffee
The Cars and Coffee events that are held by the Nickel Flounderers Club provide an avenue for the community, car and bike lovers, adults and children to attend and engage with one another
This opportunity allows people to make new friends, have a chat and reach out using their common interests. The event heavily promotes the R U Okay practice, checking in on one another and promoting mental health initiatives and generally creates a safe space for people to engage and communicate.
Senior Award Winner: Terry Daley
Terry is described as Kambalda’s own all-rounder. He is a strong community team player and continually offers his voluntary services to Kambalda and a selection of community groups. These groups include the Kambalda Christmas Tree, Kambalda Community Garden, Kambalda Playgroup, Kambalda Markets, Nickeltown Flounderers and both the Kambalda and Kalgoorlie Men’s Shed operations.
Alongside this Terry assists with fundraising, youth events, community events, mental health initiatives and he gives his free time to dress up as Santa for children and community groups.
Youth Award WInner: Potiki Pratley
Potiki was nominated for his contribution to the Kambalda Fires, Kambalda Goldstrikers netball team and the Kambalda Kapa Haka Group. He has represented exceptional leadership skills and showed his commitment to the community through being a positive role model, especially in the eye of the youth.
The Shire of Coolgardie would like to thank the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council for their support and assistance.
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