The Gold Industry Group is proud to announce Eric Bien of Bellevue Gold as the 2024 Gold Class Facilitator of the Year, recognising his outstanding commitment, passion, and contribution to the National Gold Education Program.
Bellevue Gold Senior Field Technician Eric Bien is our 2024 Gold Class Facilitator of the Year
As a Senior Field Technician at Bellevue Gold, Eric Bien is used to working with precision — collecting samples, supporting exploration programs, and helping to uncover the next big find. But it’s his passion for education that brings him into the classroom on his off swings, where he swaps core samples for whiteboards to inspire the next generation of budding young miners.
Delivering multiple primary and secondary sessions in 2024, Eric has consistently gone above and beyond — not only to share knowledge about gold, but to connect with students in meaningful, lasting ways.
Gold Industry Group Chair Wayne Bramwell presented the award at the Group’s 2025 Annual Sundowner in Perth this week, noting Eric’s “infectious passion, relatability, and the genuine impact he’s having in classrooms.”
“The teachers love him. The students love him. And tonight, so do we.” Wayne said on the night.
The Gold Class Facilitator Awards recognise industry workers who dedicate their time to delivering the National Gold Education Program — a unique initiative that brings real-world learning into schools and opens students’ eyes to the diverse opportunities in the gold industry.
For Eric, the experience has been just as rewarding as it has been for the students he teaches.
A closer look at the Gold Class Award presented to Eric Bien
Eric with Year 4 students at Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School
In Eric’s Own Words:
"I became a Gold Class Facilitator because, simply put, I enjoy teaching. I suppose it runs in the family, as my mum was a primary school teacher in the Philippines. Watching her inspire students to become the best versions of themselves had a profound effect on me, and I’ve always wanted to carry on that legacy."
"Just like her, I love motivating younger generations to chase after their goals, no matter how big they seem. When it comes to delivering the sessions, what I enjoy most is the reactions of the students — especially when I talk about the fascinating facts related to gold. One moment that always stands out to me is when I share the slide that says, 'There’s 0.2mg of gold in everyone.' I can’t help but glance over at the class teacher, and I can practically read their mind: 'I wonder how much I’d get from these kids…'"
"But it’s not just about the facts and figures — there are moments that truly highlight the value of the program."
Eric recalls a standout moment involving a student in a wheelchair who, after initially being left out by her peers, led her group to victory in a classroom challenge — solving the final activity on her own and earning a round of applause from the entire class.
"It was a powerful reminder that no matter the perceived hindrances in life, you can achieve anything you set your mind to."
For Eric, the program is much more than a school visit — it’s a chance to reshape how young people see STEM, careers, and the gold sector as a whole.
"Whether a student is interested in becoming a pilot, engineer, chef, accountant, solicitor, or surveyor, the program plants the seed that there are countless opportunities in the gold sector that can align with their passions and studies."
"Programs like these are crucial for the future of both education and the gold industry. By sparking an early interest, we not only raise awareness of the career paths available — we help shape the next generation of professionals who could one day play an integral role in the industry."
The Gold Industry Group congratulates Eric on this well-earned recognition, and thanks him — and all of our facilitators — for the vital role they play in inspiring the next generation.
We also congratulate our other 2024 Gold Class Award recipients: AngloGold Ashanti Australia, named Company of the Year for their outstanding internal support of the program, and Elmira Fursman of The Perth Mint, awarded New Facilitator of the Year for her passion, energy, and immediate impact in the classroom.
Together, these champions are helping shape a brighter future for students — and for the gold industry.
Want to learn more about the National Gold Education Program? Watch our latest video below to see how we’re inspiring the next generation of gold industry workers.