Two of VERTO’s most respected leaders, Chief Executive Officer Ron Maxwell and Complementary Services Manager Julie Burgmann, have been honoured with the Commemorative Medal of Service by Disability Employment Australia (DEA).
Presented at the 2025 DEA Gala Dinner on Wednesday, 14 May, on the Gold Coast, this prestigious recognition celebrates their decade-long commitment to transforming the lives of people with disability through inclusive, person-centred employment services.
These honours follow last year’s medal awarded to Peta Skinner, reinforcing VERTO’s proud legacy of leadership and impact in the Disability Employment Services (DES) sector.
Ron Maxwell has led VERTO as CEO for the past 11 years, guiding the organisation through significant growth while keeping inclusion at the heart of its mission. Under his leadership, VERTO has successfully delivered DES across regional NSW and introduced meaningful initiatives such as the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the establishment of the Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC), a forum that gives people with disability a direct voice in shaping services.
“Being recognised by Disability Employment Australia is a tremendous honour, but more importantly, it reflects the dedication of our teams and the power of giving people with disability a genuine voice,” Mr Maxwell said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and continue to do, to create inclusive, life-changing employment opportunities across our communities.”
Ron’s influence extends beyond service delivery, with a strong presence in public thought leadership and internal culture-building that ensures inclusion is embedded across all levels of the organisation.
Julie Burgmann’s career in disability employment spans over a decade and is marked by steady growth, deep expertise, and heartfelt advocacy. From her beginnings in administration to her current leadership role, Julie has consistently championed operational quality and participant-focused outcomes. Since joining VERTO in 2019, she has played a pivotal role in ensuring contractual compliance and program excellence across the DES portfolio.
“Receiving this medal is deeply meaningful, It’s a reflection of the shared commitment we have at VERTO to support people in building confident, independent lives through sustainable work,” Mrs Burgmann said.
“Being part of that journey is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Julie’s impact is widely recognised by staff, stakeholders, and the broader sector — her passion for empowering individuals is visible in every layer of her work.
VERTO is proud to see both Ron and Julie recognised at a national level for their unwavering dedication to people with disability. Their leadership continues to shape the way VERTO delivers services, engages communities, and advocates for inclusive employment across regional NSW.
Congratulations, Ron and Julie, and thank you for your years of dedication and service to the sector.
