Fern Van Beek wins 7NEWS Young Achiever Award for championing regional women’s wellbeing

In the Pilbara, where access to mental health support is often scarce, Fern Van Beek has been recognised for her efforts in championing women’s wellbeing.

As a women’s counsellor and program assistant at Karratha Women’s Place (KWP), she was recently acknowledged at the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards, taking home the Young Women Leader Award for 2025.

The judges praised Ms Van Beek’s passionate leadership and tireless dedication to improving women’s mental health in the region.

Her journey began with hours of volunteer work each week at KWP, where she quickly became integral to the centre’s operations.

From managing social media and co-ordinating support programs to serving on the board, her hands-on involvement helped shape services that are now changing lives.

“For me, I became really dedicated to women’s mental health and wellbeing from my journey with the KWP,” she said. “I originally volunteered and joined the board, first as a general member and then took on the secretary role for a few years.

“Through this journey, my awareness majorly increased about women’s mental health and the additional challenges they experience living in a remote area like Karratha.”

Ms Van Beek also founded the Mums to Be and Bubs on Knee group to reduce isolation among new mothers.

“I wanted to do all I could to offer my support and helped create the women’s mental health service through the KWP,” she said.

“I also love that women’s mental health can be so broad, so I can support and work with many different demographics within this cohort, which has given me a number of wonderful professional experiences and is so rewarding.”

Earlier this year, she was also named Young Community Citizen of the Year, cementing her place as one of the region’s most dedicated changemakers.

“Both awards were complete surprises, but incredibly validating,” Ms Van Beek said. “They highlight not only my personal journey, but also the impact KWP is having in our community. It’s a vital, much-needed service.”

She said while community work demanded resilience and perseverance, recognition through the awards was a meaningful reminder that the effort matters.

“Community services require time and dedication,” she said. “So the awards are just the cherry on top of doing what I love.”