Western Australian of the Year Awards: 2024 Youth winner Nicolette Beard says recognition was ‘really special’

Nicolette Beard says being recognised for her work in consent and sex education allowed she and We are W/M co-founder Kate Raston to further expand their reach. Winner of the BHP Youth Award at the Western Australian of the Year Awards last year, Ms Beard said the recognition “opened a lot of doors” for the non-profit. “The work we do, we think is really important, we know it’s really important, but having it actually recognised at a State level was a huge achievement for myself and for the whole organisation. It was just such a wonderful feeling,” she said. “(It) made other organisations notice what we’re doing, or appreciate it or really see the value (in it). . . it definitely opened a lot of doors in that sense.” We Are W/M has delivered evidence-based, trauma-informed educational programs to more than 200 organisations including schools, community groups and more since 2021. And in their bid to empower young people to safely navigate healthy relationships, they’ve educated more than 20,000 primary and high school students. “I think having other people see the value in your work is really special,” Ms Beard said. “So, if you do think there’s someone out there that deserves the support or recognition, taking the time to sit down and write it out and tell someone why you think they deserve it is one of the nicest things you can do for someone.” Nominations for 2025 Western Australian of the Year Awards are now open and can be submitted here.