We are thrilled to share that Councillor Peta Baer, Shire of East Pilbara has been awarded the winner of the Masonic Care WA/Freemasons WA Community Service and Volunteering Award at the 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards WA presented by Mr. Peter Kirwan, Chairman of the Board of Masonic Care WA and Past Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Western Australia.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, 27th June at Pan Pacific Perth and attended by over 400 guests. It was a night full of inspiration and celebration—honouring young leaders who are making a real difference across WA.

About the Winner

If you’ve ever set foot in Newman, chances are you’ve felt the impact of Councillor Peta Baer’s tireless efforts. For more than six years, she’s been the engine behind the rebirth and booming success of the Newman Gymnastics Club; taking it from dusty storage to full tumbling triumph. From starting with zero athletes and no gear, she’s now coaching over 100 kids, has raised $30,000+ for equipment, and volunteers more than 16 hours of coaching each week — all while juggling admin and travelling across WA for competitions. The club even trained 12 new coaches this year under her guidance!

Peta doesn’t stop flipping at gymnastics. She’s also a long-standing volunteer leader with the Newman Scout Group, guiding over 150 youth through life skills, adventures, and even fundraising $20,000+ to send them to international jamborees.

Add to that her leadership as:

• Vice Chair of the Newman Chamber of Commerce
• Elected Councillor with the Shire of East Pilbara
• Manager of the Newman Neighbourhood Centre (where she helped triple the town’s childcare access!)

In a town where infrastructure challenges and funding gaps persist, Peta Baer is the person behind the scenes knocking on doors, drafting grant applications, and advocating directly to ministers for regional equity. Her passion for community development has brought in over $1 million in annual revenue at the Neighbourhood Centre and secured major renovations that benefit hundreds of families.

While facing personal health battles and systemic barriers, Councillor Peta Baer remains fiercely committed, grounded in a love for Newman that fuels every initiative she leads. Her belief? “If you see a gap — fill it.” And fill it, she does — with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of high-fives.

Celebrating All Finalists

Peta was among some truly inspiring finalists this year. Oliver Lim, a bold advocate for young people with chronic illness, has raised over $100,000 for sick children and champions inclusion in healthcare, education, and research. Joshua Patrick, only 14, supports his sister with complex medical needs while also advocating nationally for young carers, health equity, and youth voice in leadership. Riley Cooker, 8 and Jordan Cooker, 6, have raised over $10,000 for HeartKids and Down Syndrome WA through their hand-crafted greeting card sales and community fundraisers—proving you’re never too young to make a difference.

Masonic Care WA, together with The Grand Lodge of Western Australia, have championed the recognition of young Western Australians who selflessly dedicate inordinate energy, time, and care to their communities and causes. We have proudly watched past award winners achieve amazing things, advancing their careers and continuing to make significant contributions to society. Councillor Peter Baer’s outstanding achievements are a testament to the positive impact young volunteers can have, and we are honoured to support her journey.

We acknowledge and congratulate all award winners, finalists and nominees across the award categories, with special mentions for the ten category winners:

• Olivia Rose – Aroha Care Group Health and Wellbeing Award
• We are WM, Nicolette Beard – Awards Australia Foundation Connecting Communities Award
• Wil Massara – Catholic Education Western Australia Young Leadership Award
• Fern Van Beek – Department of Communities Young Women Leader Award
• Jessie Smith – Insurance Commission of Western Australia Road Safety Advocate Award
• Xavier Anderson – Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award
• Peta Baer – Masonic Care WA/Freemasons WA Community Service and Volunteering Award
• Joshua (Flewnt) Eggington – National Indigenous Times Indigenous Community Leadership Award
• Jasmine Powell – Riverbank Estate Restaurant Tourism and Hospitality Award
• Ethan Stirrat – 2025 Pan Pacific Perth People’s Choice Award Winner