Valentine Meyerson wins People’s Choice Award

An 11-year-old who turned grief into a global kindness movement has been named the People’s Choice Award winner at the 2026 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards for NSW and the ACT.

Valentine Meyerson, a Year 6 student at Oxley College in the Southern Highlands and founder of Peace Hive, was chosen from more than 2000 nominees across the program. She was presented with the award at a gala dinner in Sydney.

Valentine founded Peace Hive in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, which claimed the life of 10-year-old Matilda Bee Britvan. Through its Bee Bracelet Project, the initiative has raised more than $75,000 for Matilda’s family while building what Valentine describes as a “bees on wrists” peace movement that has spread to schools and communities across Australia and around the world, emphasising the values of peace, empathy, acceptance, community and equality.

“Someone, even little like me, can make a difference in the world, and by everyone’s help and [encouragement], we have made a difference in the world,” Valentine told 7News.

Matilda’s father Michael Britvan, who attended the ceremony with his family, posted on Facebook after the win.

“We actually did it. Thanks everyone who voted every day … this is just amazing! Congratulations to Valentine,” he wrote.

Valentine paid tribute to the Britvan family at the awards, saying she was grateful they were by her side on the night.

“Every bee bracelet symbolises peace, kindness, unity and remembrance. I dream that one day, when people see a bee, they will know it stands for peace,” she said on Instagram. “This award is for every volunteer, every school, every person who wears and shares a bee, and everyone who believes that young people can make a difference.”

Valentine was nominated in the Awards Australia Foundation Connecting Communities category. She has also been nominated for a Fred Hollows Foundation Humanity Award, with recipients to be recognised at a ceremony in November.