B.Sci (Hons), PhD, GAICD

Bernadette’s professional career and community roles span a diverse and unusual range of fields. Bernadette acknowledges that instead of specific career goals, she has always been guided by a passion for learning and a focus on community impact. 

Bernadette has a PhD in genetics of desert fish. A qualification that has led to senior management and executive roles across health, family violence, emergency and disaster response, volunteerism, aquaculture and currently Manager Land Health with the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.

Bernadette has 25 years experience in corporate and community governance and is currently the Chair South West Healthcare, Deputy Chair Victorian Fisheries Authority, Board Director Victoria State Emergency Service. 

Bernadette (GAICD) loves volunteering and is involved in a range of volunteer roles from 20 year commitments to annually supporting the clubs and activities her children are involved in. She has been an SES volunteer for 22 years and is the Deputy Controller of Warrnambool SES, Committee Member Loved and Shared Inc, Chair SWH Human Research Ethics Committee and volunteers with Surf Life Saving and Warrnambool Motorcycle Club. Bernadette was also a founding Committee Member of both Leadership Great South Coast and South West Community Foundation.