As a qualified teacher whose students included children and adults with special needs, Bernadette has a particular interest in assisting people with disability to overcome challenges and enable an improved quality of life through education.
Not only does Bernadette have a professional interest in the disability sector, she also has lived experience as the parent of a child with additional needs. Combined, this enables Bernadette, as the Secretary of the Focas Management Committee, to provide governance from a practical and compassionate aspect.
Bernadette has given her time to many community-based organisations over the years across sport, child and parent groups, youth, health and disability services. Her contribution has included writing funding submissions and policies and procedures, lobbying politicians, advocacy and guest speaking. She is also an experienced administrator having occupied the position of secretary on many of these committees.