Bernie’s Biography, Small
Bernadette Black is a fresh and energetic young woman who has dedicated her life to showing the crucial need for support and encouragement in our day-to-day lives.
Her key message is about perseverance, determination and inspiration for the future. Bernie speaks openly about becoming a mum at 16, the adversity of teenage pregnancy and the decision to keep her son, who is now in his teens. Bernie also tackles the issues she faced, such as other people's opinions, finishing her schooling and going on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing and Post Graduate Diploma.
Bernie's passion is sharing her message with the people of Australia, to enable them to reach their dreams even in the face of massive life challenges. Bernadette addresses how we as a community can change the culture of support and encouragement in our country, and most importantly that everyone can understand and appreciate their intrinsic value and purpose in life.
Bernie’s Biography, Large
Bernadette Black has overcome much adversity in her life, from the death of her father at a young age, to the potentially life-altering effects of a teenage pregnancy, but throughout it all, somehow she has never lost hope or direction for a great tomorrow.
Today, a happily married mother of three, Registered Nurse and Professional Speaker, Bernadette shares her message of inspiration with thousands of people as she speaks across the country. Her message of hope carried her all the way to the Australian of the Year awards in 2008, in which she was a finalist. Furthermore, in May 2009 at the Ivy in Sydney, from some 3000 nominations, Bernie was awarded the Barnardos Mother of the Year title, in which her son, Damien nominated her.
Bernie is also an author and has published the book, Brave Little Bear (2006), a story detailing her intimate journey through teenage pregnancy. Today there are thousands of these books in the hands of many readers, schools and health services throughout Australia.
Bernie is also the Founding Director of, Brave Foundation, a Not for Profit Charity, it’s ethos being “From unplanned pregnancy to happy and healthy families.”
In consistency with Brave Foundations ethos, of transitioning from one circumstance to another, comes Bernie’s message of equipping others with the realisation that nothing is impossible, regardless of the opposition.
Bernadette has featured in all forms of media regarding her professional speaking and book, ‘brave little bear’; especially following her 2009 Mother of the Year award.
She regularly speaks around the country with esteemed organisations and foundations Women’s Forum Australia and the STEP to the Future, Beacon, many women’s conferences as well as in Private and Public Secondary Schools and TAFE training colleges across the nation. She has also featured with Choicez media, and spoken in many local communities and Rotary Clubs – a highlight of which was the opportunity to address thousands of young people at World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.
Speaking introduction
Our speaker today is the 2009 Australian Mother of the Year, Bernadette Black. Bernie is the founding director of Brave Foundation, ‘from unplanned pregnancy to happy and healthy families’ and author of the critically acclaimed Brave Little Bear. Bernie has spoken professionally to many thousands across our nation and today she is here to share her message with us... please welcome Bernadette Black...
Audio and Video requirements
- If the group is larger than 60, Bernie will need a microphone. She prefers a lapel microphone if available
- Please provide a bottle of water and a mug of hot tea on a small table!
- A lectern made available to rest her book and other speaking items
- Bernie has two DVD’s that she will often show. She will need access to a data projector with sound. She may also use U tube clips as a part of her presentation, and will need internet access.
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