Bernadette Black

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.
Today, a mother of three and Registered Nurse, Bernadette is married to an amazing man, and shares her message of hope with thousands of people as she speaks around the country. She is in high demand as a motivational speaker, and her message of hope carried her all the way to the Australian of the Year awards in 2008, in which she was a finalist.
Since its inception, Brave Group have published the book, Brave Little Bear (2006), and today there are thousands of these books in the hands of young mums, schools and health services throughout Australia.
“I didn’t know it at the time, but the concept of Brave Foundation was being conceived as I walked out my journey in the following years” says Bernadette.
Today, the vision has flourished to be greater than simply to write a book. Brave Foundation seeks to provide the necessary support and guidance to ensure that unexpected pregnancy is not a life-ending or education-less predicament. Where hope isn’t out of the question and dreaming of a great tomorrow is made possible.” Bernadette says.
Bernadette Black has featured in all forms of media; including guest appearances on The Today Show (channel 9), ABC Radio National, WIN and Southern Cross Television Broadcasts, The Mercury Newspaper & as a feature article in the May 2008 edition of the magazine Notebook.
She regularly speaks around the country, notably and recently with esteemed organisations Women’s Forum Australia and the STEP to the Future Foundation, 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.
In March 2009, Bernadette Black was thrilled to be named: ‘Tasmanian Mother of the Year.’ In which her son, Damien 16, nominated her. This has taken her all the way to become Australian Mother of the Year, announced May 7th at ‘The Ivy’ in Sydney. This has seen her carry out many media obligations, of all forms.
In the world today, this message of hope is much needed. Bernadette has devoted her life to seeing its light shine in the paths of those who come across her way