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Bernadette Hetherington
Manager Community Wellbeing
Professional Background
Bernadette Hetherington is a dedicated and experienced community building enthusiast with a strong focus on developing sound and active relationships within her community. Her career spans across various roles, primarily in the preventative health sector, where her commitment to community wellbeing shines through in every initiative she undertakes. As aptly noted by Jeff Yost from the Nebraska Community Foundation, Bernadette embodies the philosophy of 'build relationships before you need them.' This proactive approach to community engagement has become a hallmark of her career, placing her at the forefront of creating meaningful connections that foster community resilience and participation.
With an impressive track record at Moreland City Council, Bernadette currently serves as the Manager of Community Wellbeing. In this role, she is responsible for driving community programs and initiatives that promote public health, enhance quality of life, and empower individuals within her community. Her leadership is characterized by a genuine passion for Asset-Based Community Driven principles, where she actively encourages individuals and groups to leverage their strengths and resources to address local needs effectively.
Prior to her role at Moreland City Council, Bernadette held significant positions at the SUNBURY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, where she worked diligently as the Acting General Manager for Child, Youth, and Family Services. In this capacity, she contributed to vital health programs aimed at supporting the youth and families in the area. Her earlier position as Executive Manager for Building Healthy Communities at the same organization further highlights her commitment to fostering supportive and healthy environments for all residents.
Bernadette is also the founder of the BoilOver Inclusive Performance Ensemble, where her creative endeavors intersect with community building. This initiative reflects her belief in inclusivity and the power of the arts to unite individuals from varying backgrounds, providing a platform for self-expression and collaboration.
Education and Achievements
Bernadette's extensive educational background equips her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in her roles within the community and health sectors. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the Australian Institute of Business. This advanced degree enhances her strategic thinking and management capabilities, serving her well in her responsibilities as a community leader.
Additionally, she earned a Graduate Diploma of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations from RMIT University. This education background allows her to effectively manage and nurture human resources within the organizations she has been part of, ensuring that the teams are motivated, cohesive, and aligned with their community's goals.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Federation University Australia, which provides her with a solid foundation in understanding human behavior, essential for her community-oriented roles. Her diverse academic credentials have equipped her to blend expertise in health, management, and the arts effectively.
Achievements
Bernadette Hetherington's career is marked by noteworthy achievements that speak volumes about her dedication to community welfare and health. Her role as Manager of Community Wellbeing at Moreland City Council highlights her capability in implementing effective health programs designed to empower residents. Her leadership has led to successful community initiatives that emphasize well-being, inclusivity, and the strength of community-driven efforts.
At SUNBURY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, her contributions as Executive Manager for Building Healthy Communities and as Acting General Manager reflect her ability to innovate and drive impactful community services. By focusing on child, youth, and family health, she has played a vital role in enhancing the health outcomes for families in the Sunbury region.
The establishment of BoilOver Inclusive Performance Ensemble is another testament to her visionary approach, showcasing her ability to harness the arts as a means of community engagement and cohesion. This ensemble not only promotes inclusivity but also highlights the importance of cultural contributions to community well-being.
Overall, Bernadette's multifaceted background and her enthusiastic commitment to the principles of community building, combined with her extensive education and remarkable achievements, position her as a key influencer in her field. Her ability to foster relationships and advocate for community health forms a strong foundation for her continued success and impact in the community.
