Director - Strategic Projects

Bernie is a strategic, values driven leader passionate about helping purpose driven organisations to grow their impact. Bernie joined Thrive as Director Strategic Partnerships in April 2023 following almost five years as CEO of Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, one of Australia's largest refugee settlement and migrant services organisations.

Bernie's career spanning over 25 years includes leadership roles across refugee settlement, early childhood education, community, aged and disability sectors where he has been a passionate advocate for inclusive systems change. Bernie is experienced in engaging high levels of government on complex policy and funding reforms to deliver positive social change and enjoys forging cross sector partnerships and collaborations for collective impact.  

Bernie graduated with an Executive MBA with the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and completed the Harvard University Strategic Perspectives In NFP Leadership Program in 2014.

At Thrive, Bernie is excited by the opportunity to forge new partnerships and collaborations with government, community, corporate and small business sectors that provide new pathways to employment and small business ownership for refugees settling in Australia