Brave Foundation to expand to include new systemic advocacy division; welcomes new appointments in CEO and Ambassador roles

31st Jan 2022

After successfully securing additional program funding to enable the continuation of their ‘Supporting Parenting and Expecting Teens’ (SEPT) program, national not-for-profit Brave Foundation is set to expand their organisational operations, appointing a new CEO and establishing a new ‘Social Economic Empowerment Division’ (SEED).  

In her new role as inaugural Social Economic Empowerment Ambassador, Brave founder and former CEO Bernadette Black AM will lead the division in its goal of developing policy and funding approaches that intersect with multiple government departments, streamlining service delivery to better assist Australia’s most at risk young families over the long term. 

“Over the next five years, our vision is to establish a ‘pre-social services sector’. By increasing the resources available to early prevention non-profits such as Brave, we will generate social and economic empowerment not only in the young families we engage, but their communities and our nation as a whole”, Bernadette says.  

“I firmly believe Australia can lead the way in transforming our traditional government systems so that assistance can be accessed easier and earlier by those that need it most, allowing for longer lasting and more meaningful impact.” 

Former World Vision Australia executive and newly appointed CEO, Jill Roche, has been a key contributor to Brave’s operations and strategic planning since joining the organisation as Chief Operating Officer in October 2019.  Her significant leadership experience in the not for profit, consulting and corporate sectors has assisted Brave’s transition from trial phase to full-service implementation and service expansion. 

“I am excited to be leading Brave as we work to increase our reach and impact nationally; this role feels like I am coming full circle after starting my own parenting journey as a single mother of twins at the age of 20.  I have a deep appreciation for the potential of teen parents, knowing they are tenacious, adaptable, and caring members of their families and communities.”  

To read the full media release, please click here.

Brave Foundation secures $6 million grant to expand Supporting Expecting and Parenting Teens (SEPT) Program

22nd May 2021

National not-for-profit organisation Brave Foundation is set to receive $6 million to deliver their expanded SEPT program across Australia, under the federal Office for Women’s ‘Women’s Leadership and Development Program’. This funding will allow Brave to support over 1000 young parents over the grant period of 2020/21 – 2023-24, with a particular focus on supporting young mothers to engage with workforce and education opportunities.

CEO and Founding Director of Brave Foundation Bernadette Black AM said the new grant signifies a major commitment from the Federal Government in ensuring the futures of young parents and their families.

“We have countless young expecting and parenting women knocking on our door – this funding will allow us to open that door and empower these women so they can reach their boundless potential,” she said. “This is a watershed moment for some of the women most at risk of disadvantage in Australia and will have positive impact for generations to come.

“We are so grateful to be able to continue the momentum of our successful SEPT trial, and to move into this next chapter of growth, expansion, and learning alongside our program participants.”

To read the full media release, please click here.

From Left to Right:Brave Foundation CEO and Founder Director Bernadette Black AM, Prime Minister the Hon. Scott Morrison; Brave Foundation COO Jill Roche; Brave Foundation Chief Mentor Manager Allison Levinson; Brave Foundation Mentor Katrina Higgins, at Ravenswood Child and Family Centre, Ravenswood Tasmania, 22nd May 2021.

Brave CEO Bernadette Black appointed Member of the Order of Australia

Jan 2021

Brave Foundation CEO and Founding Director Bernadette Black has been appointed as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia.

Her appointment is for significant service to youth, communities and local government in Australia.

Brave Foundation Chair Professor Maria Harries AM said: “Bernadette’s history of creativity and innovation, along with her determination and commitment to civic life, demonstrate the sort of attributes we should be encouraging in Australia.

Congratulations, Bernadette!

Click here to read the full press release

Dr Maria Harries announced as new Chair of Brave Foundation Board of Directors

November 2020

National not-for-profit organisation Brave Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr Maria Harries as its Chair.

Professor Harries joins the Board following the retirement of previous Chair Gary Lottering, who was Chair for two years and has been on the Board since 2014.

CEO and Founding Director of Brave Foundation Bernadette Black said Professor Harries would bring extensive and relevant experience to the Board as its newly appointed Chair and director.

Click here to read the full press release