She is currently Head of Research, Evaluation and Insights at Life Saving Victoria, where she leads initiatives to inform evidence-based drowning prevention, public engagement, and policy reform. She also holds an academic appointment as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University.

With over 20 years at Life Saving Victoria, Bernadette has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, contributed to numerous public awareness campaigns, and provided expert advice to coronial investigations, legislative reviews, and local and international water safety strategies.

Bernadette played a key role in making swimming and water safety education a mandatory component of the Victorian primary school curriculum. Her contributions have been recognised internationally, including receiving the International Life Saving Federation Citation of Merit for her leadership in local and global drowning prevention efforts, particularly her work in improving water safety in Sri Lanka.