Management Board

Katie is CEO of Awards WA, delivering the world’s largest youth development program - The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - in WA and since 2018, Ignite Award.  Under this multi-service platform and with the assistance of a large volunteer network, member based Awards WA supports over 4,000 young people and over 100 partner organisations annually.

Katie is an executive with a proven track record in achieving strong organisational outcomes and is known as a proactive and energetic leader in the community and member sector who thrives in providing positive strategic and functional results.  

As an avid sportsperson, fitness professional, wife and mother, Katie has a deep connection and commitment to a strong and active community in Western Australia.

Adam Marr- Vice Chairperson

Adams drive comes from working with leaders and their teams to develop, road test and deliver the 3-5 year strategic plan in the context of a broader 30+ year 'Future-Fit' outlook.
 
He has been fortunate to travel, live and work overseas and all Australian States/Territories in capital, regional & remote settings - across private, public and non-profit sectors in start-ups and $1bn+ organisations.
 

Adam completed his undergrad in Business Systems at RMIT & Master of Science in Sustainable Development at Curtin. Thriving creative sustainable communities that regenerate nature's biodiversity and connect us with each other and the outdoors is the future Adam is focused on.

Duncan is the Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation at The University of Notre Dame Australia. He has a passion for providing stimulating and challenging outdoor learning opportunities for the benefit of students and aims to develop the profile of Outdoor Education in schools and the wider community. He enjoys all outdoor pursuits.

He has a passion for working with people with special needs in the outdoors and academically has recently submitted a Doctorate of Education titled The Nature and Scope of Outdoor Education in Secondary Schools in Western Australia.

Duncan is also involved with the Curriculum Advisory Council - Outdoor Education and is an Accredited Practitioner of the Institute for Outdoor Learning.

Graham Sharpe

Graham Sharpe was appointed to Outdoors WA Board of Management in 2014 after a long tenure on the WA Industry Standards Panel. Graham is responsible for training and safety for the Sport and Recreation (WA) Recreation Camps a division of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, formally the Department of Sport and Recreation. Graham has been involved in the outdoor recreation sector since 2004 as a multi-qualified instructor, trainer and assessor and training and safety manager. 

Graham has experience in the development of policies, procedures and standards and has contributed to the development of the Australian Adventure Activity Standards, WA Adventure Activity Standards, Department of Education Guidelines, Outdoor Recreation Training Package, Australian Canoeing Award Scheme, National Outdoor Leader Registration Scheme (NOLRS), legal enquiries and other contributions to sector development. 

Graham holds post-graduate qualifications in management (learning) and has studied across outdoor recreation, training, disability, work health safety learning areas. Graham is a Principal Auditor for Quality Management Systems and is a Director for the Australian Camps Association.

Bernadette Suriani

Bernadette Suriani is a Senior Program Coordinator at Bickley Outdoor Recreation Camp – Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries. She has worked for twelve years in the Outdoor Sector beginning in Outdoor Education expeditions and making her way to entry level Outdoor Recreation at Bickley Camp.

Bernadette has an enthusiastic passion for working outdoors and is one of those lucky people who loves their job. Working daily with trainees, colleagues, casual instructors and clients helps her pass on her passion to the future workers of the outdoors. When not at work Bernadette enjoys ocean swimming, hanging with her chickens, outdoor walks and spending quality time with her little family.

Matt Goodbody

Matt has always been passionate about being outdoors. He enjoys kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, overland touring and is eager to encourage others into the outdoors. Since 2004 he has worked as a freelance Outdoor Educator throughout WA and Australia and is currently an Outdoor Education Teacher at Christ Church Grammar School. Matt is also a sessional academic at the University of Notre Dame, WA. 

Matt relocated to Bendigo, Victoria in 2014 to study Outdoor Education at La Trobe University where he spent 3 years developing his personal skill set and understanding of outdoor learning. He then completed his Master’s in Applied Learning and Secondary Teaching at Deakin University, Victoria. Matt also holds certificates in Outdoor Recreation and Training and Assessment.

Matt considers himself fortunate to be able to share his passion with young people in the outdoors to provide meaningful learning experiences about themselves, the people around them and the natural world all whilst having a great time outside. Matt is also involved in training upcoming outdoor leaders through a traineeship program at Christ Church Grammar School.

Matt believes his skill set supplements the Outdoors WA board by bringing an understanding of the Co-Curricular Outdoor Education sector and Outdoor Recreation Traineeships as well as a personal understanding of the enjoyment and diversity of activities that outdoors WA has to offer.

Jennifer Harris - Treasurer