The 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.

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 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.

Mike has been working and playing in the outdoors since the early 2000s, working for many different organisations and in many different parts of the world since then. He is currently a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate, researching the design and implementation of an evidence-based Outdoor Education program that aims to improves wellbeing in young adolescents. This involves publication of his research in peer-reviewed academic journals, with the goal of lifting the profile of Outdoor Education as a medium to improve the mental health of young people in the community. In addition to research, Mike works as a Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame Australia, teaching Outdoor Education and Outdoor Recreation to undergraduate students. Mike loves spending time in the outdoors and is often found with his young son in a backpack carrier, walking through his favourite parts of the Perth bushland. Mike believes that the outdoors is a place that all people should be involved in, and hopes to provide insight to the Outdoors WA Board to inform best practice and encourage active participation for the outdoor industry in Western Australia.