Working for the past twenty-five years in a variety of roles including advocating for Catholic Education on a governance level in Tasmania, it’s no wonder Fr Bernie Graham has been awarded for his exemplary contribution to Catholic Education.
Receiving his award from the Tasmanian Catholic Education Commission on Thursday, August 18, Fr Bernie said he feels honored by the recognition.
“I must say that the Award came as a complete surprise to me so I am both honored and amazed,” he said.
Fr Bernie was nominated for his dedication and contribution to the establishment of Guilford Young College as well as the reconfiguration of Dominic College whilst serving as school principal during its transition from kinder to year ten in 1995.
“I worked at Dominic College for ten years from 1990 to 1999, where I was firstly Religious Education Coordinator then Deputy Principal of the Year 7 to 9 Campus and then was Principal of the College for five years.
“The decision to restructure Catholic Education in Hobart and the process of implementing this decision was a very challenging one for all concerned,” he said.
“The huge financial, human resources and emotional time and energy that was spent at that time was significant, and it was only after several years of hard work and gradual changes that the ‘New Dominic’ came into being.”
Since 2010, Fr Bernie has taken a keen interest in the health, viability and vibrancy of the Catholic Education system in Tasmania, and has exercised leadership by being an active member of three inter-related governing bodies.
“Since 2010 my contribution has been in the area of governance. During these years I have been the Chair of the College Council and a member of the College Governing Council which is a Congregational school.
“At the same time I have also represented the Salesians of Don Bosco and Dominic College on the Governing Council of Guilford Young College and the Association of Catholic Colleges of Tasmania,” he said.
Fr Bernie continues to positively contribute and support Catholic Education in his roles as the Salesian delegate for youth ministry for the Australia-Pacific Province and as the Vice Provincial of the Australia-Pacific Provence of the Salesians of Don Bosco.