Bernadette Shields was an Aboriginal Health Worker with more than 55+ years of experience improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. She received the Individual Contribution Award at the 2007 National Excellence Awards, recognising her leadership and lasting impact.
Starting in 1970 at Darwin’s East Arm Leprosarium, Bernadette built her work around storytelling, using visual tools and informal narratives to share health messages in culturally meaningful ways. She went on to help establish Darwin’s first mobile outreach clinic, delivering care to remote camps and homeless communities.
Throughout her career, she has addressed key health issues including STDs, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and chronic disease. As Director of the Aboriginal Living with Alcohol program, she supported community-led change and trained health workers across the Northern Territory. She also helped create ongoing Aboriginal health promotion roles within government programs.
Her storytelling approach has reached communities across Australia and internationally, including Indigenous groups in Canada. Bernadette’s work continues to empower communities through accessible, culturally grounded health education.
To this day Bernadette is still actively involved in community, sharing her knowledge and spreading joy wherever she goes.
