The Board is supported by the National Advisory Group, which comprises dedicated volunteer lay advisors from diverse professional backgrounds. This group works alongside the Financial and Risk Advisory Subcommittee and the Clinical Advisory Subcommittee to provide expert guidance and support.
Our volunteer lay advisors, who share our Catholic faith, mission, and vision, generously dedicate their time and expertise despite their demanding schedules.
Bernadette brings extensive experience to her role as Chair of the National Advisory Group. She currently serves as a senior member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, specializing in guardianship and human rights. Throughout her career as a government lawyer, Bernadette has held senior roles across various departments, including Deputy Secretary at the Department of Justice Victoria. She has also served on the boards of several organisations, such as Catholic Care Melbourne and Australian Catholic University.
Natasha is a senior clinician, administrator, and researcher with international experience across Europe and the Asia Pacific as a palliative care consultant in both public and private sectors. She brings deep expertise in caring for vulnerable populations, bioethics, quality assurance, risk management, and governance. Natasha holds the position of Associate Professor at the Institute of Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, and serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Plunkett Centre for Ethics, ACU, and Monash University. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Villa Maria Catholic Homes.
Nicholas is regarded as the “big brother” and spiritual mentor of the NAG. His connection with the Little Sisters of the Poor dates back to 1963 when he first served as a legal advisor and councillor. A retired solicitor with over 40 years of experience, Nicholas specialised in commercial law, wills, and trusts. He has also contributed to numerous non-profit organisations, serving as a member or chair, including Jesuit institutes and the Cistercian Monks. As a professional counsellor and spiritual director, Nicholas was a valued member of the Ignatian Campion Retreat Team for more than 30 years.
John brings extensive expertise in tax and accounting, with a strong focus on compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness. As the founding director of Acknowledge Accounting Chartered Accountants, he works closely with clients across business services and superannuation to deliver tailored financial solutions.
John holds several postgraduate qualifications in health management and nursing, including a Doctor of Health. He served as Director of Nursing at St Joseph’s Hospital in Auburn for nearly 30 years and was an adjunct professor of nursing at Australian Catholic University for a decade. Additionally, John contributed six years as a member of the National Heritage & Archives Advisory Committee for the Sisters of Charity Australia.
Michael brings extensive experience in information technology and cybersecurity. For the past 18 years, he has successfully operated a business delivering a wide range of ICT services to Australian Catholic institutions across education, digital media, social services, and health sectors. Before founding his company, Michael had a successful career in Human Resources with several publicly listed Australian organisations.
Photos of Bernadette, Natasha, Nicholas and John Kelly, courtesy of Joe Vittorio Photography.
