PROFILE
As a qualified carpenter turned site manager, Bardie knows the value women bring to trades and has a unique perspective to share as a pioneering force for other women who want to succeed in trades.
Competing in Network Ten’s The Bridge, Bardie took home first place after proving her courage and determination, and winning fans across the country.
Bardie is currently renovating her home, a journey she is sharing on her Instagram. Bardie also runs The Shift, a platform for tradies to connect, learn and grow–her vision is to share her own mental health journey and to give tradies tools for life.
SPEAKING TOPICS
WORKING IN A MALE DOMINATED INDUSTRY
| Experiencing years of sexism and discrimination in the workforce, has made Bardie Somerville approach a job site differently and is part of why she is such an inspiring voice.
Bardie is deeply committed to driving improved conditions for women in trades in Australia; by advocating for the establishment of a framework of support via industry organizations, government bodies, and trade employers, to ensure young women in trades are empowered and respected. She believes that whilst there is work to be done, change is possible and in this presentation she explains what can be done to make real change – all with the same energy that she delivers to her worksites and with a strength and zest for life that motivates everyone around her. |
GIVING TRADIES TOOLS FOR LIFE
Mental health is not a common subject talked about at a job site, on smoko or at knock off drinks. But looking after your mental health in conjunction with your emotional and physical health is key to doing your job well and enjoying life outside of work – something Bardie knows all too well.
At age 20, Bardie was in a dark place. Feeling a lack of support, connection and like she had no one to turn to, Bardie attempted to take her own life.
From there she has made it her purpose to change the industry and ensure mental health and wellbeing practices are just as integral to a job site as as the physical safety procedures. Bardie currently runs The Shift, a platform for tradies to connect, learn and grow – her vision – to give tradies tools for life.
Bardie’s honesty and vulnerability allows others to in turn open up about their own mental health struggles. She provides all the tools and advice from her own experience, in the hope of helping others who are struggling, or at least make them feel less alone.
