KATHERINE BERNEY (SHE/HER)

About Katherine Berney

Katherine Berney is a nationally recognised non-profit leader whose work has driven significant policy, prevention and systems reform in Australia’s response to gender-based violence. Through strategic federal policy leadership, she has strengthened national approaches to domestic, family and sexual violence and elevated the role of civil society in shaping long-term, evidence-based reform.

A widely published and influential voice on sector reform, funding integrity and public accountability, Katherine has played a critical role in advancing collaboration across government, community and industry. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to rigorous policy design, transparency and measurable impact, contributing to safer systems and improved outcomes for women, children and non-binary people across Australia.

Celebrating Katherine: The impact of her work

“I have worked in the Gender Based Violence policy and prevention space for over 12 years, I do it because women and children deserve to live safely, and because the systems meant to support them must be stronger, fairer and more accountable. This recognition is meaningful not solely as a personal achievement, but as an acknowledgment of the collective effort behind this work. I accept it with gratitude for the advocates, frontline workers and survivors whose voices and experiences continue to guide and shape lasting change.”