Julie Bertram
The founder of Revesby Uniting Church’s Kids@Revesby Preschool Playgroup in 2009, started out as a primary school teacher but has managed a range of educational programs including being co-coordinator of the Deadly Beginnings – Deadly Futures program and facilitator for the Guring Gang Playgroup and Learning Zone Project for Bankstown Community Resource Group.
She was also chairperson or the Child Care Centre Management Committee, coordinator for the Support Group for Children and Parents with Disabilities, Georges River Presbytery Children’s Liaison and coordinator for Children’s Christmas Workshops among other roles both paid and voluntary.
The former Panania Public School teacher was also the recipient of a Zest Award in 2017.
Mrs Bertram said she was surprised and honoured to receive the OAM.
“I have no idea who nominated me, so it did come as a bit of a shock,” she said.
“But it feels lovely to be acknowledged for all of my work with children and families.”
Now 63, the mother of two daughters and first-time grandmother has retired from teaching but is still running Kids@Revesby and has no plans to put her feet up.
“It’s just so rewarding working with children; they bring you great joy and it definitely keeps you young, I have energy to burn.”