Bardie Somerville
Carpenter & Advocate for Mental Wellbeing of Australians in Trades
A qualified carpenter turned site manager, breaking down barriers in the traditionally male-dominated trades industry. With firsthand experience working on the tools and managing teams, Bardie brings an authentic, empowering perspective on the challenges and rewards women face in trades. She advocates for women’s success in the industry and is a vocal mental health advocate for tradespeople and is paving the way for others to thrive in trades.
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Bardie Somerville is a carpenter, site manager, mental health advocate and champion for women in trades. With firsthand experience of the challenges facing women in male-dominated industries, Bardie is committed to creating safer, more inclusive worksites while promoting mental health and wellbeing across the construction sector.
Her own journey has shaped her mission. At age 20, Bardie reached a dark point in her life and attempted to take her own life. Determined to ensure no one else feels as isolated, she now runs The Shift, a platform supporting tradies with tools, resources and connection to build resilience and wellbeing on and off the job.
Bardie first came to national attention on Network Ten’s reality show The Bridge, where she was crowned the winner for her skill, determination and leadership while building a bridge in remote Tasmania. Her experiences of sexism, discrimination and mental health struggles in the workforce have fuelled her drive to empower young women in trades and champion industry-wide change.
As a speaker and media contributor, Bardie shares her authentic, candid and inspiring perspective on mental health, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her presentations combine practical insights with energy, honesty and vulnerability, motivating audiences to take meaningful action.
