Dr Bernadette Dlabik – Osteopath, Public Health Advocate & Founder

Bernadette Dlabik is a qualified osteopath with a Bachelor of Clinical Science and a Master of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a proud member of the Australian Osteopathic Association and brings both clinical expertise and personal insight to her practice.

Bernadette’s journey into osteopathy began with a knee injury sustained during a roller derby competition. Months of limited mobility and chronic discomfort led her to seek osteopathic treatment, which not only restored her function but also inspired her to dedicate her career to helping others experience similar healing and empowerment.

Her approach to treatment is holistic, patient-centred, and grounded in science. She draws on her in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurology, and nutrition, using a range of hands-on osteopathic techniques to support the body’s natural self-healing processes. Her treatments are always tailored to the individual, aiming to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve long-term health outcomes. She also incorporates movement and exercise guidance into her care, empowering patients to take control of their own health and recovery.

Beyond the clinic, Bernadette has a strong commitment to community health. She has contributed her skills at culturally significant events such as the Koori Rugby Knockout and volunteered her time and expertise in remote villages of Papua New Guinea. These experiences revealed to her the stark gaps in access to basic healthcare and preventative education in rural and underserved regions.

Motivated by a deep desire to create meaningful change, Bernadette is currently undertaking postgraduate studies in Public Health and Tropical Medicine at James Cook University. This advanced training is equipping her with the tools to address health challenges on a broader scale, particularly in resource-limited settings where tropical diseases and preventable illnesses continue to impact daily life.

Her long-term vision is to establish a network of preventative health and education clinics in remote villages across Papua New Guinea and expand throughout the Pacific Islands. These clinics will focus on early intervention, culturally sensitive health education, and community empowerment. Bernadette believes that sustainable health starts with knowledge and access, and she is dedicated to building a model of care that not only treats illness but prevents it—one that respects cultural traditions while promoting long-term health equity across the region.

When she’s not treating patients or studying, you’ll find Bernadette engaged in community outreach or recharging in nature, always connected to the people and places that fuel her passion for healing.