Linda Harnett has worked in the Community Services sector since 1977 as both professional and volunteer. 

She was appointed Manager of Bayside Family Day Care in the year 2000, after more than a decade as Coordinator.

From 2005-2009, Linda served as an industry-expert Family Day Care Service Validator for the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

In May 2003, Linda was awarded an Australian Centenary Medal by the Commonwealth Government for 'Distinguished Services to Early Childhood Education.' 

Linda's academic credentials include:

• Diploma of Child Care & Education, North Point TAFE, 1999

• Bachelor of Community Welfare, James Cook University, 1993

• Master of Arts in Women's Studies, Griffith University, 1998

• Certificate III Associate Diploma in Residential Care, Brisbane College of Advanced Education, 1984

• Certificate in Welfare Practices, Kangaroo Point TAFE, 1980

Linda's community involvements include:

• Family Day Care Representative of the Queensland Child Care Coalition (1999-2002)

• Elected Member of the Social and Community Services Industry Board (2002-2003)

• Past President, Redlands Domestic Violence Service (1998-2003)

• Author, Funding Submission which established the Redlands Domestic Violence Service (1990-2003)

• Appointed Member, Bayside Health Service District Council (1999-2002)

• Community Representative, Bayside Health Service District Research Ethics Committee (2000-2002)

Previously, Linda worked as:

• Residential Program Office with Disability Services (1985-1989)

• Youth Worker with children coming into the care of the Department of Families through the court system (1981-85)

• Support Worker with homeless adults: Volunteer (1977-1980)

A key measure of Linda's success as Manager of Bayside Family Day Care has been: that the Service has, at November 2011, achieved four consecutive 'High Quality' Accreditation Ratings (the highest and most coveted quality rating) from the National Childcare Accreditation Council, based on external validator site visits and studies -- including parent and educator feedback -- of the quality of care provided by the Service.

Linda Harnett pictured here with
Appreciation Award for 20 Years of Service,
presented by Staff of Bayside Family Day Care,
at a Luncheon held in her honour on January 28, 2009
at The Roman Empire Restaurant.