Dr Bronwyn Herbert completed a Bachelor of Social Work at age 40 years, her master’s at age 61 years, and was awarded her PhD last year at age 90 years.
As a child, Bronwyn saw her parents give food and clothing to people who were struggling. Then, as a new widow experiencing grief with a newborn, she noticed no help was available to a young couple in the same hospital who had lost their baby. Bronwyn enrolled in a social work course and embarked on a career that has lasted 60 years.
As a social worker, Bronwyn noticed many children who had experienced homelessness with their parents, fell into homelessness as adults. She wanted to know why – and retired at 81 so she would have time to study this for her thesis.
Bronwyn’s work and research has changed countless lives nationally and contributed to a better understanding of homelessness and how to break the cycle.