Dr Bronwyn Herbert from Moreton Bay College in Manly West, who became a social worker at 40 and earned her PhD at 90, has been named the 2025 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year.
She received the prestigious award for her tireless work combatting homelessness and dedication to lifelong learning.
Dr Herbert’s journey into social work began after a personal tragedy and witnessing the struggles of others. As a young widow, she was moved by the lack of support for a couple who lost their baby and inspired by her parents’ generosity towards those in need. This led her to pursue a career in social work that lasted 60 years.
During her extensive career, she noticed a troubling pattern: many children who experienced homelessness ended up homeless again as adults. Determined to understand this cycle, Dr Herbert retired as Community Program Manager at Silky Oak Children’s Haven at 81 to focus on her research.
Her PhD thesis, completed at the University of Queensland, explored the factors contributing to intergenerational homelessness. Dr Herbert examined how early experiences of homelessness affected young people’s relationships, education, and job prospects. She wanted to find ways to break this cycle and offer better support to vulnerable families.
Throughout her career, Dr Herbert has been recognised for her outstanding contributions. She received awards for her work at the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she developed programs to support struggling families. Moreton Bay College, where she graduated, also awarded her the MBC Medal in 2009 for her exceptional community service.
Dr Herbert’s dedication to helping others and her passion for learning have inspired many. Even at 91, she makes a difference by sharing the stories of people who have overcome adversity. Her remarkable achievements serve as a reminder that it’s never too late to learn and make a positive impact on the world.
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Dr Herbert’s work has significantly improved the lives of countless individuals and families affected by homelessness. Her research has provided valuable insights into the complex causes of intergenerational homelessness and has informed the development of more effective support programs.
Her path to success was not without its challenges. She faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her son, and overcame health issues such as a heart operation and a fall requiring hospitalisation. However, with her family’s and university advisors’ support, she persevered and achieved her goals.
Published Date 08-Jan-2024