Lifelong learning: How MBC graduate Dr Bronwyn Herbert continues to make positive change in her 90s

With the school year coming to a close and opening doors for our graduates, Dr Bronwyn Herbert (nee Irvine) is proof that there is no need to rush in choosing what to study.

Moreton Bay College graduate Dr Bronwyn Herbert, who has recently completed her PhD at age 90, was awarded 2025 Queensland Senior Australian of the Year on Monday, 18 November.

Dr Herbert was inspired by her parents, who would give food and clothing to people who were struggling. Bearing witness to the cycle of homelessness, Dr Herbert has dedicated her life to social work. She originally completed a Bachelor of Social Work at age 40 and her Master of Social Work (Research) at age 61.

In the years 1996 to 2004, Dr Herbert worked as the Coordinator of the Parent Aide Unit at the Royal Children's Hospital, developing prevention programs such as the Commonwealth's Strengthening Families Program and an Indigenous program to support struggling families. During this time, Dr Herbert was awarded the 2001 Royal Children’s Hospital and Health Service District Award and the Parent Aide Unit was a Queensland Health State winner in the 2002 National Community Link Volunteer Awards.

The College recognised for her outstanding contributions to the community with the MBC Medal in 2009.

She then worked as the Community Program Manager for Silky Oak Children’s Haven, managing the Homeless Program and the Therapy/Counselling Program until age 81, when she retired to focus on her PhD the following year.

This was not without challenges; these achievements were won despite the death of her son, a heart operation and a fall that landed her in hospital. She credits her husband, children and university advisors for encouraging her and contributing to her success.

Dr Herbert has always loved helping people and giving the homeless a “different alternative to their life”. She was inspired to continue studying upon noticing the intergenerational homelessness that brought children she had helped back to the program in adulthood. She wanted to fill in the gaps as to why this was the case and to find a solution. Her resulting work and research has created a better understanding of homelessness and has changed countless lives nationally.

This is by no means the end of Dr Herbert’s story – now 91, she’ll now be recording the inspiring stories of those who have made great changes in their lives. She is a reminder to graduates to follow what gives them drive and know they can achieve great things in their own time.

Congratulations to Old Girl Dr Bronwyn Herbert!