01/09/2026
Remembering Dr Bronwyn Herbert OAM | 1933 - 2026
Last week, members of the Silky Oaks Board and leadership team joined Bronwyn Herbert’s family and friends to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose connection with Silky Oaks spanned many decades.
Bronwyn was a social worker, leader, mentor and passionate advocate for people experiencing disadvantage. During her many years with Silky Oaks, she worked extensively within our Family Care and Support Program and later held management responsibilities across our Therapy and Out of Home Care programs, including serving as Community Programs Manager. Those who worked alongside Bronwyn remember someone who went well beyond the requirements of her role, supportive, encouraging, compassionate and deeply committed to improving the lives of others.
At the heart of Bronwyn’s life was her Christian faith. Her love for Jesus Christ shaped how she saw and served others, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, and prayer remained an important part of her life. She sought to live out her faith through service to others and, in doing so, leaves an example that continues to challenge and inspire us.
Remarkably, Bronwyn worked with Silky Oaks until the age of 81 before turning her attention to completing a PhD examining homelessness, which she received at 90. Her contribution was also recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
We honour Bronwyn with enormous gratitude and extend our love and condolences to the Herbert and Mercer families.
