Member Spotlight: Brenda

Brenda is one of the cherished gems of OWNQ, bringing warmth and joy to everyone around her. She is one of our oldest members! Her positive energy is truly infectious, and her deep sense of community shines through in everything she does. We were excited to take a moment to get to know her a little better.

Born in 1932 in a small town near Geraldton in Western Australia, Brenda’s early life was one of constant movement. Her family never owned a home, but they always made the best of what they had—living in places like an old schoolhouse for a time.

At five years old, she was diagnosed with a hearing impairment. Though she could still hear if people spoke loudly and closely, the doctors couldn’t pinpoint why, though her father had also been a bit hard of hearing. Despite the challenge, her determination helped her navigate school. Sitting at the front of the class, most teachers were supportive, and her peers were her biggest allies, though one high school teacher made things difficult.

She had dreams of becoming a missionary nurse, but her hearing impairment posed an obstacle. “You’re deaf, you can’t do it,” a matron once told her. Instead, she found joy in looking after children and gardening, and by age 16, she saved up for her first hearing aid, which made life a bit easier.

At 18, she married a young farmer, and together they built a life. Their first home had no running water, no electricity, and no phone—just two rooms, where the children slept around the bed. Her brother-in-law eventually built them a small addition for the children. She raised chickens, selling the eggs to help support the family. Over time, they were blessed with six children, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Motherhood, she notes, looks very different today. She reflects on how many mothers now balance work outside the home with raising their children. At 40, she became a single mother, but with the support of public housing and caring government workers, she was able to stay in her home.

She’s had the joy of helping raise her grandchildren both in Brisbane and in Bendigo. She’s been there to lend a hand, offering care and support whenever needed. Whether in the bustle of Brisbane or the quiet of Bendigo, she’s cherished the opportunity to watch them grow and be a part of their lives in meaningful ways.

Brenda’s love for herbs began when she landed a job selling herbal products. Encouraged to learn more, she decided to take matters into her own hands and started the very first Western Australian Herb Society 44 years ago. Her passion for herbs led to talks at local community groups, features on ABC radio, and even TV appearances. Recently, she shared her wisdom with the Albany Creek Gardening Club.

A devout Christian, she often quotes, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed…” She firmly believes in the healing power of herbs, relying on her daily cups of herbal tea to keep her in good health. Gotu Kola and Moringa are two of her top recommendations.

An avid tennis player for most of her life, she only slowed down after a fall a couple of years ago. Her love of the sport led her to an unforgettable trip to the Australian Open organised by Channel 7, where she met the legendary Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Today, she stays active through gardening—always on the move, tending to her home and herb group.

For her, community isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. She stays deeply connected with her family and church, cherishing the bonds they share. Over the years, she was a familiar face at the church’s yearly youth camps, lending a hand with cooking and laundry. Her ANZAC biscuits, famous among the campers, became a sweet highlight of those gatherings. Whether supporting her church family or caring for her own, she believes in the power of coming together and sharing in each other’s lives.

She has just recently returned from a trip back to Western Australia to reconnect with friends and family. Someday, she dreams of riding a steam train—just another adventure waiting to happen.