Alumni Inspiration

Bronnie Taylor (Washington, 1986)

NSW Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health
Deputy leader of the NSW Nationals

What was life like when you were a Pymble girl?
Life was great – I was a Boarder so I remember sleeping on the open verandah, the amazing stories, incredible friendships but most of all the belly laughs.

What is a highlight of your time at Pymble?
When I left Pymble I honestly believed I could achieve anything. I have two standout memories: The first isn’t exactly a highlight but I remember being called into the Head Mistress’ office for behaviour that wasn’t exactly befitting of a Pymble girl! I mention this because it taught me so much and really shaped who I am today. You
can come back as long as you learn and you grow from your mistakes. My second memory is my Year 12 Formal – I ended up marrying my date, Dunc, so it was a great night!

Did you always know what you wanted to do?
No! But what lit a fire for me was when alumni Edwina Saunders (1984) spoke to us about her experience as a paediatric oncologist nurse in London. It was at that moment I knew I wanted to enter nursing.

Tell us a little about your journey?
Before entering Parliament, I spent 20 years working in health as a registered nurse, specialising in cancer care and palliative care. I became one of the first McGrath Foundation breast care nurses and then the Director of Cancer Services in the Southern NSW Local Health District. Determined to get better services for patients in
regional NSW, I entered local government serving as the Deputy Mayor of the Cooma-Monaro Shire before being elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 2015.

Who inspires you?
My patients, because of their strength and courage in the face of adversity.

What do you know now that you wish you had discovered earlier?
That leadership comes in all shapes and forms.