Degree in later life
Ms Anita Selwyn of Woy Woy has completed a Bachelor of Community Management at Macquarie University despite being nearly 70 years of age.
Ms Selwyn grew up in a time when education for indigenous people was minimal and this strengthened her resolve later in life to learn.
"It was something that had always played on my mind," Ms Selwyn said.
"I wanted to better myself."
Ms Selwyn has been undertaking TAFE courses for the past 17 years and through gaining her Diploma of Aboriginal Studies she was accepted into Macquarie University.
During the four-year course, Ms Selwyn said there were times when it was challenging because of her background and she had considered giving up.
Ms Selwyn undertakes volunteer work around the Peninsula and is involved in tutoring aboriginal children at Woy Woy Primary School and the Ganang Spirit Dancers group.
After growing up in Dubbo in Wiradjuri country, Ms Selwyn moved to the Central Coast 10 years ago.
Her daughter Sharon also recently graduated from university with a Bachelor of Aboriginal Archaeology at Armidale University.
Kevin Holloway, 2 Oct 2009
Interviewee: Anita Selwyn