What happens when wise women come together?
Second 50 is an ecosystem of Australian women exploring what it means to live, contribute and thrive in the second half of life.
Some women join because they are navigating change. Others are seeking fresh ideas, meaningful connections or a greater sense of purpose. Many arrive with questions about what comes next.
What they often discover is a community of thoughtful women willing to share wisdom, experience, encouragement and opportunities.
Through conversations, shared experiences and member-led initiatives, women learn from one another, explore new possibilities and create positive change together.
This is not a place where anyone has all the answers. It is a place where women help one another ask better questions.
The question that started it all
As Carolyn Betts approached 50, she found herself asking a question: In a potentially 100-year life, what do I want to do with my Second 50, and how do I make a longer life worth living?
By most external measures, life was already successful. Carolyn had built several careers, raised a family, contributed to causes she cared about and achieved many of the things she once thought would bring fulfilment.
Yet something was missing. Like many midlife women, she was juggling competing responsibilities, navigating change and carrying the invisible mental load that so many women know well. She wasn't unhappy, but she increasingly felt the tension between the life she was living and the life she might want.
When she began talking about it, she discovered she wasn't alone. One conversation became ten. Ten became dozens. Then hundreds. Women spoke about purpose, identity, contribution, ageing, caregiving, work, health, relationships, courage and what comes next. Again and again, the same themes emerged.
What began as a personal search for answers became a living experiment in collective wisdom.
Today, Carolyn leads Second 50 as a growing ecosystem of women who are learning from one another, sharing opportunities, exploring new possibilities and creating positive change together.
Read Carolyn's story
Carolyn Betts
Community Leader
Our DNA
Vision
To make the world better because women from midlife onwards feel valued and can contribute their lived experience and wisdom in ways that are meaningful, visible and recognised.
Mission
We are gathering women from midlife onwards who are motivated to make positive change happen, to learn together, support one another and use our collective wisdom, so that we can reimagine and act on new possibilities and rewrite the story for all Australian women.
Values
Gain and Give
A reciprocal community where experienced women learn, grow, and support each other.
Co-creation and Co-leadership
We leverage the collective energy, skills, and wisdom of our members, encouraging women to step up in meaningful ways.
Safety, Welcome, and Inclusivity
Every member is a guardian of our community's safety and inclusivity.
Join a community of experienced women who are curious about what else is possible
Whether you're exploring what's next, looking for meaningful connections, seeking fresh perspectives or wanting to contribute in new ways, we'd love to welcome you.
Join Second 50