Alice Matilda Robinson BEM (British Empire Medal), JP and generally known as 'Nurse Robinson' served 18 years on the Glen Innes Municipal Council from 1953 to 1971.
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She was deputy mayor for nine months in 1969 until ill health forced her to relinquish the position, and made history when she became the first woman to chair a meeting of that council.
Formerly Alice Edwards, she was born at Deepwater, one of 10 children.
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Sadly her husband, Colin Alexander Robinson of Inverell died of Spanish flu in England in 1918 whilst waiting to embark for home after World War I and her only child, Colin, died in 1939 when hit by a car on the New England highway as he was accompanying a group of boy scouts on an exercise.
After the death of her husband Alice returned to her nursing profession and joined the staff of Dalhousie Private hospital. The building was destroyed by fire in 1979. It was on the site of the parking area at Roseneath.
After nursing privately round the district she took over Somerset Private Hospital in Lambeth Street.
In 1925 she bought Wyalla in Lang Street and ran it as a Maternity Hospital until her retirement in 1941.
She was elected to council in 1963 and became very well known for her involvement in community affairs and as a prolific letter writer to the Examiner.
She had an ambition to qualify as a town clerk, and although this did not happen, she was recognised as an authority in that field.
Her main interests whilst on council were the North West County Council; she was chair of the Municipal Severn Shire Library, foundation chair of the community centre, keenly interested in the building of the swimming baths and kept a keen eye on the parks and gardens, especially the rose gardens in Grey Street and at the baths.
She was also responsible for having two toilet blocks built in the parks by voluntary labour.
Her interest and activities extended beyond council.
She was a foundation member of the womens bowling club where for two years she was the womens singles champion and known state-wide as 'Robbie'.
She also served as president of the New England District Womens Bowling Association, was an active member of RSL Womens Auxiliary and served as president of the Pensioners Association.
Robinson Avenue is named in her memory.
