On 1 May, family and friends said goodbye to the founding president of the Brunswick Valley Historical Society (BVHS) Robyn Anne Gray (nee Harkness) OAM.
She was remembered affectionately by her life-long friend, BVHS member Helen L’Orange AM (nee Alidenes), as intelligent, generous, and with a wry, understated sense of humour who always saw the lighter side of life.
After achieving two degrees and later a graduate diploma, working in Brisbane and Melbourne and taking a year to teach English in Italy she met and married her life partner Christopher Gray in 1976. A year later they moved back to Mullubmbimby where Robyn had grown up.
‘Concerned that local history was being lost, she helped found what is now the Brunswick Valley Historical Society in 1982 and became its first president,’ said Christopher during his tribute at her funeral service.
‘One of her most significant achievements was saving the old 1907 Mullumbimby Post Office from demolition. With a small group of dedicated volunteers, she helped raise the funds to move and restore it as a museum – creating a lasting home for the region’s history.’
Robyn and Christopher made their home in Eureka for 40 years.
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