Vale Robin Sadler OAM

Her husband Frank Sadler was also awarded the medal that year in recognition of his community service.

Born in 1933 at Rossmore Private Hospital in Benalla to a local family with strong community involvement, Robin was the third child of Elsie and George Say, her older siblings being Isabel and Alister.

Her father and paternal grandfather were pharmacists in Benalla, while her maternal grandfather was Reverend Alexander McConnan, the Presbyterian minister.

Robin’s schooling began at Benalla East Primary School, followed by Benalla High School, and from 1948 she attended Presbyterian Ladies College in Melbourne.

Robin won the respect of peers and staff at PLC, showing early signs of leadership as a School Prefect.

Robin trained as a nurse, graduating from The Melbourne School of Nursing in 1954.

In 1955 Robin married Frank Sadler at All Saints Church in East St Kilda.

They set up home at Swanpool farm Bangalore Park and raised four children.

She applied herself to all aspects of sheep farming with zeal while being an active volunteer in community groups.

Robin had a genuine interest in people and enjoyed the social aspect of all the groups in which she took part.

Alongside involvement with the Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and Yooralla Auxiliary, Robin was a member of the Swanpool CWA for 67 years, holding an executive position for nearly 60 years.

Robin’s leadership skills were also exercised in the Girl Guides movement.

She began her association with the organisation as a young member, then became a leader, and afterwards spent 16 years in administrative roles at local, regional and state levels.

Robin’s last role was Victorian State Lone Guides Advisor. When this position finished, she had time to dedicate to her passion for history.

Robin joined the committee of the Benalla Historical Society in the 1980s and worked enthusiastically to champion local history as well as to develop and promote the Benalla Costume and Kelly Museum.

She was a dynamic advocate with an exceptional knowledge of local history which she shared generously.

She was an excellent public speaker, giving tours and history talks to visiting and local groups.

She also worked avidly to care for and exhibit the costume collection.

Robin held the role of president for seven years, and during this time the museum achieved state industry awards in 2009 and 2011.

Robin had a strong and loving marriage and her support for family was resolute.

Her love and wisdom cultivated a place where all could flourish. She cherished her broad network of family and friends.

Robin led a principled life of service to others.

She was inspirational and her work was enabled by boundless energy, intelligence, good humour and great benevolence.

She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Robin is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.