Vale Poppy Roberts

A gentle, quiet person, Poppy was nevertheless the strength behind her husband Athol, as he fulfilled his interests in farming and the Agro-Political arena.

Her award as Carrathool Shire Citizen of the Year was a wonderful recognition of a lifetime of community work by this well-loved lady, who’s ongoing support enabled her husband to do the Australian and State work which earned him an Order of Australia.

Poppy was born in Cowra, first born child of Thelma and Jack Hailstone and sister to Margaret and brother Kevin, whom she outlived. She was christened Inez Grace, as these succinct names were thought to preclude any nickname! But Poppy she became, a name instigated by her father.

Her childhood was spent moving around NSW with her family as hey pursued bakery businesses in country towns. This led them to Goolgowi in 1943 where they operated the bakery for five years until they moved to Cargo.

Ultimately Poppy returned to Goolgowi to work as a telephonist at the Goolgowi Exchange and where her relationship with her future husband grew.

Poppy was 19 when she married Athol on September 6, 1952 in the Church of England, Cowra, before returning to farm with her in-laws Maggie and Laurie Roberts for the next four years before buying their own property “Shalimar” in 1956.

She was renowned for her “taxi work”, driving Athol backward and forward to the airport when he made his many trips away – not to mention that she always had his shirts clean, his shoes polished and his bag ready for his next engagement, something which helped Athol achieve his goals. Her family often reminded him that behind every great man there was a great woman.

Poppy had four daughters – Robyn, Bronwyn, Wendy and Jan, and was a typical farming wife – milking, separating, the usual housework and, as they said in her eulogy, “dodging snakes in the garden and trying to manage mouse plagues and house fires.” 

Her family always remember how working with Athol in all his endeavours was always part of her life - and how she drove wheat trucks of grain to silos during harvest, shifted machinery from paddock to paddock during sowing and harvest, shifted sheep, worked as roustabout during shearing and was busy in the sheep yards during shearing, lamb marking, dipping and drenching- and yet still prepared lovely meals and made their clothes.

In amongst this farm and housework, Poppy somehow found time to work for the community, and she had a passion for handcrafts and mastered many skills, including hand and machine knitting, sewing, smocking, patchwork, porcelain dolls and tapestry.

She was an excellent seamstress and gained her Clothing Production certificate through TAFE courses held at the Goolgowi Hall.

She loved flowers and took pride in her garden wherever she was, even in a drought, and many remember the beautiful rose garden she had when living in Goolgowi.

She continued knitting rugs for charity even when her eyesight deteriorated badly in later life, with a bit of help from her sister-in-law Margaret Hetherington, who picked up the dropped stitches that she couldn’t see.

Poppy was strong and determined and always pushed through to get the job done – she had a quiet inner strength and remained stoic and supportive in tough times and her family remember her as still being a tower of strength for them.

In a small community like Goolgowi, people had to rally together to make things happen and Poppy never hesitated – she worked tirelessly for the CWA, Church of England, P&C, tennis, bowls, Brownies and golf.

Her father’s genes meant she was a great baker, and she contributed to many fundraising events for the community, and enjoyed playing tennis, golf and bowls when she was younger.

Her involvement in her church brought her much pleasure and with close friend, Margaret Sutcliffe, she was often involved in cleaning, polishing and arranging flowers (generally from their own gardens) for services. 

Poppy was active as Treasurer of the Goolgowi CWA for many years – this group held skits, baked for fund raising, did catering, handcraft competitions and strongly supported motions for the Annual Conference seeking political help on behalf of country women, and educational support for country children.

She was a founding member of the Goolgowi Brownies group and very active in the Local Association of Girl Guides (the support group) and when Brownie Land was established, it was Poppy who drove her small tractor into Goolgowi to level the land, a clear illustration that this quiet, gentle person could put her hand to the wheel whatever was needed.

She was ultimately appointed Goolgowi District Commissioner, with the responsibility of overseeing the work of the Brownies and their Leaders and attending all Regional Guide meetings.

She will be remembered for her attendance at all Functions and Rallies held during her term as District Commissioner, when she would always become involved to ensure that her District was well represented.

One of her favourite pastimes was water skiing at Lake Wyangan on summer Sundays with the Moores and Taylor’s. The family say she did ski but really enjoyed time out driving the boat and having a gossip with Aunty Marg.

One episode is always remembered: Their surprise to find that, after driving the length of the lake, they had no skier behind them! Cheeky Daryl Moore and Robyn Roberts (now Hillam) had purposely let go the rope to see how long it took for them to realise they weren’t there.

Poppy loved her family dearly and loved spending time with her grandchildren Karla, Lauree, Brett, Clarissa, Justine, Andrew, Chris, Scott, Jacinta, Simone, Sophie, Brooke and Tom. They gave her great joy and happiness and them much amusement when she confused their names.

And family members say it was heart-warming to see her face light up when she was nursing or holding her great grandchildren Eden, Quin, Xavier, Rosie and Harry.

A special message from granddaughter Sophie Hillam, the only family member unable to attend, was read by Brett Hillam:

“My grandma was a farmer’s wife, always there to lend a hand,

She cooked the tea and made the beds while granpa worked the land.

I’m not sure if she realised that she’d bring four girls to life

But even with her hands full, she made the perfect wife.

She taught our mums good manners, and how to do their hair,

She taught them to be patient and showed them how to care.

Their life was always busy, but sometimes they’d have a break,

They’d packed their bags and grab the boat and head down to the lake.

And head down to the lake.

\And then the girls grew older, and had children of their own

Thirteen grandkids later, she wold never be alone.

I have many special memories of us running around for hours,

Playing games and having fun in her garden filled with flowers.

And finally, there came a time where it was had for her to see –

She’d hold my hand and squeeze it tight and stand so close to me

The most important thing she gave to us, was this family filled with love

I know she’s somewhere smiling looking down from up above.

Grandma I just wanted you to know, how special you are t me,

This family you created, will love you endlessly.

Hundreds of family and friends attended Poppy Roberts’ funeral which was held in the Goolgowi Anglican Church which she had faithfully served throughout her life.

Vale Poppy Roberts.