DUNGOG’S much-loved riverside park carries the name of Frank Robinson for good reason.
Frank Henry Robinson first came to public attention through his war service, but his reputation was only enhanced by his lifelong leadership in many of Dungog’s organisations, institutions and facilities.
One of the first from Dungog to enlist in the army for the Great War, he joined as a sergeant in the Light Horse Regiment in August 1914, and sailed to Turkey with the First Expeditionary Force.
Landing at Gallipoli two weeks after the first landing on 25 April, 1915, Sgt Robinson was one of just eight from his regiment to survive the legendary Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915.
The local Eastern Telegraph Newspaper reported on his wounding:
“When his arm was blown away, and the stretcher bearers reached him, he asked that others more helpless be attended to. He said he still had his two legs and walked to the beach some distance away.
“He was taken first to Malta, then England for treatment before returning to Australia, and discharged from the Army in September 1916.”
The Dungog Chronicle described the war hero’s emotional homecoming in August 1915:
”The town for several days has echoed the words ‘Frank Robinson will be home on Monday’,” the story read.
“Mayor Ald W L Wilkinson set to work preparing a fitting reception for the war hero, and Dungog rose to the occasion.
“Long before the train steamed in, a big crowd thronged the station. As the whistle shrieked and the band played, the crowd cheered to echo the returning Anzac.”
Despite his disability, Robinson ran a successful local stationery business next to where the IGA now operates and rose to become a community leader.
In 1948 he was elected Mayor of Dungog Municipal Council, a position he held until 1958.
An RSL Welfare Officer, Robinson represented Dungog on the Shortland County Council, and served on the Local Repatriation Committee.
He was also President of the Tourist League, President of Dungog Rotary Club, and Secretary and Director of Dungog Hospital.
Today, younger residents and visitors to the town can read Frank Henry Robinson’s story in a quiet Dungog park.
It stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the man who played a key role in the development of the shire.
By Cameron ARCHER
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
