General News
4 April, 2025
Margaret Robertson marks 90 years
Margaret Jean Robertson, a cherished Rainbow community member, will celebrate her 90th birthday on Sunday, April 6, with afternoon tea at the Rainbow Golf Club from 2pm.
Ms Robertson has spent most of her life in Rainbow, building strong ties through work, sport, and community.
She was born on April 6, 1935, in Rupanyup, the eldest of three children to John (Juck) and Fay Harberger.
She began school in Antwerp, walking along the railway line each morning with Aboriginal children from across the road.
“We used to meet and go to school with them every morning,” she recalls.
When the family moved to Yaapeet, Ms Robertson continued school until Year 8.
During this time, she worked for Jack and Mima Fisher, helping with household chores.
After school, she worked at the Yaapeet telephone exchange and cleaned homes for several families, including Jack and Joan Liesfield.
Ms Robertson met her husband, Ron Robertson, at local dances.
They married on April 14, 1956, and raised three daughters, Karen, Julie, and Debbie.
Ms Robertson lost Julie just days after birth, a heartbreak that left a lasting impact.
“I did have three girls, but Julie died a couple of days after she was born,” she shares.
Before working at Strauss’s grocers, Ms Robertson spent several years as a stay-at-home mother.
In 1975, she joined Dulcie Hagan as a TAB agent.
When Dulcie retired in 1986, Margaret managed the agency independently until its closure.
Throughout her life, Ms Robertson played netball, which she called basketball, and especially loved tennis.
“I played more tennis than anything else,” she said.
“We won the championship once, and Dad coached us.
“We got a big shield for it.”
After their marriage, she and Mr Robertson settled in Rainbow and have stayed in the same house ever since.
“We moved here and never left. I’ve been here ever since,” she said.
“She praises the Rainbow community for its kindness.
“They’re good people. They’ve always treated me well,” she said.
Ms Robertson spent weekends playing tennis, tending to her garden, and camping with friends along the river in Wentworth.
“We used to take the caravan up the river for a fortnight,” she said.
“Those were good times.”
She lost her husband, Ron, in December 1994 and managed the household independently.
In 2022, she underwent triple bypass surgery in Melbourne, which slowed her down.
Still, she finds joy in simple pleasures.
“I do my puzzles, catch up with people, and I like a little flutter on the pokies in Horsham,” she said.
Ms Robertson continues to cherish her independence and wants to stay in her home as long as possible.
“I don’t want to go anywhere else,” she insists.
Reflecting on her life, Ms Robertson advises the next generation.
“If you want anything, you have to work hard for it. Nothing gets handed to you.”
Ms Robertson invites family, friends, and community members to join her on April 6 to celebrate a life of love, hard work, and the spirit of Rainbow.