About Robin Clark

Robin Dennis Clark BA, Dip. Soc. Stud., MSW

13-05-1936 to 18-04-2001

Leader in the field of child, youth and family welfare

A tribute by ANDY BEVAN 2001

Robin Clark, a widely respected and inspirational leader in the field of child, youth and family welfare, has died after a distinguished career of public service.

Robin, the sixth child among seven, grew up in New South Wales, largely in the Hawkesbury Valley, before beginning her service to the community with the Sisters of Charity in 1956. She taught at a number of schools in both NSW and Victoria, her last being St Columbia's in Essendon. Robin left the order in 1972 to continue her service to others through social work. She worked in the community sector, with a local authority in Britain and in the Victorian public service.

During the late 1980s, Robin was instrumental in providing an effective and sensitive Child Protection Service to the children and families of Victoria. Her broad understanding of how this delicate work is best performed was critical in providing the leadership for the service during a time of rapid growth and community concern.

By 1993, Robin rose to be a senior executive in the Department of Human Services with responsibility for policy and program design in child protection, accommodation and support services and juvenile justice services. Her capacity for developing shared vision and constructive relationships within and outside the bureaucracy made her a distinguished public servant. Her wisdom, passion and integrity made her one of a kind.

Robin retired from the public service in 1995, becoming a research fellow with Deakin University and continuing to contribute to the area of child and family welfare in Victoria, as well as in Queensland and NSW. She also managed her own consultancy business and was sought out whenever a bright, knowledgeable and innovative mind was needed.

In her professional role, Robin was highly regarded as a speaker at Australian and international conferences. Her presentations were always memorable, inspiring and challenging, while her publications have widely informed practice in community services. She also served on the boards of a number of community organisations, including Berry St, McKillop Family Services and Adult Community and Further Education.

Her excellent communication, training and program development skills were well recognised. Robin carried out innovative research and had substantial experience in critical evaluation and review in the broad child and family health and welfare field. Her contribution will continue to be recognised by an annual award, announced by the Victorian Minister for Community Services before her death.

Robin was caring and passionate with an active sense of humour, an approach to life she inherited from her mother, for whom she held deep regard and who was renowned for her ability to maintain a family life full of happiness and surprises.

Robin's grace and generosity of spirit were inspiring to those who knew her. She had the ability to make people feel special, often seeing in them what they did not. She once wondered aloud whether she had room in her life for any more friends but predictably she continued to develop a wide and eclectic network of friends, seeing diversity as a strength and gaining from difference. A well-read woman with a love of travel and classical music, she loved ideas and the pursuit of inquiry.

Robin drew great pleasure from her nieces and nephews. She ensured that family gatherings occurred and was an encouraging, supportive and loved aunt. Her absence is especially felt by Theresa, who lived with Robin for 35 years and supported her during her illness.

Robin will be greatly missed by all who knew her and is an especially great loss to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families of Victoria, whose lives she worked so hard to improve.

Her vision to achieve excellent practice among those who work with children and families will live on in those who follow, inspired by her challenge and example. Her insight, practicality and wisdom have influenced a generation of workers in these fields. Many have been privileged to have their work and lives enriched by Robin and have been touched by the compassion of this great woman, who will be recalled with love and respect for many years.

Andy Bevan is the manager, disability services, northern metropolitan region, Department of Human Services. Robin was his manager at the DHS for separate periods totally some six years as well as being a friend. The obituary was written in consultation with family, friends and colleagues.

This article appeared in The Age newspaper on 15 June 2001, and has been reproduced with the permission of The Age and the author.