Robyn entered the NSW Legislative Council ‘class of 2003’ with a credo inspired by her children of ‘keeping it real.’

As a former teacher, a community services and child care advocate, Robyn brings a grass roots and personal approach to the issues shared by all residents of New South Wales and in particular, those in her local area of the Hunter and Port Stephens. In this capacity, Robyn provides the Coalition with a well guided, passionate and grass roots direction on local issues, be they from the coalface or the farm.

Her passion and knowledge of social issues, childhood education, early intervention, and health issues such as drug rehabilitation and education gives the Coalition an added advantage when bringing such important issues into policy and mainstream discussion.

Robyn was instrumental in setting up and pioneering groundbreaking childcare programmes in both Victoria and NSW and initiated a number of rural outreach programmes in these areas – many of which still operate to this day. Robyn also has a strong understanding of the needs of small business having operated several small businesses herself.

An active member of the Liberal party, Robyn served as State Vice President (1997 – 2000) and editor of the Liberal Times magazine. She was the driving force behind the first NSW division website, and was the President of the NSW Women’s Council (2000-2003). As President of the NSW Women’s Council, Robyn has enthusiastically promoted women’s involvement in politics and as head of the Liberal Women’s Forum, she passionately supported the training and mentoring of women in all levels of the Liberal party, initiating the Pathways to Political Leadership Programme.

Robyn has been involved for many years in a variety of capacities with numerous community and family organizations and serves as Chair of the Legislative Council General Purpose Standing Committee No.2. Robyn is also a board member of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science.

Extensive travels around the State have afforded Robyn the opportunity to meet and work with so many wonderful people and communities. When she is not taking up her position on the red benches in Parliament, Robyn tries to spend every possible moment in the Hunter Valley serving her community and spending time with her husband David and her three wonderful children. Robyn’s two adult step children currently live independently, visiting frequently for home cooked meals and lively family times.