Alice Clark (Jackson) OAM
RGGS student 1927 – 1928
Alice Clark was born on 4 August 1914 on the day the First World War started. Her 25th birthday was a few days before the start of World War II. These events played a part in developing attitudes which lasted all her life.
Her father was William G Jackson, the City’s Water Engineer, and her mother was Jessie Cooper. Her grand uncle, John McFarlane, had been Mayor of Rockhampton and Member of Parliament and her paternal grandfather has also been a Mayor of Rockhampton. Alice continued this family interest in politics and public service throughout her life but as an activist and advocate rather than as a participant. Alice attended the Crescent Lagoon State School and Rockhampton Girls Grammar School before joining Walter Reid & Co in Rockhampton.
Alice married Robert Clark in September 1937 and they moved into their new house in Wiseman Street. Margaret was born in 1938 followed by Graham, Cecil and Peter. When Alice’s parents retired, Alice and Bob purchased their larger house in Wiseman Street and moved there. Janice, David and Diane were born while living there.
When Alice was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1985, in recognition of her extensive service to the community, she declared that her greatest achievement was getting her seven children educated. In 1988, Alice and Bob moved to retirement in Bethany and Bob lost his sight shortly after. Thankfully, Alice’s intellect remained with her until her death. The list of organisations that Alice was involved in at some time was extensive and she was still involved in some 17 community organisations at her death – just some of these included:
Marriage Guidance Council – Foundation Member, Treasurer
Country Women’s Association – Vice President
Housewives Association, Rockhampton – President, Secretary, Treasurer
C Q, Consumers Association – Foundation Member, Secretary, Treasurer
Queensland Consumers Association – Foundation Member, Delegate
Meals on Wheels – Original Member
Rockhampton Historical Society – Member and contributor to the National Trust
Citizen’s Advice Bureau Information Centre
Road Safety Committee Presbyterian Church.
Alice’s interest in and knowledge of Rockhampton history was extensive. She is acknowledged in the “History of Rockhampton” and the “History of the Grammar School” for her contributions. Her family has been living in the district since about 1862. A section of the book “1942” is dedicated to her. She was not someone who thought that “someone ought to do something”. She either found that “someone” or, if there was no-one, she became the “someone”. She was always prepared to be involved with anything she thought worthwhile. Bob passed away in 1996 and Alice in 2002.