Your Progress
In this transcript, you have edited

0 lines

0:00

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley singing: The Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole] la dee da dum, but I miss you most of all my darling, when autumn leaves [Shirley singing: The Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole] la dee da dum, but I miss you most of all my darling, when autumn leaves
0:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

start to fall. They always play it when I come. [Roslyn] I've just taken the liberty of turning start to fall. They always play it when I come. [Roslyn] I've just taken the liberty of turning
0:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

that on - I'm recording you singing, I hope that's alright. [laughter] [Shirley] That's awful.. it'll be terrible, that's the Sydney Male choir. [Roslyn] No, and they, is that your request that, that or..? [Shirley] No, I think they asked me ages ago when I was, when I became  that on - I'm recording you singing, I hope that's alright. [laughter] [Shirley] That's awful.. it'll be terrible, that's the Sydney Male choir. [Roslyn] No, and they, is that your request that, that or..? [Shirley] No, I think they asked me ages ago when I was, when I became 
0:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

co-patron, you know, what's co-patron, you know, what's
0:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

my favourite song and I said that, so every time I appear they play it. [Roslyn] Oh that's lovely. my favourite song and I said that, so every time I appear they play it. [Roslyn] Oh that's lovely.
0:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And why have you continued on with that role? [Shirley] Ah, because my husband's very keen on it I suppose. I, as far as I'm concerned And why have you continued on with that role? [Shirley] Ah, because my husband's very keen on it I suppose. I, as far as I'm concerned
0:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when you leave a job you leave it and you should leave everything behind and forget it and not when you leave a job you leave it and you should leave everything behind and forget it and not
0:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

go near it for another, at least six years. [Roslyn] Six years, that's a long spell. [Shirley] Well we tried, but go near it for another, at least six years. [Roslyn] Six years, that's a long spell. [Shirley] Well we tried, but
1:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

unfortunately because of the changes, what Carr did, there was nobody to do a lot of the important community roles, unfortunately because of the changes, what Carr did, there was nobody to do a lot of the important community roles,
1:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so the demand was still there non-stop. [Roslyn] Non-stop? [Shirley] Non-stop for about six years. [Roslyn] did they ask so the demand was still there non-stop. [Roslyn] Non-stop? [Shirley] Non-stop for about six years. [Roslyn] did they ask
1:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

particularly for you or were they..? [Shirley] Both of us to do various things in the community because they had no support, enough support from particularly for you or were they..? [Shirley] Both of us to do various things in the community because they had no support, enough support from
1:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Government house. [Roslyn] When you say 'they asked', do you mean the Government asked you? [Shirley] No, no, no, not the Government, no no no, the Government gave us nothing. Not even a car or a pension. Government house. [Roslyn] When you say 'they asked', do you mean the Government asked you? [Shirley] No, no, no, not the Government, no no no, the Government gave us nothing. Not even a car or a pension.
1:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Um, no just organisations would write and ask us to do things.  [Roslyn] Did you feel you had to say yes  Um, no just organisations would write and ask us to do things.  [Roslyn] Did you feel you had to say yes 
1:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

at that point? [Shirley] Ah, to some things, yes. at that point? [Shirley] Ah, to some things, yes.
1:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

But, it's, we tried not to do too much because we wanted the next incumbent to, to do things, so, ah. Then I got sick of But, it's, we tried not to do too much because we wanted the next incumbent to, to do things, so, ah. Then I got sick of
1:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

driving to Sydney and back. And we kept a place empty in Sydney, a flat, so we could go there. But then I broke my leg driving to Sydney and back. And we kept a place empty in Sydney, a flat, so we could go there. But then I broke my leg
2:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and that was a blessing in disguise because I had to say no. [laughter] So something always, and that was a blessing in disguise because I had to say no. [laughter] So something always,
2:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

something always comes along to sort of help you out [laughs]. [Roslyn] Was that a hard lesson in life to say no? [Shirley] Ah, yeah it is to some of the something always comes along to sort of help you out [laughs]. [Roslyn] Was that a hard lesson in life to say no? [Shirley] Ah, yeah it is to some of the
2:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

organisations. I, I don't mind, I can say no to anything. I have no qualms about saying - I have to stop him from saying yes. organisations. I, I don't mind, I can say no to anything. I have no qualms about saying - I have to stop him from saying yes.
2:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] Have you always been able to say no? [Shirley] No. But in retirement I think [Roslyn] Have you always been able to say no? [Shirley] No. But in retirement I think
2:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you're entitled to, ah, certain a bit of, I wanted to get back to being normal, playing bridge, golf, you know doing the you're entitled to, ah, certain a bit of, I wanted to get back to being normal, playing bridge, golf, you know doing the
2:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

things I like to do. [Roslyn] It must be hard to pick a favourite organisation of which you're patron things I like to do. [Roslyn] It must be hard to pick a favourite organisation of which you're patron
2:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

but are there some that stand out more in your memory? [Shirley] Ah, well, but are there some that stand out more in your memory? [Shirley] Ah, well,
2:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think probably the, well it's no longer called the Volunteer Bushfire Brigade - the SES - I think probably the, well it's no longer called the Volunteer Bushfire Brigade - the SES -
2:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ah, they, they do incredible job. They're all wonderful. Ah, I think probably Ronald McDonald ah, they, they do incredible job. They're all wonderful. Ah, I think probably Ronald McDonald
3:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and there's a reason for that. Ah, nothing is spent by the organisation on, ah, running costs. Ronald McDonald is self sufficient. and there's a reason for that. Ah, nothing is spent by the organisation on, ah, running costs. Ronald McDonald is self sufficient.
3:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

It's run by the company and the charity is completely charity, everything goes to charity. And it's It's run by the company and the charity is completely charity, everything goes to charity. And it's
3:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the only organisation, ah, organisation on a charitable status that does that. the only organisation, ah, organisation on a charitable status that does that.
3:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

There is always a paid some-, somewhere, somewhere there's a paid person and that comes out of the charity dollar. Whereas Ronald There is always a paid some-, somewhere, somewhere there's a paid person and that comes out of the charity dollar. Whereas Ronald
3:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

McDonald, the charity dollar is purely charity. [Roslyn] That's a big achievement. [Shirley] It is, but that's what the company gives McDonald, the charity dollar is purely charity. [Roslyn] That's a big achievement. [Shirley] It is, but that's what the company gives
3:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

back by paying people, ah, on staff, ah, so everything else is back by paying people, ah, on staff, ah, so everything else is
3:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ah, that's donated to them is donated. They get it all, which is very unusual. ah, that's donated to them is donated. They get it all, which is very unusual.
4:07

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] Were there particular sor-, other sorts of organisations that you wanted to foster, some more than others say? [Roslyn] Were there particular sor-, other sorts of organisations that you wanted to foster, some more than others say?
4:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] No. I try to share my, myself around [laughter]. [Roslyn] Mrs - well Anthony Cutler told me for example [Shirley] No. I try to share my, myself around [laughter]. [Roslyn] Mrs - well Anthony Cutler told me for example
4:23

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

that his mother was very keen on children and children's literacy, that his mother was very keen on children and children's literacy,
4:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and there's still an award. [Shirley] Who? Anthony? [Roslyn] Anthony Cutler, Lady Cutler's, um... and there's still an award. [Shirley] Who? Anthony? [Roslyn] Anthony Cutler, Lady Cutler's, um...
4:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Son. [Roslyn] Son. Yes but I forgot the, the name of the Lady Cutler [Shirley] Son. [Roslyn] Son. Yes but I forgot the, the name of the Lady Cutler
4:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Literacy award or some such. [Shirley] Oh, I've never heard of it. [Roslyn] Oh but, um, Literacy award or some such. [Shirley] Oh, I've never heard of it. [Roslyn] Oh but, um,
4:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] I haven't put my name to anything like that. [Roslyn] Was important for you to bring those organisations to Government house from time to time? [Shirley] Oh, always, always. Yes we always [Shirley] I haven't put my name to anything like that. [Roslyn] Was important for you to bring those organisations to Government house from time to time? [Shirley] Oh, always, always. Yes we always
4:52

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

had them at Government house. Um, Cornucopia was another one that they raised a lot of money had them at Government house. Um, Cornucopia was another one that they raised a lot of money
4:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and that's a charity also that the, basically what they raise goes directly to the Children's Hospital, and that's a charity also that the, basically what they raise goes directly to the Children's Hospital,
5:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

but it's not within the Children's Hospital, it's a separate organisation that's but it's not within the Children's Hospital, it's a separate organisation that's
5:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

very social. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] [laughs]. [Roslyn]What about some of those events at Government house, the  very social. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] [laughs]. [Roslyn]What about some of those events at Government house, the 
5:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

garden parties, you mentioned a musical evening. [Shirley] Musical evenings are there for the people, ah, free and we'd have the garden parties, you mentioned a musical evening. [Shirley] Musical evenings are there for the people, ah, free and we'd have the
5:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Conservatorium of Music perhaps play. [Roslyn] 'Cos they're just up the road. [Shirley] Yes, well they're our neighbours aren't they. [Roslyn] Yes. [Shirley] Ah, and I think the children, Conservatorium of Music perhaps play. [Roslyn] 'Cos they're just up the road. [Shirley] Yes, well they're our neighbours aren't they. [Roslyn] Yes. [Shirley] Ah, and I think the children,
5:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so-called children, like to come to Government house to play 'cause we've got that beautiful old Beale piano and so-called children, like to come to Government house to play 'cause we've got that beautiful old Beale piano and
5:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it's a - the ballroom's wonderful there, the acoustic's are fantastic. it's a - the ballroom's wonderful there, the acoustic's are fantastic.
5:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] It's a lovely room. [Shirley] Mm, it is a lovely room. [Roslyn] It's a lovely room. [Shirley] Mm, it is a lovely room.
5:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] Were you involved in the re-decoration of..? [Shirley] No. Lady, Lady Rowland was there for all the re-decoration. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] Ah, some of which fortunately she stopped because behind [Roslyn] Were you involved in the re-decoration of..? [Shirley] No. Lady, Lady Rowland was there for all the re-decoration. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] Ah, some of which fortunately she stopped because behind
5:53

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

one of those mirrors one of those mirrors
5:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you can see what they were going to do, you can see what they were going to do,
5:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

which is a little bit similar to what's done now. But she stopped them from doing it. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] You can see it though if you, Linda Hurley can show you, I've showed which is a little bit similar to what's done now. But she stopped them from doing it. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] You can see it though if you, Linda Hurley can show you, I've showed
6:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

her what's behind one of those, one of those mirrors [laughter] that Lady Rowland stopped them from doing.[laughter]. [Roslyn] It that the Governor's wife secret? Which is great. [laughter]. [Shirley] Yes, but, her what's behind one of those, one of those mirrors [laughter] that Lady Rowland stopped them from doing.[laughter]. [Roslyn] It that the Governor's wife secret? Which is great. [laughter]. [Shirley] Yes, but,
6:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

ah, yes they wanted to do all sorts of things, so you've just got to be careful with those sort of people ah, yes they wanted to do all sorts of things, so you've just got to be careful with those sort of people
6:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when they come in and, you know, they all have their wonderful ideas but sometimes is not practical. when they come in and, you know, they all have their wonderful ideas but sometimes is not practical.
6:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] Just finishing up on the patrons, [Roslyn] Just finishing up on the patrons,
6:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you also were patron of Craft NSW I see. [Shirley] Oh, the, ah, at the Rocks? [Roslyn] Yes, after your time. [Shirley] It's not, is it called Craft New you also were patron of Craft NSW I see. [Shirley] Oh, the, ah, at the Rocks? [Roslyn] Yes, after your time. [Shirley] It's not, is it called Craft New
6:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

South Wales? [Roslyn] It may be called something different. South Wales? [Roslyn] It may be called something different.
6:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

But it is about crafts. [Shirley] It's wonderful - at The Rocks. [Roslyn] Yes. [Shirley] They have their own, they put their own prices on their own goods But it is about crafts. [Shirley] It's wonderful - at The Rocks. [Roslyn] Yes. [Shirley] They have their own, they put their own prices on their own goods
6:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and, um, and it create-, yes it, and, um, and it create-, yes it,
6:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it's sort of a mixed, ah, in fact that's from there, that enamel plate. [Roslyn] Oh yes. [Shirley] That's one of the ladies there. Um, yes it's a wonderful shop to visit. [Roslyn] Mm. Very tempting [Shirley] Mm it is. Another  it's sort of a mixed, ah, in fact that's from there, that enamel plate. [Roslyn] Oh yes. [Shirley] That's one of the ladies there. Um, yes it's a wonderful shop to visit. [Roslyn] Mm. Very tempting [Shirley] Mm it is. Another 
7:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

one I enjoyed was the Embroiderers Guild because I used to do a lot of embroidery myself. [Roslyn] Do you still do it? [Shirley] No, one I enjoyed was the Embroiderers Guild because I used to do a lot of embroidery myself. [Roslyn] Do you still do it? [Shirley] No,
7:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

no, I can't unfortunately - a thing called arthritis. [Roslyn] Um, Mrs Sinclair, just, just when we had this short break, you showed me the books, no, I can't unfortunately - a thing called arthritis. [Roslyn] Um, Mrs Sinclair, just, just when we had this short break, you showed me the books,
7:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the albums, four or five, wonderful, huge, fat, ancient looking things, that represent your..? [Shirley] Time at Government house. [Roslyn] Yes the albums, four or five, wonderful, huge, fat, ancient looking things, that represent your..? [Shirley] Time at Government house. [Roslyn] Yes
7:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

including the little card from the Embroiderers' Guild that you particularly showed. including the little card from the Embroiderers' Guild that you particularly showed.
7:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] I used to get one every year, mm. They're, they're beautiful aren't they. [Roslyn] Could you describe those books for me? [Shirley] Um, [Shirley] I used to get one every year, mm. They're, they're beautiful aren't they. [Roslyn] Could you describe those books for me? [Shirley] Um,
7:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I just, it's a story of, ah, someone who lived at Government house for six years, well two people, and what they did. I just, it's a story of, ah, someone who lived at Government house for six years, well two people, and what they did.
7:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Ah, country visits and, um, things that happened in the house, um, decorations Christmas time, um, Ah, country visits and, um, things that happened in the house, um, decorations Christmas time, um,
7:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

just all sorts of children's parties, um, yes, everything. There's a bit of everything in there. [Roslyn] A bit of everything just all sorts of children's parties, um, yes, everything. There's a bit of everything in there. [Roslyn] A bit of everything
8:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

indeed. It's lovely, photographs and, and programs. But when you were showing me that as well indeed. It's lovely, photographs and, and programs. But when you were showing me that as well
8:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Admiral Sinclair said of any event that, that you had at Government house, one Admiral Sinclair said of any event that, that you had at Government house, one
8:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

that he's most proud of, almost amongst the many most proud, is the event in the country. [Shirley] In Moree, the Christmas party. that he's most proud of, almost amongst the many most proud, is the event in the country. [Shirley] In Moree, the Christmas party.
8:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Oh, yes. I, I, the children's Christmas party, the Governor's Oh, yes. I, I, the children's Christmas party, the Governor's
8:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Christmas Party is normally run at Government house just before Christmas Christmas Party is normally run at Government house just before Christmas
8:33

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and for disadvantaged children. [Roslyn] Is that a tradition that you inherited? [Shirley] Yes, no no I inherited, yes. Um, and for disadvantaged children. [Roslyn] Is that a tradition that you inherited? [Shirley] Yes, no no I inherited, yes. Um,
8:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I woke up the middle of the night really quite worried about it. And I said to Peter, I woke up the middle of the night really quite worried about it. And I said to Peter,
8:45

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

'We've got to take this party to the country.' 'Oh, talk to me tomorrow,' he says. Okay. Tomorrow morning 'We've got to take this party to the country.' 'Oh, talk to me tomorrow,' he says. Okay. Tomorrow morning
8:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I go down to my office and my secretary says, 'You have something on your mind. I can tell. [laughter] I said yes I have Jacqueline. I go down to my office and my secretary says, 'You have something on your mind. I can tell. [laughter] I said yes I have Jacqueline.
9:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I said, 'I think we should take the Governor's Christmas party to the country.' And, ah, so I did ring Red Cross I said, 'I think we should take the Governor's Christmas party to the country.' And, ah, so I did ring Red Cross
9:08

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and I did ring the Country Women's and, um, I think, I've forgotten what other organisation and I did ring the Country Women's and, um, I think, I've forgotten what other organisation
9:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and I said, 'I think we should take the Governor's Christmas party to the country. and I said, 'I think we should take the Governor's Christmas party to the country.
9:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

What do you think and where do you think we should take it?' And everybody suggested Moree.  What do you think and where do you think we should take it?' And everybody suggested Moree. 
9:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Well I knew the Mayor of Moree 'cause we'd been to Moree several times and my daughter-in-law was born in Moree. Ah, Well I knew the Mayor of Moree 'cause we'd been to Moree several times and my daughter-in-law was born in Moree. Ah,
9:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so I rang the Mayor and mentioned it to him. And you know I, I was talking about primary school children so I rang the Mayor and mentioned it to him. And you know I, I was talking about primary school children
9:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and perhaps other children, um, teenagers perhaps, you know, 'How difficult's it going to be?' and perhaps other children, um, teenagers perhaps, you know, 'How difficult's it going to be?'
9:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And he said, 'Oh, this'd be a great idea because people are really down in the country they're really, you know, having it tough seven years of drought.' And And he said, 'Oh, this'd be a great idea because people are really down in the country they're really, you know, having it tough seven years of drought.' And
9:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so we started off by getting all the schools within about 150 kilometre radius of Moree, North, South, so we started off by getting all the schools within about 150 kilometre radius of Moree, North, South,
10:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

East and West, not too far west [laughs] and, ah, getting each school to send in the name of all the children in the school. East and West, not too far west [laughs] and, ah, getting each school to send in the name of all the children in the school.
10:17

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Then we set about and the staff helped me, Then we set about and the staff helped me,
10:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

all the footman and the butler and everybody used to come into my office and help me write out all these invitations all the footman and the butler and everybody used to come into my office and help me write out all these invitations
10:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so that so that
10:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

every child got a personal invitation to their school to come to the party in the oval at Moree, in the park at Moree. [Roslyn] On Government every child got a personal invitation to their school to come to the party in the oval at Moree, in the park at Moree. [Roslyn] On Government
10:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

house paper with the crown? [Shirley] No, no it just had the photo of Government house on it. It's up in that, um, one of those invitations that's there, um, and that child's name would be on it. And so we had to keep a record and how old it was. house paper with the crown? [Shirley] No, no it just had the photo of Government house on it. It's up in that, um, one of those invitations that's there, um, and that child's name would be on it. And so we had to keep a record and how old it was.
10:52

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And then we'd wait for the replies to come back, tick them off. And then of course some of these children were a long long away from Moree And then we'd wait for the replies to come back, tick them off. And then of course some of these children were a long long away from Moree
10:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so we had to consider buses to bring them in to Moree. And, ah, then we had to think about food. Ah, Woolworths so we had to consider buses to bring them in to Moree. And, ah, then we had to think about food. Ah, Woolworths
11:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

were fantastic. One man in Queensland sent us so much fruit cake were fantastic. One man in Queensland sent us so much fruit cake
11:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it was unreal. [Roslyn] [laughs]. [Shirley] Every child took home fruit cake. Um, McDonald's opened in Moree that week. They were incredible. it was unreal. [Roslyn] [laughs]. [Shirley] Every child took home fruit cake. Um, McDonald's opened in Moree that week. They were incredible.
11:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Every child got a Big Mac. [Roslyn] Goodness. [Shirley] There were about 2,000 people Every child got a Big Mac. [Roslyn] Goodness. [Shirley] There were about 2,000 people
11:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we fed plus the other organisations, SES we fed plus the other organisations, SES
11:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and various other, they ran a sort of barbecue non-stop for, for the parents 'cause parents came with the chil - some children and various other, they ran a sort of barbecue non-stop for, for the parents 'cause parents came with the chil - some children
11:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

were small so parents would come with the children. And were small so parents would come with the children. And
11:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so I went up, ah, nearly a week before with my secretary to, oh, and Qantas, ah, donated a plane to bring people up and back, like so I went up, ah, nearly a week before with my secretary to, oh, and Qantas, ah, donated a plane to bring people up and back, like
11:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Ronald McDonald and the Wiggles and the, all the, the Governor 'cause he didn't come till the last minute. Ronald McDonald and the Wiggles and the, all the, the Governor 'cause he didn't come till the last minute.
12:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And so we had to organise - no, what I said to the Red Cross and the CWA when I got there, I said now there could be a lot of mistakes made at this function. Anything to do with And so we had to organise - no, what I said to the Red Cross and the CWA when I got there, I said now there could be a lot of mistakes made at this function. Anything to do with
12:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

children is very dangerous. children is very dangerous.
12:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I said, 'Now I'm in charge, and I'm responsible entirely if there's any backlash on any of this at any time, it's me, I said, 'Now I'm in charge, and I'm responsible entirely if there's any backlash on any of this at any time, it's me,
12:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

not another organisation, just me.' And so anyway then we had to organise the five to six year olds, six to seven, seven to eight in, in a v-shape on the oval so they were all sitting down. not another organisation, just me.' And so anyway then we had to organise the five to six year olds, six to seven, seven to eight in, in a v-shape on the oval so they were all sitting down.
12:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And the Council were fantastic, they'd had, there was no water but they managed to water the oval so And the Council were fantastic, they'd had, there was no water but they managed to water the oval so
12:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it wasn't dusty [laughter]. So the children were actually sitting on grass that it wasn't dusty [laughter]. So the children were actually sitting on grass that
12:53

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

they hadn't seen for seven years. And so we had them in a big fan shape, so that every child could get a present when Father Christmas came. they hadn't seen for seven years. And so we had them in a big fan shape, so that every child could get a present when Father Christmas came.
13:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And I put out an SOS to schools, ah, local schools like the Canberra, ah, not Canberra Grammar, ah, Hunter Valley Grammar School. And I put out an SOS to schools, ah, local schools like the Canberra, ah, not Canberra Grammar, ah, Hunter Valley Grammar School.
13:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

They wrapped up hundreds of presents, ah, children bought them to school They wrapped up hundreds of presents, ah, children bought them to school
13:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and put their age, age group of the child it could go to on it. Lots of schools did that. And all those presents came into and put their age, age group of the child it could go to on it. Lots of schools did that. And all those presents came into
13:25

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Government house. So we had to take all that to Moree as well. [Roslyn] Oh, no. Government house. So we had to take all that to Moree as well. [Roslyn] Oh, no.
13:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Plus bags of sweets and, you know.  [Roslyn] No wonder you needed a plane [laughs]. [Shirley] Oh, we did, we definitely needed a plane. And anyway it worked out quite well, [Shirley] Plus bags of sweets and, you know.  [Roslyn] No wonder you needed a plane [laughs]. [Shirley] Oh, we did, we definitely needed a plane. And anyway it worked out quite well,
13:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and my secretary on the day dressed up as the good fairy on the back of a fire engine. That was hysterical. Um, and and my secretary on the day dressed up as the good fairy on the back of a fire engine. That was hysterical. Um, and
13:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Father Christmas arrived also on the, ah, fire engine and of course the Governor arrived as well. So there was lots of excitement and the Wiggles Father Christmas arrived also on the, ah, fire engine and of course the Governor arrived as well. So there was lots of excitement and the Wiggles
13:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

had been there and lots of bands and people singing. And anyway the children were all happy had been there and lots of bands and people singing. And anyway the children were all happy
14:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and everybody got a present and everybody got lunch. [Roslyn] Including fruit cake. [Shirley] Including fruit cake to take home. and everybody got a present and everybody got lunch. [Roslyn] Including fruit cake. [Shirley] Including fruit cake to take home.
14:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And so was it a very successful, successful day until about probably And so was it a very successful, successful day until about probably
14:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

a week later and some Member of Parliament said, ah, 'Ah, we hear all the children in the country had a holiday a week later and some Member of Parliament said, ah, 'Ah, we hear all the children in the country had a holiday
14:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the other day for a Christmas party. the other day for a Christmas party.
14:27

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Nobody asked the Minister for Education could the children have a holiday.' [Laughs] [Roslyn] No! [Laughter] [Shirley] You wouldn't believe it would you. And so we just Nobody asked the Minister for Education could the children have a holiday.' [Laughs] [Roslyn] No! [Laughter] [Shirley] You wouldn't believe it would you. And so we just
14:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

brushed that one aside and let them get on it with it. [Laughs] I said there'd have to be somebody that would say something [laughs]. [Roslyn] But how did you feel at the end of that day? [Shirley] Oh, fantastic. 'Cause as we left, as we flew out of Moree brushed that one aside and let them get on it with it. [Laughs] I said there'd have to be somebody that would say something [laughs]. [Roslyn] But how did you feel at the end of that day? [Shirley] Oh, fantastic. 'Cause as we left, as we flew out of Moree
14:50

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it rained. [Roslyn] Oh! Goodness me what timing! [Shirley] One big black cloud just literally came with us and whomp down it came. So that was wonderful. It broke the drought. [Roslyn] Mm. You must have been exhausted? [Shirley] Ah, I think I was just elated, I was  it rained. [Roslyn] Oh! Goodness me what timing! [Shirley] One big black cloud just literally came with us and whomp down it came. So that was wonderful. It broke the drought. [Roslyn] Mm. You must have been exhausted? [Shirley] Ah, I think I was just elated, I was 
15:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

running on my adrenalin [laughs]. Which you do actually, I think you run on your adrenalin  running on my adrenalin [laughs]. Which you do actually, I think you run on your adrenalin 
15:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

as a wife of the Governor. [Roslyn] So, so you were 56 when you came to that role, you must have to, to, it's, it's not a role for... [Shirley] Not as a wife of the Governor. [Roslyn] So, so you were 56 when you came to that role, you must have to, to, it's, it's not a role for... [Shirley] Not
15:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

someone old. [Roslyn] Mm. [Shirley] No. [Roslyn] To maintain that pace. [Shirley] No you couldn't and that someone old. [Roslyn] Mm. [Shirley] No. [Roslyn] To maintain that pace. [Shirley] No you couldn't and that
15:25

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we only stayed six years because, ah, because I don't think either of us could have gone on much longer. 'Cause we were really physically, we slept from we only stayed six years because, ah, because I don't think either of us could have gone on much longer. 'Cause we were really physically, we slept from
15:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Sydney to New Zealand. We didn't wake up, we just literally slept right through. [Roslyn] Is this  Sydney to New Zealand. We didn't wake up, we just literally slept right through. [Roslyn] Is this 
15:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when you'd left Government house? [Shirley] When we'd left Government house, we went straight away to Europe. [Roslyn] On the Canberra. [Shirley] Mm. [Roslyn] Europe via New Zealand? [Shirley] Yes. when you'd left Government house? [Shirley] When we'd left Government house, we went straight away to Europe. [Roslyn] On the Canberra. [Shirley] Mm. [Roslyn] Europe via New Zealand? [Shirley] Yes.
15:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] That's the long way around [laughs] [Shirley] I know. It didn't matter did it. [laughs] We slept non-stop, didn't even wake up. [Roslyn] Goodness. [Shirley] No we were very tired. You don't realise how tired you are till you suddenly stop.   [Roslyn] That's the long way around [laughs] [Shirley] I know. It didn't matter did it. [laughs] We slept non-stop, didn't even wake up. [Roslyn] Goodness. [Shirley] No we were very tired. You don't realise how tired you are till you suddenly stop.  
15:60

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] You had a number of private secretaries during your time at Government house. [Roslyn] You had a number of private secretaries during your time at Government house.
16:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Yes. I inherited Lady Martin's. And obviously that is never going to work. You can never, yes you can inherit it but it's, it's better to have your own. I had a wonderful girl called Elizabeth Mead. She was really  incredible, ah, girl, ah, wonderful speech, was on my theme for giving me information to speak. Ah, I had Kim Swayze. [Shirley] Yes. I inherited Lady Martin's. And obviously that is never going to work. You can never, yes you can inherit it but it's, it's better to have your own. I had a wonderful girl called Elizabeth Mead. She was really  incredible, ah, girl, ah, wonderful speech, was on my theme for giving me information to speak. Ah, I had Kim Swayze.
16:31

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

She married a Japanese and went to live in Japan. And then I had Jacqueline. [Roslyn] Jacqueline Chanter was that? [Shirley] Chalker. [Roslyn] Chalker. And she went, she was the girl who helped you at Moree? [Shirley] Yes, she's only a little tiny thing [laughter]. She married a Japanese and went to live in Japan. And then I had Jacqueline. [Roslyn] Jacqueline Chanter was that? [Shirley] Chalker. [Roslyn] Chalker. And she went, she was the girl who helped you at Moree? [Shirley] Yes, she's only a little tiny thing [laughter].
16:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] And I understand she came in '94, did she stay till the end of your term? [Shirley] Yes, till the end. [Roslyn] And I understand she came in '94, did she stay till the end of your term? [Shirley] Yes, till the end.
16:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

...married before, she lives in Canberra. [Roslyn] So those women must have been, they're, they're part of the family but they're [Shirley] Oh definitely. [Roslyn] in a sense, but they're not in the family. [Shirley] Well they have to be squashed between me, no the Governor and the Aide in the back set of the car. [Roslyn] [laughs] Do they? [Shirley] If you put on weight you get really squashed. [Roslyn] [laughs] [Shirley] 'Cause I,  ...married before, she lives in Canberra. [Roslyn] So those women must have been, they're, they're part of the family but they're [Shirley] Oh definitely. [Roslyn] in a sense, but they're not in the family. [Shirley] Well they have to be squashed between me, no the Governor and the Aide in the back set of the car. [Roslyn] [laughs] Do they? [Shirley] If you put on weight you get really squashed. [Roslyn] [laughs] [Shirley] 'Cause I, 
17:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I get car sick so I had to sit the front. [Roslyn] Oh. [Shirley] Until we got somewhere then I'd go and sit in the back or whatever. [Roslyn] And the Governor would sit in the back in your seat and then you'd  I get car sick so I had to sit the front. [Roslyn] Oh. [Shirley] Until we got somewhere then I'd go and sit in the back or whatever. [Roslyn] And the Governor would sit in the back in your seat and then you'd 
17:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

swap, I love it. [laughs] [Shirley] Well, I'm just not good in the front seat of the car. I always, I always drive. I'm not a good traveller. [Roslyn] So would you ever drive the car and say to the driver that, that swap, I love it. [laughs] [Shirley] Well, I'm just not good in the front seat of the car. I always, I always drive. I'm not a good traveller. [Roslyn] So would you ever drive the car and say to the driver that, that
17:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

he has to sit in the back. [Shirley] No, no. Don would not allow anybody else to drive but Don. He was wonderful.  He'd seen five Governors. [Roslyn] Everybody speaks in such glowing terms. [Shirley] If you want to know about Government house and Governors you should ask Don. [Roslyn] Is he still around? [laughs] [Shirley] Yes he lives at Harden he has to sit in the back. [Shirley] No, no. Don would not allow anybody else to drive but Don. He was wonderful.  He'd seen five Governors. [Roslyn] Everybody speaks in such glowing terms. [Shirley] If you want to know about Government house and Governors you should ask Don. [Roslyn] Is he still around? [laughs] [Shirley] Yes he lives at Harden
17:55

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and he married, ah, the head housekeeper, Margaret. [Roslyn] That's right. That's right. [Shirley] They lived in the little cottage down, ah, the back of Government house, a little stone cottage. [Roslyn] In the photos that I mentioned during our break that Penny Woodward had sent there's a photo looking and he married, ah, the head housekeeper, Margaret. [Roslyn] That's right. That's right. [Shirley] They lived in the little cottage down, ah, the back of Government house, a little stone cottage. [Roslyn] In the photos that I mentioned during our break that Penny Woodward had sent there's a photo looking
18:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

across that to Government house to, to the Opera House rather, and it looks like there's a sort of, um, like a vegetable patch. across that to Government house to, to the Opera House rather, and it looks like there's a sort of, um, like a vegetable patch.
18:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Were there vegetables grown, a vegetable garden at Government house? [Shirley] Yes, yes, yes, definitely yes. We used to pick our own vegetables. Hans was a very keen gardener. A Dutch man, he looked after the gardens. [Roslyn] What was his name? [Shirley] Hans. [Roslyn] Hans. [Shirley] I don't know whether he's still around or not. He was part of the Botanic Gardens. [Roslyn] Right. And did, were you and Admiral Sinclair Were there vegetables grown, a vegetable garden at Government house? [Shirley] Yes, yes, yes, definitely yes. We used to pick our own vegetables. Hans was a very keen gardener. A Dutch man, he looked after the gardens. [Roslyn] What was his name? [Shirley] Hans. [Roslyn] Hans. [Shirley] I don't know whether he's still around or not. He was part of the Botanic Gardens. [Roslyn] Right. And did, were you and Admiral Sinclair
18:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

able to enjoy the gardens, just yourselves informally, the gardens of, of Government house? able to enjoy the gardens, just yourselves informally, the gardens of, of Government house?
18:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] I used to visit the Rose Garden regularly. I love roses. And one year actually, which is, I think there might be a photo, another photo in here, but I'll show you what we did. Um, one year, [Shirley] I used to visit the Rose Garden regularly. I love roses. And one year actually, which is, I think there might be a photo, another photo in here, but I'll show you what we did. Um, one year,
19:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

talking about vegetables, see this driveway here and this strip here, the gardens start at the gate, they go all the way round here. The whole border was parsley. [Roslyn] Oh, I love it. [laughs] And just for the record, talking about vegetables, see this driveway here and this strip here, the gardens start at the gate, they go all the way round here. The whole border was parsley. [Roslyn] Oh, I love it. [laughs] And just for the record,
19:18

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Mrs Sinclair, I, I just wanted to acknowledge this lovely book Government house, New South Wales by Mrs Sinclair, I, I just wanted to acknowledge this lovely book Government house, New South Wales by
19:23

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Reginald Robertson, which you've so very kindly donated and I'll make sure that goes into the library at the Reginald Robertson, which you've so very kindly donated and I'll make sure that goes into the library at the
19:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Royal Australian Historical Society. [Shirley] Good. [Roslyn] You mentioned that some of your secretaries have, have helped you in the research and Royal Australian Historical Society. [Shirley] Good. [Roslyn] You mentioned that some of your secretaries have, have helped you in the research and
19:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the preparing of your speeches and they helped with put the books together that the preparing of your speeches and they helped with put the books together that
19:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we've referred to. Is there any other role that they provided for you? [Shirley] Oh, they were always there for me of course, we've referred to. Is there any other role that they provided for you? [Shirley] Oh, they were always there for me of course,
19:53

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you know they were very much there for me and we all got on terribly well. I mean I couldn't have done the job without them because, ah, they're like part of you, you know, you know they were very much there for me and we all got on terribly well. I mean I couldn't have done the job without them because, ah, they're like part of you, you know,
20:03

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

they're closer than your daughters. they're closer than your daughters.
20:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

They really know all about you and they know the interaction between the office of Governor, the actual,  They really know all about you and they know the interaction between the office of Governor, the actual, 
20:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and what the other people are doing in the general secretarial area. Ah yeah, no, they're very informative. And of course the library and what the other people are doing in the general secretarial area. Ah yeah, no, they're very informative. And of course the library
20:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was a great help. Once we got the library going, was a great help. Once we got the library going,
20:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

which means that we'd have a book on every country town, you wouldn't have to go out of the house to do research. which means that we'd have a book on every country town, you wouldn't have to go out of the house to do research.
20:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Mind you, I know with computers and Google and all that you can do that these days but there's nothing like hands on when youdoing research.  Mind you, I know with computers and Google and all that you can do that these days but there's nothing like hands on when youdoing research. 
20:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] That was your initiative wasn't it, the library?  [Shirley] Yes, that's right. [Roslyn] That was your initiative wasn't it, the library?  [Shirley] Yes, that's right.
20:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And we had two ladies from the, ah, Mitchell Library who came and, ah, actually catalogued the whole thing. It's quite, it was quite a big job And we had two ladies from the, ah, Mitchell Library who came and, ah, actually catalogued the whole thing. It's quite, it was quite a big job
20:47

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and there's quite a lot of books involved. [Roslyn] And that's no longer there, that's been dispersed. [Shirley] No it's, it's in the, ah... [Roslyn] Colonial Secretary. and there's quite a lot of books involved. [Roslyn] And that's no longer there, that's been dispersed. [Shirley] No it's, it's in the, ah... [Roslyn] Colonial Secretary.
20:56

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Colonial Secretary's office. I don't know what they've done with it. [Roslyn] Where was the, the library at Government house in your time? [Shirley] It's still [Shirley] Colonial Secretary's office. I don't know what they've done with it. [Roslyn] Where was the, the library at Government house in your time? [Shirley] It's still
21:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

got 'Library' written on it, as, as, you know where the, ah, toilets are that people, the public had, we had to put those in as a matter of fact those toilets got 'Library' written on it, as, as, you know where the, ah, toilets are that people, the public had, we had to put those in as a matter of fact those toilets
21:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

because there were no public toilets in the house. [Roslyn] What did you do for public events? [Shirley] Well there's a toilet outs-, next to my office which is downstairs because there were no public toilets in the house. [Roslyn] What did you do for public events? [Shirley] Well there's a toilet outs-, next to my office which is downstairs
21:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and of course the Governor has a toilet next to his office, so. [Roslyn] That's one toilet for..? [Shirley] Well there were no disabled toilets either you see so we had to put all those in. [Roslyn] Goodness. [Shirley] 'Cause the law and of course the Governor has a toilet next to his office, so. [Roslyn] That's one toilet for..? [Shirley] Well there were no disabled toilets either you see so we had to put all those in. [Roslyn] Goodness. [Shirley] 'Cause the law
21:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

requires it. [Roslyn] Of course. But for garden parties and investitures and so on what on earth did people do? [Shirley] Well they just went to my little toilet next to the back  requires it. [Roslyn] Of course. But for garden parties and investitures and so on what on earth did people do? [Shirley] Well they just went to my little toilet next to the back 
21:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

entrance there. [Roslyn] There must have been a queue. [Shirley] [laughs] Well it wasn't good. The toilets had to come unfortunately, which is interesting because  entrance there. [Roslyn] There must have been a queue. [Shirley] [laughs] Well it wasn't good. The toilets had to come unfortunately, which is interesting because 
21:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when they started to dismantle parts of the house to make the toilets, there were all convict bricks. They were just beautiful. [Roslyn] Which have now been covered up again? when they started to dismantle parts of the house to make the toilets, there were all convict bricks. They were just beautiful. [Roslyn] Which have now been covered up again?
21:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Some of them [Shirley] Some of them
21:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we built a wall with down in the garden, down where the, where Mrs Hurley put her rose. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] I was on a track somewhere else and I've forgotten what I was saying, but it doesn't matter. we built a wall with down in the garden, down where the, where Mrs Hurley put her rose. [Roslyn] Right. [Shirley] I was on a track somewhere else and I've forgotten what I was saying, but it doesn't matter.
22:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] The library, [Roslyn] The library,
22:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

librarians, [Shirley] No the library still has 'Library' on it. [Roslyn] Your staff, your pers-, your private secretaries. [Shirley] Private secretaries. Well yes they would keep notes. I mean I'd librarians, [Shirley] No the library still has 'Library' on it. [Roslyn] Your staff, your pers-, your private secretaries. [Shirley] Private secretaries. Well yes they would keep notes. I mean I'd
22:26

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

tell them things and they'd write everything down. But they knew when I was up to something no good as they used to say. They knew when I had another idea. [laughter] [Roslyn] And also thinking about  tell them things and they'd write everything down. But they knew when I was up to something no good as they used to say. They knew when I had another idea. [laughter] [Roslyn] And also thinking about 
22:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

your time there when I know you, I think the numbers  your time there when I know you, I think the numbers 
22:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

might, my, my interpretation of the numbers might have varied, but, um, Ralph Derbridge has written about the numbers might, my, my interpretation of the numbers might have varied, but, um, Ralph Derbridge has written about the numbers
22:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and it must have been like a, a small village in a sense, it must have been a busy place? [Shirley] It was busy because you know, you have to cope with the open, the house is open and it must have been like a, a small village in a sense, it must have been a busy place? [Shirley] It was busy because you know, you have to cope with the open, the house is open
22:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

so you quite often have public walking through and things like that. [Roslyn] But I mean just, just, even on a day so you quite often have public walking through and things like that. [Roslyn] But I mean just, just, even on a day
23:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when there's no public there, the, the number of staff, the kitchen staff. [Shirley] Oh, it's busy. Busy, because, because it's downstairs, it's not like it is now. That new when there's no public there, the, the number of staff, the kitchen staff. [Shirley] Oh, it's busy. Busy, because, because it's downstairs, it's not like it is now. That new
23:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

wing wing
23:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

they have at the back where all the offices are, that wasn't there. they have at the back where all the offices are, that wasn't there.
23:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] When was that constructed? [Shirley] Oh... [Roslyn] After your time? [Shirley] Way after my time yes. [Roslyn] Mm. [Shirley] During the, um, transformation of the whole house. Ah, I don't know. I don't know, Mari might have seen the plans for it, I didn't know. Certainly I didn't know they'd done it. [Roslyn] When was that constructed? [Shirley] Oh... [Roslyn] After your time? [Shirley] Way after my time yes. [Roslyn] Mm. [Shirley] During the, um, transformation of the whole house. Ah, I don't know. I don't know, Mari might have seen the plans for it, I didn't know. Certainly I didn't know they'd done it.
23:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] So just as [Roslyn] So just as
23:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you've said you couldn't do the role without a private secretary... [Shirley] I didn't say I couldn't do it without... [laughter] [Roslyn] Sorry, excuse me, excuse me. I, I wasn't listening keenly enough. you've said you couldn't do the role without a private secretary... [Shirley] I didn't say I couldn't do it without... [laughter] [Roslyn] Sorry, excuse me, excuse me. I, I wasn't listening keenly enough.
23:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

That they were invaluable to your role. [laughter] [Shirley] Absolutely. As were all the staff because there's no way when you've been out all day and perhaps till late, you know, 8 o'clock at night and you haven't had a meal, That they were invaluable to your role. [laughter] [Shirley] Absolutely. As were all the staff because there's no way when you've been out all day and perhaps till late, you know, 8 o'clock at night and you haven't had a meal,
23:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you can't go to the kitchen and cook, you need to have something on a warming plate when you get home, or sit and relax you can't go to the kitchen and cook, you need to have something on a warming plate when you get home, or sit and relax
24:05

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and watch something on TV with a glass of wine or whatever. You just can't, ah, just can't keep going and watch something on TV with a glass of wine or whatever. You just can't, ah, just can't keep going
24:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and, um, like you can't, haven't got time to do your own washing. [Roslyn] The, the, um, so the kitchen was kind of out of bounds  and, um, like you can't, haven't got time to do your own washing. [Roslyn] The, the, um, so the kitchen was kind of out of bounds 
24:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

was it in a sense? Or is that too radical a view, ah, comment? [Shirley] No, no it's far too... I think the chef could have killed me a few was it in a sense? Or is that too radical a view, ah, comment? [Shirley] No, no it's far too... I think the chef could have killed me a few
24:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

times. [laughter] [Roslyn] For  times. [laughter] [Roslyn] For 
24:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

what did you do that warranted that? [Shirley] Oh I'd go down just to check how, how things were. Make sure they'd cleaned it up and, you know, 'cause we had a new what did you do that warranted that? [Shirley] Oh I'd go down just to check how, how things were. Make sure they'd cleaned it up and, you know, 'cause we had a new
24:40

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

kitchen put in. And that took quite some time because we had to wait for government funds to put it in. The old kitchen was shocking. kitchen put in. And that took quite some time because we had to wait for government funds to put it in. The old kitchen was shocking.
24:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn]So what, what did you do in the meantime? [Shirley] We just used the old kitchen which was pretty ghastly. And you know we had to have new refrigeration and new stoves. And, and then of course [Roslyn]So what, what did you do in the meantime? [Shirley] We just used the old kitchen which was pretty ghastly. And you know we had to have new refrigeration and new stoves. And, and then of course
24:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the staff eat in so the staff dining room had to be attended to and it was pretty run down. the staff eat in so the staff dining room had to be attended to and it was pretty run down.
25:06

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] But I don't get the feeling, I suppose where I was heading really, Mrs Sinclair, is that you, I don't get the feeling that you could just duck [Roslyn] But I don't get the feeling, I suppose where I was heading really, Mrs Sinclair, is that you, I don't get the feeling that you could just duck
25:12

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

into the kitchen, make yourself cheese on toast at whim. [Shirley] No but  into the kitchen, make yourself cheese on toast at whim. [Shirley] No but 
25:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I might go in and ask for a carrot or a banana or something. [laughter] Noleen, Noleen who was the under chef she, I might go in and ask for a carrot or a banana or something. [laughter] Noleen, Noleen who was the under chef she,
25:25

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

she'd always have a carrot ready for me, I'd go in and say, 'I'd like a carrot.' No the one thing you don't do at Government house is starve. she'd always have a carrot ready for me, I'd go in and say, 'I'd like a carrot.' No the one thing you don't do at Government house is starve.
25:35

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] I can imagine. Mrs Sinclair just as we wind up this afternoon and you've been very generous with your time [Roslyn] I can imagine. Mrs Sinclair just as we wind up this afternoon and you've been very generous with your time
25:44

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and that lovely lunch, thank you. [Shirley] My pleasure. [Roslyn] But, um, just in general what events stand out in your memory of your time at Government house? [Shirley] I suppose and that lovely lunch, thank you. [Shirley] My pleasure. [Roslyn] But, um, just in general what events stand out in your memory of your time at Government house? [Shirley] I suppose
25:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the Christmas party, the Children's Christmas party in Moree, um, but mainly the people. The people of New South the Christmas party, the Children's Christmas party in Moree, um, but mainly the people. The people of New South
26:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Wales with their generosity to help each other Wales with their generosity to help each other
26:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and we don't hear enough, the media are so unkind. Ah, they never publish the good news. Ah, they only want us to hear the bad news. and we don't hear enough, the media are so unkind. Ah, they never publish the good news. Ah, they only want us to hear the bad news.
26:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And I think if they published the good news then it would lift people's morale a lot more. People would, ah, understand and probably even And I think if they published the good news then it would lift people's morale a lot more. People would, ah, understand and probably even
26:22

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

do more. And it certainly would teach younger children to play a bigger role in the community. do more. And it certainly would teach younger children to play a bigger role in the community.
26:29

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I think the young, ah, need to learn what it's like to come from a volunteer lifestyle. I think the young, ah, need to learn what it's like to come from a volunteer lifestyle.
26:37

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And we're certainly missing volunteers in the, ah, baby boomers. You know, the town, I know in this town And we're certainly missing volunteers in the, ah, baby boomers. You know, the town, I know in this town
26:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

for instance, there's going to be a big gap between volunteers because you, these days for instance, there's going to be a big gap between volunteers because you, these days
26:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

two people have to work. [Roslyn] It's a different world. two people have to work. [Roslyn] It's a different world.
26:52

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] I don't know how we get around not having two people working. Or is that because we're greedy? [Roslyn] It's a question I can't answer. [Shirley] I don't know how we get around not having two people working. Or is that because we're greedy? [Roslyn] It's a question I can't answer.
27:01

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

I'm assuming it's rhetorical [laughs]. I'm assuming it's rhetorical [laughs].
27:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Um, you, you've talked about some of these things as we've gone along about how each of you in your role as the Governor's Um, you, you've talked about some of these things as we've gone along about how each of you in your role as the Governor's
27:16

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

wife or consort managed your public role wife or consort managed your public role
27:19

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and what has been your contribution do you feel to public life in New South Wales? [Shirley] Well, other than supporting my husband, and what has been your contribution do you feel to public life in New South Wales? [Shirley] Well, other than supporting my husband,
27:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

um, I'd like to think I have tried to bring back some history into the house that's sadly missing. um, I'd like to think I have tried to bring back some history into the house that's sadly missing.
27:39

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

Ah, I think it is very important we prev-, preserve our history Ah, I think it is very important we prev-, preserve our history
27:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and heritage, which Australians are not good at doing. We're very good at tearing things down and building them again and heritage, which Australians are not good at doing. We're very good at tearing things down and building them again
27:49

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

and I think that has to be pursued even more. Um, and I hope I've left some impression on people that I've met, changed their lives and I think that has to be pursued even more. Um, and I hope I've left some impression on people that I've met, changed their lives
28:00

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

or, oh, in fact I had a very nice letter from, um, a girl we employed as a florist, ah, from the Botanic Gardens. or, oh, in fact I had a very nice letter from, um, a girl we employed as a florist, ah, from the Botanic Gardens.
28:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

And she said without my help And she said without my help
28:11

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

she would never have branched off into doing her own thing. And it's a lovely letter actually, I've got it somewhere. But ah, I like to think I have she would never have branched off into doing her own thing. And it's a lovely letter actually, I've got it somewhere. But ah, I like to think I have
28:21

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

did more of that in my life than I've heard about. [Roslyn] And what's been the impact of the role on you? [Shirley] Oh, it's life, did more of that in my life than I've heard about. [Roslyn] And what's been the impact of the role on you? [Shirley] Oh, it's life,
28:32

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it's a life sentence, there's no doubt about that.  That's, ah, it's a life sentence for both of us. You can never escape it, it's always there. You must  it's a life sentence, there's no doubt about that.  That's, ah, it's a life sentence for both of us. You can never escape it, it's always there. You must 
28:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

never denigrate the office. never denigrate the office.
28:43

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

The office is very important. Um, and I admire that, you know, that we have such a, a wonderful thing as a Governor who can, ah, manage The office is very important. Um, and I admire that, you know, that we have such a, a wonderful thing as a Governor who can, ah, manage
28:54

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

to control the government under the Constitution. [Roslyn] Life sentence is quite a tough term. [Shirley] Well I, to control the government under the Constitution. [Roslyn] Life sentence is quite a tough term. [Shirley] Well I,
29:02

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

it wasn't my saying actually it was Roden Cutler's. He actually said to me, he said, it wasn't my saying actually it was Roden Cutler's. He actually said to me, he said,
29:09

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

'Do you know you're entering now something that's a life sentence.' [laughs] 'Do you know you're entering now something that's a life sentence.' [laughs]
29:13

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] What did you think [Roslyn] What did you think
29:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when he told you that? [Shirley] I believed him. [Laughter] I certainly believehim now that's for sure. But it's not a, a life sentence as like a jail sentence. I mean you can say no if you want to. But you can't let people down. [Roslyn] Would you say when he told you that? [Shirley] I believed him. [Laughter] I certainly believehim now that's for sure. But it's not a, a life sentence as like a jail sentence. I mean you can say no if you want to. But you can't let people down. [Roslyn] Would you say
29:30

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

you enjoyed it? [Shirley] Oh yes, yes. It was wonderful, you enjoyed it? [Shirley] Oh yes, yes. It was wonderful,
29:34

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

but it's very exhausting, very tiring. But you couldn't do it at our pace and the number of functions a day, you know, but it's very exhausting, very tiring. But you couldn't do it at our pace and the number of functions a day, you know,
29:41

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

sometimes eight functions a day. [Roslyn] Eight! [Shirley] You can't do that unless you've got the team. sometimes eight functions a day. [Roslyn] Eight! [Shirley] You can't do that unless you've got the team.
29:48

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] And the team is? [Shirley] Ah, the team would be from the housekeeper to the driver to the lady who washed my clothes to my secretary to, ah, [Roslyn] And the team is? [Shirley] Ah, the team would be from the housekeeper to the driver to the lady who washed my clothes to my secretary to, ah,
29:57

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the programmers, the, which we all sit in on of course, the programming. Just everyone in general the programmers, the, which we all sit in on of course, the programming. Just everyone in general
30:04

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

that, ah, helps the office of Governor. [Roslyn] And the other question is do you think a Governor could do the role that, to, to which he's appointed that, ah, helps the office of Governor. [Roslyn] And the other question is do you think a Governor could do the role that, to, to which he's appointed
30:14

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

or she is appointed, without the assistance of a consort? [Shirley] Well we've just, well we just seen it in reverse haven't we? The consort or she is appointed, without the assistance of a consort? [Shirley] Well we've just, well we just seen it in reverse haven't we? The consort
30:24

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

being a male [laughs]. [Roslyn] Yes, yes. But... [Shirley] So it is... [Roslyn] Whether male or female, could that person do the role without domestic help? [Shirley] No. [Roslyn] Domestic help's not quite being a male [laughs]. [Roslyn] Yes, yes. But... [Shirley] So it is... [Roslyn] Whether male or female, could that person do the role without domestic help? [Shirley] No. [Roslyn] Domestic help's not quite
30:38

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

the right word. [laughter] [Shirley] You need some sort of help, the right word. [laughter] [Shirley] You need some sort of help,
30:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

assistance. [Roslyn] Yes. assistance. [Roslyn] Yes.
30:42

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Like a, a driver alone, is, ah, at least between functions you've got time to, ah, gather your thoughts before you make the [Shirley] Like a, a driver alone, is, ah, at least between functions you've got time to, ah, gather your thoughts before you make the
30:51

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

next speech or make sure you're not saying you're in Forbes when you're in Parkes, which I actually had one Member of Parliament do in next speech or make sure you're not saying you're in Forbes when you're in Parkes, which I actually had one Member of Parliament do in
30:59

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

front of us. [Roslyn] Mm. That must be hard. [Shirley] That would be awful. 'Cause Parkes and Forbes don't like each other. [laughter] They're very competitive. front of us. [Roslyn] Mm. That must be hard. [Shirley] That would be awful. 'Cause Parkes and Forbes don't like each other. [laughter] They're very competitive.
31:10

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Roslyn] You also mentioned when we were off tape that you'd like more time for reading and that's why you [Roslyn] You also mentioned when we were off tape that you'd like more time for reading and that's why you
31:15

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

cruising. [Shirley] Yes because I can, you know, curl up on a bunk and read a book. And then cruising. [Shirley] Yes because I can, you know, curl up on a bunk and read a book. And then
31:20

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when I'm finished that one day I can go and get another one. [laughter] But ah, oh, well books are important aren't they but when I'm finished that one day I can go and get another one. [laughter] But ah, oh, well books are important aren't they but
31:28

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

we've got so many of them. I, I think, I like history books. I like knowing about our history, and you know, you learn something every day we've got so many of them. I, I think, I like history books. I like knowing about our history, and you know, you learn something every day
31:36

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

when you look at our history. It's not written about enough. But the main thing is, it's got to be factual. [Roslyn] Indeed. when you look at our history. It's not written about enough. But the main thing is, it's got to be factual. [Roslyn] Indeed.
31:46

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[inaudible background conversation] [Roslyn] I think, Mrs Sinclair that's a lovely note on which to end. Thank you very much for your contribution and for your time today for this [inaudible background conversation] [Roslyn] I think, Mrs Sinclair that's a lovely note on which to end. Thank you very much for your contribution and for your time today for this
31:58

Choose A Speaker
(only necessary when speaker changes)

[Shirley] Thank you Roslyn. It's been a joy having you here. Thank you. [Shirley] Thank you Roslyn. It's been a joy having you here. Thank you.