Additional InformationWilliam (Bill) Herbert Robinson served as a photographer with the RAAF during World War II for a period of 5 years. In approximately 1946 he established a photographic studio in Tewantin with his wife Phyllis (nee Breadman) - 'Robinson of Tewantin'. Bill visited local areas taking portraits. During the 1950s, the Robinsons started working from a branch studio in Nambour one day a week. The days increased until they moved to Nambour permanently, purchasing Owen Studios in the Chadwick building, Currie Street, Nambour in 1961. In 1973 they opened another photographic studio at Caloundra. This was managed by their son Ted Robinson. In 1976 Bill and Phyllis established a retail camera shop in the 'old Vogue Theatre' in Nambour. Bill also worked as a freelance photographer taking photographs for both the Nambour Chronicle and the Nambour Police Force. In 1981 the Robinsons pioneered Pacific Film Services on the Sunshine Coast. For over twenty years Bill was associated with the Queensland Professional Photographers Association and the Institute of Australian Photographers. Bill was an active member and supporter of many community organisations including Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club, Nambour Rotary Club, Maroochydore Fire Brigade, Nambour and District Senior Citizens Club and the Sundale Gardens Management Committee. Bill retired in 1984.
After the sale of Robinson Studios in 1985, Bill’s vast collection of negatives was stored in poor conditions until purchased by the Nambour Apex Club in 1990. In late 1990, the collection was donated to the Nambour Library by the Nambour Apex Club.
Bill had kept a register of the negatives, which was with the collection of approximately 50,000 negatives, stored in envelopes in wooden and cardboard boxes.
Images related to the Noosa Shire have been shared with Noosa Council for inclusion on Heritage Noosa.
