Sinclair, Robert

Robert Sinclair, an auctioneer, was elected the 24th Mayor of Toowoomba in 1898.

A native of Bath in England, he came to Toowoomba about 1882 and at first was in the service of J S McIntyre, a well-known auctioneer and Toowoomba’s Mayor in 1880.

Sinclair established his own business in 1899 and his influence spread rapidly, eventually becoming associated in a prominent way with most of the leading institutions of the city.

A foundation member of the Chamber of Commerce, he was its president on several occasions.

He was secretary of the Toowoomba Grammar School Trustees for 25 years, a member of the School of Arts committee for 14 years and chairman of the Toowoomba Hospital committee from 1914 until 1916.

For several years Robert Sinclair was a member of the Toowoomba Fire Brigade Board and he also took an active interest in the Toowoomba Caledonian Society.

In 1887 he started Toowoomba’s first Parliamentary debating society. Meetings were held in the Congregational Church where the Crown Hotel is now situated. [northeast corner of Neil & Margaret Street]

Although never standing as a candidate for Parliament, Sinclair was an active campaigner and often assisted candidates at elections. He was also a keen support of local sports and athletic associations.

He was president of the Toowoomba Cricket Club for several terms and was its secretary for over 20 years.

He was also secretary of the Toowoomba Cricket Union (now Association) for 10 years and its president for a similar period, president of the Toowoomba Athletics Association and a long time chairman of the Toowoomba Sports Ground trustees.

Historian Mr Ron Douglas has records which show Sinclair had premises in 1909 at 396 Ruthven Street, where the Heritage Building Society now stands.

He died of pneumonia at Brisbane Hospital on October 27, 1928 aged 65.