WWII Aircraftwoman celebrates 100th birthday

Betty Robinson, a WWII veteran and Life Subscriber of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch, recently reached the incredible milestone of 100 years. Surrounded by loved ones, she celebrated this special occasion on 21 January at Club Tweed, reflecting on a century filled with service, family and cherished memories.

World War II veteran Betty Robinson of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 21 January, receiving her 100-year certificate from Sub Branch Director Geoff Partridge and his wife, Wellbeing Support Officer Jan Partridge

Defending Australia’s skies 

Betty (nee Lewis) was born in Hobart in 1925 and later moved to Sydney with her family. After working for her aunt in the fashion industry, she decided to join the war effort, enlisting in the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) on 25 February 1943, aged 18.

Initially posted to No. 5 WAAAF Depot, she was later stationed at Air Defence Headquarters Sydney, playing a crucial part in plotting aircraft to defend Australia’s skies.

Betty Robinson (right) with fellow Women's Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF) veterans Joy Sivertsen and Nancy Head during a 90th anniversary of Armistice Day and WWII Veterans 'Thank You' lunch held on the Gold Coast in 2008. Image credit: SGT Rob Mitchell, Department of Defence 

While serving, Betty formed deep and lasting bonds with two fellow servicewomen, Nancy Hayes and Valmae Klein. Though her dear friends have since passed, Betty still fondly recalls the camaraderie they shared during and after the war.

From service to raising a family 

Betty’s time in uniform came to an end on 24 September 1945 when she was discharged at the rank of Aircraftwoman. Though she took great pride in her service, she happily shifted her focus to family life. 

A recruitment poster for the Women's Australian Auxiliary Air Force (image credit: Australian War Memorial)

In May 1945, as the war entered its final months, Betty married RAAF member Noel Clive John Robinson. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication, raising two daughters and later welcoming multiple generations into their growing family.

A life well lived 

Betty and Noel settled into post-war life, with Betty taking on various roles in the workforce. She worked in a bakery in Cooma, New South Wales, before later becoming part of the team at the Kirra Beach Hotel on the Gold Coast. However, it was always family that remained at the centre of her world.

Over the decades, Betty’s family expanded to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Despite the passing of her beloved husband in 2000, she continued to embrace life with her trademark positive attitude.

A treasured long-time member  

Betty joined Tweed Heads and Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch in 1976 and remains a treasured member. She actively attended member meetings before moving to a nearby nursing home in recent years.

Betty served in the Women's Australian Auxiliary Air Force (WAAAF) during World War II (image credit: National Archives of Australia)

Sub Branch volunteers pay Betty regular visits, keeping in touch and offering assistance. However, Sub Branch President John Griffin says she’s rarely needed help. 

“She's one of those people that keeps on going,” he reflects. “I'd like to get to 100. Whether I’ll look as good as Betty does, I don't know!” 

To honour Betty’s birthday, Sub Branch Director Geoff Partridge and his wife, Wellbeing Support Officer Jan Partridge, were delighted to present Betty with her 100-year certificate from RSL Queensland. 

The secret to 100 years 

Once an enthusiastic tennis player, Betty now enjoys more leisurely activities such as chair tennis and bingo. 

She credits her longevity to her positive outlook and always seeing the bright side of life. 

She looks forward to enjoying more celebrations with her family, who are extremely proud of her legacy. Her story is one of service, adventure and love – an inspiring testament to a life well lived.