Vale Susan Roberts: Council honours long-serving city advocate

Townsville City Council has acknowledged the passing of Susan Roberts, a long‑serving community advocate and dedicated contributor to the city’s civic and cultural life.

Susan Roberts was the daughter of renowned Townsville figure, former alderman and deputy mayor George Roberts, whose legacy is honoured through the naming of George Roberts Bridge.

Her mother, Dal, was a successful businesswoman whose former fashion house located in Flinders Mall – Dal Roberts – is remembered as a Townsville retail institution.

Continuing her family’s tradition of community service, Susan advocated on behalf of the people of Townsville for decades, serving in a variety of roles dedicated to enriching the city and strengthening its global connections.

For more than 20 years, she was Chair of the Townsville Sister City Committee, playing a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding Townsville’s international relationships.

Her leadership was particularly significant during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster, when she helped coordinate support, communication, and cultural exchange with Townsville’s Sister City, Iwaki, Japan.

Her efforts fostered a deep sense of solidarity between the two cities during a time of immense hardship for the people of Iwaki.

Division three councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said Susan had been integral to establishing Townsville’s relationship with its Sister Cities, especially those in Japan.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of Susan’s passing – she was fierce, loyal and direct and never shied away from telling you what she thought,” Cr Greaney said.

“Susan opened our little piece of paradise here in the North to the rest of the world, particularly those with whom we have established formal Sister City partnerships across Japan, China and Korea.

“We would not have the history and legacy of these long-established relationships without her – she was an incredible ambassador for Townsville.”

Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto said Susan’s contribution to the city would be remembered for years to come.

“On behalf of Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Susan’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her service and leadership,” Cr Dametto said.

“Vale Susan Roberts.”