Colin Roberts

An influential administrator

Few people had a greater influence on the early success of St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital than Col Roberts. As the Hospital’s first Secretary, and later Chief Executive Officer, he provided the steady administrative leadership that helped transform a newly opened hospital into a respected and thriving healthcare institution.

Born and raised in Gatton, Col joined St Andrew’s on its opening day, 9 July 1966. At this stage, the new Hospital had generated excitement across the community, but now it faced the next challenge of building a reputation and attracting patients in a competitive healthcare environment. He later recalled,

“We had a brand new Hospital with no patients and no reputation.”

Guiding the hospital through its early years

The Hospital’s first months were difficult. Patient numbers were low, financial losses were recorded and support from the medical community was far from guaranteed.

Working closely with Chairman Treg Rowe, Matron Myra Blanch and the Board of Governors, Col helped guide St Andrew’s through those uncertain years. His calm, practical approach and attention to detail earned the respect of colleagues and played an important role in the Hospital’s survival and growth.

As patient numbers increased, Col became involved in every aspect of administration, including finances, staffing, government requirements, regulatory compliance and future planning.

During more than two decades of service, Col helped St Andrew’s evolve from a vulnerable new institution into a financially secure and expanding hospital.

His tenure coincided with significant growth, including additional beds, expanded operating theatres, new specialist diagnostic services and major building projects. Among the milestones achieved during this period were the extension projects of the early 1980s and the establishment of Toowoomba’s first Nuclear Medicine Unit in 1986.

In 1977, his title changed from Secretary to Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the increasing scale and complexity of the organisation.

A lasting legacy

After more than 21 years of service, Col Roberts retired in September 1987. By then, the Hospital had been transformed. The organisation that began with empty beds and an uncertain future had become a respected private hospital serving Toowoomba and the wider Darling Downs.

At his retirement, Chairman Treg Rowe acknowledged the significant role Col had played in building St Andrew’s into the successful institution it had become. Although he worked largely behind the scenes, Col’s contribution was profound. Through careful management, dedication and quiet leadership, he helped turn a bold vision into a lasting reality.