Sara Maude Robertson was one of only nineteen women who graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1899. Graduating with a medical degree, Sara was also awarded several prizes throughout her studies, including a first class certificate in physics. 

Sara continued to break the mould when in the early 1900s she moved to Christmas Island, reportedly becoming the first "professional female there". At this time, the community was amidst a beriberi epidemic which threatened the health of those who lived and worked on the island, particularly the phosphate mining workforce. 

It is recounted that Sara became a pivotal figure in the treatment of the beriberi epidemic, which cemented her status as a historical figure on the island. Like many groundbreaking figures, her story intertwines fact and folklore. Legend has it that in a bold move to demand better healthcare standards, Sara set the local hospital ablaze, a testament to her unyielding commitment to progress.

Her story is celebrated to this day, when community groups and locals met on 7th June 2024 to commemorate Sara's legacy on Christmas Island. 

Shire of Christmas Island Director of Community Services, Olivier Lines, writes: "On the 7th of June a small gathering organised by the Shire of Christmas Island, was held at the abandoned old European Cemetery in remembrance of Dr Sara Maude Robertson.

In attendance, those who could manage to leave their workplace during a working day, were representatives of the Christmas Island Women’s Association, Shire of Christmas Island & local community members.

Sara’s life story was recounted, her persistence against diversity, courage and humanity and service to Christmas Island.

She lays on the fringes of an ever-encroaching jungle and soil slippage, next to sailors of steamships and the Second World War of which the Shire is in a constant battle to keep back the vegetation.

The gravesites including Sara’s, are maintained by the Shire who flies up from Perth Western Australia to Christmas Island, a stonemason who repairs and cleans the gravestones and monuments."

Find out more about the ceremony in The Islander Newsletter here (to locate the newsletter select 2024, then scroll down to Islander Issue 812 140624). 

Read more about Sara Maude Robertson here, or on the University Story web pages. 

Sara Maude Robertson SRC Picture

Sara Maude Robertson pictured in the front left of SRC 1989-99 photograph.
 

Olivier Lines, Director of Community Services and local community members at Sara's gravesite during the gathering.

Sara's life story is recounted during the gathering. 

First published: 11 July 2024

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