People
People
FREE
Robert Thomas Dallow, born in 1945 in Broken Hill, New South Wales, is a dedicated miner and family man. Married to Evelyn Margaret Ashcroft, he raised two daughters, Violet and Jasmine. His career was marked by hard work and leadership in the mining industry. The tragic loss of Violet in 1988 deeply affected him, yet he continued to support his family. Now retired, Robert's life is a testament to resilience and dedication, with the Dallow Residence symbolising his enduring spirit and love for his family.
Robert Thomas Dallow, born on 3 March 1945 in Broken Hill, New South Wales, is a man whose life and career are deeply entwined with the history of his hometown. Raised in a modest household, Robert’s parents, George and Alice Dallow, instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and community service. His father, George, was a miner, and his mother, Alice, a homemaker, provided a nurturing environment that shaped Robert’s character and future path.
From a young age, Robert was drawn to the rugged landscapes and the sense of camaraderie that characterised the mining community. After completing his education at Broken Hill High School, Robert followed in his father's footsteps and joined the local mining industry. Starting as an apprentice, he quickly earned a reputation for his strong work ethic and dedication, traits that would define his career.
In 1968, Robert married Evelyn Margaret Ashcroft, a skilled seamstress known for her nurturing spirit and commitment to the community. Together, they built a life rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Their first daughter, Violet, was born on 12 May 1972, followed by Jasmine on 27 August 1974. The Dallow family lived in a modest home on the outskirts of Broken Hill, where Evelyn’s warm hospitality and Robert’s steadfast presence created a loving environment for their daughters.
Robert’s career in mining was marked by significant achievements and challenges. By the mid-1970s, he had risen to the position of foreman, overseeing a team of miners and ensuring safety and efficiency in operations. His leadership was instrumental during the tumultuous periods of labour strikes and economic fluctuations that affected the mining industry. Robert’s commitment to his work was unwavering, yet he always prioritised his family, balancing the demands of his career with his responsibilities as a husband and father.
The Dallow home was a place of warmth and resilience. Robert and Evelyn instilled in their daughters a strong sense of independence and curiosity. Violet, with her adventurous spirit, often accompanied Robert on his walks through the Outback, where he shared stories of the land and its history. Jasmine, more academically inclined, found inspiration in her father’s dedication and her mother’s creativity.
Tragedy struck the Dallow family on 1 October 1988, when sixteen-year-old Violet was reported missing from a Girl Guides camp at Silverton. Despite extensive search efforts, her body was discovered weeks later, having been strangled. The murder, linked to the notorious Silverton Strangler, left the community in shock and the Dallow family in profound grief. Robert, known for his stoic demeanour, was deeply affected by the loss of his beloved daughter. His silent suffering contrasted with his determination to support his wife and surviving daughter through their shared ordeal.
In the years following Violet’s death, Robert continued to work in the mines, finding solace in the routine and the familiar rhythms of his labour. He became a quieter presence, his eyes reflecting the pain of his loss but also the strength that had always defined him. Evelyn’s passing in the early 2000s further deepened his sorrow, yet Robert remained a pillar of support for Jasmine, who had grown into a successful entrepreneur.
Jasmine’s achievements, including her graduation with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide and her thriving career in the hospitality industry, were sources of immense pride for Robert. Her marriage to Bradley Collins in 2006 at Sudeley Castle was a bright spot in Robert’s later years, bringing a sense of continuity and hope.
Robert Dallow, now retired, lives a life of quiet reflection in Broken Hill. His legacy is one of resilience and dedication, both to his family and his community. The Dallow Residence remains a symbol of the enduring spirit that has carried Robert through the trials and triumphs of life.
3
5
Welcome! Keep an eye on your inbox!
Email address is already registered.
Invalid email format.
An error occurred. Please try again.