People Australia

Descendant of Henry Hopkins, an English merchant who arrived whilst quite young with his wife in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1822, and who is now cited as one of Tasmania’s grandest pioneers. It was he, who by his experiment of sending twelve bales of Tasmania wool during his first year of residence to England that really founded Australia’s wool trade, which has since grown to such stupendous proportions. His fine town residence, “Westella,” which he built in Hobart, is still standing, and from its steps by order of the Governor (Sir George Arthur) was issued the proclamation of the death of King William IV. and the accession of Queen Victoria. Henry Hopkins was interested in the foundation of the Savings Bank, the Mechanics Institute of Tasmania, and helped generously many of Melbourne’s early institutions. What he accomplished for his church in Tasmania and Victoria need little mention as there are two churches which stand as memories to this fine pioneer.

Daughter of Frederick Dougan Bird, M.B., Ch.B., M.S., F.R.C.S., Hon. Consulting Surgeon Mediterranean Forces, C.B. (military division), 1917, of Melbourne, and Lucy Clare Hopkins, of Winchelsea, Victoria. Educated privately. Wife of Harold E. Brookes, Grazier, Director of Australian Paper Mills, Austral Otis Engineering Company, Royal Victoria Institute for the Blind. Two daughters: Margaret Clare, Elizabeth Dorothy Dougan: only son, John Dougan.

ACTIVITIES. Country Vice-president, A.W.N. League; President of Woodend Branch, A.W.N.L.; Chairman, Bush Library, Victoria League; Member of Victoria League Executive; President, Alexandra Club, 1933-34. Actively interested in Woodend organisations.

HOBBIES. Growing Rhododendrons, Motoring, Golf.

CLUBS. Alexandra, Ladies’ Empire Club (London), Victoria League Club (Melbourne), Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Lawn Tennis Association of Victoria, Royal Aero Club of Victoria, Royal Auto. Club of Victoria.

ADDRESS. “Flinthill, ” Woodend, Victoria