CELEBRATING WOMEN OF THE WHITSUNDAYS MADALENE GRAY (1918-1998)

Madalene Gray was an astute businesswoman and tourism stalwart who was awarded Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 1992 in acknowledgement of her support of sporting clubs and organisations in the community.

But Madalene was much more than this. She was the matriarch of a happy family of nine children, eighteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren as well as “Mum” to many others.  Madalene was known for her hospitality, with her Telford Street home always welcoming guests and serving plenty of good food.

Before marrying Edward Gray in Brisbane in 1935, she worked as a clerk for the Gray family in their Brisbane operation manufacturing louvres. Madalene confessed to crying all the way on their journey to live in Proserpine but quickly settled into life in the country town and immersed herself into community life.

Initially, she and Eddie lived in Main Street behind the family’s furniture shop which was where Cherrie Baby is now located and they raised a family of nine children, including twins.

In 1936, Madalene and Eddie commenced their very successful sawmilling business. With a family of six children by this time, Madalene managed the office. Renowned for her knowledge of timber and her ability to run the timber yard, she could tell at a glance if an order was incomplete.

Keen for a change, in 1956, Madalene opened a dress salon called Jo Anne’s. She and her daughter Edna owned the shop when it was on Main Street, where Shoe Biz now stands.

In 1958, the Grays sold the sawmilling business and entered the tourism industry purchasing an ex-navy vessel, “Fairmile”, which they converted into a 32-berth tourist launch named “Esmeralda”. They became pioneers in overnight cruising in the Whitsundays, staying at sea five days every week. Madalene was hostess, barmaid, maitre’d, nurse and cleaner – with a family of nine children by this time. She was also “Mum” to the crew on the boat as well. When Shute Harbour was opened in 1961, the official luncheon was held on the “Esmeralda”.  In 1963, the Grays sold “Esmeralda” and repurchased the sawmill.

Despite leading a very busy working life and family life, Madalene still found time to involve herself in the community. She was Life Member and Patron of Whitsunday Sailing Club. The Whitsunday Sailing Club believes that Madalene and Eddie Gray's generosity and active participation were essential to its development and success. They particularly supported junior sabot sailing and helped to establish the Learn to Sail school. As a measure of the regard within which they were held, in 1992, “Sabot Week” was dedicated to the Gray family.

She was also Life Member of the Proserpine Show Society and Patron of the Uniting Church Flower Show as well as being actively involved in all aspects of the Uniting Church. Madalene also supported many other community and sporting organisations and made costumes for the local theatre group.

Madalene Gray passed away on April 19, 1998, having lived a rich and full life, dedicating herself to both her family and her community.  

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

Caption

Madalene Gray

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