Feature Biography
Robert Reginald (Reg) Downing (1904–1994)
Robert Reginald Downing (1904-1994), politician, was born on 6 November 1904 at Tumut, New South Wales, eldest of four children of New South Wales-born parents Robert Downing, cordial manufacturer, shearer, and rural labourer, and his wife Frances Jean, née Galvin. Reg did not commence at Tumut convent school until the age of seven, due to the effects of scarlet fever, which had carried off his sister. His mother, who had been a teacher, ensured he was prepared and he quickly showed aptitude at...