02/09/2026
**Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this post contains names and images of deceased persons**
🖤💛❤️Remembering William Leslie "Tracker" Robinson ❤️💛🖤
Richmond Police District proudly acknowledges the remarkable life and service of William Leslie "Tracker" Robinson (1896-1994), a respected Bundjalung man whose contribution to policing on the North Coast remains an important part of our history.
Born at Casino and raised in the Richmond Valley, Robinson was renowned for his exceptional horsemanship, tracking abilities, courage and dedication to duty. Tracker Robinson joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1914, as a cadet, for the purpose of breaking in horses for the force in Lismore. He was at that time relieving for his father, Mr William Robsinson, who held a similar position, and was on holiday leave. He relilnquished that position on the return of his father.
Between 1914-1916 Tracker Robsinson travelled with a boxing show and was a noted performer in the roped square.
He rejoined the Police again in 1916 as a horsebreaker until 1920. At this time he left and worked as a manager on a banana plantation in Mullumbimby. In 1923 he rejoined the Police and served with distinction as a Special Constable for more than four decades, being promoted to Sergeant Tracker in 1945. He spent a majority of his service at Grafton Police Station.
Outside policing, "Tracker" Robinson was also a champion boxer, holding multiple North Coast titles, appearing in local bouts until 1945. He later became an acclaimed self-taught artist whose vibrant works gained recognition across New South Wales.
Despite retiring in 1961, his service was finally formally recognised by the NSW Police when he was 96 years old. In 1992, at a civic reception in Grafton he was awarded certificates of honourable discharge and appreciation from the New South Wales Police. He described the occasion as one of the most important moments of his life.
He died on 13 October 1994 at Grafton, survived by fifteen children. Three hundred family and friends attended his funeral where he was accorded a guard of honour by the NSW Police. He was buried in Clarence lawn cemetery, Grafton.
"Tracker" Robinson's legacy is one of resilience, service, talent and commitment to family and community. Today, we honour his outstanding contribution to policing and recognise the enduring impact he has had on the history of the North Coast and the NSW Police Force.
Today, we honour his service and ensure that his contribution to policing and community is remembered for generations to come.
Source: https://ia.anu.edu.au/biography/robinson-william-leslie-23121
Source: Grafton Daily Examiner - 7th Dec 1945 - https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/195751966
Coffs-Clarence Police District
