The Australian Women's Register

Born to Arthur and Annie Louise Eather, Norma was the eldest of five children including Athol (who died at Gallipoli), Eugene, Arthur and Ella. She was educated in Moree before studying at Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music. Norma married Gordon Kirkby, son of a local grazing family, in 1924 and the couple settled at ‘Success’ on the Goondiwindi Road. They were to have three children: Merle, Fred and Mary.

By 1935 the family had moved to ‘Wilga’ on the edge of Moree. Here Norma began creating a magnificent garden, and entertained guests ranging from World War II evacuees from Hong Kong to Rotary exchange students, governors-general and state governors.

While running the Hereford and Merino Studs with her husband, Norma became involved with numerous charitable organisations including the Country Women’s Association, Inner Wheel, Torchbearers for Legacy, the Royal Blind Society, the Australian Red Cross, Moree Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Moree Girl Guides Association, the Handicapped Children’s Association and Far West Children’s Health Scheme. She used her musical talent to accompany silent movies at the Moree picture theatre, and played the organ in the Anglican Church. A passionate rugby union supporter, Norma was also president of the Moree Golf Associates.

Gordon Kirkby died in 1973. The following year, Norma was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Gordon had received his own MBE in 1966.