Toowoomba’s Robert Brown known for love of photography and motorsport, dies in hospital after alleged CBD assault

To his friends, family and admirers, Robert Brown was a gentle giant who was in his favourite photography spot when he was allegedly assaulted.

Robert Brown has been described as Toowoomba’s very own Max Dupain — someone whose photos captured the extraordinary in everyday life and regular people.

The 75-year-old Toowoomba man, seen as a “gentle giant” by people who knew him, died on Monday following a week in hospital after he was allegedly assaulted in broad daylight outside Grand Central Shopping Centre on February 6.

Mr Brown went into cardiac arrest when his head hit the Margaret Street bitumen around 5pm, with bystanders rushing to his aid and paramedics performing CPR within minutes.

Three teenagers, including 18-year-old Wilsonton man Isaac Zane Cubby, were charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm among other offences.

Photographer Robert Brown explores sideshow alley on day 3 of the Toowoomba Royal Show. Sunday, March 27, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

While the matter has become the focal point for growing concerns about youth crime across the city, friends and admirers spoke about a kind and generous man who was seen every day photographing Toowoomba.

Photographic Society of Queensland vice-president Tryg Helander said the scene of his assault was ironically one of his favourite places to shoot.

“His happy hunting ground was around Grand Central, he used to be there every day,” he said.

Toowoomba's Robert Brown in his younger days as a race car driver. Photos submitted by John Evans.

“It was where he felt safest, that’s another reason why we’re so angry.

Helander compared Mr Brown to famed Australian photographer Max Dupain for his approach to the craft.

“He was an everyday photographer, he would always go out and shoot — he serviced our community, he showcased the notable goings on,” he said.

“Not only was he just a lovely human being, he helped the community — Robert’s photos were a genuine gift to the community.

Toowoomba's Robert Brown, pictured with his brother Tyrell, was the victim of an alleged assault in the CBD on February 6, 2023. Photo supplied by John Evans.

“We have wonderful examples of his work, these photos are a really gem because they show the old Toowoomba.

“He was our Max Dupain, he’d chronicle the building and evolution of Grand Central (like Dupain did with the Sydney Opera House).

“There would be no other collection of similar photos available — it’s his town and he was our photographer.”

Aside from photography, Toowoomba Auto Club member and historian John Evans said Mr Brown and his family were influential and prolific motorsport enthusiasts.

Toowoomba's Robert Brown, who was the victim of an alleged assault in the CBD on February 6, 2023. Photo supplied by John Evans.

“He is a long standing member of the Toowoomba Auto Club, having joined in the mid- sixties,” he said, prior to the announcement of Mr Brown's death.

“He loved all motorsport and took part for many years in hill climbs at Echo Valley, after the venue opened in 1966.

“During his adult life, Robert took thousands of photos, with his main passion being motorsport, including speedway, dirt track and bitumen racing, and most other forms of the sport.”

Mr Evans said Mr Brown’s father Merv was also instrumental in establishing the Toowoomba Auto Club more than 70 years ago.

“His father Merv, was responsible for placing an advertisement in The Chronicle in May 1950, with the aim of forming a motor sporting club in Toowoomba,” he said.

“From this, the Toowoomba Auto Club was formed and still exists today, over 70 years later.

“(Robert) still regularly attends the TAC events, with his camera of course, and also is a regular attendee at the monthly meetings of the club.”

Keen photographer, Robert Brown enjoys capturing the action at the off-road remote control racing group first meeting for 2018 at the Toowoomba Showgrounds. January 2018