Sallyanne Atkinson - Early Life

Early Life

Atkinson was born in Sydney, New South Wales. She completed her secondary education at St Hilda's School on Queensland's Gold Coast, as well as Bishop's College in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Prior to being elected Lord Mayor, Atkinson held a variety of jobs, including as a journalist for the Brisbane Telegraph from 1960 to 1962, the Sydney Telegraph from 1962 to 1963, and the Courier Mail from 1963 to 1964. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Queensland in 1967. She also wrote a number of books, including Sallyanne Atkinson's Brisbane Guide which was released in 1985.

While living in Edinburgh, Scotland, she joined the Conservative Party. Upon her return to Australia, she was elected to the Brisbane City Council, first as a Liberal Party councillor, and then as Lord Mayor.