Proudest personal moments

“Would have to be my family’s milestones with marriages and births and just seeing the children moving on with their lives ”

Favourite thing to do to relax?

“I don’t know if you could call it relaxing all the time, but I enjoy my Old Holdens, and the Club activities associated with them ” Rob has two Holdens one is a HR Premier sedan Which he says “Is a little bit rare because it has a 186S engine, a four-speed gearbox and a Limited Slip Differential. The other is a base model WB One Tonner four speed with a Blue 202. Both are close to original, the HR more so.”

Rob’s interest in Holdens led him to the Bundaberg Early Holden Club of which he has been a member for many years, president for four years and is currently serving as vice president

I guess that qualifies me as an enthusiast. I was in disbelief when Holden was shut down and disappointed to see them cease racing, there was a great and successful history there, it will never be repeated ”

What are you looking forward to doing most in retirement?

According to Susanne “Travel we are planning to go travelling to Tasmania as well as the Cape ” Rob agrees “Yep, travel is high on the agenda we now have a caravan so I would like to travel with it, Susanne and I used to go on driving holiday’s with a camper trailer, so I look forward to continuing that, but in more comfort.”

What his comrade and delegate Barry Schmidt has to say about Rob. Barry has known Rob for at least 30 years – while working out of the Bundaberg QR depot including 11 years as his delegate.

Rob has always been interested in finding out what is going on, especially around EB time, where he would provide input and seek feedback during the process. Rob was one of those members who was committed to achieving outcomes for himself and other members as well, he was interested in knowing what concerns were doing the rounds and how they could be resolved, he was/is a good solid unionist

He was passionate about passing on his knowledge and skills to apprentices and younger members, he was never afraid to share what he knew and took on an unofficial mentoring role with ease, he will be sorely missed around here.

“He’s taken a wealth of knowledge and expertise with him, and it’s sad that businesses often underestimate and take for granted the skills and knowledge people like Rob have.

We’ll miss you mate, but all the best with your retirement