RFD
A Life of Service and Leadership
Bob grew up in Bayswater and attended East Maylands Primary School before moving on to Cyril Jackson Senior High School, where he studied from 1970 to 1974. He was part of the first cohort to complete the Achievement Certificate and, despite advice to consider a trade, he pursued his Leaving Certificate and graduated in 1974. Bob looks back fondly on his school years, recalling the strong friendships he formed, many of which remain today. An average student who loved playing hockey, he earned the Mathematics IV award and was an active member of the Air Training Corps, achieving the rank of Warrant Officer with 7 Flight in Claremont.
After high school, Bob attended the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), pursuing a Bachelor of Business in industrial relations and human resources. He worked part-time as a Clerk at the State Housing Commission while studying, and upon completing his degree, joined the Public Service Board as a Graduate Trainee in Industrial Relations. From there, Bob quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Manager of Industrial Relations at the Education Department by age 29. During his career, he navigated challenging issues like class size disputes and asbestos in schools.
In 2014, Bob became Associate Director of Employee Relations at the University of Western Australia (UWA), later moving into the role of Director of Human Resources. His leadership at UWA earned him the opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program. Bob also played a key role in overseeing a major review of UWA’s non-teaching operations in collaboration with Ernst & Young.
Parallel to his civilian career, Bob’s commitment to leadership extended to the military. In 1975, he joined the Western Australian University Regiment (WAUR) while studying and was commissioned as an Officer in the Army. He rose to become the Battery Commander of 7 Field Battery and served as Commanding Officer of the University Regiment from 2001 to 2003. Bob also held several senior military roles, including 2IC of 16 Battalion and Staff Officer for the Army Personnel Agency in WA.
Bob attributes much of his success to the grounding he received at Cyril Jackson, where he learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership. His military and public service careers complemented each other, providing him with a diverse set of skills that shaped his leadership style.
Outside of work, Bob is a proud family man, married to Lisa and the father of three children, two stepchildren, and eight grandchildren. His journey is a testament to the value of hard work, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to service.